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LAN-LINK Version 2.00 PAGE 1 LAN-LINK Copyright (c) 1988 - 1992 by G3ZCZ All Rights Reserved Joe Kasser W3/G3ZCZ POB 3419 Silver Spring Md., 20918, U.S.A. Voice (301) 593 6136 Data BBS (301) 593 9067 Compuserve (CIS) 70531,1405 _______ ____|__ | (tm) --| | |------------------- | ____|__ | Association of | | |_| Shareware |__| o | Professionals -----| | |--------------------- |___|___| MEMBER LAN-LINK is a Personal Packet Terminal Program for the TNC1, TNC2, KPC-2 and most of all a smart multi-mode digital communications controller for the KAM, MFJ1278 and the PK-232. The program is distributed as a Shareware product. You may freely copy and share the product for non commercial use, with your friends, associates and other radio amateurs. If you decide to use the product, you are asked to become a registered user by completing the registration form and sending it, and $45.00 or equivalent in foreign currency to the author. All checks should be drawn on US banks. Canadians, please use postal money order. Upon receipt of your registration, you will receive one free update disk, telephone and mail (electronic and regular) support. If you are not satisfied with the program after registering it, your money will be refunded no questions asked, for up to 30 days from the date your registration was acknowledged. European Radio Amateur users may register (30.00 Pounds Sterling, includes VAT) and obtain support from Terry Dansey at ReadyCrest Ltd., PO Box 75, Chatham, Kent, ME5 9DL, England. ReadyCrest Ltd. accepts credit cards (Access, Visa, MasterCard and Eurocard). Telephones: Voice 44 (0)634-687168, FAX 44 (0)634-687178, Data (BBS) 44 (0)634-200931. LAN-LINK may not be sold or distributed with another product without the express written permission of Joe Kasser, G3ZCZ. Joe Kasser, G3ZCZ will only support unmodified copies of this software. Potential Commercial Users please contact Joe Kasser directly for modifications and/or details of Site licensing. LAN-LINK.DOC (c) G3ZCZ 1988 - 1992 LAN-LINK Version 2.00 PAGE 2 Table of Contents 1.0 LAN-LINK 1.1 Program highlights 2.0 Getting Started 2.1 Bringing LAN-LINK Up the First Time. 2.2 Using the Quick Menu 2.3 Connecting to Other Stations 2.4 Upgrading from YAPP 2.5 Using Different TNCs 2.6 Using Different HF and VHF Configuration Files 3.0 Things You Should Know 3.1 Memory Requirements 3.2 PC to TNC Communications 3.3 Open Loop 3.4 Problems 3.5 Logbooks 3.6 How To Get an Update Appendix 1 LAN-LINK Features, Menus and Commands 1.0 LAN-LINK Message Handling Features 1.1 Answering Machine 1.2 Mail Beacon (Annunciator) 1.3 How to leave a message 1.4 Remote Beacon Shutdown 2.0 LAN-LINK Windows 3.0 Hot Keys 3.1 Alt-A - Alert Call (Packet) and AMTOR ARQ Call/talk 3.2 Alt-B - Send Break/AMTOR Changeover 3.3 Alt-C - Call/Connect to 3.4 Alt-D - Disconnect or Receive 3.5 Alt-E - Enter Call 3.6 Alt-F - Flush TNC Buffer 3.7 Alt-J - Jump to DOS 3.8 Alt-K - Jump to DOS, Quick Return 3.9 Alt-L - Edit Log 3.10 Alt-M - Message Scan 3.11 Alt-N - Next Stream 3.12 Alt-O - Turn Robot On 3.13 Alt-P - Turn Printer ON/OFF 3.14 Alt-Q - Call QRZ 3.15 Alt-R - Retry Call/Connect 3.16 Alt-S - Scan Log 3.17 Alt-W - :QRA: 3.18 Alt-X - Exit to DOS 3.19 Alt-Y - Zap PacketCluster/RTTY Transmit RYs. 3.20 Alt-Z - Zap BBS 3.21 Alt-= - Toggle Miscellaneous Flag 3.22 End - > +? [Over] 3.23 PgUp - Scrollback (Scrolls back incoming text) 3.24 The Home Key LAN-LINK.DOC (c) G3ZCZ 1988 - 1992 LAN-LINK Version 2.00 PAGE 3 3.25 The Down Arrow Key 3.26 Shift/Baudrate Control Keys 3.27 Control-Z (^Z) 4.0 Function Keys 4.1 Capture to Disk Toggle (F1) 4.2 Send Brag Tape and Talk (F2). 4.3 Transmit Callsign Sequence (F3) 4.4 Send Brag Tape (F4) 4.5 Show Packet 'MH' list and Point and Shoot Connect (F5). 4.6 Auto CQ Call (F6) 4.7 Activate Type Ahead Buffer/AMTOR Relink (F7) 4.8 Disconnect, Disengage or Receive (F8) 4.9 Put TNC in CMD Mode (F9) 4.10 Put TNC in CONVERSE /Transmit Mode /AMTOR FEC (F10) 4.11 Alternate Function Keys 4.12 Shift Function Keys 4.13 Control Function Keys 5.0 Main menu 5.1 The Quick Menu 5.2 Auto CQ 5.3 Send Brag Tape 5.4 Call Someone 5.5 Log Menu 5.6 Change Communications Mode 5.7 Call CQ 5.8 Send/Talk File 5.9 QRZ 5.10 Send/Talk LAN-LINK files 001..010 6.0 The BBS Menu 6.1 Download Text Files 6.2 Download Binary File (Xmodem) 6.3 Download Binary File (Ymodem) 7.0 The Call Menu 7.1 Alert Call/ARQ Call 7.2 Connect/Call 7.3 Enter Call 7.4 ReMember Path 7.5 Zap Packet Cluster 7.6 Call CQ 7.7 Retry 7.8 Show Call Directory 7.9 Target Call 7.10 Auto CQ 7.11 Toggle DX Flag ON/OFF 7.12 Zap BBS 7.13 Zap BBS on Next Mail Beacon 8.0 Edit Menu 8.1 Edit Brag Tape 8.2 Edit Call Directory file 8.3 Edit any other file 8.4 Answer Ctdsk File (Split Screen) 8.5 Answer Incoming Messages (Split Screen) LAN-LINK.DOC (c) G3ZCZ 1988 - 1992 LAN-LINK Version 2.00 PAGE 4 8.6 Leave Note for Someone 8.7 Edit Capture-to-Disk file 8.8 Edit Two Files (Split Screen) 8.9 Edit Configuration file 8.10 Edit LAN-LINK.001 through LAN-LINK.010 files 8.11 Pick Capture-to-disk to Edit 8.12 Pick Message file to Edit 8.13 Leave Messages on your local BBS 8.14 Incoming Message 9.0 Event/Clock Menu 9.1 Set Alarm 9.2 Connect 9.3 Display Event 9.4 Periodic Event 9.5 Turn Robot ON/OFF 9.6 Turn Contest ON/OFF 9.7 Turn Time Display ON/OFF 9.8 Cancel Event 9.9 Zap BBS 10.0 Files Menu 10.1 Send Brag Tape 10.2 File Directory 10.3 Erase File 10.4 Pick Ctdsk file to View 10.5 Rename File 10.6 Send File 10.7 Send/Talk File 10.8 Send Uppercase File 10.9 View file 10.10 View Ctdsk File 10.11 View Incoming Message File 10.12 Print File 11.0 Help with function keys 12.0 Jump to DOS Shell 13.0 LAN-LINK Menu 13.1 :QBU: Command 13.2 :QBM: ASCII File 13.3 :QSM: Message 13.4 :QSP: Message 13.5 :QDB: ASCII File 13.6 :QRU: Messages 13.7 :QRA: Who is "ON-LINE" 13.8 :QTA: Messages 13.9 :QZD: Binary Files 13.10 :QZU: Binary Files 14.0 Log Menu 14.0 Function Keys 14.0.1 Alt-A Append Entry 14.0.2 Alt-E Edit Log Entry 14.0.3 Alt-F Find an Entry 14.0.4 Alt-S Scan Log by Call 14.0.5 Alt-U Toggle Delete Mark LAN-LINK.DOC (c) G3ZCZ 1988 - 1992 LAN-LINK Version 2.00 PAGE 5 14.0.6 Alt-Z Pack Log 14.0.7 Ins Toggle Insert Mode 14.0.8 End Show Last Page 14.0.9 Home Show First Page 14.0.10 PgUp Move Up One Page 14.0.11 PgDn Move Down One Page 14.0.12 Up Arrow Move Up One Entry 14.0.13 Down Arrow Move Down One Entry 14.1 Append an Entry 14.2 Scan Log by Band 14.3 Change Logbook File 14.4 Find Date 14.5 Edit Log Entry 14.6 Find an Entry 14.7 Import-Convert Log 14.8 Help Function Keys 14.9 Scan Log by Mode 14.10 Print Log 14.11 Scan Log by Call 14.12 Update from Old data 14.13 Exit From Log Menu 14.14 Fuzzy Scan 14.15 Pick a Log file 14.16 Create a New Log file 14.17 Purge a Call 15.0 Message Menu 15.1 BBS Command Files 15.2 Current Messages 15.3 View Message 15.4 Leave Note 15.5 Old Messages 15.6 Time Tag 16.0 TNC Menu 16.1 Set TNC Date/Time 16.2 Flush TNC Buffer 16.3 Initialize TNC 16.4 Show Calls Monitored List 16.5 Show Connect Status 16.6 Change CTEXT 16.7 Activate TNC Mailbox 16.8 Deactivate TNC Mailbox 17.0 AMSAT-OSCAR Menu 17.1 UoSAT ASCII Beacon 17.2 Phase 3 RTTY Beacon 17.3 SARA 300 Baud ASCII 17.4 SAREX Menu 17.4.1 Attack Mode ON/OFF 17.4.2 Change SAREX Call 17.4.3 SAREX Packets Capture to Disk ON/OFF 17.4.4 Edit SAREX Capture-to-disk File 17.4.5 Zap SAREX On/Off 17.5 SAREX Orbiter Features LAN-LINK.DOC (c) G3ZCZ 1988 - 1992 LAN-LINK Version 2.00 PAGE 6 18.0 Parameter Menu 18.1 Turn Beacon Mode ON/OFF 18.2 Clear Connect Count 18.3 Turn Digipeat Detect ON/OFF 18.4 Turn Beacon Control ON/OFF 18.5 Turn Command Echo ON/OFF 18.6 Change Keyboard Beep Count 18.7 Set Message Count 18.8 Turn NODE Drop Link ON/OFF 18.9 Turn Printer ON/OFF 18.10 Turn QTC Snatch ON/OFF 18.11 Turn :QSP: Relay Flag ON/OFF 18.12 Turn Sound ON/OFF 18.13 Turn Contest Mode ON/OFF 18.14 Turn DCD Flag ON/OFF 18.15 Turn BBS Snatch ON/OFF 18.16 Turn Time Id ON/OFF 18.17 Turn Automatic Capture-to-Disk Flag ON/OFF 18.18 Change BBS Parameters 18.18.1 Local BBS Callsign 18.18.2 Mail-Snatch Trigger Word 18.18.3 Read Request Command 18.18.4 Read Bulletin Request Command 18.18.5 BBS Subject String 18.18.6 BBS Message String 18.19 Change Callsigns 18.19.1 Callsign 18.19.2 The SELCAL 18.19.3 The PacketCluster Call 18.20 Change Directories 18.20.1 Capture-to-disk files Directory 18.20.2 QBM Download Directory 18.21 Enter Common Calls 18.22 Change File Names 18.22.1 VHF Logbook File (VHF.DBF) 18.22.2 HF Logbook File (HF.DBF) 18.22.3 Path Directory File (LAN-LINK.DIR) 18.22.4 Brag Tape (LAN-LINK.TXT) 18.22.5 QBU Upload File Name (QBU-TX.BAT) 18.22.6 QBU Download File Name (QBU-RX.BAT) 18.23 Change LAN-LINK Parameters 18.23.1 Change CQ Text 18.23.2 Set CQ delay time Seconds 18.23.3 Set CQ delay time Minutes 18.23.4 Set Connect time timeout (Minutes) 18.23.5 Set Number of lines in a Non Contest CQ Call 18.23.6 Keyboard Beep Character Count 18.23.7 Word Wrap Mode 18.23.7.1 Off 18.23.7.2 AutoCR 18.23.7.3 Word 18.23.7.4 Line LAN-LINK.DOC (c) G3ZCZ 1988 - 1992 LAN-LINK Version 2.00 PAGE 7 18.23.8 Set Shut Down Mode (QRT Flag) 18.23.8.1 QRT 18.23.8.2 QRV 18.23.8.3 QRV + CTEXT TOGGLE 18.23.8.4 BBS 18.23.8.5 SOLO 18.23.8.6 BBS+SOLO 18.23.9 Set Default Users 18.23.10 Set UTC Offset 18.23.11 VHF Packet Length 18.23.12 HF Packet Length 18.23.13 Beacon time 18.23.14 Custom Prompt before 'Over' 18.24 Change PC Communications Parameters 18.24.1 The Communications Port 18.24.2 The Terminal Baud Rate 18.24.3 TNC Data Bits 18.24.4 TNC Parity 18.24.5 Number of TNC Stop Bits 18.25 Change Colors 18.26 Change SAREX Parameters 18.26.1 SAREX CallSign 18.26.2 Change SAREX Capture to Disk File 18.27 Update Configuration File 18.28 Verify Changes 18.29 Change Scan Words 18.30 Turn Misc. Flag ON/OFF 18.30.1 All Modes:- Debug or state-sequence numbers 18.30.2 BAUDOT Mode:- Navy MARS Protocol Verify 18.31 Change Band/Mode 18.32 Zap BBS on Next Mail Beacon 18.33 BBS Zap, Don't Disconnect After Sequence 19.0 Q Codes [NC/L] 20.0 Communications Modes 20.1 VHF PACKET 20.2 HF PACKET 20.3 ASCII (RTTY) 20.4 BAUDOT (RTTY) 20.5 MORSE (CW) 20.6 AMTOR (STANDBY RECEIVE) 20.7 AMTOR (ALIST [chirpcopy]) 20.8 SIGNAL 20.9 NAVTEX 21.0 Terminal Mode Menu 21.1 Packet Terminal Menu 21.1.1 Change Packet Baud Rate 21.1.2 CQ/Beacons 21.1.3 Everything 21.1.4 Read the Mail 21.1.5 Just My Station (Solo) 21.1.6 All Traffic 21.1.7 Information Packets LAN-LINK.DOC (c) G3ZCZ 1988 - 1992 LAN-LINK Version 2.00 PAGE 8 21.1.8 Single User Connects 21.1.9 Multiple User Connects 21.1.10 Conference 21.1.10 Conference Bridge On/Off 21.1.11 Turn Metabeacon On/Off 21.2 AMTOR Terminal Menu 21.2.1 Force Break [ACHG] 21.2.2 Start Mode B [FEC] 21.2.3 Force LETTERS case 21.2.4 Read the Mail [ALISTEN/LAMTOR] 21.2.5 Override ROBOT/Mailbox 21.2.6 Standby Receive [ARQ] 21.2.7 Set ROBOT/Mailbox 21.2.8 CW Identification 21.2.9 Set ROBOT Infinite Delay 21.3 Baudot Terminal Menu 21.3.1 Set Baud Rate 21.3.2 Select Shift 21.3.3 NAVY MARS Message Protocol 21.3.4 USOS On/Off 21.3.5 SELCAL On/Off 21.3.6 CW Identification 21.4 ASCII Terminal Menu 21.4.1 Set Baud Rate 21.4.2 Select Shift 21.4.3 SELCAL On/Off 21.4.4 CW Identification 21.5 CW Menu 21.5.1 Lock to Receive Signal 21.5.2 Set Morse Speed 21.5.3 Unlock Morse Speed 22.0 eXit to DOS 23.0 The ELMER Menu 23.1 Change ELMER File 23.2 Turn ELMER Flag ON/OFF 23.3 Load State Table (ELMER.QSO) 23.4 Pick File to edit 23.5 Edit State Table (ELMER.QSO) 23.6 Show State Table APPENDIX 2. LAN-LINK Disk Files 1.0 LAN-LINK.EXE 2.0 LAN-LINK.SYS 3.0 *.RUN 4.0 *.DBF (HF.DBF and VHF.DBF) 5.0 LAN-LINK.DIR 6.0 CONFIG.SYS 7.0 *.MBX 8.0 *.BBS 9.0 LAN-LINK.001 - LAN-LINK.010 10.0 QBU-RX.BAT LAN-LINK.DOC (c) G3ZCZ 1988 - 1992 LAN-LINK Version 2.00 PAGE 9 11.0 QBU-TX.BAT 12.0 LAN-LINK.QTA 13.0 QZ*.BAT 14.0 ELMER.QSO APPENDIX 3. Local Area Network Capability 1.0 LAN Protocol (G3ZCZ Version) 2.0 Message Format 3.0 ASCII File Uploading/Downloading 4.0 Path Determination to a Dx station 5.0 Binary File Transfers 6.0 Requirements for Transfer Protocols 7.0 The Zmodem Protocol 8.0 The PCZ Package 9.0 BASIC NC/L DICTIONARY 9.1 :QBM: 9.2 :QDB: 9.3 :QMH: 9.4 :QSM: 9.5 :QSP: 9.6 :QRA: 9.7 :QRT: 9.8 :QRU: 9.9 :QNO: 9.10 :QJG: 9.11 :QRV: 9.12 :QSL: 9.14 :QTA: 9.14 :QTC: 9.15 :QBU: 9.16 :QZU: 9.17 :QZD: 9.18 :QYU: 9.19 :QYD: APPENDIX 4. USING OTHER TNCs 1.0 TNC2 (MFJ 1270) 2.0 TNC1 (HD-4040) 3.0 Kaypro KPC-2 4.0 KAM 5.0 PK-232 6.0 MFJ 1278 7.0 Heath HK-21 APPENDIX 5. ANOMALIES and BUGS 1.0 Command/Converse Mode anomalies 2.0 Buffer messages in AMTOR Beacon CQ Mode 3.0 FEC +? responses in AMTOR Beacon CQ Mode 4.0 Using a monochrome monitor LAN-LINK.DOC (c) G3ZCZ 1988 - 1992 LAN-LINK Version 2.00 PAGE 10 5.0 The Packet Conference Mode 6.0 Packet Conference Mode disconnects 7.0 Strange Events 8.0 *** DISCONNECTED 9.0 *** CONNECTED 10.0 Greek Characters and other garbage in the Incoming Screen. 11.0 Dumb TNC 12.0 Intermittent Lockup 13.0 Automatic Functions Don't Work APPENDIX 6 UPDATES/REVISION HISTORY APPENDIX 7 ELMER 1.0 Introduction 1.1 Expert Systems 1.2 The User Interface 1.3 The Knowledge Base 1.4 The Inference Engine 1.5 Features of an expert system 1.6 Using an Expert System 1.7 The Semantic Network 1.8 A State Machine 1.9 The User Perception 1.10 ELMER 1.11 Responses to an Input 1.12 Syntactic Analysis 1.13 Programming ELMER 2.0 The State Table (ELMER.QSO) File 3.0 The Stand Alone Version Status Window 4.0 The Stand Alone Menu 4.1 Edit Any File 4.2 Load State Table (ELMER.QSO) 4.3 Pick File to edit 4.4 Edit State Table (ELMER.QSO) 4.5 eXit to DOS 4.6 Show State Table APPENDIX 8 PCZ Binary file Transfers APPENDIX 9 Other PC Software by Joe Kasser G3ZCZ 9.1 PC-HAM 3.52 BY G3ZCZ 9.2 STARTREK The Computer Program 9.3 WHATS-UP 1.20 9.4 ELMER 1.00 APPENDIX 10 HOW SHAREWARE WORKS APPENDIX 11 LAN-LINK 2.00 REGISTRATION FORM APPENDIX 12 LAN-LINK PROBLEM REPORT LAN-LINK.DOC (c) G3ZCZ 1988 - 1992 Appendix 1 LAN-LINK Features, Menus and Commands, Page 11 1.0 LAN-LINK LAN-LINK is a Personal Digital Communications Terminal Program for a Packet Radio TNC. The program is designed to optimize the configuration of the TNC in each communications mode and to provide some smart terminal features. It takes advantage of the extra features of the PK-232 which is made by Advanced Electronics Applications Inc. It is designed to allow anyone to use and get the most out of their packet TNC as well as from the PK-232, the MFJ1278 and the KAM for Morse, ASCII, BAUDOT, AMTOR as well as Packet Radio communications without having to keep the manual handy. LAN-LINK is a sophisticated program. In its basic state it allows you to use the TNC in an optimal manner. It configures the TNC (it types the commands) for you to maximize the communications efficiency in the communications mode of your choice. That means, for example, when working Packet on HF you need to program the TNC parameters to different values than you would use on VHF to make maximum use of the mode. One significant difference is the length of the packet itself, for the longer it is, the greater the probability of QRM destroying it. This program will adjust the packet parameters for you. Since the computer is now involved, other features have been added to simplify operation, and several features have been automated. All these operations are performed using menus and function keys as documented below. It will take a while to learn how to use this program in a manner which suits you, read this document and have fun, after all, isn't that one of the purposes of Amateur Radio. This manual is organized by menu. It describes the operation of each menu option and function key in each Communications Mode. THE MANUAL TELLS YOU WHAT LAN-LINK CAN DO, IT DOES NOT TELL YOU HOW TO USE LAN-LINK. Any Terminal Node Controller (TNC) is a complex piece of equipment. It can operate in a Command Mode, in which you tell it to do something, or in a Converse Mode in which you are using it to talk to other stations. Many people confuse the two when first getting on Packet. If you monitor the channels you will recognize Command Mode TNC instructions on the air, and when you use the TNC you will receive the "error" reply when you type something thinking you are in the Converse Mode but are really in the Command Mode. LAN-LINK is designed to make Packet operation simple using Menus and high level (Function and Hot key combinations) commands. Morse, ASCII, BAUDOT communications modes are HALF DUPLEX. One station is transmitting at any time. You thus have to use the Transmit/Converse and Receive/Disconnect function keys to turn LAN-LINK.DOC (c) G3ZCZ 1988 - 1992 Appendix 1 LAN-LINK Features, Menus and Commands, Page 12 the transmitter on and off respectively. AMTOR is also HALF DUPLEX but has some of the attributes of full duplex. In this Mode you control who is talking through software, only one station can send data at a time, but you can type characters in to the buffer and they will be transmitted automatically when the other station turns the QSO over to you. Once you have linked with someone, you do not use the Receive/Disconnect function UNTIL THE QSO IS OVER. Both stations are communicating automatically thanks to the TNC. If you want the other operator to respond type the +? key sequence (or use the 'End' Key). Packet Radio communications on the other hand is a full duplex mode of communications. Once you have connected with someone, you do not use the Receive/Disconnect function UNTIL THE QSO IS OVER. Both stations are communicating automatically thanks to the TNC. If you want the other operator to respond type the > key followed by the 'Enter' Key, better yet, use the 'End' Key. Note Morse, AMTOR, ASCII and BAUDOT are character mode communications in that each character you type is sent as you type them. In Packet Communications, the TNC stores them up and sends out a burst or packet when you type the 'Enter' Key or you type enough characters to fill up a packet. Studies have shown that the human attention span when sitting at the keyboard is of the order of 2 seconds. If you are in a keyboard to keyboard packet radio connect, remember this and don't forget to use the 'Enter' Key frequently, especially before you stop to think about what to send next. Note AMTOR and PACKET are full duplex modes of communications. When you connect with someone, there is no need to use the transmit and receive function keys. In fact you will have problems if you do. Do not disconnect or break the link until the QSO is over. 1.1 PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS First packet radio software to be flown in Space. Function key and Menu driven. Automatic logbook entries for Packet and Mailbox/Beacon Mode AMTOR Connects, semiautomatic logbook entries for other modes. Provides artificial intelligence in the shape of a second operator (ELMER). Logbook file is dBASE compatible and can be processed by the LOGBOOK Package of PC-HAM by G3ZCZ for indexed listings, LAN-LINK.DOC (c) G3ZCZ 1988 - 1992 Appendix 1 LAN-LINK Features, Menus and Commands, Page 13 tracking of DXCC and other AWARDS, etc. Contest operation, sends standard message and automatically increments QSO count. Automatic optimized configuration of the TNC for each communications mode. All mode Function key 'OVER' feature (End). There are 10 files with fixed names (LAN-LINK.001 through LAN-LINK.010) which may be viewed and transmitted by means of function keys. They may also be edited from the Edit Menu. Set up of TNC for AMSAT-OSCAR Telemetry reception. Time display and event scheduler. ASCII Text Editor. Customizable Colors. Access to the TNC Command Mode is provided in case the user wishes to override any defaults. In PACKET RADIO Automatic capture to disk of all packet radio connects. Automatic indication of the number of Packet connects. Local Area Network (LAN) message store and forward capability. Capable of automatic connect attempts to download a QTC from another station in the LAN. Capable of automatic connect attempts to a packet BBS to download your incoming messages, when your callsign appears on the BBS mail beacon annunciator. Capable of automatically requesting Bulletins on subjects that interest you from your local packet BBS. Digipeat monitoring and capture. Alert signal to let you know when a predetermined call shows up in a packet header on frequency. Conference and Bridge modes in multiconnect situations. Path determination to DX station via :QMH:. LAN-LINK.DOC (c) G3ZCZ 1988 - 1992 Appendix 1 LAN-LINK Features, Menus and Commands, Page 14 Indicator that a specific station designated as the 'target' call connected in Packet Mode, or linked to AMTOR Beacon/Mailbox while you were away. Automatic NET/ROM and KA Node path set up from LAN-LINK.DIR call/path directory file. Selective answering machine and MAILBOX using NC/L command dialogue. Screen indication of connect by desired station (target call). Automatic Beacon Mode CQ caller Automatic contest (DX-pedition) mode Will call CQ repetitively and either work the connect and keep going after disconnect or signal you when a reply is received. Zmodem binary file transfer capability SAREX special features :QRA: trigger to determine who else is on channel Single keystroke Packet Cluster connect In AMTOR Automatic SELCAL determination. Automatic CQ caller. Will call CQ repetitively and signal you when a reply is received. Local Area Network (LAN) message store and forward capability. Selective answering machine and MAILBOX using NC/L command dialogue. Function key change from monitoring FEC CQ's to QSO's in progress (chirpcopy). Automatic Beacon Mode CQ caller Automatic contest (DX-pedition) mode Color changes between incoming and outgoing (echoed as sent) text. LAN-LINK.DOC (c) G3ZCZ 1988 - 1992 Appendix 1 LAN-LINK Features, Menus and Commands, Page 15 In MORSE/BAUDOT/ASCII Automatic CQ caller. Will call CQ repetitively and signal you when a reply is received. RTTY SELCAL NAVY MARS RTTY file transmitting protocols for the PK-232. 2.0 Getting Started MAKE A BACK UP COPY OF THIS DISK, BEFORE YOU REMOVE THE WRITE PROTECT TAB. If you are upgrading from a previous version of LAN-LINK, the 2.00 SYS files are NOT compatible with earlier ones. Copy all your current LAN-LINK files to a floppy disk and run the SETUPLL.BAT file on this disk as instructed below. At least save the log files (HF.DBF and VHF.DBF). Place the floppy disk in Drive A: Type 'A:' (without the '') followed by the 'Enter' key so that you see the A:> prompt. The floppy disk contains a batch file which will set up the correct subdirectories on your hard disk. Type 'SETUPLL', touch the 'Enter' key, and the batch file will go to work. The batch file contains the following commands. c: cd\ md lan-link cd lan-link md elmer md files md run a:lan-lnk a:lan-doc install The Install program customizes the most often used parameters for you. Section 18 of Appendix 1 describes each of the parameters. Read it as you install LAN-LINK. Install first asks you for the TNC you are using, reply with the number associated with your TNC. If you don't find your TNC listed, try the TNC 2 option. The main things you need to change are: - Your callsign: Your SELCAL: (if you are using a Multi-mode TNC) The callsign of your local PacketCluster The callsign of your local BBS LAN-LINK.DOC (c) G3ZCZ 1988 - 1992 Appendix 1 LAN-LINK Features, Menus and Commands, Page 16 Callsign of your local BBS If you have not already connected to your local BBS, skip the next few parameters, and re-run install at some later time when you know which answers to reply with. BBS Mail Trigger: Text in the mail beacon from your local BBS. Read Request: Command you send to the BBS to read a message. Bulletin Read Request: Command you send to the BBS to read a bulletin. BBS Subject String: BBS prompt for the subject of a message you are sending. BBS Message String: BBS prompt for the text of a message you are sending. The next few parameters set up the serial port between the PC and the TNC. Read the TNC Manual to see what the manufacturer's defaults are. PC Com Port: A 0 disables serial I/O. Set to the Port number you wish to use. PC Baud Rate: Enter the value you want to use. Data Bits: Note: 7 will inhibit binary transfers. Parity Bit: Enter the correct letter. Stop bits: Use 1 unless the baud rate is 300 or less. Read Section 18 of Appendix 1 to learn what the remaining parameters mean. You can change most of them once you have loaded LAN-LINK, by bringing up the parameters menu, and following the prompts. If you are updating from an earlier version, once LAN-LINK is installed, replace the blank log files with your old ones (HF.DBF and VHF.DBF). 2.1 Bringing LAN-LINK Up the First Time. 2.1.1 Turn on the TNC. 2.1.2 If the date and time in the PC are not set to UTC (GMT), set them using the DOS date and time commands. 2.1.3 Load the program by typing LAN-LINK in the way you normally load a program. 2.1.4 WAIT until the program says it has initialized the TNC and shows the band and power in the status window at the top of the screen. LAN-LINK.DOC (c) G3ZCZ 1988 - 1992 Appendix 1 LAN-LINK Features, Menus and Commands, Page 17 2.1.5 If there is no battery in your TNC do what the TNC manual tells you to do to synchronize the TERMINAL baud rate to 1200 baud. In the case of the PK-232, LAN-LINK will send the PK-232 three * characters to set the PK-232 to 1200 baud. 2.1.6 After LAN-LINK has loaded, use the Parameters Menu to change anything you still need to customize. Use the "U" option to save the updated file. After reading the rest of this manual, you may want to change other defaults to set up LAN-LINK the way you like it. 2.1.8 Use the "N" and "I" options in the TNC Menu to configure the TNC. Then select the desired mode of operation from the displayed menu by pressing the appropriate key. 2.1.9 Exit from LAN-LINK by using the Alt-X Key or the Esc Key followed by the X Key. 2.1.10 Reload LAN-LINK the same way you did before. This will load the edited LAN-LINK.SYS file with the new settings. You are now ready to use LAN-LINK. If this is your first time, try the Quick Menu (See Sections 2.2 and 5.1). 2.1.11 If you are updating from previous versions, the LAN- LINK.SYS configuration files are incompatible with any earlier version. NOTES If you have batteries in the TNC, make sure the TNC is set for a terminal baud rate of 1200, and try to run the program. If you see Greek characters or it doesn't work, remove the batteries and try again (Refer to Appendix 1.10). You can then replace the batteries and from then on the program will be correct. Make sure you leave the TNC on when you replace the batteries or your initialization will revert to the TNC default settings - the batteries are there to power the TNC RAM while your primary power is off. If you have trouble with a PK232MBX, then, with LAN-LINK running, turn the PK232MBX off, count to ten and turn it on again. Type one * character. If that fails, repeat this a few times. If it still fails, open the PK232 and remove the battery jumper. count to 10 slowly before replacing it and try again. 2.2 Using the Quick Menu The Quick Menu is designed for new users and provides the LAN-LINK.DOC (c) G3ZCZ 1988 - 1992 Appendix 1 LAN-LINK Features, Menus and Commands, Page 18 most commonly used functions in a single Menu. You bring up the Quick Menu be touching the Escape key to access the Main Menu and then selecting the 'A' option. The Quick Menu is described in Section 5.1 of Appendix 1. 2.3 Connecting to Other Stations LAN-LINK treats incoming connects and outgoing connects differently. To connect to another station, Use the Alt-C hot key, Function key 5, or bring up the Quick Menu using the 'Esc A' character sequence as described in Section 5.1, or by bringing up the Call Menu via the 'Esc C' character sequence as described in Section 7. DO NOT TYPE 'C Call sign' in the command mode. If you do, the connect will still take place (the TNC won't know if you or LAN-LINK issued the command) but LAN-LINK will treat it as an incoming connect and issue the "[ZCZ] LAN-LINK 2.00>" handshaking signal (if the LAN-LINK flag is in its default, or enabled state) as described in Section 18. If you connect to a BBS or a Node this way, you will get an error message back from the BBS or node, since it does not recognize LAN-LINK's handshake. When you use the menu, Alt-C or F5 approach you can also make use of the 'path memory' feature in the LAN-LINK.DIR file. 2.4 Upgrading from YAPP A YAPP.CNF file is provided to facilitate conversion from YAPP to LAN-LINK. YAPP.CNF is a configuration file for YAPP Version 2 that will configure the PK-232 for YAPP and then back to LAN-LINK. If you are currently using YAPP, replace your YAPP.CNF file with this one and load YAPP. Then terminate the program in the normal manner by using the Alt-X Key. You should then be able to load and run LAN-LINK without any problems. Each time you subsequently want to run YAPP, YAPP will set up the PK-232, execute and then reconfigure the PK-232 back for LAN-LINK. If you are using a YAPP.DIR file, rename it to LAN-LINK.DIR. 2.5 Using Different TNCs There are differences between the command dialogue and the features offered by the PK-232, KAM and MFJ1278. LAN-LINK makes use of many of them. For example, as the KAM shows the HF and VHF packets as if they ware separate streams, LAN- LINK detects them and displays the different headers in different colors. As this feature is not present in the PK- LAN-LINK.DOC (c) G3ZCZ 1988 - 1992 Appendix 1 LAN-LINK Features, Menus and Commands, Page 19 232, LAN-LINK does not offer it. From time to time, as each manufacturer updates the firmware (EPROM) in the TNC, LAN- LINK may be updated and incorporate them. LAN-LINK is normally loaded by typing LAN-LINK followed by the 'Enter' key. In this instant, LAN-LINK gets its configuration information from the LAN-LINK.SYS file. LAN- LINK.SYS is the default SYSTEM or configuration file. If you have more than one TNC you may want to set up different configuration files for each TNC. To load LAN-LINK with the optional configuration file, type 'LAN-LINK' followed by the name of the file (without the filetype) on the command line then press the 'Enter' Key. For example, if you have a PK-232 and a TNC2 and occasionally use the TNC2, set up the LAN-LINK.SYS file for the PK-232. Then type 'LAN-LINK' to run the program normally. On the rare occasions when you want to use the TNC2, you may type 'LAN-LINK TNC2' to run LAN-LINK with the TNC2.SYS configuration file. 2.6 Using Different HF and VHF Configuration Files You can also use two SYS files, one for HF and one for VHF/UHF. If you name them HF.SYS and VHF.SYS you can bring the relevant one up by typing 'LAN-LINK VHF' or 'LAN-LINK UHF' as desired. You can also use a different one for a contest, or for any reason you wish. 3.0 Things You Should Know 3.1 Memory Requirements LAN-LINK 2.00 requires a minimum of 450k of RAM. You will need more RAM if you wish to use the Editor. The Editor files will each take a maximum of 64K additional RAM. If your memory is marginal, you may get an error when you try to log a station or edit a file/message. 3.2 PC to TNC Communications All communications between the computer and the TNC normally use the 8 BIT NO PARITY and 1 stop bit RS-232 Serial Port configuration. You CAN THUS SEND FOREIGN LANGUAGE CHARACTERS FROM THE KEYBOARD OR FILES. If you want to limit the character set to the 7 bit ASCII set, set the TNC parameters accordingly. The baud rate defaults to 1200, but you may set it to 2400, 4800 9600 or even 19200 if your CPU clock is fast enough and the TNC will respond correctly. LAN-LINK.DOC (c) G3ZCZ 1988 - 1992 Appendix 1 LAN-LINK Features, Menus and Commands, Page 20 3.3 Open Loop IF YOU USE THIS PROGRAM, YOU STILL MUST READ THE TNC MANUAL. WARNING .... THIS PROGRAM OPERATES IN AN OPEN LOOP MODE. IT REMEMBERS WHAT INSTRUCTIONS OR COMMANDS IT GAVE THE TNC. IF FOR SOME REASON, THE TNC IS NOT SYNCHRONIZED TO THE PROGRAM YOU WILL NOT GET CORRECT DISPLAYS ON THE SCREEN. 3.4 Problems In case you have problems, always check the default settings using the 'Verify Changes' option of the Parameters Menu. Further information is contained in Appendix 1. If you work CW, read about the XMITOK flag, and set it for the way you have wired your TNC to the radio. Problems can be caused by incorrect settings of the TNC parameters. If all else fails, (hard) reset the TNC. Make sure XFLOW and FLOW are OFF. 3.5 Logbooks LAN-LINK uses two dBASE 3 compatible logbook files. One is used for VHF packet logging (VHF.DBF), the other for all HF modes (HF.DBF). See Appendix 1 for more information. 3.6 How To Get an Update There are two ways to get an updated version, as follows. When you register your copy of LAN-LINK, if this version is still current, your registration will be acknowledged, and the following upgrade will be sent to you automatically at the time it is released. If a later version exists at the time that you register, it will be sent to you when your registration is acknowledged. If you are not on the list for an automatic upgrade (i.e., you received a disk in the mail as a result of your registration), then when you hear that a new release is out, collect together at least 300 kBytes of traffic on your local vhf/uhf LAN by running LAN-LINK with the capture-to- disk activated when you are not connected. If you can add to that, connect to your local BBS and dump all current bulletins with full headers showing date/time into your capture-to-disk file. If necessary compress the file (ZIP preferred), and send in the disk in a mailer together with a label addressed to you, and sufficient return postage, and the upgrade will be yours. Alternatively, you may perform the data transfers electronically to the BBS. LAN-LINK.DOC (c) G3ZCZ 1988 - 1992 Appendix 1 LAN-LINK 2.00 Features, Menus and Commands, Page 21 Appendix 1 LAN-LINK Features, Menus and Commands LAN-LINK provides an interface between you and the TNC. It works in a client-server mode. It provides you with menus and then sends the TNC the commands that you would have typed to exercise the particular option. LAN-LINK also provides smart features to smarten up your packet radio operations. This appendix contains a summary of the commands and menus available to you in LAN-LINK. The commands are organized by Menu. Some function keys provide you with short cuts so you don't have to go through the entire menus. These function keys are described below. 1.0 LAN-LINK Message Handling Features This section describes the mail box and message handling features built into LAN-LINK. 1.1 Answering Machine LAN-LINK contains an AMTOR (Robot beacon CQ mode only) and PACKET Mode SMART "answering machine" facility. You can leave messages on your disk (in the same directory as the LAN-LINK.* files, if you are using a hard disk), for different stations. When someone connects to you, if you left a message for him, he (or she or even it as the case may be) and only that station will receive it automatically. No one else will normally be able to download that message. 1.2 Mail Beacon (Annunciator) To ensure that people know that you have left a message for them a 'MAIL for' list is loaded into your Packet Beacon and transmitted every 30 minutes (Refer to the BTEXT command in the TNC manual) as ':QTC:' followed by a list of calls. If no mail is pending, or the only message in your system is one addressed to you, the beacon transmissions are inhibited. This conforms to good operating practice on crowded channels (at least inhibiting the beacon does). The mail beacon in the AMTOR Mode is transmitted as part of the beacon AUTOCQ message. It is automatically updated when a message is transmitted. If you don't set the beacon (see below) you will not transmit a mail beacon text in your AMTOR CQ message. The Mail beacon text is set up either when you tell the computer to set it up or when you disconnect a packet QSO from another station. LAN-LINK.DOC (c) G3ZCZ 1988 - 1992 Appendix 1 LAN-LINK 2.00 Features, Menus and Commands, Page 22 In this manner you may update the list while the program is running, for example by using Sidekick or the included Editor, to write a message, or preferably the NOTE feature. Any station using LAN-LINK can be configured to automatically attempt a connect (QTC-Snatch) when seeing their callsign in someone else's LAN-LINK :QTC: beacon mail message list. If for some reason the message got lost (e.g. because the link was marginal), :QSM: will get you a repeat of that message. 1.3 How to leave a message You can use the note feature or type the message as a non- document file on Wordstar, the included Editor, or if you use another word processor, you must leave the message as an ASCII text file. If you use the Note feature, the message will be given a header as if it came in from someone else. if you use a word processor or the included Editor to write the message, you will have to write in a header or show somehow that the message is not 'live'. You may then later time tag a message header on message files created by the word processor. In this way people will realize that it is an automatic message by seeing the header. On the other hand, you may wish to fool people into thinking that you are home. You just name the message file as the callsign of the station to whom you wish the message to be sent at connect time. You must also give it the filetype of 'OUT'. For example a message for G3ZCZ would be stored on the disk as a file named 'G3ZCZ.OUT', and similarly a message to 4X6AA would be stored on disk as '4X6AA.OUT'. Once the message has been sent, an entry to that effect will be made in the LAN-LINK.RUN data capture file. The message file will then be renamed and given the file extension '.OLD'. At that time any previously existing mail file with the file extension '.OLD' will be deleted. This stops the addressee receiving the message on successive connects if you can't delete it for some reason (you forget) while at the same time, the message is still available to you in case you need it. You should use a separate utility program if you want the calls in the mail beacon sorted. You may for example wish to sort them alphanumerically or in the order of the date that they were left in your answering machine. LAN-LINK.DOC (c) G3ZCZ 1988 - 1992 Appendix 1 LAN-LINK 2.00 Features, Menus and Commands, Page 23 Incoming messages triggered by the QTC-Snatch will be left in a message file '<yourcall>.OUT', which can be scanned by using the Alt-M Key combination. If you have non LAN-LINK friends, train them to trigger the QTC-Snatch by simulating a beacon, and prefixing and ending their text with lines containing the '>' as the only character. Better yet, give them a copy of LAN-LINK and tell them to register it. 1.4 Remote Beacon Shutdown I recognize that some stations may abuse the beacon facility of this program. I have thus built into the program a 'remote shutdown' capability. If someone running LAN-LINK has their beacon timer set too often, connect to them in the AMTOR or Packet Communications modes, and tell them to :QRT: which will clear their beacon mode and take them off the air for a while at least. In the Packet Communication Mode, the CQ beacon is shut down but the 30 minute mail beacon is not touched. In the AMTOR Communication Mode, the CQ delay time is set to infinity. The LAN-LINK Mailbox will thus still be active in both modes, but will not call CQ on the air. 2.0 LAN-LINK Windows LAN-LINK displays information in different windows. The window at the top of the screen is the status window. The big blank window in the center is the incoming text window. The lower third of the screen is the outgoing text window. All outgoing text are echoed in this window. The bottom line is a prompt window. The indicators in the status line depend on the state of the LAN Link and are described in the sections that deal with the functions they area associated with. Some typical status window displays are shown below. 2 Meters 2 Watts PACKET 1200 W [R] TRFC ->N4QQ 20 Meters 100 Watts MORSE TEST[4] 20 Meters 100 Watts PACKET 300 N TRFC CAPTURE TO DISK PACKET 300 N [C1][Z] TRFC ->N4QQ If the automatic Capture-to-disk is turned off, a yellow bug will be flashing on the left side of the line. If the Printer Flag is set, a yellow [P] will be flashing on the left side of the line. If the miscellaneous flag is set, an asterisk '*' followed by two numbers and a ']' will be displayed. The first number is the BBS Sequence State, the second is the Connect Sequence State. These LAN-LINK.DOC (c) G3ZCZ 1988 - 1992 Appendix 1 LAN-LINK 2.00 Features, Menus and Commands, Page 24 numbers reflect the internal state of LAN-LINK and should be quoted when describing problems. If a message transfer is taking place, the callsign of the station involved will be displayed. When the Capture-to-Disk is turned on, a 'CAPTURE TO DISK' will be shown, if it is turned off, the operating band (Meters) and power (Watts) will be shown. If a ZapBBS is in operation, the Bulletin Request Count will then be shown in square brackets ('[]'). The communications mode will be shown next, it may be one of the following; PACKET AMTOR AMTOR-(MAIL) AMTOR-FEC BAUDOT ASCII MORSE NAVTEX SIGNAL ???? DEFAULT {boot up} A flashing yellow musical note following the Communications Mode indicates that the sound has been inhibited. The next number to be displayed is the RF communications baudrate. The letter 'W' or 'N' indicates that the Wide shift or the Narrow shift has been selected. A 'down arrow' will be shown if the shift is normal. If the shift is reversed a flashing yellow 'up arrow' will be displayed. In the BAUDOT mode, 'USOS' will be displayed if 'Unshift-on- space' is selected. If the Contest Mode is selected, the word 'TEST' will then be displayed followed by the Contest QSO number in '[]'. In certain Robot and AutoCQ states, namely while the computer is waiting for a reply, a flashing cumulative CQ count will be displayed next. If the RTTY SELCAL is active the word 'SELCAL' will be displayed next. If the Navy MARS BAUDOT RTTY protocol is enabled, a '[n]' will be displayed. In the packet and AMTOR Robot modes, if at least one station has connected or linked, a flashing yellow '[C]' will be displayed next. The number in the square brackets with the 'C' is the number of stations that have connected/linked. If the target call station was one of those station, a happy face will also be displayed in the square brackets. If at least one QTC snatch has taken place a flashing yellow LAN-LINK.DOC (c) G3ZCZ 1988 - 1992 Appendix 1 LAN-LINK 2.00 Features, Menus and Commands, Page 25 '[Q]' will be displayed next. The number in the square brackets is the number of QTC Snatches that have taken place. In the packet communications mode, if a ZapBBS, a QTC Snatch or a PacketClusterZap is in progress a flashing yellow '[Z]' will be displayed next. However, if LAN-LINK is set to stay connected when the sequence ends, the flashing indicator will be a {Z} instead of a [Z]. In the packet or AMTOR communications mode, a '[R]' will be displayed next if LAN-LINK is configured for 'store and forward' (:QSP:). In the packet and AMTOR communications modes, if the beacon mode is enabled a '[B]' will be displayed next. if someone has connected and sent a :QRT: sequence, the '[B]' will be flashing. The '[B]' will be followed by a '[M]' if there are messages pending. The number in the square brackets with the '[M]' is the number of messages (*.OUT files) pending. In the packet communications mode, if the SAREX mode is enabled, a '[S]' will be shown next. The '[S]' will be flashing while capture to disk is in progress. If SAREX packets have been copied a happy face will be displayed in the square brackets together with the 'S'. If the SAREX Orbiter robot is active a flashing '>>' will be displayed. In the packet communications mode, if the digipeat Detect mode is enabled a '[D]' will be displayed next. In the packet communications mode, if connected and ELMER is active, an '[E]' will be displayed. The number with the 'E' shows ELMER's state. In the packet communications mode, the terminal sub-modes (see Section 21) are then displayed as follows; SOLO This lets you only see messages addressed to you. CQ/B This lets you see beacons and CQ calls as well. INFO This lets you see packets containing information. TRFC This lets you see packets containing messages as well. EVRY This lets you see everything on channel, including the link control packets. MAIL This lets you monitor packets from a specific station. In the PK-232, you can do it without displaying the headers. The next item to be displayed is a callsign, under the following conditions; the call of the station connected with, will be prefixed by a '*>' when connected, and by a '->' when a connect request is in progress. if a disconnect is in progress, the LAN-LINK.DOC (c) G3ZCZ 1988 - 1992 Appendix 1 LAN-LINK 2.00 Features, Menus and Commands, Page 26 callsign will be replaced by a '$$$$'. The callsign will be seen as flashing when a connect is in progress. In the MAIL mode, the callsign of the station that you are "reading the mail" on will be displayed, otherwise the call sign displayed will be that of the one you are connected to. If an Alert Call has been entered, it will be displayed next, similarly for a target call. The display will be slightly different of the calls have been heard/worked. A !!> before the flashing call indicates that the Alert function is active. A '<- >' before the Alert Call signifies that packets to or from that call have been heard on frequency. A smiling face in front of the call, signifies that it has been worked. An '->' is displayed before the Target Call. The next items to be displayed are the packet multi user mode displays. If the conference bridge is up, a flashing yellow bridge will be shown. If only the conference mode is set, the word 'C will be flashing, if the basic multi user mode is set, the word 'M will be seen. The callsign will be prefixed by the I/O channel number/letter, and will be in the color allocated to the traffic on that channel. The number shown after the flashing letter is the number of streams that LAN-LINK thinks that you are connected on. In the non packet modes, the callsign displayed will be that of the station being worked (entered by the AMTOR robot, the automatic CQ call recognition, or by the operator using the Alt-C or Alt-E keys). In AMTOR, the SELCAL of the other station will also be displayed sometimes, usually if you entered the call. An '[L]' will be displayed in the non packet modes when a callsign is entered. The '[L]' will flash to remind you (to log it) until the QSO is logged. 3.0 Hot Keys LAN-LINK contains a number of "Hot" keys to allow you to perform common operations with a minimum of key strokes. The keys perform related but slightly different tasks in each communications mode. A list of those available is shown below. Should you require any more hot keys, I suggest you use an external program with a Keyboard Macro capability such as Borland's Superkey. Consider the action of each key in detail. LAN-LINK.DOC (c) G3ZCZ 1988 - 1992 Appendix 1 LAN-LINK 2.00 Features, Menus and Commands, Page 27 ____________________________________________________________________ Hot Key Communications Mode _______________________________________________________________ Packet AMTOR BAUDOT/ASCII CW ____________________________________________________________________ A Set ALERT Call ARQ Call/Talk ------ ------ ____________________________________________________________________ B Send 'Break' Force Changeover ------ ------ to TNC ____________________________________________________________________ C Connect ARQ Call Call Call ____________________________________________________________________ D Disconnect Toggle Receive Receive Disengage Modes Mode Speed Lock ____________________________________________________________________ E Enter Call Enter Call and Enter Call Enter Call Selcal ____________________________________________________________________ F Flush TNC Buffer (all communications modes) ____________________________________________________________________ H Display function key Information Screen ____________________________________________________________________ J Jump to DOS (all communications modes) ____________________________________________________________________ K Jump to DOS quick return (all communications modes) ____________________________________________________________________ L Edit Log Entry (all communications modes) ____________________________________________________________________ M Scan Message (all communications modes) ____________________________________________________________________ N Next I/O Stream ____________________________________________________________________ O Turn Robot ON Turn Robot ON ------ ------ ____________________________________________________________________ P Turn Printer ON/OFF (all communications modes) ____________________________________________________________________ Q call QRZ call QRZ in FEC call QRZ call QRZ ____________________________________________________________________ R Retry Connect Retry last Call (entered). (not ZAP) ____________________________________________________________________ S Scan Logbook (all communications modes) ____________________________________________________________________ W :QRA: ---------- ------- ------ ____________________________________________________________________ X Exit to DOS (all communications modes) ____________________________________________________________________ Y Zap PacketCluster ---------------- Transmit RY's ----- ____________________________________________________________________ Z Zap BBS Drop Link after Receive mode after sending contents sending contents of buffer of buffer LAN-LINK.DOC (c) G3ZCZ 1988 - 1992 Appendix 1 LAN-LINK 2.00 Features, Menus and Commands, Page 28 3.1 Alt-A - Alert Call (Packet) and AMTOR ARQ Call/talk In the Packet Communications Mode, this key combination performs the same task as the Alert Call option in the Call Menu. In the AMTOR Communications Mode, this key combination performs the same task as the AMTOR ARQ call/talk option in the Call menu. 3.2 Alt-B - Send Break/AMTOR Changeover In the Packet Communications Mode, activating this key combination sends a 'BREAK' signal to the TNC. Use this key combination to get out of the TNC's transparent mode. In the AMTOR Communications Mode, use this key combination to force a changeover. You can type text into the outgoing buffer and then force a changeover without losing that text. 3.3 Alt-C - Call/Connect to This key combination performs the same task as the Call option in the Call Menu. 3.4 Alt-D - Disconnect or Receive This key combination performs the same task as Function Key 8 (F8) EXCEPT in MORSE and AMTOR. In Morse this key disengages the receive speed lock in the PK-232 to unlock the PK-232 from the last signal copied. It lets you lock onto another signal faster. In AMTOR this key toggles the receive mode between ARQ and FEC signals (QSO's in progress and CQ calls). 3.5 Alt-E - Enter Call This key combination performs the same task as the Enter Call option in the Call Menu. 3.6 Alt-F - Flush TNC Buffer This key combination performs the same task as the Flush TNC Outgoing buffer option in the TNC Menu. 3.7 Alt-J - Jump to DOS This key combination lets you "Jump to a DOS Shell". It performs the same function as the 'J' option in the Main LAN-LINK.DOC (c) G3ZCZ 1988 - 1992 Appendix 1 LAN-LINK 2.00 Features, Menus and Commands, Page 29 Menu. 3.8 Alt-K - Jump to DOS, Quick Return This key combination lets you "Jump to a DOS Shell". it performs the same function as the 'J' option in the Main Menu. When the command is executed, control is returned to LAN-LINK without the 'type exit to quit the shell sequence'. 3.9 Alt-L - Edit Log This key combination performs the same task as the Edit option in the Log Menu. 3.10 Alt-M - Message Scan This key combination performs the same task as the Message Scan choice in the Message Menu. 3.11 Alt-N - Next Stream In the Packet Communications Mode, if you are using the multiple connect capability of LAN-LINK, this key combination prompts you to change I/O streams, and display the state of the I/O streams showing which ones were last used to send or receive something. To change I/O streams, move the cursor to the desired stream then push the 'Enter' Key. The calls in the Next Stream window update when stations connect and disconnect. In the event of the window not being correct, you may manually enter or delete calls using the 'Insert' Key to enter a call, and the 'Delete' Key to remove a call. The data about the streams will be shown in the same colors as the multistream text colors. 3.12 Alt-O - Turn Robot On This key combination performs the same function as the Set ROBOT option in the AMTOR Terminal Menu. The hot key combination however, is active in both the Packet and AMTOR communications modes. This function key also puts the Packet and AMTOR Contest operation into automatic. 3.13 Alt-P - Turn Printer ON/OFF This key combination performs the same function as the toggle printer on/off option in the Parameter Menu. LAN-LINK.DOC (c) G3ZCZ 1988 - 1992 Appendix 1 LAN-LINK 2.00 Features, Menus and Commands, Page 30 3.14 Alt-Q - Call QRZ This key combination transmits the sequence 'QRZ QRZ QRZ DE YOURCALL' and turns the transceiver back to receive. In AMTOR, it sends the sequence in FEC and adds the SELCAL. 3.15 Alt-R - Retry Call/Connect This key combination performs the same task as the Retry choice in the Call Menu. 3.16 Alt-S - Scan Log This key combination performs the same function as the Scan option in the LOG Menu. 3.17 Alt-W - :QRA: In the Packet Communications Mode, this key combination performs the same task as the 'W' option in the LAN-LINK menu. It puts the TNC in the converse mode, sends a :QRA: and returns the TNC to the command mode. 3.18 Alt-X - Exit to DOS This key combination performs the same task as the Exit to Dos choice in the Main Menu. It exits the program and returns you to DOS. 3.19 Alt-Y - Zap PacketCluster/RTTY Transmit RYs. In the Packet Communications Mode, this key combination performs the same task as the PacketCluster choice in the Call Menu. It connects you to the PacketCluster and issues the default ('SHOW/WWV' and 'SHOW/DX') instructions when connected. In the RTTY communications mode, this key causes a sequence of 'RY's to be transmitted. Note that with solid state equipment in use in most stations, there should be little need to send 'RY's during a QSO. They made be used as a tuning signal. 3.20 Alt-Z - Zap BBS This key combination performs the same task as the Zap BBS choice in the Call Menu. 3.21 Alt-= - Toggle Miscellaneous Flag This key combination performs the same function as the + option in the parameters menu. LAN-LINK.DOC (c) G3ZCZ 1988 - 1992 Appendix 1 LAN-LINK 2.00 Features, Menus and Commands, Page 31 3.22 End - > +? [Over] In the Packet Communications Mode this command sends your callsign followed by the > and Line feed characters. You may use this to signal 'OVER' in a packet contact. In the AMTOR Communications Mode this command sends the '+?' sequence of characters which is the software 'OVER' signal. In the MORSE and RTTY (Baudot and ASCII) communications modes, this command lets you transmit the 'KN' sequence and returns you to the Receive Mode. For example if you are 4X6AA and you are working G3ZCZ then you would use Function Key 3 (F3) to transmit the sequence 'G3ZCZ de 4X6AA' and this key to send 'KN' and revert to receive. You use this at the END of a transmission in any mode except Packet. If you have typed something into the 'type ahead buffer' then press this key, the contents of the buffer will be transmitted followed by the turnover command. 3.23 PgUp - Scrollback (Scrolls back incoming text) This key lets you repeat the display of up to 512 lines of incoming text which has scrolled out of the incoming window. You may print it or capture it to disk during the repeat. A small menu displays your options when showing the scroll back information. You may move the menu window up and down with the left and right arrow keys. Use the 'Esc' key to terminate the Scrollback Mode. You can save the contents scrollback buffer displayed on the screen by turning the "Capture-to-Disk' on, and then writing text to the window. Anything written will be captured. If the Capture-to-disk is ON before or during scrollback, you will get two copies of the text in the file. 3.24 The Home Key The Home Key will clear the window screen that the cursor happens to be in at the time that the key was depressed, and will then position the cursor at the top left hand corner of that window. 3.25 The Down Arrow Key The Down Arrow Key toggles the Normal/Reverse Sideband command in all communications modes except MORSE. The sideband is depicted in the status window by the Up and Down arrows. If the Down Arrow is showing, you are set for Lower LAN-LINK.DOC (c) G3ZCZ 1988 - 1992 Appendix 1 LAN-LINK 2.00 Features, Menus and Commands, Page 32 Sideband (LSB) which is the one normally used. If you have reversed the sidebands a flashing Up Arrow will be displayed. If you set your transceiver to LSB you will be set correctly for all modes. For CW operation you may set your rig to the CW position and ignore the sideband setting. If you use FSK just set it so that it works for you. 3.26 Shift/Baudrate Control Keys The following keys are used to control the Shift (Wide or narrow) and the Radio link Baudrate in the BAUDOT and ASCII communications modes. In the BAUDOT and ASCII communications modes all baud rates supported by the PK-232 may be selected. 3.26.1 RIGHT ARROW speeds up the baud rate. 3.26.2 LEFT ARROW slows down the baud rate. 3.26.3 UP ARROW toggles the shift from Wide shift (850 Hz) to Narrow shift (170 Hz) and back. If you are using a KAM, it will also pass through the 425 Hz shift position. 3.26.4 DELETE toggles the USOS command (RTTY only). In the CW communications mode, the left and right arrows change the CW speed by 1 wpm. The state of each of the above commands are displayed in the status window at the top of the screen. If USOS is active, 'USOS' will be shown. The shift is shown as 'W' or 'N' for wide or narrow respectively. 3.27 Control-Z (^Z) This key combination is used in the Packet Communication Mode to signal the end of a file or message, when loading messages into another LAN-LINK system or into a BBS. In the AMTOR Communications Mode, it is automatically translated into the sequence ' :EOF: +? ' which can be used to terminate a message being stored in another LAN-LINK AMTOR mailbox. 4.0 Function Keys Function keys are used to perform operations common to all communications modes, or to allow fast performance of a function without having to go through several layers of menus. The action of each of the function keys is described in the following LAN-LINK.DOC (c) G3ZCZ 1988 - 1992 Appendix 1 LAN-LINK 2.00 Features, Menus and Commands, Page 33 sections. The function key number corresponds to the paragraph number, namely 4.1 refers to Function Key 1 (F1), etc. 4.1 Capture to Disk Toggle (F1) This key toggles the "capture-to-disk" command. When the "capture-to-disk" is active, all incoming text (including 'Echo as sent' outgoing text) is stored on a disk (floppy or hard) in a file called 'YYMMDD.RUN' where YY is the last two digits of the year, MM the month and DD the day (E.G. 900824.RUN). If this file does not exist the first time that LAN-LINK is loaded, it is created. From that time on, for the rest of that day, successive activations append new data to the contents of the file. Each time the command is activated a datestamp (or timetag) will be written to the file. When a Packet station connects "capture-to-disk" will be activated automatically unless you instruct LAN-LINK not to do so with the Capture-to-disk flag. Packet connects will thus be recorded in their entirety automatically unless you turn off the "Capture-to-disk" during the course of the QSO. "Capture-to-disk" will be stopped at disconnect time. You may later edit the file at your convenience with your favorite word processor or the included Editor. However, if your word processor can only handle files smaller than 64k, make sure that the 'capture-to-disk' file remains smaller. You can do this by renaming the file to something like 'LAN- RUN.001'. LAN-LINK will automatically close the "capture-to- disk" file when you terminate the program and return to DOS. You can make Capture-to-disk active when you scroll back. You can use this feature to save data that has already scrolled by the window. 4.2 Send Brag Tape and Talk (F2). This command lets you transmit the Brag Tape (Default LAN- LINK.TXT. In the non packet modes, it will leave the transmitter on after sending the file. In the packet mode it will send a ^Z after sending the file to notify the recipient that the file is complete. 4.3 Transmit Callsign Sequence (F3) This command lets you transmit the following sequence <other call> DE <your call>. For example if you are 4X6AA and you are working G3ZCZ then this command would transmit the sequence 'G3ZCZ de 4X6AA'. You use this at the start and end of a transmission in any mode except Packet. LAN-LINK.DOC (c) G3ZCZ 1988 - 1992 Appendix 1 LAN-LINK 2.00 Features, Menus and Commands, Page 34 4.4 Send Brag Tape (F4) This command lets you transmit the Brag Tape (Default LAN- LINK.TXT. In the non packet modes, it will turn the transmitter off after sending the file. 4.5 Show Packet 'MH' list and Point and Shoot Connect (F5). This command lets you see what calls the TNC has heard recently on the Packet channels. You can see up to 18, with the data and time they were last logged by the TNC. Refer to the 'MH' command in the TNC manual for the particulars of the display. The MH list shows up in a special window and freezes until you depress any key. While the list is frozen, LAN-LINK is not monitoring received data, so don't freeze it too long. If the MH list is blank, or information comes in from the TNC between the time you entered the command and the time the list is sent back, subsequent text from the TNC will show up in the MH window until the next 'Cmd:' appears or 18 lines of text have been received. You can also use this command in a point and shoot method for attempting a connect with a station you have heard. Bring up the MH Window and move the cursor to the desired callsign. When the cursor is positioned on any character in the call, press the 'Enter' Key and that call will be recognized as the callsign. If the call is joined to the word "Cmd:" or the cursor is positioned on a space or blank, the connect attempt will be inhibited. LAN-LINK has no way of knowing when the MH list is complete. Consequently, it sends two commands to the TNC to implement this feature. The 'MH' command instructs the TNC to start sending the MH List, the 'ZCZ' command forces an error response from the TNC. LAN-LINK uses the error response to close the MH Window. This command does not work on the TNC1. 4.6 Auto CQ Call (F6) This command will send a CQ sequence, wait a preset delay and then repeat the CQ sequence until it receives your call back from someone else. When it does so, it will alert you with a Connect Alarm signal, reset the delay timer and revert to the normal or listening mode. In AMTOR it will revert to the mode in which it is waiting for an ARQ call and is able to copy FEC signals on frequency. LAN-LINK.DOC (c) G3ZCZ 1988 - 1992 Appendix 1 LAN-LINK 2.00 Features, Menus and Commands, Page 35 When the Automatic CQ sequence is in operation, an indication will be shown in the status window. The indicator will be steady while the transmitter is sending the CQ text, and will blink while the receiver is listening for a reply. The time delay between calls is set using the 'Q' command in the Parameters Menu (Set CQ delay time). It is also set as a defined default by you when you setup your LAN-LINK.SYS file. The automatic CQ command will only work in the TNC non packet modes if the 'Echo as Sent Mode' is set to 'ON' per the LAN-LINK.SYS file. In other words, you must be able to see the CQ text slowly echo in the incoming window for the command to work. The reason for this is that the "K K K" (or "+?" in AMTOR) sequence is used to arm the software to look for a reply. In AMTOR you will get the connect alarm only when the replying station transmits the '+?' character combination. The check for the detection of your callsign and the connect alarm sequence only occur after a line feed character has been received. Under most conditions in AMTOR, many in RTTY, and some in MORSE, LAN-LINK will recognize the callsign of the station answering your CQ and display it in the status window. In the event that it fails completely, the sequence '--?--' will show up in the status window. Since the recognition algorithm used just looks for the first word following the 'DE space' sequence and assumes that it has the callsign, be careful to check it when operating under QRM conditions. You can override the automatic call selection with the Enter Callsign command in the Call Menu. The automatic CQ sequence is canceled when an incoming call is detected (only if the Beacon or Robot/Mailbox Mode is not selected), if you push the disconnect command key, or if you change communications modes. 4.7 Activate Type Ahead Buffer/AMTOR Relink (F7) This key is not available in the Packet Communications Mode. It also functions somewhat differently in the AMTOR and other communications modes as described in the following sections. 4.7.1 Activate Type Ahead Buffer The use of this key sets LAN-LINK to the "Type Ahead" LAN-LINK.DOC (c) G3ZCZ 1988 - 1992 Appendix 1 LAN-LINK 2.00 Features, Menus and Commands, Page 36 Mode. This is necessary for the PK-232 only, the KAM and the MFJ1278 have the feature built in. Any characters then typed at the keyboard will be placed into the TNC transmit buffer. The contents of the buffer will be transmitted over the air when the transmit command is invoked with Function Key 10 [F10]. This feature allows you to 'type-ahead' as you can enter text into the transmit buffer while viewing incoming words in the INPUT window in the screen. Any characters typed from the keyboard will be echoed in the OUTGOING window on the screen. 4.7.2 AMTOR Relink If you return to the Command Mode when linked to another station in AMTOR, use this key to get back to the Converse Mode. If the link times out, you can try to relink with this key if you have entered the SELCAL of the other station. 4.8 Disconnect, Disengage or Receive (F8) This function key returns the station to the receive communications (TNC command) mode. It may also be used to abort the automatic CQ sequence. If you use it to abort a CQ sequence while the transmission is in progress, you may also want to flush the PK-232 transmit buffer by using the Flush command in the TNC Menu or the Alt-F hot key combination. In a multiconnect situation the program will prompt you to tell it which I/O channel to disconnect. In AMTOR this command key toggles LAN-LINK between the Chirpcopy Mode (listening to a QSO in progress) and monitoring FEC transmissions (CQ calls). 4.9 Put TNC in CMD Mode (F9) This command puts the TNC into the Command Mode. At this time, the program is transparent and acts as a dumb terminal (except for placing incoming and outgoing text in the relevant windows). You use this Mode for overriding any of the TNC default conditions. (SEE I TOLD YOU that YOU HAD TO READ THE TNC MANUAL). 4.10 Put TNC in CONVERSE /Transmit Mode /AMTOR FEC (F10) This command places the TNC into the transmit or Converse Mode. The transmitter is turned on and the contents of the transmit buffer are transmitted. In the non packet communications modes, the outgoing characters will be echoed LAN-LINK.DOC (c) G3ZCZ 1988 - 1992 Appendix 1 LAN-LINK 2.00 Features, Menus and Commands, Page 37 back from the TNC and displayed in the INCOMING window on the CRT as they are transmitted on the air. In the AMTOR modes this key puts the TNC in the FEC Mode and turns the transmitter on. 4.11 Alternate Function Keys These keys transmit the files with the fixed names LAN- LINK.001 through LAN-LINK.010 (the suffix number corresponds to the function key) which must be located in the same directory as the LAN-LINK.EXE program. The transmitter is left on when the file has been sent. 4.11.1 Send/Talk file LAN-LINK.001 4.11.2 Send/Talk file LAN-LINK.002 4.11.3 Send/Talk file LAN-LINK.003 4.11.4 Send/Talk file LAN-LINK.004 4.11.5 Send/Talk file LAN-LINK.005 4.11.6 Send/Talk file LAN-LINK.006 4.11.7 Send/Talk file LAN-LINK.007 4.11.8 Send/Talk file LAN-LINK.008 4.11.9 Send/Talk file LAN-LINK.009 4.11.10 Send/Talk file LAN-LINK.010 In the non packet communications modes, the transmitter is left on when the file has been sent. In AMTOR, the changeover character pair (+?) is not sent. 4.12 Shift Function Keys These function keys show the contents of the files with the fixed names LAN-LINK.001 through LAN-LINK.010 (the suffix number corresponds to the function key) which must be located in the same directory as the LAN-LINK.EXE program. 4.12.1 Show contents of file LAN-LINK.001 4.12.2 Show contents of file LAN-LINK.002 4.12.3 Show contents of file LAN-LINK.003 4.12.4 Show contents of file LAN-LINK.004 4.12.5 Show contents of file LAN-LINK.005 4.12.6 Show contents of file LAN-LINK.006 4.12.7 Show contents of file LAN-LINK.007 4.12.8 Show contents of file LAN-LINK.008 4.12.9 Show contents of file LAN-LINK.009 4.12.10 Show contents of file LAN-LINK.010 4.13 Control Function Keys These function keys show the first lines of the files with the fixed names LAN-LINK.001 through LAN-LINK.010 (the suffix number corresponds to the function key) which must be LAN-LINK.DOC (c) G3ZCZ 1988 - 1992 Appendix 1 LAN-LINK 2.00 Features, Menus and Commands, Page 38 located in the same directory as the LAN-LINK.EXE program. 5.0 Main menu When you press the Escape Key, the Main Menu shown in Figure 5 appears on your screen and provides a number of choices which are described in the following sections. Figure 5 Main Menu ╔═══PK232 MAIN SELECTIONS════╗ ║ A Quick Menu ║ ║ B BBS Menu ║ ║ C Call Menu ║ ║ D eDit Menu ║ ║ E Event/Clock Menu ║ ║ F Files Menu ║ ║ H Help with Function keys ║ ║ J Jump to DOS Shell ║ ║ K Lan-linK Menu ║ ║ L Log Menu ║ ║ M Message Menu ║ ║ N TNC Menu ║ ║ O AMSAT-OSCAR Menu ║ ║ P Parameter Menu ║ ║ Q Q Codes [NC/L] ║ ║ S communicationS Mode Menu ║ ║ T Terminal Mode Menu ║ ║ X eXit LAN-LINK ║ ║ Z Elmer Menu ║ ╚════════════════════════════╝ Type in the single letter to make your choice. NOTE: Different options will show up in each menu depending on the connect state (in packet) or the type of TNC that you are using. For example, if you are using a TNC that only supports packet, the non packet menus will not be seen. An other example is that the BBS Menu is only active when you are connected to another station. 5.1 The Quick Menu The Quick Menu shown in Figure 5.1 is designed for new users and provides the most commonly used functions in a single Menu. Type in the single letter to make your choice. Each option is described below. 5.2 Auto CQ This option initiates the automatic CQ sequence in which LAN-lINK sends out a CQ call, listens for a reply, and if none is received, sends out another CQ call, and so on, ad LAN-LINK.DOC (c) G3ZCZ 1988 - 1992 Appendix 1 LAN-LINK 2.00 Features, Menus and Commands, Page 39 infinitum. It is the same as using Function Key 6 (F6). Figure 5.1 The Quick Menu ╔══════QUICK MENU═══════╗ ║ A Auto CQ ║ ║ B Send Brag Tape ║ ║ C Connect to Someone ║ ║ I Initialize PK232 ║ ║ L Log ║ ║ M Change Mode ║ ║ Q Call CQ ║ ║ S Send File ║ ║ T Send File/Talk ║ ║ Z QRZ ║ ║ 1..0 Send/Talk 1..10 ║ ╚═══════════════════════╝ 5.3 Send Brag Tape This option transmits the Brag Tape is the same as using Function Key 2 (F2). 5.4 Call Someone This option is used when you want to call or connect to another station. 5.5 Log Menu This option invokes the logbook. 5.6 Change Communications Mode This option invokes the Communications Mode Menu. You use it to change TNC communications modes. 5.7 Call CQ This option is used to initiate a single CQ call. 5.8 Send/Talk File This option is used to send a file. When the file has been sent, the transmitter will stay on. This option performs the same function as Function Key 4 (F4). 5.9 QRZ This option is the same as using Alt-Q Function Key (Alt-Q). LAN-LINK.DOC (c) G3ZCZ 1988 - 1992 Appendix 1 LAN-LINK 2.00 Features, Menus and Commands, Page 40 5.10 Send/Talk LAN-LINK files 001..010 This option is used to transmit the contents one of the LAN- LINK buffer files. You select the number, LAN-LINK does the rest. The option is the same as that provided by the Alternate Function Keys. 6.0 The BBS Menu The BBS menu shown in Figure 6 gives you smart file transfer capabilities with a BBS. The menu is only active when you are connected to another packet station. The BBS Menu provides the following capability. Figure 6 BBS Menu ╔════════════BBS MENU═════════════╗ ║ D Download Text File ║ ║ X Download Binary File (Xmodem) ║ ║ Y Download Binary File (Ymodem) ║ ╚═════════════════════════════════╝ Type in the single letter to make your choice. 6.1 Download Text Files This option lets you download a text file from the BBS into a separate text file on your disk. Enter the full BBS download command at the prompt line. To download a file from a W0RLI BBS such as FILENAME.TYP in the A subdirectory you'd enter 'DA FILENAME.TYP'. To download the same file from the PACKET subdirectory of a WA7MBL BBS you'd enter the command 'D \PACKET\FILENAME.TYP'. If you use the 'D' command to download a text file, it will end up in a separate file on your disk ONLY IF a file of the same name does not exist on your drive. If a file with the selected name already exists on your disk drive you will get an error message. 6.2 Download Binary File (Xmodem) This option lets you download a binary file from the BBS or other packet station using the Xmodem protocol into a separate text file on your disk. Before you use this command, you have to configure the Xmodem Receive Batch file. When you use this command, you first have to tell the BBS the name of the file you are going to download, and then bring up this option to tell LAN-LINK that a binary file is on its way. LAN-LINK uses an external binary file transfer protocol to do the actual file. LAN-LINK.DOC (c) G3ZCZ 1988 - 1992 Appendix 1 LAN-LINK 2.00 Features, Menus and Commands, Page 41 6.3 Download Binary File (Ymodem) This option lets you download a binary file from the BBS or other packet station using the Ymodem protocol into a separate text file on your disk. Before you use this command, you have to configure the Ymodem Receive Batch file. When you use this command, you first have to tell the BBS the name of the file you are going to download, and then bring up this option to tell LAN-LINK that a binary file is on its way. LAN-LINK uses an external binary file transfer protocol to do the actual file. 7.0 The Call Menu The call menu is used to enter calls, either to call/connect/link a station or to remember a call or path. Each time you are prompted for a call, LAN-LINK will remember the previous 15 calls and you may use the Up and Down arrows to move the cursor to a remembered call. If you wish to capture a call from the incoming text window, push Function Key 10 (F10) to enter the incoming text window and move the cursor to the desired callsign. When the cursor is positioned on any character in the callsign, push the 'Enter' Key and that word will be recognized as the callsign. Any characters joined to the call (such as a '.') will be picked up as part of the call. If the cursor is positioned on a space or blank, the connect attempt will be inhibited. In AMTOR, whenever you are asked to enter a callsign, LAN-LINK will prompt you with its guess at the SELCAL. If you agree with it, just press the 'Enter' Key, if you disagree, enter your choice over the prompt version. The Call Menu is communications mode sensitive. In the packet communications mode it provides the choices shown in Figure 7.1. Figure 7.1 The Packet Mode Call Menu ╔═══════CALL MENU════════╗ ║ A Alert Call ║ ║ C Connect ║ ║ D Show Directory ║ ║ E Enter Call ║ ║ M ReMember Path ║ ║ P Packet Cluster ║ ║ R Retry ║ ║ T Target Call ║ ║ Q Call CQ ║ ║ U aUto CQ ║ ║ Z Zapp BBS ║ ║ ! Zapp BBS [on Beacon] ║ ╚════════════════════════╝ LAN-LINK.DOC (c) G3ZCZ 1988 - 1992 Appendix 1 LAN-LINK 2.00 Features, Menus and Commands, Page 42 In AMTOR it provides the choices shown in figure 7.2. Figure 7.2 AMTOR Mode Call Menu ╔═════CALL MENU══════╗ ║ A ARQ Call/talk ║ ║ C ARQ Call ║ ║ D Show Directory ║ ║ E Enter Call ║ ║ R Retry ║ ║ Q Call CQ ║ ║ U aUto CQ ║ ║ X Turn DX ON ║ ╚════════════════════╝ Type in the single letter to make your choice. 7.1 Alert Call/ARQ Call 7.1.1 Alert Call The Alert call feature is used in the Packet Communications Mode when disconnected and the terminal set for 'TRFC' or 'CQ/BEACON'. LAN-LINK will scan the packet headers received from the TNC, and, when it sees a packet originated (or digipeated if the MRPT parameter in the TNC is set to 'ON'), by the station whose call you have entered as the 'Alert' call, it will sound an alarm at the console. The line containing the packet header will also be displayed in light green. This option toggles the Alert call feature on and off. If it is off, you are prompted for the call to be monitored, and, if it is on, it is turned off. The toggle is set when you enter a callsign, and cleared when you depress the 'Enter' Key instead of a callsign. The Alert call will be shown flashing in the status window when in the disconnected state. NOTE: If the terminal is set for 'CQ/BEACON' the Alert will only sound if the specified station transmits CQ or BEACON packets. 7.1.2 ARQ Call In AMTOR, this option will attempt to send an ARQ call to the desired station, transmit the callsign sequence when linked and allow you to continue typing text. Use this command option to log on to an APLINK BBS. LAN-LINK.DOC (c) G3ZCZ 1988 - 1992 Appendix 1 LAN-LINK 2.00 Features, Menus and Commands, Page 43 7.2 Connect/Call This option works in almost the same manner in both the packet and non packet communications modes as described in the following sections. 7.2.1 Non packet Modes You use this option to call a station heard on the band. In AMTOR the link request will be sent in the ARQ Mode to the SELCAL of the desired station. (Note that this option sends the '+?' after the callsign sequence) 7.2.2 Packet Mode You use this option to attempt a connect with another packet station. In a multiconnect situation the LAN- LINK will automatically select a free I/O channel to try the connect. 7.2.2.1 Names, Handles and Paths If you so desire, you can create a directory file (default name is LAN-LINK.DIR) and keep a list of names and calls. The computer will look up a name and call the station by its callsign. For example if you put Joe G3ZCZ as a line in the file, when you tell the computer to connect to Joe, it will try to connect to G3ZCZ. If you enter 4X4HF 4X4HF V 4X1AA, 4Z4ZB, 4X4IL you only need to type '4X4HF' to set up the correct connect path. You can also use this feature to automate a NET/ROM and/or a KA Node path connection. 7.2.2.2 Loop Backs In the Packet Communications Mode, if you want to loop back through someone else you would have to type C <yourcall> V <hiscall>. For example if I (G3ZCZ) wanted to loop back through 4X6AA, I would have to type the command 'C G3ZCZ V 4X6AA' to the TNC. LAN-LINK.DOC (c) G3ZCZ 1988 - 1992 Appendix 1 LAN-LINK 2.00 Features, Menus and Commands, Page 44 In LAN-LINK you just have to enter the '/' character followed by the call of the station you want to loop back through. For example if I (G3ZCZ) wanted to loop back through 4X6AA, I just need to enter /4X6AA as the call to connect to at the correct prompt, and LAN-LINK will tell the TNC to try to connect to G3ZCZ via 4X6AA, namely issue the command 'C G3ZCZ V 4X6AA' to the TNC. 7.3 Enter Call This option lets you enter the call of any station calling you into the program. If you type the Enter Key in response to the prompt, you can later use Function Key (F3) to transmit the sequence "DE <yourcall>". You may also use the Retry feature to call that station. In AMTOR, you use the feature to enter the callsign and SELCAL of the station you are listening to and may want to call later. 7.4 ReMember Path You may use this option to put an entry in the LAN-LINK.DIR file. 7.5 Zap Packet Cluster This option firsts prompts you with the callsign of the PacketCluster. If you enter a callsign, the entered callsign will become the new PacketCluster call. LAN-LINK then issues a connect request to the PacketCluster. When the connection is achieved, and the PacketCluster sends you a '>' character at the end of a line of text, LAN-LINK will issue the first cluster command, followed by the second one, to the PacketCluster and return to manual operation. The default commands are: 'SHOW/WWV/1' command followed by a 'SHOW/DX' Note: PacketCluster is a specialized BBS/conference by Pavillion Software for DX chasers. 7.6 Call CQ You use this command key to call CQ. In the Packet Communications Mode, the TNC will transmit a line of text along with the CQ packet. The line of text is set up in the LAN-LINK.SYS file described in Section 22. LAN-LINK.DOC (c) G3ZCZ 1988 - 1992 Appendix 1 LAN-LINK 2.00 Features, Menus and Commands, Page 45 In the AMTOR Communications Mode, your SELCAL will be transmitted along with the CQ call in the FEC Mode. 7.7 Retry This option (also activated by the Alt-R function key) allows you to retry a connect that for some reason did not go through the first time. It saves wear and tear on your fingers particularly if the desired connect path is via a number of digipeat relays or through a number of Nodes. In the non packet modes, it allows you to retransmit a call to another station without having to re-enter the call. If you have previously used the Enter feature to put a callsign in the program when you hear that station, you can then use the Retry command to call him later when the QSO in progress terminates. 7.8 Show Call Directory This option displays the contents of the call directory file (LAN-LINK.DIR). 7.9 Target Call The Target call feature is used in the Packet Communications Mode when disconnected. LAN-LINK will monitor the stations connecting to you. When it sees a connect by the station which you have entered as the 'Target' call, it will set the flashing Connect Count display to show a 'happy face'. This option toggles the Target call feature on and off. If it is off, you are prompted for the call to be monitored, if it is on, it is turned off. The toggle is set when you enter a callsign, and cleared when you press the 'Enter' Key instead of a callsign. The Target call will be shown flashing in the status window when in the disconnected state. 7.10 Auto CQ This option is the same as Function Key 6 (F6). 7.11 Toggle DX Flag LAN-LINK allows you to call either 'CQ' or 'CQ DX'. If this flag is set, all CQ calls will be to "CQ DX". If it is cleared, all CQ calls will be plain CQ's. LAN-LINK.DOC (c) G3ZCZ 1988 - 1992 Appendix 1 LAN-LINK 2.00 Features, Menus and Commands, Page 46 7.12 Zap BBS The BBS Mail Snatch can be initiated in two ways. It can be initiated when your incoming screen displays a "Mail" beacon (received from your local BBS) with your call in the first line following the header, or by LAN-LINK's Zap BBS function. The automatic BBS Zap will not take place if LAN- LINK is in the multi-user mode. In the event of a BBS Mail-Snatch, if the *.BBS file exists for that BBS, the file will be processed and the contents sent to the BBS. Thus if you don't get a chance to send the mail before LAN-LINK downloads the mail from the BBS, it will send it for you. When the BBS has accepted the commands the name of the file is changed from '*.BBS' to '*.n', where 'n' is a number increasing sequentially each time the function is performed from a base value set up in the LAN-LINK.SYS file. For example, the file name KE8X.BBS will be changed to KE8X.001 the first time it happens. In this way, you will have a copy of the outgoing file on your disk until you choose to delete it. In the real world however, message formats are nonstandard, and can contain any set of characters. The algorithm developed here transmits the next line in the *.BBS file when LAN-LINK sees a 'trigger' character-string unless one of the 'inhibitor' character-strings is also present on the line of the message text received by LAN-LINK. These 'trigger' character-strings are '>' (as the last character of the line of text ), 'Enter', 'Subject', 'Sj:' and 'Msg:'. The 'inhibitor' character-strings are 'R:', '<' and 'Message'(R: as in routing headers and < and Message as in Message-Id: <message number> in message headers). This should cover most simulated manual BBS message reading (WA7MBL and W0RLI/VE3GYQ) and avoid false triggering due to '>'s showing up in message and routing headers. NOTE that when LAN-LINK finishes processing the *.BBS file, it will send a 'B' command to the BBS to terminate the session. This feature is designed to minimize the time you spend connected to the BBS by allowing you to scan the message list when automatically receiving your mail, prepare your replies and download requests off-line and then later read the incoming messages or files without tying up the BBS. It thus positively disconnects you from the BBS. In the Packet Communications Mode, the Alt-Z key initiates a BBS Mail Snatch. You use this key if you connect to a BBS LAN-LINK.DOC (c) G3ZCZ 1988 - 1992 Appendix 1 LAN-LINK 2.00 Features, Menus and Commands, Page 47 before you hear its beacon, or if you have disabled the BBS Mail Snatch feature. If you are connected to a BBS, the key must be used BEFORE the first '>' is received. The first '>' triggers the sequence. If you have already received that first '>', send the BBS any command, and the sequence should begin when the BBS signals that it has completed processing that command. If you are not connected, LAN-LINK will first try to connect to the BBS, then perform the sequence. When you use this command you will be asked if you want to upload or download. If you want to download, just push the 'Enter' Key. A Download (Mail from the BBS to you) will automatically be followed by an Upload if the *.BBS file exists. The download sequence performed by the BBS Mail Snatch is as follows: RM To read your messages, (Configurable) L To let you know what is new on the BBS, LM To list ALL your messages on the BBS, B To log you off the BBS. LAN-LINK will wait for the '>' as the last character of the line of text being received from the BBS, before issuing the next command in the sequence. Your messages will be placed in a message file <yourcall>.OUT as if someone else had left a message for you. The 'RM' may be customized in the LAN-LINK.SYS file to 'RN' or 'VM' depending on the software in your local BBS and your preference. During the time that the BBS is responding to the 'L' command with a list of new messages, LAN-LINK is scanning the lines containing the messages to see if it finds one containing a Scan Word. If it does it will queue a request to download that message. If you wish to add a 'KM' to the sequence, place it in the BBS.BBS file. If you use 'KM' as you may delete mail BEFORE reading it. If you use the 'D' command to download a text file, the file will end up in a separate file on your disk ONLY IF a file of the same name does not exist on your drive. Do delete 'read' mail from your local BBS. Don't clutter the BBS's disk with your read mail. The 'LM' command is built into LAN-LINK to remind you of what you have out there. The BBS 'S' command (including its variations such as 'SP') LAN-LINK.DOC (c) G3ZCZ 1988 - 1992 Appendix 1 LAN-LINK 2.00 Features, Menus and Commands, Page 48 is the only multiple line command allowed. You can thus put all the single line commands such as D, H, ?, L, and R in the BBS.BBS file. A 'multiple command' is defined in this instance as a command which allows you to enter multiple lines before the BBS will send back a '>' character (i.e. one that the BBS tells you to type in text and terminate it with the Control Z character). Each message must be in the format expected by the BBS and must end with the " :EOF: " character string, but there is no need for any special end of BBS file character. A typical message could be as shown below. SP G3ZCZ @ N4QQ LAN-LINK I think it is great. However, why don't you change the following...... (add your comments here). :EOF: {last line may also be '/EX'} 7.13 Zap BBS on Next Mail Beacon This option causes LAN-LINK to Zap your local BBS next time it beacons with a list of calls for which it has Mail. You set this option active when you want to upload a set of messages, or are not sure if there are any messages waiting for you on the BBS. A typical situation is where there are a lot of NTS messages stacked up in the BBS.BBS file waiting to go. This parameter will be reset when the connect goes through, so if the Zap attempt failed, it will try again on the following Mail beacon. This will not work in the Multi- user mode. 8.0 Edit Menu The Edit menu is shown in Figure 8. Type in the single letter to make your choice. LAN-LINK contains an ASCII text editor suitable for files less than 64k in size. It is built based on Borland's Turbo Pascal Editor Toolbox and the commands are compatible with Sidekick and Wordstar. Each time you invoke the editor, LAN-LINK checks that enough RAM exists. If you do not have enough RAM, LAN-LINK will give you a 'Heap Error' message. A summary of the editor commands is shown below. LAN-LINK.DOC (c) G3ZCZ 1988 - 1992 Appendix 1 LAN-LINK 2.00 Features, Menus and Commands, Page 49 Figure 8 The Edit Menu ╔══════════FILE EDIT MENU═══════════╗ ║ B LAN-LINK.TXT ║ ║ D LAN-LINK.DIR ║ ║ F Any other File ║ ║ G Incoming Message ║ ║ K Answer Capture-to-disk file ║ ║ M Answer Incoming Mail ║ ║ L Leave Messages >> N4QQ ║ ║ N Leave Note ║ ║ P Pick Ctdsk File to Edit ║ ║ O Pick OUT File to Edit ║ ║ R Capture-to-disk file ║ ║ S LAN-LINK.SYS ║ ║ T Two Files ║ ║ 1,2 - 0 LAN-LINK.001 - 010 ║ ╚═══════════════════════════════════╝ F10 Switch Windows (if more than one window open) Backspace Delete left char Del Delete Char Enter New line Ins Toggle insert mode PgUp Move cursor up one page PgDn Move cursor down one page ^A Move cursor left one word ^C Move cursor down one page ^D Move cursor right one character ^E Move cursor up one line ^F Move cursor right one word ^G Delete one character ^H Delete left one character ^I Tab ^L Find/replace next occurrence ^P Insert a control character into the text ^M New line ^N Insert line ^R Move cursor up one page ^S Move cursor left one character ^T Delete one word after cursor ^V Toggle insert mode ^W Scroll up ^X Move cursor down one line ^Y Delete line at cursor ^Z Scroll down ^K^B Mark beginning of block ^K^C Copy block to position of cursor ^K^D Save file and exit edit LAN-LINK.DOC (c) G3ZCZ 1988 - 1992 Appendix 1 LAN-LINK 2.00 Features, Menus and Commands, Page 50 ^K^H Hide block marker ^K^K Mark end of block ^K^Q Abandon file and exit edit ^K^R Read file into screen ^K^T Mark single word as block ^K^V Move block to position of cursor ^K^W Write block to disk file ^K^Y Delete block ^K 1..9 Set marker 1 .. 9 ^Q^A Find text and replace ^Q^B Move to beginning of block ^Q^C Move to end of file ^Q^D Move to right of line ^Q^E Move to top of window ^Q^F Find text ^Q^I Toggle autoindent mode ^Q^K Move to end of block ^Q^R Move to top of file ^Q^S Move to left of line ^Q^X Move to bottom of window ^Q^Y Delete to end of line ^Q 1..9 Jump to marker 1..9 The following options can be set in the Find/Find and Replace (^Qf and ^Qa) operations. # locates #th occurrence G global replace N replace without Y/N question U ignore upper case/lower case W match whole words only Notes 1 The ^ key in front of a character identifies that character as a 'control' character. To activate it, hold down the Control key AND the character key. 2 Some of the commands require two keystrokes. 3 Use ^P to embed a control character in the text. For example, if you are creating a file containing commands to be sent to the TNC, to enter a control-C character into the file, use the ^P^C sequence of keystrokes. WHILE USING THE EDITOR, LAN-LINK can't receive and process characters from the TNC. All other features ARE INHIBITED OR LOCKED OUT. THUS IF SOMEONE CONNECTS TO YOU, THE TNC WILL KNOW BUT LAN-LINK WILL NOT. BE WARNED !!! LAN-LINK.DOC (c) G3ZCZ 1988 - 1992 Appendix 1 LAN-LINK 2.00 Features, Menus and Commands, Page 51 The Edit menu allows you to call up the various files for editing as follows. 8.1 Edit Brag Tape This option allows you to create and edit the Brag Tape File (LAN-LINK.TXT). 8.2 Edit Call Directory file This option allows you to create and edit the Call Directory File (LAN-LINK.DIR). 8.3 Edit any other file This option allows you to create and edit any other file. 8.4 Answer Ctdsk File (Split Screen) This option allows you to edit the capture-to-disk file and reply to incoming bulletins/messages in a split screen mode. The contents of the incoming bulletins and messages will be displayed in the top window, and the reply file in the lower window. The reply file is assumed to be named according to the Zap convention (*.BBS file). You will have to set up the replies/outgoing messages in the form shown below. SP Call @ BBS Subject of the message content lines End the message with either ':EOF:' , '/ex' or '/EX' as the first word on a separate line (without the '). For example, SP G3ZCZ@N4QQ Test This is a test 73 /ex Use Function key 10 (F10) to switch windows. At this time you cannot transfer text between windows. 8.5 Answer Incoming Messages (Split Screen) This option allows you to answer incoming messages in a LAN-LINK.DOC (c) G3ZCZ 1988 - 1992 Appendix 1 LAN-LINK 2.00 Features, Menus and Commands, Page 52 split screen mode. The contents of the incoming messages will be displayed in the top window, and the reply file in the lower window. The reply file is assumed to be named according to the Zap convention (LOCAL-BBS.BBS file). Reply messages are set up as described in Section 8.4. Use Function key 10 (F10) to switch windows. At this time you cannot transfer text between windows. 8.6 Leave Note for Someone In all modes you can leave a brief note (message) for another station. When you invoke this option, you will be prompted for the call of the station that you want to leave a note for. The date/time header is written to the message file, then as you enter the text it is stored on the disk in the usual format. After you have left the note and received the 'QSL' message from LAN-LINK, if you are in the Packet Communications Mode, press Function Key 8 (F8) or Alt-D to load the callsign of the recipient into the beacon. When you leave a note, leave it for the root call of the connectee, for example to leave a note for G3ZCZ/W3 leave it for G3ZCZ, similarly to leave a note for WB8WKA-1 leave it for WB8WKA. LAN-LINK is smart enough to extract the root call from any callsign it links/connects with. 8.7 Edit Capture-to-Disk file This option allows you to edit the Capture-to-Disk file as long as it is smaller than 64k. 8.8 Edit Two Files (Split Screen) This option allows you to create and edit any two files. Use Function Key 10 (F10) to switch windows. At this time you cannot transfer text between windows. 8.9 Edit Configuration file This option allows you to edit the Configuration File (LAN- LINK.SYS). 8.10 Edit LAN-LINK.001 through LAN-LINK.010 files This option allows you to create and edit the 10 files (LAN- LINK.001 to LAN-LINK.010). Use the suffix number to access the respective LAN-LINK.* file, use the number 0 to access the LAN-LINK.010 file . LAN-LINK.DOC (c) G3ZCZ 1988 - 1992 Appendix 1 LAN-LINK 2.00 Features, Menus and Commands, Page 53 8.11 Pick Capture-to-disk to Edit This option presents you with a directory window containing a list of capture-to-disk files (YYMMDD.RUN). Move the cursor down to the desired file and touch the 'Enter' key. If you don't want to edit any of them, then move the cursor down to a blank line. If you have more files than one screen full, use the Pgdn (Page Down) key to show the next screen full. 8.12 Pick Message file to Edit This option presents you with a directory window containing a list of message files (*.OUT). Move the cursor down to the desired message file and touch the 'Enter' key. If you don't want to edit any of them, then move the cursor down to a blank line. If you have more files than one screen full, use the Pgdn (Page Down) key to show the next screen full. 8.13 Leave Messages on your local BBS This option allows you to edit your LOCAL-BBS.BBS file in a single window. 8.14 Incoming Message This option allows you to edit your incoming message file in a single window. 9.0 Event/Clock Menu LAN-LINK contains some time dependent features which allow you to schedule events. These features are controlled from this Event/Clock Menu shown in Figure 9. Figure 9 Event/Clock Menu ╔══════EVENT/CLOCK MENU══════╗ ║ A Set Alarm ║ ║ C Connect ? ║ ║ D Display Event ║ ║ P Periodic Connect ? ║ ║ R Turn Robot ON/OFF ║ ║ S Turn ConteSt ON/OFF ║ ║ T Turn Time Display ON/OFF ║ ║ X Cancel Event ║ ║ Z Zap BBS ║ ╚════════════════════════════╝ Type in the single letter to make your choice. To set a scheduled event, first select the event, then enter the LAN-LINK.DOC (c) G3ZCZ 1988 - 1992 Appendix 1 LAN-LINK 2.00 Features, Menus and Commands, Page 54 time. You may set the event to occur once a day, or once an hour. If you wish the event to occur once an hour, enter an hour value greater than 23 when asked to enter the hour. Each time the event occurs, the feature will be cleared. 9.1 Set Alarm This option allows you to set an alarm clock. 9.2 Connect This option allows you to set LAN-LINK to issue a call or connect request at some later time. 9.3 Display Event This option allows you to display the scheduled event. 9.4 Periodic Event This option allows you to set a periodic connect request or call event. You can set the start time, the end time and the time interval between the connect/call attempts. The first connect that goes through will clear the event scheduler. 9.5 Turn Robot ON/OFF This option allows you to turn the AMTOR/Packet Robot on or off at a fixed time. 9.6 Turn Contest ON/OFF This option allows you to turn the AMTOR/Packet Automatic Contester on or off at a fixed time. You will be prompted for the time, a starting QSO number (in case you a restarting the contest) and the Contest Text (in case you wish to change it). 9.7 Turn Time Display ON/OFF This option allows you to turn the clock display on or off. 9.8 Cancel Event This option allows you to cancel a scheduled event. 9.9 Zap BBS This option allows you to schedule a BBS Zap at a predetermined time (like in the middle of the night). You may for example set it to attempt to connect to a BBS at a fixed time or hourly at any desired minute after the hour. LAN-LINK.DOC (c) G3ZCZ 1988 - 1992 Appendix 1 LAN-LINK 2.00 Features, Menus and Commands, Page 55 Should the connect be made, the event scheduler will be cleared and no further connect attempts will be made. 10.0 Files Menu The Files Menu is shown in Figure 10. Type in the single letter to make your choice. Figure 10 The Files Menu ╔════════════FILES MENU════════════╗ ║ B Send Brag Tape ║ ║ D File Directory ║ ║ E Erase File ║ ║ F priNt File ║ ║ N priNt Ctdsk File ║ ║ P Pick Ctdsk File to View ║ ║ R Rename File ║ ║ S Send File ║ ║ T Send/Talk File ║ ║ U send Upppercase File ║ ║ V View File ║ ║ Y View Capture-to-disk File ║ ║ Z View Messages ║ ╚══════════════════════════════════╝ During the file transfer, the outgoing text will appear in the OUTwindow. If the text is long enough and fills the TNC buffer, you will see it stop, and then continue when the TNC is ready to accept more text, the message sequence will resume. NOTE hardware flow control NOT ^S/^Q software is used. When you transmit a file (B or S) you are returned to the receive mode after the file is sent except in the Packet Communications Mode. In the Packet Communications Mode, when the file has been loaded into the TNC the computer will add the ^Z character to the outgoing text to signal to the recipient that the file transmission is over. The computer will signal you (using the bell character) when the file has been loaded into the TNC, Note that is not the same as the time that the TNC has transmitted the file, because the TNC incorporates a character buffer. 10.1 Send Brag Tape This command allows you to transmit a standard text file historically known as a "Brag Tape". The default name of the brag tape file is LAN-LINK.TXT, and it should be created with a word processor in the non-document mode, or with LAN- LINK's editor. LAN-LINK.DOC (c) G3ZCZ 1988 - 1992 Appendix 1 LAN-LINK 2.00 Features, Menus and Commands, Page 56 10.2 File Directory This command shows you the directory of the disk drive. 10.3 Erase File This command allows you to erase or delete a file. 10.4 Pick Ctdsk file to View This command allows you to view a *.RUN file. When you exercise this command you will be presented with a list of capture-to-disk files (YYMMDD.RUN). Move the cursor down to the one you want to view and touch the 'Enter' key to select it. Use this option, if you must, on long files. On files with less than 64k characters, use the Edit Menu. 10.5 Rename File This command allows you to rename a file. You could for example rename a document file to a "<callsign>.OUT" file so that someone will receive it automatically next time they connect. 10.6 Send File This option lets you transmit an ASCII file. In the non packet modes, it will turn the transmitter off after sending the file. In the packet mode it will send a ^Z character when the file is complete. 10.7 Send/Talk File This option lets you transmit an ASCII file. In the non packet modes, it will leave the transmitter on after sending the file. 10.8 Send Uppercase File This option lets you transmit an ASCII file and converts each line of text in the file to UPPERCASE before transmitting it. The file itself is not changed. In the non packet modes, it will turn the transmitter off after sending the file. 10.9 View file This option lets you view the contents of a file. Use it if you must on long files. On files with less than 64k characters, use the Edit Menu. LAN-LINK.DOC (c) G3ZCZ 1988 - 1992 Appendix 1 LAN-LINK 2.00 Features, Menus and Commands, Page 57 10.10 View Ctdsk File This option lets you view the contents of the capture-to- disk file (YYMMDD.RUN) which you specify by name. Use it if you must, on long files. On files with less than 64k characters, use the Edit Menu. 10.11 View Incoming Message File This option lets you view the contents the Incoming message file (yourcall.OUT). Use it if you must, on long files. On files with less than 64k characters, use the Edit Menu. 10.12 Print File This option lets you print the contents of a file. 11.0 Help with function keys This Main menu option will activate the HELP display which presents you with a (very) brief reminder summary of the function and hot keys. This window will remain on display until a character is typed at the keyboard. 12.0 Jump to DOS Shell This Main menu option allows you to enter a DOS shell. If you do not restore the system to the directory which contains LAN-LINK before you EXIT from the shell, LAN-LINK will do so for you. You may use the DOS shell while in QSO when you have loaded the computer/TNC output buffers and output will continue to flow. To exit from the DOS shell back to LAN-LINK, enter the command 'EXIT'. LAN-LINK will automatically return you to the correct subdirectory. 13.0 LAN-LINK Menu The LAN-LINK menu provides different options depending on whether you are connected to another station or not. Figure 13.1 shows options that are available when connected. Figure 13.2 shows the menu when not connected. In each case, type in the single letter to make your choice. Each of the features (except the :QBU:) may also be performed manually by typing the full sequence of Network Control Language (see Appendix 3) character strings. LAN-LINK.DOC (c) G3ZCZ 1988 - 1992 Appendix 1 LAN-LINK 2.00 Features, Menus and Commands, Page 58 Figure 13.1 LAN-LINK Menu when connected ╔══════LAN MENU═══════╗ ║ ║ ║ B :QBU: Protocol ║ ║ D :QZD: Binary File ║ ║ M :QBM: ASCII File ║ ║ P :QSP: Message ║ ║ Q :QDB: ASCII File ║ ║ S :QSM: Message ║ ║ T :QTA: Message ║ ║ U :QRU: Messages ║ ║ Z :QZU: Binary File ║ ║ ║ ╚═════════════════════╝ Figure 13.2 LAN-LINK Menu when not connected ╔══════LAN MENU═══════╗ ║ ║ ║ W Who is "ON-LINE" ║ ║ ║ ╚═════════════════════╝ 13.1 The :QBU: Command This is a Sequence for external operations. It requires that the batch file 'QBU-TX.BAT' be present in the transmitting (initiating) station, and the batch file 'QBU-RX.BAT' be present in the receiving station. When the QBU sequence is executed the following occurs:- The transmitting station sends a :QBU: The receiving station sends a :QRV: and an amount of memory left on disk, enters the transparent mode, jumps to dos and executes the batch file 'QBU-RX.BAT'. Upon receipt of the :QRV:, the transmitting station then puts the TNC in the transparent mode and jumps to Dos and executes the batch file 'QBU-TX.BAT'. The batch file should exit and return to LAN-LINK. LAN-LINK then exits the transparent mode. When the receiving station batch file finishes and returns to LAN-LINK. LAN-LINK then exits the transparent mode and transmits a :QSL: if the DOS Error level was 0 and a :QNO: error if it wasn't. At this time both stations are back in the converse mode. You may use this technique for transmitting pure binary LAN-LINK.DOC (c) G3ZCZ 1988 - 1992 Appendix 1 LAN-LINK 2.00 Features, Menus and Commands, Page 59 files using external (to LAN-LINK) protocols). You may change the default names of the batch files in the LAN- LINK.SYS configuration file. 13.2 :QBM: ASCII File You use this option to download an ASCII file from another LAN-LINK station. It is the same as manually typing ':QBM: FILENAME'. 13.3 :QSM: Message You use this option to request a repeat of a message. It is the same as manually typing ':QSM:'. 13.4 :QSP: Message You use this option to store a message on another LAN-LINK station. It is the same as manually typing ':QSP: <callsign>'. LAN-LINK contains store and forward routines for messages in a Local Area Network (LAN). When connected to another LAN-LINK station, you may use the NC/L :QSP: command to leave a message at that station. This QSP command automates that feature for you. It lets you just enter the callsign of the station you wish to leave a message for. It will then send the text sequence :QSP: <callsign>. The other LAN-LINK HOST station will either reply :QNO: followed by a number or :QRV: <callsign>. The 'QNO' message means that the other computer cannot accept the message, the :QRV: message means that it is waiting for you to send it. If you get the :QRV: reply, go ahead and type the message, or send the text file containing the message. If you type the message, use a control Z (^Z) character and carriage return to terminate the message. (In AMTOR, LAN-LINK will translate the ^Z to :EOF: +? to terminate the message). You will then receive either a :QSL: from the other station meaning that the message is accepted, or a :QNO: followed by a message that something went wrong and the message was not stored. 13.5 :QDB: ASCII File You use this option to upload an ASCII file to another LAN- LINK station. It is the same as manually typing ':QDB: FILENAME'. Using this option saves you typing the file name twice. LAN-LINK.DOC (c) G3ZCZ 1988 - 1992 Appendix 1 LAN-LINK 2.00 Features, Menus and Commands, Page 60 13.6 :QRU: Messages The NC/L QRU command allows you to upload a number of messages to the other station. You use it when you have messages pending on your system and want to pass them to a third computer for storage in the LAN, while you take your computer off-line. You use this option to begin the upload sequence to transfer messages for a number of stations to another LAN- LINK station. It is the same as manually typing :QRU:. You can only use this option with a station which you have previously designated as a store and forward mail box, for specific stations, namely one for which you have set up a <callsign>.MBX file. This command may be triggered by you using this choice or by the connecting station sending you a :QRU: command. When the sequence is over, the computer sending the messages will transmit the NC/L command word :QJG: to signal that the sequence is complete. Should you receive it before you get any messages, then there weren't any pending. If you want to download messages from another LAN-LINK system, connect to it and type the sequence :QRU: followed by the 'Enter' character. that system will then respond to you as if the operator there had initiated a QRU command. 13.7 Who is "ON-LINE" You use this option (when unconnected and monitoring the traffic on a channel) to see who is 'ON-LINE' on the LAN. It is the same as going manually into the Converse Mode and transmitting an unconnected packet containing the character string :QRA:. You may also use the Alt-W function key to transmit the same sequence. 13.8 :QTA: Messages If you have a bad path and your messages are not automatically deleted by the other station after they have been sent to you, you use this option to delete your message. It is the same as manually typing ':QTA:'. 13.9 :QZD: Binary Files This command uses the external batch files to download a Binary file from another LAN-LINK Station using the Zmodem Protocol. See Appendix 3 for further information about LAN- LINK's binary file transfer capability. If you attempt to LAN-LINK.DOC (c) G3ZCZ 1988 - 1992 Appendix 1 LAN-LINK 2.00 Features, Menus and Commands, Page 61 download a file which exists in your computer, LAN-LINK will use ZModem's "restore after interrupt" capability to pick up the transfer at the point when (it assumes) the transfer was interrupted. You must configure all four QZ*.BAT files before trying to :QZD: as described in Section 24.13. 13.10 :QZU: Binary Files This command uses the external batch files to Upload a Binary file to another LAN-LINK Station using the Zmodem Protocol. See Appendix 2.5 for further information about LAN-LINK's binary file transfer capability. LAN-LINK will not let you upload a file to the other system, if a file with that name already exists on the system. This stops you overwriting existing files. If the link drops out while you are uplinking a file, and you wish to try again later, rename the file you are sending, then reconnect and try again. Don't forget to :QSP: the other station and tell the operator what happened. You must configure all four QZ*.BAT files before trying to :QZU: as described in Section 24.13. 14.0 Log Menu LAN-LINK performs automatic log book entries for Packet and AMTOR Beacon mode Connects, and semiautomatic log book entries for other modes. The Log files are in dBASE 3 format and can be processed by the DBASE Log book Package in PC-HAM for indexed listings, tracking of DXCC and other AWARDS, etc. This is ideal for special event stations and DX-peditions, for the whole QSL process and further statistical analyses of their operation. The structure of the logbook files are as shown in Table 14. Table 14 Structure of the Log book database file Field Field Name Type Length 1 DATE Character 8 2 TIME Character 4 3 BAND Character 3 4 CALL Character 10 5 RX Character 3 6 TX Character 3 7 MODE Character 4 8 POWER Character 4 9 QSLSENT Character 1 10 QSLRX Character 1 11 COMMENTS Character 20 ------------------------------- ** Total ** 62 The size of the COMMENTS field is a compromise. Each field is a fixed size so that each log entry takes up a minimum of 62 LAN-LINK.DOC (c) G3ZCZ 1988 - 1992 Appendix 1 LAN-LINK 2.00 Features, Menus and Commands, Page 62 characters worth of space on the disk even if all the character space is unused. You may change the size of the field if you wish, but to do that you will have to use dBASE. Note also, that if you do make the comments field longer, the display will be screwed up. For the logging feature to work, the logbook file VHF.DBF (or HF.DBF) must be present on the disk. When an AMTOR beacon mode or packet connect occurs, the connect is automatically logged. In the Packet Mode, the connect path is placed in the comments section of the logbook entry. In the non packet modes, the log data entry is set up for you with default 599 values for the reports exchanged. When you bring up the Log Menu you will be shown the last screen or page of log entries. The last entry will be highlighted. At this time a number of function keys can be used, or you may depress the 'Escape' key to bring up the Main Log Menu. The Function Keys shown in figure 14.1 are active in the Log book. Figure 14.1 Function Keys active in Log book ╔════Alt Function Keys════╗ ║ A Append Entry ║ ║ E Edit Log Entry ║ ║ F Find an Entry ║ ║ S Scan Log by Call ║ ║ U Toggle Delete Mark ║ ║ Z Pack Log ║ ║ Ins Toggle Insert Mode ║ ║ End Show Last Page ║ ║ Home Show First Page ║ ║ PgUp Page Up ║ ║ PgDn Page Down ║ ║ Up One Entry ║ ║ Down One Entry ║ ╚═════════════════════════╝ The operation of each function key is described below. 14.0 Function Keys 14.0.1 Alt-A Append Entry This function key allows you to manually append an entry to the log. You can also use this command to enter the odd SSB contact into the logbook file. If you do, use the characters 'SSB' or 'FM' for those voice modes to remain compatible with the rest of the DBASE logbook package. When appending or editing an entry, LAN-LINK will automatically enter the date, time, callsign of the other LAN-LINK.DOC (c) G3ZCZ 1988 - 1992 Appendix 1 LAN-LINK 2.00 Features, Menus and Commands, Page 63 station, band, mode and QSL information in upper case. The comments field in the LAN-LINK logbook file is restricted to a maximum of 20 characters. If you try and enter more than 20, the surplus will be ignored. 14.0.2 Alt-E Edit Log Entry This function key allows you to edit the highlighted entry. Move the cursor with the arrow keys, and end the edit process by depressing the 'Escape' key. You may use the 'QSL' entry to tag the fact that you have written out or received a QSL card. 14.0.3 Alt-F Find an Entry This function key allows you to find an entry by the (record) number assigned to it by LAN-LINK. This is the number displayed in the first column. 14.0.4 Alt-S Scan Log by Call This function key allows you to scan the logbook by callsign prefix. 14.0.5 Alt-U Toggle Delete Mark This function key allows you to mark an entry for deletion, or unmark it in case you change your mind. Entries marked for deletion will be flagged by an '*' character next to the record number. 14.0.6 Alt-Z Pack Log This function key allows you to pack the logbook files. All entries marked for deletion will really be deleted at this time. 14.0.7 Ins Toggle Insert Mode This function key allows you to turn the insert mode ON and OFF for the edit/append functions. 14.0.8 End Show Last Page This function key moves you to the last page of the logbook. 14.0.9 Home Show First Page This function key moves you to the first page of the logbook. LAN-LINK.DOC (c) G3ZCZ 1988 - 1992 Appendix 1 LAN-LINK 2.00 Features, Menus and Commands, Page 64 14.0.10 PgUp Move Up One Page This function key moves the display up one page of the logbook. 14.0.11 PgDn Move Down One Page This function key moves the display down one page of the logbook. 14.0.12 Up Arrow Move Up One Entry This function key moves the highlight up one entry in the logbook. 14.0.13 Down Arrow Move Down One Entry This function key moves the highlight down one entry in the logbook. When you bring up the Main Log Menu, it provides the choices shown in Figure 14.2. Figure 14.2 The Log Menu ╔═════LOG SELECTIONS═════╗ ║ A Append Entry ║ ║ B Scan Log by Band ║ ║ C Change Log ║ ║ D find Date ║ ║ E Edit Log Entry ║ ║ F Find an Entry ║ ║ G Purge Log ║ ║ I Import-Convert Log ║ ║ H Help Function Keys ║ ║ K PicK Log ║ ║ M Scan Log by Mode ║ ║ N Create New Blank Log ║ ║ P Print Log ║ ║ S Scan Log by Call ║ ║ U Update from Old data ║ ║ Z fuZzy scan ║ ║ X eXit From Log Menu ║ ╚════════════════════════╝ Type in the single letter to make your choice. 14.1 Log Selections 14.1 Append an Entry This option lets you append an entry. It is the same as the LAN-LINK.DOC (c) G3ZCZ 1988 - 1992 Appendix 1 LAN-LINK 2.00 Features, Menus and Commands, Page 65 Alt-A logbook mode function key. 14.2 Scan Log by Band This option lets you scan the logbook file and display QSOs made on a particular band. 14.3 Change Logbook File This option lets you temporarily change the logbook file. If you want to change it permanently, change it in the LAN- LINK.SYS file. When you enter the new name, LAN-LINK will assume that it is a filetype DBF. For example, if you have different logbooks for different operations on-line, such as 4X.DBF or W8.DBF, you only need answer 4X in response to the question to change to the 4X.DBF logbook. In accordance with the dBASE convention, you cannot use any filetype other than DBF. 14.4 Find Date This option lets you locate and move the highlight to entries for a particular date. If no entries are found for the desired date, the first entry after that date will be highlighted. Note you can also scan for parts of a date such as "90/01" for the first entry in January 1990. 14.5 Edit Log Entry You invoke this option to edit the highlighted entry. This function is the same as that invoked with the Alt-E function key. 14.6 Find an Entry This option lets you find an entry by its number. It is the same as the Alt-F logbook mode function key. 14.7 Import-Convert Log This option lets you import logs from earlier releases of LAN-LINK (up to and including Version 1.56). It can also be used to import a log generated by the PC-HAM CONTEST program. 14.8 Help Function Keys This option brings up a menu listing the log mode function keys. LAN-LINK.DOC (c) G3ZCZ 1988 - 1992 Appendix 1 LAN-LINK 2.00 Features, Menus and Commands, Page 66 14.9 Scan Log by Mode This option lets you scan the logbook file and display QSOs made using a particular mode. 14.10 Print Log This command prints the contents of the logbook file in a formatted manner to the printer. 14.11 Scan Log by Call This command displays the contents of the logbook file in a formatted manner on the screen. It requests the callsign of the log entry to be displayed. If you want to see entries for particular calls or parts of call, enter those call or parts of calls. Valid entries are G, G3, G3Z etc. If you want to see every entry in the log, don't use this command, use the Page Up and Page Down keys from the Main Log menu. 14.12 Update from Old data This option is identical to the Append option except that the date and time are not entered for you automatically. You'd use this option to manually enter old data into the logbook. 14.13 Exit From Log Menu This option lets you exit from the Log Menu. It provides the same function as the Alt-X key. 14.14 Fuzzy Scan This option allows you to scan the callsign or the comment field (your choice) for a character string. For example you could scan the comments field for all entries with the word "Joe". You could scan the callsigns for all calls with the suffix of "ZCZ". 14.15 Pick a Log file This command allows you to pick a *.DBF file. When you exercise this command you will be presented with a list of log files (*.DBF. Move the cursor down to the one you want to use and touch the 'Enter' key to select it. 14.16 Create a New Log file This command allows you to create a blank logbook (*.DBF) file. LAN-LINK.DOC (c) G3ZCZ 1988 - 1992 Appendix 1 LAN-LINK 2.00 Features, Menus and Commands, Page 67 14.17 Purge a Call This command allows you to purge one callsign from the log. Use it to delete the call of your local BBS if the logbook file gets too big. 15.0 Message Menu The Message Menu is shown in Figure 15. Type the single letter to make your choice. 15.1 BBS Command Files This option shows you a list of the BBS command files on the default directory. In other words, all files with the file extension of '.BBS'. 15.2 Current Messages This option shows you a list of the outgoing messages that have not been sent. In other words, all files with the file extension of '.OUT'. Figure 15 The Message Menu ╔════MESSAGE MENU═════╗ ║ B BBS Command Files ║ ║ C Current Messages ║ ║ L Leave Note ║ ║ N Print Message ║ ║ O Old Messages ║ ║ T Time Tag ║ ║ V View Messages ║ ╚═════════════════════╝ 15.3 View Message This feature allows you to view messages in the computer. After depressing the key you will be prompted for INcoming or OUTgoing (I/O) messages. If you request 'I' (Incoming) messages you will see the messages addressed to your callsign. If you request 'O' (for OUTgoing) you will be presented with a directory window containing a list of messages. Move the cursor down to the desired message, and touch the 'Enter' key. If you don't want to view any of them, then move the cursor down to a blank line. If you have more messages than one screen full, use the Pgdn (Page Down) key to show the next screen full. LAN-LINK.DOC (c) G3ZCZ 1988 - 1992 Appendix 1 LAN-LINK 2.00 Features, Menus and Commands, Page 68 15.4 Leave Note This feature allows you to leave a note for another station on the LAN in your system. It works in the manner described in Section 8. 15.5 Old Messages This feature shows you a list of the messages that have been sent. In other words, all files with the file extension of '.OLD'. 15.6 Time Tag This option is used to place a date time header on a message file previously prepared by a word processor. The name of the file must be in the format 'CALLSIGN.OUT' (For example, G3ZCZ.OUT). It requests the callsign of the message file. It then opens a new file, writes the header to the new file and copies the contents of the original '*.OUT' file to the new one. When all is done, the original filename is changed to '*.BAK' and the new one becomes '*.OUT'. 16.0 TNC Menu The TNC Menu depends on the TNC. For example the MFJ1278 provides the choices are shown in Figure 16.1. The PK-232 TNC menu is similar as shown in Figure 16.2. The actual menu you see also depends on the mode. In the non packet modes, the non packet options will be locked out. For example, in the PK-232 Baudot mode, the menu will appear as shown in Figure 16.3. Whichever menu is displayed, type in the single letter to make your choice. Figure 16.1 MFJ1278 TNC Menu ╔════════MFJ1278 TNC MENU═════════╗ ║ D Set MFJ1278 Date/Time ║ ║ E Disable MFJ1278 Port ║ ║ F Flush MFJ1278 Buffer ║ ║ I Initialize MFJ1278 ║ ║ M calls Monitored List ║ ║ S Show Connect Status ║ ║ T Change cText ║ ║ X Activate MFJ1278 Mailbox ║ ║ Y Deactivate MFJ1278 Mailbox ║ ╚═════════════════════════════════╝ LAN-LINK.DOC (c) G3ZCZ 1988 - 1992 Appendix 1 LAN-LINK 2.00 Features, Menus and Commands, Page 69 Figure 16.2 The PK-232 TNC Menu ╔═════════PK232 TNC MENU══════════╗ ║ D Set PK232 Date/Time ║ ║ E Disable PK232 Port ║ ║ F Flush PK232 Buffer ║ ║ I Initialize PK232 ║ ║ M calls Monitored List ║ ║ S Show Connect Status ║ ║ T Change cText ║ ║ X Activate PK232 Mailbox ║ ║ Y Deactivate PK232 Mailbox ║ ╚═════════════════════════════════╝ Figure 16.3 The PK-232 TNC Menu in BAUDOT ╔═════════PK232 TNC MENU══════════╗ ║ D Set PK232 Date/Time ║ ║ E Disable PK232 Port ║ ║ F Flush PK232 Buffer ║ ║ I Initialize PK232 ║ ╚═════════════════════════════════╝ 16.1 Set TNC Date/Time This feature puts the TNC into the Command Mode and loads the date into it from the computer time of day clock. This command does not work on the TNC1. 16.2 Flush TNC Buffer This option is used to flush the program's incoming or outgoing text buffer and that of the PK-232. When used with other TNCs it will only flush contents (if any) of the buffers in the PC. If you flush the incoming buffer, you will only flush the buffer in the PC, thus any characters still in the TNC will still come through. If that happens, bring up the function and wait a while before activating it. 16.3 Initialize TNC This feature sets up the defaults for the TNC from the file LAN-LINK.SYS. If you have put batteries in the TNC, you should normally only have to run this command when you first power up the TNC or change the batteries. However, the batteries must be removed initially since they are there to retain the default settings of the TNC (particularly the PK- 232). Once the initialization is complete, you can replace the batteries but leave the TNC on since the battery provides power to the RAMs after the TNC power is turned off. LAN-LINK.DOC (c) G3ZCZ 1988 - 1992 Appendix 1 LAN-LINK 2.00 Features, Menus and Commands, Page 70 It will also set the date and time within the TNC from the computer clock, and, when it has loaded the configuration file, may prompt you to set the TNC Terminal mode. If you are using a TNC1 or a TNC2, it will not prompt you because it assumes that they only operate on VHF packet. If you are using a KPC-2, you may select 'H' or 'V', and of course, if you have a PK-232, you may choose any of the options. 16.4 Show Calls Monitored List This feature performs the same operation as Function Key 5 (F5). 16.5 Show Connect Status When you are in the Packet Communications Mode, this command lets you see the state of the connection. It will show you if there are any unacknowledged packets en route to the other station. If you have been sending text, it is advisable to use this command before you disconnect, to ensure that all the data has been received and acknowledged by the other party. You may use this command in either the TNC Command or the TNC Converse Mode. In a multiconnect situation, it will show you the status on all the I/O channels. You may also use this command to reset the status window display after a relink or any other event which was not reflected in the status window. 16.6 Change CTEXT This feature allows you to temporarily change the message that will be received by another packet station when it connects to you. Refer to the 'CTEXT' command in the TNC manual. 16.7 Activate TNC Mailbox This option allows you to activate the personal mailbox built into your TNC. You use it to read your mail, or before shutting down, if you have not set the shut down mode to 5. You will have to interrogate the mailbox in the command mode (F) to view any messages. The mailbox in your TNC provides a convenient way for people to leave you a message when your PC is switched off or is in use for something other than packet radio. If you do choose to make use of the personal BBS in the mailbox, make sure that you have a battery in the TNC. When reading your TNC Mailbox mail, you must type the LAN-LINK.DOC (c) G3ZCZ 1988 - 1992 Appendix 1 LAN-LINK 2.00 Features, Menus and Commands, Page 71 commands listed in your TNC manual. To save your local full service BBS SYSOP some hassles, it is strongly recommended that you let LAN-LINK do your outgoing and incoming message and bulletin store and forwarding. Use the 'L' option in the Edit menu to enter any messages off-line, the 'M' and 'K' options in the Edit menu to answer any incoming messages or comment on any bulletins. Once the data are in the LOCAL-BBS.BBS file, let the BBS Zap take care of transferring the messages to the BBS. 16.8 Deactivate TNC Mailbox This option allows you to deactivate the personal mailbox built into your TNC. 17.0 AMSAT-OSCAR Menu This menu allows you to configure the KAM, MFJ1278 or the PK-232 to copy signals from AMSAT-OSCAR Spacecraft telemetry beacons depending on the TNC. The following options are available. A UoSAT ASCII Beacon (PK-232 only) B Phase 3 RTTY Beacon R SARA 300 Baud ASCII (PK-232 only) S SAREX Menu (only if you are in the Packet Communications Mode) Type in the single letter to make your choice. 17.1 UoSAT ASCII Beacon This option is only available on the PK-232. It configures the PK-232 for receiving UoSAT 1200 Baud ASCII signals in the following manner. ASCII AB 1200 VHF ON (Bell 202 tones) RXR OFF TXR OFF WI ON (850 Hz shift) Signals from UoSAT-OSCAR 11 may be copied in this configuration. Note that although UoSAT-OSCAR 11 transmits Bell 202 compatible tones, the data sense is reversed. A hardware modification is required in the PK-232 to reverse the sense of the data at the modem output BEFORE it passes to the digital section of the unit. LAN-LINK.DOC (c) G3ZCZ 1988 - 1992 Appendix 1 LAN-LINK 2.00 Features, Menus and Commands, Page 72 17.2 Phase 3 RTTY Beacon This option configures the KAM, the MFJ1278 and the PK-232 for receiving the AMSAT-OSCAR 10 and 13 RTTY telemetry beacons in the following manner. BAUDOT WI OFF (170 Hz shift) [ KAM : SH 170] TXR OFF RXR OFF RB 50 (50 baud) USOS OFF (Unshift on space off) 17.3 SARA 300 Baud ASCII This option configures the PK-232 for receiving the SARA- OSCAR 23 ASCII fromat binary telemetry beacon in the following manner. RXR OFF TXR OFF WI ON HF ON ASCII AB 300 T The transparent mode is necessary due to the way the PK-232, you will have to exit from the transparent mode with an Alt- B before exercising any other commands. 17.4 SAREX Menu This menu is only active in the Packet Communications Mode. It is designed for use with the Shuttle Amateur Radio Experiment (SAREX), MIR and the packet radio Microsats or any terrestrial station you want to connect with as soon as they appear on frequency. Apart from the Attack Mode, it can also be used as a diagnostic LAN tool for monitoring LAN traffic. 17.4.1 Attack Mode ON/OFF If the Attack Mode is set, this option will cause LAN- LINK to issue a connect request to the SAREX Call whenever a packet sent to or from it is heard. The mode, is cleared when the connect is made (and does not retry out) or when the 'A' option is selected a second time, or when the Alert Call is cleared. If this mode is enabled, the Alert/SAREX Call prefix shown in the Status Window will indicate accordingly. LAN-LINK.DOC (c) G3ZCZ 1988 - 1992 Appendix 1 LAN-LINK 2.00 Features, Menus and Commands, Page 73 A happy face will be displayed next to the '>' before the call once the connect has been achieved. Be careful using this feature, as it has the potential to cause a great deal of QRM. It can also be cleared by another station connecting to you and telling you to ':QRT:'. In the SAREX configuration you are listening on one channel while transmitting on an other. If this feature was used on a simplex channel (everyone transmits and listens on the same channel) aimed at a DX-pedition, there is a potential lockout mode, in which any one station sending a connect request to the desired/SAREX call will trigger the other ones on frequency who will in turn trigger the first. If this pile up situation occurs, I hope the DX-station will QSY and leave the automatic stations to do their thing. IN any event, if you use this feature and cause QRM, anyone can connect to you with the callsign of the DX station (as a pirate) and shut you down. You will then not get the coveted DX QSL. 17.4.2 Change SAREX Call This option lets you temporarily change the SAREX call. 17.4.3 SAREX Packets Capture to Disk ON/OFF This option allows you to configure LAN-LINK to capture to disk any packets addressed to or from the SAREX callsign. A [S] will be displayed in the status window when this option is active. The capture to disk file is opened by a packet header containing the SAREX call, and closed by another packet header not containing the call. When the file is open, the [S] will blink. Packet headers are considered to be lines with a '>' character in them. LAN-LINK thus considers both of the lines below as packet headers. N4QQ*>G3ZCZ N4QQ BBS> If you use this feature for monitoring BBS traffic, the BBS prompt lines ('E.G. N4QQ BBS>') will not be captured to disk. Do not get your SYSOP to remove the '>' from the prompt line, or the ZAP feature will then not work. A happy face will be displayed in the [S] after the SAREX call has been heard. If you want to see an ORBITER menu, temporarily change the SAREX call to be the same as your call and bring up LAN-LINK.DOC (c) G3ZCZ 1988 - 1992 Appendix 1 LAN-LINK 2.00 Features, Menus and Commands, Page 74 the AMSAT-OSCAR Menu. 17.4.4 Edit SAREX Capture-to-disk File This option lets you edit the SAREX Capture-to-disk file as long as it is less than 64 kBytes. 17.4.5 Zap SAREX On/Off This option combines the 'Set SAREX Attack Mode' and the 'SAREX Packets Capture to Disk ON/OFF' options in one fast operation. 17.5 SAREX Orbiter Features This was the menu as seen by WA4SIR in orbit on STS-35. You need the SAREX ROBOT EPROM for this menu to actually do anything to the TNC. The EPROM may be available from The Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation (AMSAT) for DX-pedition use. Other options which control LAN-LINK parameters may be used without the SAREX ROBOT EPROM. In the Orbiter mode, LAN-LINK does not scan incoming text for the 'CONNECTED' and 'DISCONNECTED' messages when the SAREX Robot is active. This inhibits the bells and the capture-to-disk. It also means that the Robot must be OFF for any :Q: code uploads or downloads to occur. 17.5.1 Status Window Display A flashing '>>' appears in the status window when the SAREX robot is active. The SAREX Configuration boots up assuming that the SAREX Robot is active (Default). 17.5.2 Alt-O Function key. The Alt-O Function Key brings up the Orbiter menu. This is a faster route than the 'Esc O' sequence. 17.5.3 The Metabeacon The Metabeacon is loaded from the contents of one of the META.00n files. These files may be created by the LAN-LINK editor. When loading, LAN-LINK will insert a pass character (^V) into the text before a carriage return, so as not to end the packet before at least 240 characters, and not more than 255 characters have been output to the TNC. The maximum number of characters that can be loaded into the Metabeacon is 1776. The maximum number of packets in a Metabeacon is 7. You can also force a hard carriage return or 'end of packet' in the Metabeacon by inserting the '\' (backslash) character, which will not be transmitted, into the text. LAN-LINK.DOC (c) G3ZCZ 1988 - 1992 Appendix 1 LAN-LINK 2.00 Features, Menus and Commands, Page 75 17.5.4 SAREX Orbiter Menu The following commands are active in the Orbiter Menu. 17.5.4.1 Activates Beacons/SAREX Robot. This option activates the SAREX Robot and loads the Meta Beacon. This command is designed for use when the SAREX is returned to the regular frequency. 17.5.4.2 Set QRZ/QSL Beacon Interval This command allows you to change the beacon timer. 17.5.4.3 Set SAREX Call. This command allows you to change the SAREX call. Don't use this command on orbit (its for ground use only) 17.5.4.4 Turn SAREX ROBOT OFF The Robot must be turned On and Off this way to synchronize LAN-LINK to the TNC. When the Robot is turned OFF the following commands are sent to the TNC by LAN-LINK. USERS 1 |A RO OFF CMSG OFF NO OFF 17.5.4.5 Set SAREX ROBOT Heard Count This command lets you set the Heard Count number. 17.5.4.6 Show I/O Status Shows who is on each stream, the SAREX Robot state, the number of USERS, the beacon timer value, the metabeacon timer value and the CTEXT. 17.5.4.7 ChecK Count Shows both heard and worked counts. 17.5.4.8 List Heard Calls Lists calls of the last few stations heard. LAN-LINK.DOC (c) G3ZCZ 1988 - 1992 Appendix 1 LAN-LINK 2.00 Features, Menus and Commands, Page 76 17.5.4.9 Load Metabeacon This command loads the Metabeacon. You will be prompted for a text file number in the META.00n series. Enter a number 1-9 corresponding to META.001-META.009. The 0 value is file META.010. Note the delays after loading the file to allow the TNC to stabilize. 17.5.4.10 Show Worked Calls Shows the last 35 or so calls worked. 17.5.4.11 Turn SAREX ROBOT ON The SAREX Robot must be turned On and Off via the menu. When the Robot is turned ON the following commands are sent to the TNC by LAN-LINK. USERS 9 CONOK ON CMSG ON RO ON NO ON 17.5.4.12 Stop Metabeacon This command stops the Meta beacon. When activated, the contents of the beacon are dumped to the UNPROTO address (default SAREX) by the TNC, rather like a regular BBS dumping packets when a user disconnects abnormally. 17.5.4.13 Set Metabeacon Interval This command allows you to set the Meta Beacon timer. It will be loaded into the TNC the next time that the Meta Beacon is loaded. Even though loaded into the TNC immediately, it does not take effect till then. 17.5.4.14 Set SAREX ROBOT Worked Count Lets you set the starting number. 17.5.4.15 Set Connect TeXt This is the text (CTEXT) that will be transmitted to an incoming station when the ROBOT mode is off. This option lets you set up a new text string to go with the QSO number. LAN-LINK.DOC (c) G3ZCZ 1988 - 1992 Appendix 1 LAN-LINK 2.00 Features, Menus and Commands, Page 77 17.5.4.16 Selects Silent Mode This command turns off the beacons, the SAREX Robot and also stops the Meta beacon. This command is designed to be used just before any prearranged packet activity. 17.5.4.17 Restart TNC This command RESTARTs the TNC, loads the date from the computer's clock and turns the 'EC OFF'. It seems to have no effect on the SAREX ROBOT and counters, but does kill the Meta beacon. 17.5.4.18 Capture QSL/QRZ Calls This command initiates the log-to-disk operation. It turns the capture-to-disk 'on' and sends the following commands to the TNC :- 'DA', 'SERW', 'SERH','MW',MH'. When the calls have stopped scrolling, use Function key 1 to turn the capture-to-disk off. 18.0 Parameter Menu The Parameter Menu is shown in Figure 18. The colors used for the option letter differentiate between those options that are "remembered" in the SYS file and those that are only set temporarily for the session. Type in the single letter to make your choice. Figure 18 The Parameter Menu ╔════════════════════════════PARAMETER MENU════════════════════════════╗ ║ B Beacon/Robot Mode is OFF 0 Change Band & Power ║ ║ C Clear Connect Count 1 Change BBS Parameters ║ ║ D Digipeat Detect is OFF 2 Change Callsigns ║ ║ E Command Echo is ON 3 Change Directories ║ ║ F BBS Zapp Drop Link is ON 4 Enter Common Calls ║ ║ I Packet Beacon Control is ON 5 Change File Names ║ ║ L Automatic Ctdsk is ON 6 Change LAN-LINK Parameters ║ ║ M Set Message Count 7 Change PC Communications Parameters ║ ║ N NODE Drop Link is OFF 8 Change Colors ║ ║ P Printer is OFF 9 Change SAREX Parameters ║ ║ Q QTC Snatch is ON ║ ║ R :QSP: Relay Flag is ON U Update LAN-LINK.SYS ║ ║ S Sound is ON V Verify Changes ║ ║ T Contest Mode is OFF W Change Scan Words ║ ║ X DCD Flag is ON Z Time Id. is OFF ║ ║ Y BBS Snatch is ON ! Zapp BBS On Next Beacon is OFF ║ ║ + Misc. Flag is OFF ║ ╚══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝ LAN-LINK.DOC (c) G3ZCZ 1988 - 1992 Appendix 1 LAN-LINK 2.00 Features, Menus and Commands, Page 78 18.1 Turn Beacon Mode ON/OFF This command toggles the beacon option for the automatic CQ caller in the AMTOR and Packet Communications Modes. When it is active a [B] will be displayed in the status window. In this mode, the Automatic CQ sequence will resume after the AMTOR link is dropped or a Packet Communications Mode disconnect. In the Beacon Mode, the last few logbook entries will be displayed in the logpage window which overlays the outgoing text window at the bottom of the screen. In the Packet Mode, the CTEXT message is the only transmission from you that the other station will receive, so make it good and don't forget to set 'CMSG ON'. In the AMTOR Mailbox/Beacon Mode, the contents of the LAN- LINK.TXT file will be transmitted to the station who called you. The capture-to-disk will then be turned on to record one transmission from that station. The QSO will then be logged to the logbook file. Don't forget to check the entries in the logbook and text in the LAN-LINK.RUN files in case the computer made a mistake in recognizing the call sign of the other station. THE BEACON MODE IS DESIGNED TO ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO QSY OFF THE CROWDED PACKET HF CHANNELS. DO NOT USE IT ON A CROWDED HF CHANNEL OR ON AN ACTIVE VHF CHANNEL. IF YOU DO, YOU WILL SOON FIND that OTHER STATIONS HAVE SET THEIR TNCS TO REJECT YOUR PACKETS, AND YOU WILL NOT WORK ANYBODY, YOU WILL JUST BE A SOURCE OF QRM AND WILL BE KNOWN AS SUCH. THE MODE IS ALSO DESIGNED FOR ROBOT BEACONS FOR THE HIGHER FREQUENCIES. FOR EXAMPLE IF YOU LEAVE IT RUNNING ON 6 OR 10 METERS YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN A SHORT OPENING WILL ALLOW A QSO TO SOME PART OF THE WORLD, A DX CONTACT YOU WOULD HAVE OTHERWISE MISSED. DO NOT LEAVE IT RUNNING ON 20 METERS WHEN THE BAND IS OPEN. FURTHER APPLICATIONS ARE IN METEOR SCATTER AND OTHER "EXOTIC" MODES OF COMMUNICATIONS. If you are using this Mode in a special event station or DX- pedition you may type characters into the transmit buffer, while the other station is sending to you. When he, she or even it turns it back to you, you will transmit those characters before the sign-off sequence. In both the Packet and AMTOR communications modes, the robot may be shut down by stations connecting to you and telling you to QRT. LAN-LINK.DOC (c) G3ZCZ 1988 - 1992 Appendix 1 LAN-LINK 2.00 Features, Menus and Commands, Page 79 18.2 Clear Connect Count You use this option to reset the PACKET and AMTOR Beacon Mode "connect has taken place indicator" and QTC Snatch count. These are flashing [C] and [Q] displays in the status window. Whenever someone else connects or links up to you the [C] display will be incremented. The number shown with the 'C' is the number of connects that have taken place since the Indicator was last reset. If a 'happy face' is flashing along with the connect count, your "target station" was amongst those connecting. The [Q] indicator alerts you to the fact that LAN-LINK tried to connect to another station after recognizing your call in a mail beacon. Both are reset by this option. If you are monitoring Packet traffic on a channel, you may not notice that a connect has previously taken place. These indicators alert you to check the contents of the Incoming mail file ('yourcall.OUT') for any incoming messages. If the 'Q' count is much greater than the 'C' count you may be copying a beacon from a station that you cannot connect with directly. 18.3 Turn Digipeat Detect ON/OFF This option toggles the digipeat display command on and off. If the Digipeat Display is active, any signals digipeated through you will be stored to the LAN-LINK.RUN file and a 'beep' will be sounded for each packet being digipeated. The status display window will also contain a [D]. 18.4 Turn Beacon Control ON/OFF This option toggles the LAN-LINK Handshake features. When they are on (default), the Connect handshake message [ZCZ] *** LAN-LINK 2.00> will be transmitted on incoming connects. The beacon text and time will be controlled by LAN-LINK as a function of the messages you have posted on your system. When they are off, LAN-LINK does not do anything to your beacon, nor does it transmit the handshake. 18.5 Turn Command Echo ON/OFF This option toggles the 'Command ECHO ON/OFF' flag. If the Command Echo flag is set, the commands and (contents of) files that LAN-LINK sends to the TNC will be displayed in the outgoing window. Set this flag to see how LAN-LINK commands the TNC in the different modes. LAN-LINK.DOC (c) G3ZCZ 1988 - 1992 Appendix 1 LAN-LINK 2.00 Features, Menus and Commands, Page 80 18.6 Change Keyboard Beep Count LAN-LINK counts the number of characters entered on a line at the keyboard. When it gets to a preset value it will beep, signaling you to start a new line. If you have the Word wrap option set, it will also automatically insert a "carriage return/line feed" character sequence into the outgoing text for you. This option changes the value that the keyboard beep counter is compared with to sound the audio signal. 18.7 Set Message Count As an alternative to Function Key 8 (F8) or Alt-D, using this option will also load a QTC 'Mail' list into your Packet Communications Mode Beacon and initiate a beacon transmission every 30 minutes (Refer to the BTEXT command in the TNC manual). If no messages are present, or the only message is to you (incoming or snatched), beacon transmissions are inhibited. This conforms to good operating practice on crowded Packet channels. 18.8 Turn NODE Drop Link ON/OFF When connecting via a node, the normal way of operating is to disconnect if the connect attempt fails. You may configure the Node connect attempt flag to stay connected at the node where the failure occurred. Use the normal mode when trying to get through on a known path, and the stay alive mode when exploring Node circuits. 18.9 Turn Printer ON/OFF This option toggles the printer on and off. When the printer is turned on, any incoming data will be printed in real time. If you intend to print files received at 1200 baud in the Packet Communications Mode, use a print spooler or you may lose data. The printer is automatically turned off in the Packet Mode when a disconnect occurs. 18.10 Turn QTC Snatch ON/OFF This option toggles the QTC Snatch flag on and off. If the QTC Snatch flag is enabled, LAN-LINK scans the contents of packets appearing in the Inwindow on the screen while the terminal is disconnected. Should it recognize the three text strings 'LAN-LINK', ':QTC:', and 'your callsign' in the contents of a packet, it will then issue a connect request to the callsign of the LAN-LINK station that originated the beacon transmission. If the connect is made, the other station will send you the message automatically which LAN- LAN-LINK.DOC (c) G3ZCZ 1988 - 1992 Appendix 1 LAN-LINK 2.00 Features, Menus and Commands, Page 81 LINK will "capture to disk". The connect will time out and terminate a few minutes later. The normal connect request will be made DIRECT to the station. If you expect messages from stations you can only connect with via a digipeater, place the path in your LAN- LINK.DIR directory file. It should be there anyhow if you connect to the station regularly. For example, if you expect messages from 4Z4ZB whom you can only work if digipeated via 4X1AA then place an entry like 4Z4ZB 4Z4ZB V 4X1AA in the LAN-LINK.DIR file. The QTC Snatch leaves your messages in a message file <yourcall>.OUT. It is triggered by the first > in the initial connect response of LAN-LINK 1.59R> (note the '>') and terminated by the 'over' at the end of the message ea. G3ZCZ/W8> (note the '>'). If you train stations not using LAN-LINK who want to leave you messages to trigger your QTC- Snatch, by transmitting the following un-addressed packet LAN-LINK :QTC: <yourcall> your system will connect to them. (For example to leave a message for me, they would send LAN-LINK :QTC: G3ZCZ as an un-addressed packet [in Converse Mode when not connected, or in their beacon text].) If they then send you a '>' on a line by itself, followed by the message itself, and terminated by another '>' as the last character of the line, the message will end up in a message file rather than in the LAN-LINK.RUN file and you can scan it fast using Alt-M (Message Scan Menu Options). It goes without saying that the message itself should not contain the '>' character. If it does, by the way, the first part of the message will be in the message file, while the remainder will be in the LAN-LINK.RUN file. 18.11 Turn :QSP: Relay Flag ON/OFF This option toggles the Store and forward Message Relay Capability of your system on and off. If the Message Relay Capability is active (toggled on), any one who connects can store a message in your system using the ':QSP: <callsign>' NC/L command. If the Message Relay Capability is not active anyone who attempts to ':QSP: a message' will receive a ':QNO: 1' "error" message. The status display window will LAN-LINK.DOC (c) G3ZCZ 1988 - 1992 Appendix 1 LAN-LINK 2.00 Features, Menus and Commands, Page 82 show a [R] when the Message Relay Capability is active. The default state for the Message Relay Capability is loaded from the LAN-LINK.SYS file. When the Store and forward capability is active, the suffix 'R' will be added to the '[ZCZ] *** LAN-LINK 2.00' ea., '[ZCZ] *** LAN-LINK 2.00R' message received by anyone connecting to your system to notify them that they can store messages. In this manner they don't have to try to leave a message and then get ':QNO:' error message to find out that the feature is toggled off. Remember, if you configure your computer to store and forward messages, you have a moral obligation to deliver them. 18.12 Turn Sound ON/OFF This option toggles the sound on and off. If the sound is off, a flashing indicator will be displayed in the Status Window. When the sound is toggled on again, a chime will sound to verify the audio. 18.13 Turn Contest Mode ON/OFF This option first toggles the Contest Mode. If the Contest Mode is active, the word 'TEST' and the number of the next QSO will be displayed in the status window. When the Contest Mode is toggled on, this command then prompts you to set the starting QSO number and the standard message that will be transmitted as part of the exchange of messages during a contest. The QSO number will be incremented each time you log a contact. The contest feature is toggled off the next time you select this feature. Note that while these features do give you some semiautomatic contest operation by using command keys, there is no checking of callsigns for duplicates built into the program. You may do that by using the Alt-S hot key. In a contest, you enter the callsigns and call the other station in the normal manner, then use the 'End' Key to transmit the exchange (QSO number and standard text). LAN- LINK will only transmit the contest text in this manner. If you want to add a 'K' or 'KN', you will need to put it in the contest text string. It is also advisable to use a different log file for each contest to cut down the search LAN-LINK.DOC (c) G3ZCZ 1988 - 1992 Appendix 1 LAN-LINK 2.00 Features, Menus and Commands, Page 83 time. The contest QSO number increments each time you log the QSO (Alt-L). You may put the Contest Mode into automatic if you are operating AMTOR or packet. To do so, use the Alt-O function key. The following special character sequences can be entered in the contest text string. 18.13.1 '##', A '##' will be replaced by the QSO number when the text is transmitted. 18.13.2 '#1' A '#1' will be replaced by the callsign of the station being worked in the contest text string. 18.13.2 '#T' 18.13.3 '#T' '#T' will be replaced by the date and time as read from the PC time-of-day clock and converted to Universal Coordinated Time (UTC). A sample time text is '03-Mar- 92 03:13'. For example, use the following entries for the following contests; '##1 UR ##A' ... in the Sweepstakes, '5905' ... in the WAZ, '59 MD' ... in the ARRL DX, and '59 ##' ... in the WPX. As an example, if I (W3/G3ZCZ) was in the Sweepstakes contest, and my Contest text line was, '##1 UR ##A W3/G3ZCZ 68 MDC'. If the next QSO number is 345, and I am working KW3C, LAN-LINK would transmit the following line when I touch the 'End' key; 'KW3C UR 345A W3/G3ZCZ 68 MDC'. 18.14 Turn DCD Flag ON/OFF If you are using a PK-232 then this flag should be set to ON. If you are using a KAM, this flag should be set to OFF. If you are using another TNC, if you can jumper the TNC so that pin 8 on the RS-232 interface changes state when LAN-LINK.DOC (c) G3ZCZ 1988 - 1992 Appendix 1 LAN-LINK 2.00 Features, Menus and Commands, Page 84 connected, do so and set this flag to ON. If you can't, then set this flag to OFF. If this flag is OFF, the multiple connect modes will not work so don't attempt to invoke them. If this flag is OFF, the words '*** CONNECTED' and '*** DISCONNECTED' when seen in the LAN may cause spurious apparent connects and disconnects in LAN-LINK. 18.15 Turn BBS Snatch ON/OFF If the BBS Mail Snatch is enabled, when a BBS sends a packet announcing 'Mail', if your callsign is in the first line of that message, LAN-LINK will issue a connect request (again via the path in LAN-LINK.DIR) to that BBS. When connected, it will act as if you have initiated a ZapBBS command. The Zap counter will be incremented each time a BBS Mail Snatch takes place. Note if the BBS Mail beacon has an extra line in it (between the header and the list of calls) as follows, the BBS Mail snatch will not work. If a message is posted for any call containing the character string "N4FG" such as N4FGA, N4FG will respond to the message. This gives rise to a lock out situation, because N4FG will respond to the beacon, go through the sequence described in the Zapbbs section and disconnect. The beacon message will not be cleared because it was not read, so the next mail beacon from the BBS will contain the call N4FGA, and N4FG will once again respond to it. Should you be unlucky and happen to be in this situation, disable the BBS Snatch flag and set a Periodic Event to Zap your BBS sometime in the middle of the night. Alternatively, when you come into the shack and the BBS is in use, set the 'Zap BBS on Next Mail Beacon' parameter to ON. 18.16 Turn Time Id ON/OFF This option allows you to determine if the callsign sequence transmitted using Function key 3 (F3) will contain a date/time stamp. If the Id. is set ON a date/time stamp will be transmitted. 18.17 Turn Automatic Capture-to-Disk Flag ON/OFF This option allows you to turn the automatic capture-to-disk feature ON and OFF. 18.18 Change BBS Parameters This sub-menu allows you to change the BBS Parameters, as described in the following paragraphs. LAN-LINK.DOC (c) G3ZCZ 1988 - 1992 Appendix 1 LAN-LINK 2.00 Features, Menus and Commands, Page 85 18.18.1 Local BBS Callsign This option lets you change the call of the local BBS. This is the call that LAN-LINK will show in the prompt for the 'Zap' command. 18.18.2 Mail-Snatch Trigger Word You can set the Mail-Snatch Trigger in the BBS Mail beacon. Most BBS's use word 'Mail' and a string of calls to indicate the presence of messages. If your BBS uses something else, you may customize LAN-LINK on this line to tell it what word your BBS uses. Note that if your BBS uses 'QTC' you may end up calling yourself if you disconnect while traffic is flowing on the LAN. 18.18.3 Read Request Command This is the command LAN-LINK issues to the BBS during a Zap sequence to request your mail. The default value is RM for Read Mine. On a WA7MBL BBS you may change it to VM for a Verbose Read of the full packet headers. On a W0RLI BBS you may change it to RN to only request new messages. If you do change it, use the 'V' option in the Parameters Menu to make sure it is correct. If it isn't correct, the Zap BBS feature will not work. 18.18.4 Read Bulletin Request Command This is the command LAN-LINK issues to the BBS during a Zap sequence to read bulletins identified by the scan words. The default value is R for Read. On a WA7MBL BBS you may change it to V for a Verbose Read of the full packet headers. On a W0RLI BBS you may change it to RH. 18.18.5 BBS Subject String When you enter a message into a BBS, you fist use the 'S' command. the BBS then sends you a reply asking you for some information about the BBS; typically the subject of the message. When you have entered the subject, the BBS then asks you for the rest of the message. This line is used in the Zap sequence and is a unique word seen in the text that the BBS sends you asking for the subject. 18.18.6 BBS Message String When you enter a message into a BBS, you fist use the LAN-LINK.DOC (c) G3ZCZ 1988 - 1992 Appendix 1 LAN-LINK 2.00 Features, Menus and Commands, Page 86 'S' command. the BBS then sends you a reply asking you for some information about the BBS; typically the subject of the message. When you have entered the subject, the BBS then asks you for the rest of the message. This line is used in the Zap sequence and is a unique word seen in the text that the BBS sends you asking for the text of the message. 18.19 Change Callsigns This sub-menu allows you to change the Callsign and AMTOR SELCAL, as described in the following paragraphs. 18.19.1 Callsign The default callsign is G8BTB. Please do not use G8BTB. Replace G8BTB with yours. You may use / characters if you wish. This is the call sign that will be used in the non packet modes. You may thus use "portable designators" such as G3ZCZ/A, G3ZCZ/W3, W3/G3ZCZ or G3ZCZ/4X, which you cannot do in Packet. This is the call that will be monitored for in the Digipeat Monitoring Mode. In this Mode, which is toggled on and off by the selection of the D Option included in the Parameter Menu (PK-232 only), if someone uses you as a digipeater while you are not connected to anyone else, the event will be logged to disk. This Mode will only work if your callsign as stored in this line is a valid (uppercase only) packet callsign. For example, in the PK-232, if the callsign is G3ZCZ then the sequence >G3ZCZ> will be recognized as a digipeat and the event logged. Thus 4X6AA*>G3ZCZ>4Z4ZB would be logged as a digipeat event. Store your callsign using UPPERCASE characters if you want the DIGIPEAT DETECT option to work (EA. G3ZCZ). If you use lower case (ea. g3zcz), recognition will never take place. The TNC automatically converts case to upper case in the non packet communications modes. If you are using an SSID (e.g. G3ZCZ-8) in the Packet Communications Mode, you should enter the whole call INCLUDING the SSID. 18.19.2 The SELCAL This is your AMTOR SELCAL. LAN-LINK will try to guess it and prompt you with a SELCAL configured for your callsign. If you want a different one, overwrite the LAN-LINK.DOC (c) G3ZCZ 1988 - 1992 Appendix 1 LAN-LINK 2.00 Features, Menus and Commands, Page 87 prompted version. If you are not using a PK-232 or KAM or the MFJ1278, you don't have to change anything, but the SELCAL line must still be in the Configuration file. 18.19.3 The PacketCluster Call This option allows you to change the PacketCluster Call without connecting to it. 18.20 Change Directories This sub-menu allows you to change the Directories used by LAN-LINK, as described in the following paragraph. 18.20.1 Capture-to-disk files Directory This is the drive and directory that LAN-LINK will put the *.RUN capture-to-disk files. Note: the last '\' MUST be present if you are using different subdirectory. 18.20.2 QBM Download Directory This is the directory the :QBM: command will search to find a file to be downloaded. The default value is \LAN-LINK\FILES\. Set them up using DOS. If you are using a hard disk, put LAN-LINK in a LAN-LINK subdirectory. Note: that last '\' MUST be present. 18.21 Enter Common Calls Each time you call another station, LAN-LINK remembers it (up to the last 16). When you update the SYS file, these calls that you use most commonly will be saved to disk. You can use this option to add calls, delete calls or edit calls in the list. Use the 'Delete' key to delete a call. 18.22 Change File Names This sub-menu allows you to change the default file names used by LAN-LINK, as described in the following paragraphs. 18.22.1 VHF Logbook File (VHF.DBF) This is the name of the file to be used as your VHF Packet logbook. 18.22.2 HF Logbook File (HF.DBF) This is the name of the file to be used as your HF LAN-LINK.DOC (c) G3ZCZ 1988 - 1992 Appendix 1 LAN-LINK 2.00 Features, Menus and Commands, Page 88 logbook. It is used for all HF modes, including HF packet. 18.22.3 Path Directory File (LAN-LINK.DIR) This is the name of the file used as your call directory. 18.22.4 Brag Tape (LAN-LINK.TXT) This is the name of the file used as your brag tape. 18.22.5 QBU Upload File Name (QBU-TX.BAT) This is the name of the batch file used to initiate a QBU. 18.22.6 QBU Download File Name (QBU-RX.BAT) This is the name of the batch file used when a :QBU: command is received from a remote station. 18.23 Change LAN-LINK Parameters This sub-menu allows you to change the LAN-LINK Parameters, as described in the following paragraphs. 18.23.1 Change CQ Text This feature allows you to change the contents of the CQ text message string. This is the message string that is transmitted along with the CQ call. Think of this message as a CQTEXT line. 18.23.2 Set CQ delay time Seconds This option allows you to change the time (seconds) that the LAN-LINK waits for a response after a CQ call until the following one is transmitted. The default value (in minutes and seconds) is loaded from the LAN- LINK.SYS file. 18.23.3 Set CQ delay time Minutes This option allows you to change the time (minutes) that the LAN-LINK waits for a response after a CQ call until the following one is transmitted. The default value (in minutes and seconds) is loaded from the LAN- LINK.SYS file. LAN-LINK.DOC (c) G3ZCZ 1988 - 1992 Appendix 1 LAN-LINK 2.00 Features, Menus and Commands, Page 89 18.23.4 Set Connect time timeout (Minutes) This option allows you to change the time (minutes) that the LAN-LINK waits for a response in a packet connect before issuing a Disconnect command. The default value is loaded from the LAN-LINK.SYS file. 18.23.5 Set Number of lines in a Non Contest CQ Call This option allows you to change the number of lines in a CQ call from the default value of 3 to any number you wish. Note that in the contest mode, this option has no effect. The default value is loaded from the LAN- LINK.SYS file. 18.23.6 Keyboard Beep Character Count When your typing at the keyboard gets to a point where you may overrun the normal line length, LAN-LINK issues a beep to remind you to touch the 'Enter' key. This option allows you to change the number of characters you can type in a line before the beep sounds. Note the beep will not sound if the sound flag is inhibited. 18.23.7 Word Wrap Mode This option allows you to change the word wrap mode. It is really more of a "force carriage return" parameter, rather than 'word wrap'. There are four options as follows: 18.23.7.1 Off Word wrap is off. 18.23.7.2 AutoCR LAN-LINK will insert an 'Enter' character for you into the outgoing text when you enter the first space character after the beep has sounded. 18.23.7.3 Word LAN-LINK will hold all entered text until you either type a space character or touch the 'Enter' key. At that time LAN-LINK will send the word to the TNC. 18.23.7.4 Line LAN-LINK will hold all entered text until you either touch the 'Enter' key or the beep sounds. At that time LAN-LINK will send the word to the LAN-LINK.DOC (c) G3ZCZ 1988 - 1992 Appendix 1 LAN-LINK 2.00 Features, Menus and Commands, Page 90 TNC. Set this parameter value as follows, 0 = OFF, 1 = AutoCR, 2 = Word, 3 = Line. 18.23.8 Set Shut Down Mode (QRT Flag) This option allows you to customize the shut down sequence of the TNC. You have the choice of QRT, QRV and QRV + CTEXT Toggle as described in the following sections. 18.23.8.1 QRT Turns the TNC into a VHF Digipeater and turns CONOK OFF (CFROM NONE for the PK-232). In this condition the TNC will reject connect requests. 18.23.8.2 QRV Allows you to stay alive on turnoff. It will send MON OFF (MON 0 for the PK-232) to the TNC at shutdown without touching CONOK/CFROM {PK-232}, and at turn on. You will then have to initialize the terminal and Communications Mode after reading your mail. Connects should then be logged at the time you read the mail, not at the time they took place. 18.23.8.3 QRV + CTEXT TOGGLE This is the same as the QRV state but CMSG is toggled on/off. When stations connect to you while LAN-LINK is active, they will not receive the CTEXT message. When other stations connect to you while LAN-LINK is not active, they will receive the CTEXT message 18.23.8.4 BBS This option lets you activate the PBBS in the TNC when you close LAN-LINK. It inhibits the PBBS when you bring LAN-LINK up the next time. 18.23.8.5 SOLO This option puts the TNC in the SOLO mode when you shut down, so as not to fill the buffer in the LAN-LINK.DOC (c) G3ZCZ 1988 - 1992 Appendix 1 LAN-LINK 2.00 Features, Menus and Commands, Page 91 TNC. 18.23.8.6 BBS+SOLO This option combines the two previous ones. Set this parameter value as follows, 0 = QRT, 1 = QRV, 2 = QRV + CMSG toggle, 3 = BBS, 4 = SOLO, and 5 = BBS+SOLO. 18.23.9 Set Default Users This option allows you to set the maximum number of multiple users that can be connected to your TNC at the same time, and to configure the default start up mode of the program. If this parameter is set to 1, LAN-LINK will configure itself to the single user mode, and set the maximum number of users to 9. If this parameter is set to any number other that 1, LAN-LINK will assume that value to be the maximum number of allowed connects, and configure itself in the Multiple user Mode (equivalent to the TNC Menu Option 0). 18.23.10 Set UTC Offset This parameter contains the difference in hours between UTC and your local time. For example, if you are located on the east coast of the USA, and it is winter, you are in the EST which is 5 hours behind UTC. In this case, the value of the UTC Offset parameter is 5. Don't forget to change this when the clocks are adjusted each spring and autumn. 18.23.11 VHF Packet Length This option allows you to change the default VHF packet length. The TNC has a maximum permisible value of 255. Set the parameter to 127 or 255. 18.23.12 HF Packet Length This option allows you to change the default HF packet length. The default value of about 30 seems to be optimal. LAN-LINK.DOC (c) G3ZCZ 1988 - 1992 Appendix 1 LAN-LINK 2.00 Features, Menus and Commands, Page 92 18.23.13 Beacon time This option allows you to change the default beacon time. The KAM requires a value in minutes, all other TNCs in tens of seconds. Use good operating practice and don't beacon too often. Every 30 minutes on a well used channel is more than enough. 18.23.14 Custom Prompt before 'Over' This option allows you to add a word or two (up to 20 characters) before the '>' in packet or the '+?' in AMTOR. If you are working an AMTOR APLINK BBS, clear this by changing it to a space character. 18.24 Change PC Communications Parameters This sub-menu allows you to change the Communications Parameters between the PC and the TNC, as described in the following paragraphs. 18.24.1 The Communications Port This is the default Communications port. The default value is 1. You may set it at any value between 1 and 4. If you only have one serial port in your PC, set the parameter to '1' even if your card is configured as Com2. LAN-LINK will ALWAYS assume Com1 for a single card. If you use a different port instead of Com1, and plan to do binary transfers, don't forget to customize the QZ*.BAT files. If you set the port number to 0, LAN-LINK will not accept or transmit any character to the serial port. All other features will work. The default Com3 and Com4 default PC port values are as follows. Port Address IRQ Com3 3E8 4 Com4 2E8 3 18.24.2 The Terminal Baud Rate This Parameter tells LAN-LINK what baud rate the TNC is set to. This is the baud rate on the RS-232 line between the TNC and the computer. Valid baud rates for LAN-LINK are 300, 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600 and 19,200. If you specify something else LAN-LINK will default to 1200. LAN-LINK.DOC (c) G3ZCZ 1988 - 1992 Appendix 1 LAN-LINK 2.00 Features, Menus and Commands, Page 93 You may experience problems when using baud rates greater than 1200. It depends on the CPU clock rate, any TSR's in the PC and the I/O card in the PC. LAN- LINK scans the incoming text constantly, something which requires time. My PK-232, when used with my XT Clone at 10MHz, does not like baud rates faster than 2400, and sometimes not even that. The PK-232 seems to drop the first character of some lines at 4800 baud. Use 1200 until you have tested and are sure that a faster one will work. This program has been tested on a TNC2 and an MFJ1278 using a terminal baud rate of 9600 baud and worked correctly. It also works correctly with a KAM at 2400 Baud. If you use a different rate instead of 1200, and plan to do binary transfers, don't forget to customize the QZ*.BAT files. 18.24.3 TNC Data Bits You can set the number of data bits on the RS-232 line between the computer and TNC to 7 or 8. Use 7 with a TNC 2 if you have problems with Greek characters. Set this value to either 7 or 8. 18.24.4 TNC Parity Use this parameter to set the Parity bit on the RS-232 line between the computer and TNC as described below. Enter the letter. Note: This is not the parity in the TNC. N = None, O = Odd, E = Even, M = Mark, S = Space. 18.24.5 Number of TNC Stop Bits You can set the number of stop bits on the RS-232 line between the computer and the TNC to 1 or 2. Use 1 at all terminal (not packet) baud rates except 300. Set this value to 1 or 2. 18.25 Change Colors This option lets you change the default colors. A display of all of the combinations is shown on the left side of the screen. You will then be prompted to sequence through each window/message color that can be customized. Enter the number shown in the combination window followed by the LAN-LINK.DOC (c) G3ZCZ 1988 - 1992 Appendix 1 LAN-LINK 2.00 Features, Menus and Commands, Page 94 'Enter' key to set a value. If you don't wish to make a change, just press the 'Enter' Key. The following identifications are made to the color choices: 18.25.1 OutWindow Color This is the color of the text (typed at the keyboard) in the outgoing window. 18.25.2 StatusWindow Color This is the color of the Status Window. 18.25.3 PromptWindow Color This is the color of most of the menus. 18.25.4 LogWindow Color This is the color of the text in the log window. 18.25.5 InWindow Color This is the color of the text in the window showing the incoming characters. 18.25.6 ScrollBackWindow color This is the color of the text in the Scroll back window. 18.25.7 MHWindow Color This is the color of the text in the monitor heard calls (MH) window. 18.25.8 Alarmwindow Color This is the color of the text in the Error and Alarm window. 18.25.9 BottomWindow Color This is the color of the text in the prompt line at the bottom of the screen. 18.25.10 Emphasis Color This is the color of the emphasized text in the Menu windows. LAN-LINK.DOC (c) G3ZCZ 1988 - 1992 Appendix 1 LAN-LINK 2.00 Features, Menus and Commands, Page 95 18.25.11 Prompt Color This is the color of the prompt text in the Menu windows. 18.25.12 Option Color This is the color of selected option text in the Menu windows. 18.25.13 Connected Text Color This is the color of the text in the incoming window when connected in the packet communications modes. 18.25.14 Computer Color This is the color of the computer generated text in the outgoing window when the Command Echo Flag option is enabled. 18.25.15 VHF Header Color This is the color of the VHF Header lines in the Incoming window when not connected. 18.25.16 HF Header Color This is the color of the HF Header lines in the Incoming window when not connected. 18.25.17 Alert Call Color This is the color of the packet header lines containing the Alert call in the Incoming window when not connected. It is also the color of the non-permanent Parameter Menu prompts. 18.25.18 Outgoing Text Color This is the color of the outgoing text echoed in the Incoming window in the AMTOR Communications Mode. 18.25.19 Multi I/O Stream Color[1] This is the color of the text lines in the Incoming window in the Multiconnect Mode when connected to I/O stream 1. 18.25.20 Multi I/O Stream Color[2] This is the color of the text lines in the Incoming LAN-LINK.DOC (c) G3ZCZ 1988 - 1992 Appendix 1 LAN-LINK 2.00 Features, Menus and Commands, Page 96 window in the Multiconnect Mode when connected to I/O stream 2. 18.25.21 Multi I/O Stream Color[3] This is the color of the text lines in the Incoming window in the Multiconnect Mode when connected to I/O stream 3. 18.25.22 Multi I/O Stream Color[4] This is the color of the text lines in the Incoming window in the Multiconnect Mode when connected to I/O stream 4. 18.25.23 Multi I/O Stream Color[5] This is the color of the text lines in the Incoming window in the Multiconnect Mode when connected to I/O stream 5. 18.25.24 Multi I/O Stream Color[6] This is the color of the text lines in the Incoming window in the Multiconnect Mode when connected to I/O stream 6. 18.25.25 Multi I/O Stream Color[7] This is the color of the text lines in the Incoming window in the Multiconnect Mode when connected to I/O stream 7. 18.25.26 Multi I/O Stream Color[8] This is the color of the text lines in the Incoming window in the Multiconnect Mode when connected to I/O stream 8. 18.25.27 Multi I/O Stream Color[9] This is the color of the text lines in the Incoming window in the Multiconnect Mode when connected to I/O stream 9. 18.25.28 Multi I/O Stream Color[10] This is the color of the text lines in the Incoming window in the Multiconnect Mode when connected to I/O stream 10. NOTE that LAN-LINK does not overwrite all existing windows. LAN-LINK.DOC (c) G3ZCZ 1988 - 1992 Appendix 1 LAN-LINK 2.00 Features, Menus and Commands, Page 97 Thus if you want to be sure of seeing the changed colors, save the color changes using the Update option, and then exit from and reload LAN-LINK. 18.26 Change SAREX Parameters This sub-menu allows you to change the SAREX Ground Station parameters, as described in the following paragraphs. 18.26.1 SAREX CallSign This is the callsign of the SAREX station. 18.26.2 Change SAREX Capture to Disk File This option lets you change the name of the SAREX Capture-to-disk file. Don't change file names while capture-to-disk is in progress (flashing [S] in the status window), or the old one will stay open and may not close properly when LAN-LINK is terminated, resulting in data loss. 18.27 Update Configuration File Use this option to save the changes (permanently) in the configuration file (LAN-LINK.SYS). Activate it twice to see most of the changes. 18.28 Verify Changes This feature lets you display how LAN-LINK was configured by the LAN-LINK.SYS file. It also displays the state of any flags you have set/reset if they are not already shown in the Status window or Parameter Menu. YOU SHOULD USE IT AFTER EDITING THE LAN-LINK.SYS FILE TO MAKE SURE that EVERYTHING IS CORRECT. 18.29 Change Scan Words In the ZAP BBS feature you can ask the program to scan the lines read from the BBS and if it sees any of the scan words in the line, it will queue a request for that bulletin by number. You can only set 16 such Scan words (should be enough) and request up to 255 messages/bulletins at a time. Use the 'Delete' key to delete a word from the list. NOTE that words that show up in the BBS prompt line are ILLEGAL. For example if your BBS prompts you with N4QQ BBS> LAN-LINK.DOC (c) G3ZCZ 1988 - 1992 Appendix 1 LAN-LINK 2.00 Features, Menus and Commands, Page 98 then 'N4QQ' and 'BBS' should not be used as Scan Words. DON'T LEAVE A BLANK LINE IN THE SCAN WORD SECTION OF THE CONFIGURATION FILE. 18.30 Turn Misc. Flag ON/OFF The Miscellaneous Flag performs several different functions in the different Communications modes as follows. 18.30.1 All Modes:- Debug or state-sequence numbers Shows debug or state-sequence numbers in left hand corner of the status window. These are used to figure out what went wrong in the automatic sequences. 18.30.2 BAUDOT Mode:- Navy MARS Protocol Verify When the flag is set, and the BAUDOT Navy MARS option is enabled, the character string ':CR:' will be displayed in the outgoing window each time a carriage return character is received in the incoming window. Similarly, every time a line feed character is received, a ':LF:' will be displayed in the incoming window. You may use this feature to verify that another station is sending files using the correct protocol. If you do, make sure that you tell the PK-232 not to add a line feed to incoming carriage returns by setting 'ALFD OFF' in the Command Mode. You will have to set 'ALFD ON' again when you change communications modes or all incoming lines will overwrite each other. 18.31 Change Band/Mode This option is used to set the band and radio mode without invoking the Log Menu. You use it when changing bands on hf. 18.32 Zap BBS on Next Mail Beacon This parameter causes LAN-LINK to Zap your local BBS next time it beacons with a list of calls for which it has Mail. It is the same as the option described in Section 7.13. 18.33 BBS Zap, Don't Disconnect After Sequence This parameter stops LAN-LINK from issuing the automatic disconnect when the Zap sequence is over. You can set it during the Zap sequence. Use it to stop the disconnect if the sequence gets out of sync with the messages, or if there is something interesting you wish to do to the BBS. This LAN-LINK.DOC (c) G3ZCZ 1988 - 1992 Appendix 1 LAN-LINK 2.00 Features, Menus and Commands, Page 99 parameter resets when the Zap sequence terminates. 19.0 Q Codes [NC/L] This option displays help information about the use of the Network Communications Language (NC/L) "Q" codes. 20.0 Communications Modes This menu allows you to change the communications mode of the TNC. If your TNC hardware cannot support those modes, don't bother to try them. This is software not hardware, and in spite of what people tell you, software can't do everything. The communications modes shown in Figure 20 are available. Type in the single letter to make your choice. While the KAM ports are set, and the MFJ-1278 ports are defaulted in LAN-LINK (1 = VHF, 2 = HF), don't forget that YOU HAVE to select the correct Radio port on the PK-232. Figure 20 PK-232 Communications Mode Menu ╔═════════PK232 COMMUNICATIONS MODE═════════╗ ║ V VHF PACKET ║ ║ H HF PACKET ║ ║ A AMTOR (STANDBY RECEIVE) ║ ║ B BAUDOT (RTTY) ║ ║ C MORSE (CW) ║ ║ M AMTOR (ALIST [CHIRPCOPY]) ║ ║ S ASCII (RTTY) ║ ║ N NAVTEX ║ ║ G SIGNAL ║ ╚═══════════════════════════════════════════╝ 20.1 VHF PACKET This is the 1200 baud VHF Packet Mode. LAN-LINK will optimize the TNC link parameters for this mode. 20.2 HF PACKET This is the 300 baud HF Packet Mode. LAN-LINK will optimize the TNC link parameters for this Mode. 20.3 ASCII (RTTY) This is the ASCII RTTY Mode. LAN-LINK will configure the TNC parameters for this Mode at 110 baud. 20.4 BAUDOT (RTTY) This is the BAUDOT RTTY Mode. LAN-LINK will configure the LAN-LINK.DOC (c) G3ZCZ 1988 - 1992 Appendix 1 LAN-LINK 2.00 Features, Menus and Commands, Page 100 TNC parameters for this Mode at 45 baud. 20.5 MORSE (CW) This is the CW Mode. LAN-LINK will configure the TNC parameters for this Mode at the default CW speed (20 for the PK-232 and MFJ-1278, 10 wpm for the KAM). In this Mode the ALT-D Key will disengage the receive speed lock inside the PK-232 to facilitate locking onto another signal and Function Key 8 (F8) will turn the transmitter off. LAN-LINK has a flag that lets you configure it to set the XMITOK parameter in the PK-232 to "OFF" when you enter the CW communications mode, and turn it "ON" again when you call up any other communication mode FROM THE COMMUNICATIONS MENU. 20.6 AMTOR (STANDBY RECEIVE) When you select the AMTOR Standby Mode you are placed into the 'Standby Receive' Mode. If you are in AMTOR Standby Mode, you will not be able to display signals of the Chirpcopy Mode (which means that you will not be able to display a QSO in progress). The Alt-D Key or Function Key 8 (F8) toggles between the AMTOR ARQ and the ALIST communications modes. 20.7 AMTOR (ALIST [chirpcopy]) If you want to read the mail on an existing AMTOR QSO in progress, select the AMTOR ALIST or Chirpcopy Mode. The Alt-D key or Function key 8 (F8) toggles between the AMTOR ARQ and the ALIST communications modes. 20.8 SIGNAL Use the 'G' option to select the 'SIGNAL' Mode. Read the PK- 232 documentation carefully to understand how this mode works. Once the PK-232 has identified the digital signal it is tuned to, use the Communications Mode Select Menu a second time to select the relevant mode and then set the baud rates and shift to display the data if necessary. 20.9 NAVTEX Use the 'N' option to select the 'NAVTEX Mode. Read the TNC documentation carefully to understand how this Mode works. LAN-LINK.DOC (c) G3ZCZ 1988 - 1992 Appendix 1 LAN-LINK 2.00 Features, Menus and Commands, Page 101 21.0 Terminal Mode Menu This menu allows you to set the Terminal Configuration Mode. The Terminal Menu provides different choices depending on which communications mode you have selected. 21.1 Packet Terminal Menu The Packet Terminal Mode of operation will be shown in the Status window at the top of the screen. If you are reading the mail on a station, the callsign of that station will be shown next to the word "MAIL". If you are connected to someone, the call (and path) will be shown prefixed by the "*>" sequence. In the Packet Communications Mode, you are presented with the choices shown in Figure 21.1. Type in the single letter to make your choice. Figure 21.1 PK-232 Packet Terminal Menu ╔══════PK232 PACKET MENU═══════╗ ║ B Change Packet Baud Rate ║ ║ C CQ/Beacons ║ ║ E Everything ║ ║ I Information ║ ║ L Turn MCON ON ║ ║ M Read the Mail ║ ║ O Turn Meta Beacon ON ║ ║ S Just My Station (Solo) ║ ║ T All Traffic ║ ║ 0 Multiple User Connects ║ ║ F Turn Conference ON ║ ╚══════════════════════════════╝ 21.1.1 Change Packet Baud Rate In the PACKET Mode you may change the RF baud rate between 300, 600, 1200 and 2400 baud. 21.1.2 CQ/Beacons In this Mode, you will see CQ and BEACON packets on the channel. (This corresponds to 'MONITOR 1'on the PK- 232). This Mode only works on the PK-232 and the KAM. 21.1.3 Everything You can set the TRAFFIC Mode to 'Everything'. It corresponds to 'MONITOR 6' on the PK-232. LAN-LINK.DOC (c) G3ZCZ 1988 - 1992 Appendix 1 LAN-LINK 2.00 Features, Menus and Commands, Page 102 21.1.4 Read the Mail You can read the mail on a BBS or other station and get bulletins without connecting to that station yourself. You use this Mode to do so. You will be prompted for the call whose packets you wish to monitor. Remember to enter the call of the station sending the packets, not the call of the one receiving them. This mode only works without showing the packet headers on the PK-232. On the other TNCs the headers will also be displayed. You can also use this command to monitor both sides (read the mail) on a QSO on a busy packet channel. You may want to turn the Digipeat Data Display Mode off when reading the mail. 21.1.5 Just My Station (Solo) In this Mode, you will only see messages addressed to you. You will only get messages from people who connect to you. 21.1.6 All Traffic In this Mode you will see all of the data packet traffic on channel. You can use this Mode to check that the TNC is working. 21.1.7 Information Packets In this Mode you will see all of the packet traffic on channel that contain information. You can use this Mode to check that the TNC is working. 21.1.8 Single User Connects This is the normal one-on-one Mode of operation ('USERS 1'). 21.1.9 Multiple User Connects When you are in a Multiple Connect Mode, an asterisk will be shown in the status window next to the word 'PACKET'. Each I/O stream will show up in the Inwindow in a different color. LAN-LINK supports two multiple connect modes, Individual and Conference. An extract of an actual 'off the air' CRT display (showing received text only) in a multi-user mode is shown below. Note each line of text as received by the LAN-LINK.DOC (c) G3ZCZ 1988 - 1992 Appendix 1 LAN-LINK 2.00 Features, Menus and Commands, Page 103 TNC is prefixed (by the PK-232) with the I/O channel number and callsign of the station its connected to. 1:4X4IL: *** CONNECTED to 4X4IL via 4X4IC, 4X6JP 0:4X4IC: joe do u read? 2:4Z4ZB: *** CONNECTED to 4Z4ZB 1:4X4IL: Look for me on PR via 4X6JP 73s and Shalom. 2:4Z4ZB: GE JOE I WILL DIS THEN U CAN GO VIA THE REP> 1: *** DISCONNECTED: 4X4IL via 4X4IC, 4X6JP 0:4X4IC: UNPROTO CQ 2:4Z4ZB: GO AHEAD BOYS...DE ALON..> 0:4X4IC: 2: *** DISCONNECTED: 4Z4ZB This is the normal Multiconnect Mode as described in the TNC manual. Here you are connected to up to 10 stations and will send different traffic to each of them. Each time you wish to send something to a particular station, you must select the I/O channel the station is connected on before typing the text or sending the file. The stream change character for all TNCs in the VHF multiple connect modes is '|' ($7C). In the KAM, it is '\' on HF and '|' on VHF. They are both on the same key but one is in the shift case. Be careful on HF as the '\' shows up in file directories and confuses the computer. These values can be customized. However to do so, they must be customized both in LAN-LINK and in the TNC at the same time. You select the I/O channel using the Alt-N key and moving the cursor to the desired stream, or by typing the '|' character followed by (in the TNC) the channel letter/number. For example to do it manually, if you are connected to G8BTB on I/O channel 0 and to G3ZCZ on I/O channel 1, then to talk to G8BTB you would type '|0' before any text, and similarly to send something to G3ZCZ you would type a '|1' before the text you're going to send me. If you are not using a PK-232, read the TNC manual to determine if the I/O streams are identified by numbers or by letters. The TNC2 standard configuration uses letters (|A etc.). Use the Alt-N key and move the cursor up and down to select the I/O channel automatically. 21.1.10 Conference In the Conference Mode on the other hand, everything that you type at the keyboard is automatically transmitted to each station that you are connected LAN-LINK.DOC (c) G3ZCZ 1988 - 1992 Appendix 1 LAN-LINK 2.00 Features, Menus and Commands, Page 104 with. Thus if you are linked to two stations each line will be packeted twice by the TNC. You don't have to worry about sending the wrong thing to the wrong person, as they will all get the stuff. You enter this Mode by selecting the 'F' option in the Terminal Menu. You terminate this Mode by selecting the '1' option. You connect in the usual manner using Alt-C or the Connect Option in the Call Menu. You MUST WAIT FOR A CONNECTION TO BE ESTABLISHED OR TIME OUT before attempting to connect to the next station. If you do not, you will get an error message back from the TNC. In the Conference Mode, as the same text is transmitted on all I/O channels, the throughput will be reduced. Slow down your typing speed or use short packets. Should you check the link status or call monitored list, you may not be able to get back into the Converse Mode if you have too many packets outstanding. If that happens, wait a while and then try to set the Converse Mode with Function Key 10 (F10). You may have to try it a few times, depending on how good your links are. DON'T TRY TO SEND A FILE IN THE CONFERENCE MODE, IT IS NOT DESIGNED FOR IT. KEEP THE PACKETS SHORT. BE ALSO WARNED that IF YOU USE THE CONFERENCE (BRIDGE) MODE ON BAD LINKS (SUCH AS CROWDED HF CHANNELS AND OTHERS WITH LOTS OF RETRIES), THE KEYBOARD MAY SEEM TO LOCK UP, WHILE LAN-LINK WAITS FOR SPACE IN THE TNC BUFFER TO OUTPUT THE TEXT. The Conference Mode will only work in the PK-232 if DCDCONN is set to ON. So if you are using a PK-232, LAN-LINK will do it for you when you enter the Conference Terminal Mode in case you forgot or/and haven't set the LAN-LINK.SYS file to include the line 'DCD ON'. At the same time set LAN-LINK.SYS default states to show the calls of other stations on each incoming line in the Multiconnect modes (read the TNC manual on how to do this). The Conference Mode will only work in the TNC2 if DCDCONN is jumpered so that Pin 8 of the RS-232 Interface changes state when you connect to someone else. If you get error messages and see the characters '|J' on your screen, then the jumper probably isn't set. The Conference Mode does not work on the TNC1. In the LAN-LINK.DOC (c) G3ZCZ 1988 - 1992 Appendix 1 LAN-LINK 2.00 Features, Menus and Commands, Page 105 Conference Mode, if any one of the stations disconnects, the TNC will return to the Command Mode, and you must use Function Key 10 (F10) to return to the Converse Mode before you type another character of text. 21.1.10 Conference Bridge On/Off This option toggles the Conference Bridge on and off. In the Bridge Multiconnect Mode you are acting as a central switch. You can link together up to 10 stations in one multi-way connection. In this Mode any packets arriving on any stream are echoed to all other streams that you have 'connects' on except the one that they came in on. Anything you type will be sent to all connected streams. In this manner, all stations will not see their own text echoed back. Each line of text output by LAN-LINK in this Mode will contain the callsign of the station originating the packet. Your packets will contain your call as entered in line 1 of the LAN-LINK.SYS file. Thus for example, if your call was KB8RP/4X and normally shows up in the packet header as KB8RP here it will show in the data as KB8RP/4X. Just remember that the Bridge puts out a lot of packets, so do multi-way connects on a quiet frequency. You must be in the Conference Mode to turn the bridge on, and any disconnect will take the bridge down. Should that happen, toggle it on again. A bridge will be shown in the status window whenever the Conference Bridge is up. 21.1.11 Turn Metabeacon On/Off This option lets you turn the LAN-LINK Metabeacon On and Off. Lan-LINK provides you with a Metabeacon, that gives you the capability to transmit a long beacon message at periodic intervals. The Metabeacon is loaded from the contents of one of the LAN-LINK.00n files. These files may be created by the LAN-LINK editor. When loading, LAN-LINK will insert a pass character (^V) into the text before a carriage return, so as not to end the packet before at least 240 characters, and not more than 255 characters have been output to the TNC. The maximum number of characters that can be loaded into the Metabeacon is 1776. The maximum number of packets in a Metabeacon is 7. You can also end force a hard carriage return or 'end of packet' in the Metabeacon by LAN-LINK.DOC (c) G3ZCZ 1988 - 1992 Appendix 1 LAN-LINK 2.00 Features, Menus and Commands, Page 106 inserting the '\' (backslash) character, which will not be transmitted, into the text. The frequency of Metabeacon transmissions is the same as that of the automatic CQ timer. The MetaBeacon is designed for special event stations. PLEASE do not abuse it. 21.2 AMTOR Terminal Menu In the AMTOR Communications Mode, you are presented with the choices shown in Figure 21.2. Type in the single letter to make your choice. Figure 21.2 PK-232 AMTOR Menu ╔═══════════PK232 AMTOR MENU═══════════╗ ║ C Force Break [ACHG] ║ ║ F Start Mode B [FEC] ║ ║ L Force LETTERS Case ║ ║ M Read the Mail [ALISTEN] ║ ║ S Standby Receive [ARQ] ║ ║ R Set ROBOT/Mailbox ║ ║ W CW Identification ║ ║ Z Set ROBOT Infinite Delay ║ ╚══════════════════════════════════════╝ 21.2.1 Force Break [ACHG] This option forces a changeover or 'break in'. If for any reason you want to interrupt the other station you send a 'BREAK' signal in software this way. 21.2.2 Start Mode B [FEC] This option places the terminal into the FEC Transmit Mode. This puts you on the air, anything you type will be transmitted. Function Key 10 (F10) does the same thing. 21.2.3 Force LETTERS case This option lets you force the PK-232 receiver to the letters case if for some reason you appear to be in the numbers case. It will return you to the Converse Mode. If your TNC allows you to use a control character (^L) to force the letters case, you don't need to go through all these menu layers to do the job. LAN-LINK.DOC (c) G3ZCZ 1988 - 1992 Appendix 1 LAN-LINK 2.00 Features, Menus and Commands, Page 107 21.2.4 Read the Mail [ALISTEN/LAMTOR] This option lets you read the Mail on a QSO. Unfortunately, when you tune in a chirping AMTOR QSO in the ARQ or Standby Mode you won't get any copy on the QSO in progress. You can however read the mail on one by entering this Mode. 21.2.5 Override ROBOT/Mailbox This option lets you temporarily override the ROBOT BEACON and chat to a station that has linked to the ROBOT. Use it after the message in LAN-LINK.TXT has been sent, namely when the other station is sending a message to you. 21.2.6 Standby Receive [ARQ] This option returns you to the ARQ Standby Mode. You must be in this Mode to receive signals from another station who is calling you. When you tune for CQ calls, they sound somewhat like fast RTTY with a ringing sound similar to the connect alarm used by LAN-LINK (but at a faster ringing rate). 21.2.7 Set ROBOT/Mailbox This option lets you turn on the Mailbox during a regular AMTOR QSO so that the other station can leave a message or download a file remotely. You must only use it when the other station is sending text. 21.2.8 CW Identification This option is used to send a CW identification. The CWID is sent in the FEC Mode. The identification consists of the sequence 'DE <your callsign>' where your call sign is that entered into the PK- 232 as 'MYCALL'. You use this feature if your license requires you to identify in Morse code as well as in the operating mode. 21.2.9 Set ROBOT Infinite Delay You use this option to prevent the Robot from ever transmitting when not linked. In the normal manner, the Robot counts down the CQ delay parameter, and, when it gets to 0 puts a CQ call on the air. If the Infinite Delay is set, the CQ call will be inhibited. This LAN-LINK.DOC (c) G3ZCZ 1988 - 1992 Appendix 1 LAN-LINK 2.00 Features, Menus and Commands, Page 108 option thus puts the Robot into an indefinite wait mode where it thinks it has sent out a CQ call and is waiting for a reply. You would use this Mode if you want to set up a MailBox on a known frequency for some group or organization. 21.3 Baudot Terminal Menu In the Baudot Communications Mode, you are presented with the choices shown in Figure 21.3. Type in the single letter to make your choice. Figure 21.3 PK-232 BAUDOT Menu ╔═══════════PK232 BAUDOT MENU════════════╗ ║ B Set Baud Rate ║ ║ F Select Shift ║ ║ N Turn NAVY MARS Message Protocol ON ║ ║ U USOS OFF ║ ║ K Turn SELCAL ON ║ ║ W CW Identification ║ ╚════════════════════════════════════════╝ 21.3.1 Set Baud Rate This feature allows you to set a desired communications baud rate directly. You will be prompted to enter the desired rate. Use this command to avoid having to shift through too many intermediate states, if for example, you want to make a direct change from 45 to 100 baud. 21.3.2 Select Shift This feature lets you select Wide (850 Hz) or narrow (170 Hz) shift directly. The PK-232 will copy 170 Hz signals using its internal 200 Hz circuitry. If you have a KAM, you may also select the Commercial Shift (425 Hz). The shift is displayed in the status window at the top of the screen. It is shown as 'W', 'N' or 'C' for wide, narrow or commercial respectively. 21.3.3 NAVY MARS Message Protocol The Navy Mars option toggles the Navy MARS Mode on and off. When active, the feature provides the following protocol. 21.3.3.1 Any Carriage Return or Enter (CR) from the keyboard is sent as CR, CR. (two sequential CR LAN-LINK.DOC (c) G3ZCZ 1988 - 1992 Appendix 1 LAN-LINK 2.00 Features, Menus and Commands, Page 109 characters. 21.3.3.2 In a file transmission lines are terminated by a CR,CR,LF (Line Feed) sequence. 21.3.3.3 In a file transmission, blank lines are sent as a LF (without a CR). 21.3.3.4 In a file transmission, a plus sign '+' in the file is replaced by a sequence of 12 "letters" characters. There can be more than one + sign on a line. 21.3.3.5 In a file transmission, the sequence 'NNNN' is transmitted followed by a sequence of 12 "letters" characters. There can only be one 'NNNN' sequence on a line. When the NAVY MARS feature is active a [N] will be displayed in the status window. 21.3.4 USOS On/Off This option toggles the Unshift on space (USOS) feature on and off. When the USOS is on, the TNC reverts to the letters shift each time a 'space' character is received. It helps when displaying noisy copy. If USOS is active, 'USOS' will be shown in the status window at the top of the screen. 21.3.5 SELCAL On/Off This command key toggles the SELCAL feature on and off. When the SELCAL is activated, as shown in the status window, the incoming text from the TNC is scanned. When either the letters "ZCZC" or 'your callsign' (as entered in line 1 of the LAN-LINK.SYS file) is received the "capture-to-disk" is turned on. All subsequent text will be stored in the LAN- LINK.RUN file until the letters "NNNN" are received. At that time the "capture- to-disk" is turned off. You may use this feature when monitoring commercial RTTY broadcasts to record news and other information, or when calling CQ to start recording all incoming text and keep the QSO on disk. You may use Function Key 1 (F1) to turn the capture to disk permanently on to override the automatic turnoff if you wish. LAN-LINK.DOC (c) G3ZCZ 1988 - 1992 Appendix 1 LAN-LINK 2.00 Features, Menus and Commands, Page 110 21.3.6 CW Identification This option is used to send a CW identification. You use this if your license requires you to identify in Morse Code as well as in the operating mode. The identification consists of the sequence 'DE <your callsign>' where your call sign is that entered into the PK- 232 as 'MYCALL'. 21.4 ASCII Terminal Menu In the ASCII Communications Mode, you are presented with the choices shown in Figure 21.4. Type in the single letter to make your choice. Figure 21.4 PK-232 ASCII Menu ╔════════════PK232 ASCII MENU════════════╗ ║ B Set Baud Rate ║ ║ F Select Shift ║ ║ K Turn SELCAL ON ║ ║ W CW Identification ║ ╚════════════════════════════════════════╝ 21.4.1 Set Baud Rate This feature allows you to set a desired communications baud rate directly. You will be prompted to enter the desired rate. Use this command to avoid having to shift through too many intermediate states, if for example, you want to make a direct change from 110 to 1200 baud. 21.4.2 Select Shift This feature lets you select Wide (850 Hz) or narrow (170 Hz) shift directly. The PK-232 will copy 170 Hz signals using its internal 200 Hz circuitry. If you have a KAM, you may also select the Commercial Shift (425 Hz). The shift is displayed in the status window at the top of the screen. It is shown as 'W', 'N' or 'C' for wide, narrow or commercial respectively. 21.4.3 SELCAL On/Off This command key toggles the SELCAL feature on and off. When the SELCAL is activated, as shown in the status window, the incoming text from the TNC is scanned. When either the letters "ZCZC" or 'your callsign' (as entered in line 1 of the LAN-LINK.SYS file) is received LAN-LINK.DOC (c) G3ZCZ 1988 - 1992 Appendix 1 LAN-LINK 2.00 Features, Menus and Commands, Page 111 the capture-to-disk is turned on. All subsequent text will be stored in the LAN- LINK.RUN disk file until the letters "NNNN" are received. At that time the capture- to-disk is turned off. You may use Function Key 1 (F1) to turn the capture to disk permanently on to override the automatic turnoff if you wish. 21.4.4 CW Identification This option is used to send a CW identification. You use this if your license requires you to identify in Morse code as well as in the operating mode. The identification consists of the sequence 'DE <your callsign>' where your call sign is that entered into the PK- 232 as 'MYCALL'. 21.5 CW Menu In the CW Communications Mode, you are presented with the choices shown in Figure 21.5. Type in the single letter to make your choice. ╔══════PK232 CW MENU═══════╗ ║ L Lock to Receive Signal ║ ║ S Set Morse Speed ║ ║ U Unlock Morse Speed ║ ║ X Turn XMIT Flag ON ║ ╚══════════════════════════╝ 21.5.1 Lock to Receive Signal This option locks the PK-232 to the speed of the incoming CW signal. 21.5.2 Set Morse Speed This option lets you set the CW speed. 21.5.3 Unlock Morse Speed This option unlocks the PK-232 from the incoming CW signal. It performs the same task as the Alt-D option keys. It is used to speed up capture of a new signal or to break the lock when the PK-232 appears to have locked up at the wrong speed. 22.0 eXit to DOS When you exit the program and return to DOS, if the Shut down LAN-LINK.DOC (c) G3ZCZ 1988 - 1992 Appendix 1 LAN-LINK 2.00 Features, Menus and Commands, Page 112 (QRT) flag is set to 0, the TNC is put into the VHF default mode in which it rejects calls from any other stations. (Read about the 'CFROM' command in the TNC manual). You can thus, if you wish, leave it powered, and if you also leave the VHF radio powered up, you will be active as a digipeater, but at the same time anyone trying to connect with you will receive a busy sig- nal. The MBX command (Reading the Mail) is also cleared at this time. If you want to leave the TNC set up to accept messages when LAN- LINK is not active, customize the shut down state as described in the Section 18.23. 23.0 The ELMER Menu ELMER is a smart server or second operator feature described in Appendix 7. The ELMER Menu presents you with the choices shown in Figure 23. Type in the single letter to make your choice. Figure 23 The ELMER Menu ╔═══════ELMER MENU═══════╗ ║ C Change ELMER File ║ ║ E Turn ELMER ON/OFF ║ ║ L Load ELMER.QSO ║ ║ P Pick File to edit ║ ║ S Edit ELMER.QSO ║ ║ T show state Table ║ ╚════════════════════════╝ 23.1 Change ELMER File This option allows you to change the ELMER configuration file. 23.2 Turn ELMER Flag ON/OFF This option allows you to turn ELMER on and off. If the ELMER configuration file (ELMER.QSO) is not present, you will not be able to turn ELMER on. 23.3 Load State Table (ELMER.QSO) This option allows you to reload the state table (ELMER.QSO). If a different state table is loaded, its name will appear in the menu. 23.4 Pick File to edit This option allows you to pick a file with the default filetype of 'TXT', and edit it. LAN-LINK.DOC (c) G3ZCZ 1988 - 1992 Appendix 1 LAN-LINK 2.00 Features, Menus and Commands, Page 113 23.5 Edit State Table (ELMER.QSO) This option allows you to edit the configuration file. 23.6 Show State Table This option allows you to see the contents of the state machine. It is used in debugging the logic to ensure that the contents of the table match what you thought you put in. A typical set of contents appears as shown in Figure 23.1. Figure 23.1 Typical ELMER State Table ╔═L═╦═C═╦═N═╦═R═╦═E═╦════KEYWORD════╦═U═╦═════FILE═══════╗ ║ 0║ 1║ 2║ 0 ║ 0║WHAT...........║ 0 ║* ║ ║ 1║ 2║ 3║ 0 ║ 0║ENGLISHMAN.....║ 0 ║* ║ ║ 2║ 2║100║ 0 ║ 0║SYSTEMS........║ 0 ║* ║ ║ 3║ 3║ 4║ 0 ║ 0║DOING..........║ 0 ║* ║ ║ 4║ 4║ 1║ 0 ║ 0║COUNTRY........║ 0 ║ME-USA.TXT ║ ║ 5║ 1║ 1║ 0 ║ 0║EQUIPMENT......║ 0 ║PK232COM.TXT ║ ║ 6║ 1║ 1║ 0 ║ 0║WX.............║ 0 ║LOCALWX.TXT ║ ║ 7║ 1║ 5║ 0 ║ 0║KENWOOD........║ 0 ║* ║ ║ 8║ 5║ 1║ 0 ║ 0║811............║ 0 ║811.TXT ║ ║ 9║ 5║ 1║ 0 ║ 0║711............║ 0 ║711.TXT ║ ║ 10║ 1║ 1║ 0 ║ 0║HELLO..........║ 0 ║HELLO.TXT ║ ║ 11║ 0║ 1║ 0 ║ 0║NAME...........║ 0 ║JOE.TXT ║ ║ 12║ 0║ 1║ 0 ║ 1║HAL............║ 0 ║HAL.BAT ║ Note the keyword has been capitalized and set to 15 characters wide. None existent characters have been represented as periods. LAN-LINK.DOC (c) G3ZCZ 1988 - 1992