Hal Communications RPC-2000 User manual

RPC-2000
Radio Packet Controller
Copyright 1988 by HAL Communications Corp., Urbana, Illinois.
Printed in the United States of America. All rights reserved.
Contents of this publication may not be reproduced in any form
without the written permission of the copyright owner.
IBM, IBM PC
1 PC-XT1
and PC-AT as used in this manual are
trade marks of International Business Machines Corporation.
January, 1988 Printing.

CONTENTS:
CHAPTER 1.
CHAPTER 2.
CHAPTER 3.
INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . .
MINIMUM HARWARE REQUIREMENTS .
MANUAL OVERVIEW . . . . . . .
INSTALLATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.1 Unpacking ....... .
1.2 Options Available ... .
1.3 Card Installation ........ .
1.3.1 Jumper Selections
1.3.2 HAL DS-3200 Radio Data Communications
1
2
2
4
4
4
4
5
Terminal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
1.3.3 IBM PC, PC-XT, and PC-AT Computers . . 7
1. 3. 4 IBM-compatible Computers . . . . . . . 7
1.4 Installation of the Optional 7910 Modem
Chip (M2-RPC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
1. 5 RPC-2000 Software Installation . . . . . . . 8
CONNECTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ·
2.1 Introduction .......... .
2.2 RPC-2000 Channel A Connector Pin-Out .. .
2.3 RPC-2000 Channel B Connector Pin-Out .. .
2.4 Connecting the RPC-2000 to Your Radio
Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.4.1 Connecting Channel A to an External
. 10
. 10
. 14
. 15
. 16
HF Modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
2.5
2.4.2 Connecting Channel A to a VHF Radio
with the M2-RPC Option Installed . .
2.4.3 Connecting Channel B to a VHF Radio
Radio Equipment Connector Pin-Outs • . . .
OPERATION . . . . . . . . . .
3.1 Loading the Software
. . . .
3.2 The Command Tree ... .
3.3 Operating the RPC-2000 .. .
3.3.1 Initial Setup
3.3.2 Linking Directly with Another
Station . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.3.3
3.3.4
3.3.5
Linking Through "Digipeaters" ...
The Callpath Command . . . . . .
Operation Using Repeaters . . . . .
.
19
. 20
. 21
. 22
. 22
. 23
. 31
• 32
. 33
. 33
. 34
. 35

CHAPTER 4.
CHAPTER 5.
CHAPTER 6.
USER ADJUSTMENTS . . . . . . . . · · · · ·
4.1 Modem Audio Output Level Adjustments
IN CASE OF DIFFICULTY . . . . . . . . . · · ·
5.1 Care and Feeding of Your RPC-2000 .
5.2 Typical Operational Problems ..... .
5.3 RFI Problems .......... .
5.4 Repair Procedures .......... · ·
.
36
36
• • 37
. 37
38
. 38
40
TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION • • • • • 4 2
6.1
6.2
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . .
42
. 44
• • • 4 4
44
Circuit Description Overview . . .
6.2.1 PC Buss Interface Circuitry
6.2.2 Timer and Interrupt Circuitry
6.2.3 Serial Communications Controller
(SCC) Circuitry ........ .
6.2.4 Push-to-Talk (PTT) and System
Indicator Circuitry . . . . .
6.2.5 AM7910 Modem Circuitry .....
6.2.6 RPC-2000 Connector Pin-Outs and
Connector RF Bypassing . . . . .
44
45
. 45
. 46
LIMITED WARRANTY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . • .
53

ILLUSTRATIONS:
FIGURE
1. RPC-2000
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
FIGURE
2. RPC-2000 Parts Placement
. . . . . . . . . . . 6
FIGURE
3.
RPC-2000 Channel A Connector Pin-Outs
. . . . .
14
FIGURE 4.
RPC-2000 Channel B Connector Pin-Outs
. . . . .
15
FIGURE
5.
RPC-2000 Channel A Connections to the
HAL ST-8000 HF Modem . . . . . . . . . . . . .
18
FIGURE 6 •
RPC-2000 Channel A (M2-RPC
Installed)
to
a VHF Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
19
FIGURE 7 . RPC-2000 Channel B a to a VHF Radio
. . . . . .
20
FIGURE
8.
The Command Tree . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
24
FIGURE 9. PC Buss Interface Circuitry . . . . . . . . . .
47
FIGURE
10.
Timer and Interrupt Circuitry
. . . . . . . . .
48
FIGURE
11.
Serial Communications
Controller
(SCC)
Circuitry
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
49
FIGURE
12. Push-to-Talk (PTT)
and System Indicator
Circuitry
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
50
FIGURE
13.
RPC-2000 AM7910 Modem Circuitry
. . . . . . . .
51
FIGURE
14.
Connector Pin-Outs and RF Bypassing
. . . . . .
52
t
TABLES:
TABLE
1. RPC-2000 Jumpers
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
TABLE
2.
RPC-2000 Channel A DB-25P (J8)
I/O Connections
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
11
TABLE
3. RPC-2000 Channel A DB-25P (J8)
I/O Ratings
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12
TABLE
4. RPC-2000 Channel B DE-9S (J9)
I/0 Connections
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13
TABLE
5.
RPC-2000 Channel B DE-9S
(J9)
I/0 Ratings
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13
TABLE
6. Typical HF Packet Tone Sets
. . . . . . . . . .
17
TABLE
7.
Booting the Software . . . . . . . . . . . . .
23

RPC-2000 INSTRUCTION MANUAL
INTRODUCTION
This manual describes the installation and operation of the HAL
RPC-2000 Radio Packet Controller. This interface is specifically
designed for the HAL DS-3200 Radio Data Communications Terminal
or any fully IBM-compatible PC, PC-XT, or PC-AT device.
The RPC-2000 is a two channel radio packet controller that adds
fast, error-free data communications to radio links. The RPC-
2000 uses Packet Radio protocol based on AX.25 to provide error-
free data communications at rates from 45 to 4800 BPS. Two
switchable channels are included in the RPC-2000, providing
error-corrected data communications capability on two radio
systems. The standard configuration includes an onboard 7910
modem with a DE-9S connector for one packet channel. An optional
7910 modem or an external modem can be used with the DB-25P
connector for the second packet channel. Thus, a high-
performance HF modem such as the HAL ST-8000 may be directly
connected to the RPC-2000 for optimum HF performance. The RPC-
2000 does not require use of any of the asynchronous RS-232C
serial I/O ports of the terminal or PC-compatible. Rather, the
RPC-2000 makes use of the synchronous data ports of the system.
The RPC-2000 is driven entirely from disk-based software that
runs in the DS-3200 or PC-compatible. This software is
specifically designed to be very user friendly. All features and
modes are chosen from on-screen menus. Communication parameters
such as connect status, call signs, paths, data rate, and others
are shown by on-screen status indicators.
The exclusive HAL CALLpath feature provides a user-programmable
directory of frequently used call signs and connect paths. In
addition, the RPC-2000 provides disk file transfer and storage.
The mode, tones, and data rate of the internal modem( s) are
controlled by keyboard commands.
The software is furnished with the RPC-2000 at no additional
cost.
The RPC-2000 includes a large number of features, giving a great
deal of flexibility to the operator. It is suggested that the
operator particularly read all of Chapters 1 and 2 before
installing the RPC-2000 circuit board and Chapter 3 before
attempting the use of the board and software.

CHAPTER 1 INSTALLATION
PAGE 2
MINIMUM HARDWARE REQUIREMENTS
The RPC-2000 Radio Packet Controller board is designed to be used
in the HAL DS-3200 Radio Data Communications Terminal or in an
IBM PC, PC-XT, or PC-AT computer. The RPC-2000 will also work
well with fully IBM-compatible computers.
Due to possible differences in the computer BIOS (Basic Input/
Output System) ROM integrated circuits used in IBM-compatible
computers, HAL Communications Corp. cannot guarantee the RPC-2000
will work in ALL "IBM-compatible computers".
Minimum System Requirements: PC-DOS or MS-DOS Version 2. 1 or
later. Full-length (13 1/4") card slot. Two 360K floppy disk
drives or hard disk drive. 512K RAM.
MANUAL OVERVIEW
This manual describes the installation and operation of the HAL
RPC-2000 Radio Packet Controller. In the following chapters you
will learn how to install, connect, and operate your RPC-2000.
Chapter 1 covers RPC-2000 installation; this chapter should be
CAREFULLY reviewed before installing the RPC-2000 into your DS-
3200 or computer. Also discussed is the installation of the
system software.
Chapter 2 discusses connecting the RPC-2000 to your radio
equipment and an external modem (if used). RPC-2000 I/O ratings
are also presented in this chapter. PLEASE read this chapter
carefully as possible damage to your DS-3200 or computer and your
radio equipment can occur if the connections are incorrectly
made.
Chapter 3 discusses loading system software and overall operation
of the RPC-2000.
Chapter 4 summarizes user adjustments to the RPC-2000.
Chapter 5 provides some assistance should technical problems
arise with the RPC-2000.
Chapter 6 contains the specifications, a brief technical
description of the RPC-2000, and schematic diagrams.
The last section of this manual presents the HAL Communications
Corp. 1 YEAR Limited Warranty.

0
0
0
N
I
u
z
P.J
0
~
H
8
~
...:1
rl
...:1
~
r:r:l
8
~
{/)
::::>
z 0
H H
fJ:-1

CHAPTER 1
1.1 Unpacking
INSTALLATION
CHAPTER 1
INSTALLATION
PAGE 4
When
unpacking your new RPC-2000, carefully inspect the shipping
carton, the circuit board, and the software diskette for shipping
damage. Any evidence of damage should be immediately reported to
your supplying dealer or shipping carrier. Be sure to save all
packing materials if damage is found - the shipping carrier will
want to inspect them for any insurance claim.
Check the accessories against the following list. If any are
found missing, double-check the packing for loose parts and
notify your dealer or HAL Communications Corp. immediately so
that the shortage may be rectified. Please be sure to specify
the HAL part number!
Packing List:
1 - 934-02000
1 - 865-02001
1 - 870-02001
1 - 333-20090
1 - 333-51218
1 - 333-10250
1 - 333-51228
2 - 333-74564
RPC-2000 Circuit Board
RPC-2000 Software Diskette
RPC-2000 Instruction Manual
DE-9P Connector
DE-9P Connector Shell
DB-25S Connector
DB-25P Connector Shell
Connector Shell Hardware Kits
1.2 Options Available
The only option available for the RPC-2000 is the M2-RPC Second
On-Board Modem Option. This consists of a 7910 I.C. modem
designed to plug into the U20 socket on the RPC-2000 circuit
board. This optional modern I.C. is used for Channel A on the DB-
25P connector. Please contact your HAL dealer or HAL
Communications Corp. directly for the M2-RPC.
1.3 Card Installation
The RPC-2000 is constructed on one full-length IBM plug-in card.
It may be inserted into any unused full-length card slot in the
DS~3200 Radio Data Communications Terminal or IBM PC, PC-XT, PC-
AT, or fully IBM-compatible computer.
""

CHAPTER 1 INSTALLATION
PAGE 5
1.3.1 Jumper Selections
Before installing the RPC-2000 in your DS-3200 or computer,
please check to see that the jumpers on the RPC-2000 circuit
board are set correctly. The available jumpers are shown in
Table 1 and their positions are shown in Figure 2.
JUMPER
TABLE 1
RPC-2000 JUMPERS
POSITIONS
FACTORY SETTINGS
-----------------------------------------------------------------
CHANNEL A PTT
TIME-OUT
DEFEAT
(J1)
CHANNEL B PTT
TIME-OUT
DEFEAT
(J2)
CHANNEL A
SELECT
(J3)
EXTERNAL CLOCK
SELECT
(J4)
ADDRESS SELECT
ADR (J5)
INTERRUPT REQUEST
SELECT
IRQ
(J7)
ON/OFF OFF
ON/OFF OFF
FACTORY PRE-SET
RESERVED FOR FUTURE USE
S1/S2
S1
IRQ2/IRQ3/IRQ4
IRQ2

t:l:j
H
G)
c:::
:;o
tx:l
IV
~
()
I
IV
0
0
0
1-d
~
:;o
1-3
C/)
1-d
t:-l
~
()
tx:l
::s:
tx:l
z
1-3
A
B
c
D
E
GND
0
2 I 3
-iAlt:;:f"'U -t:::Ot:::'""'
><><n~ xxn-t
t::llt:::1t:1-l ~t::1t::1-f
txft:;n:oo~ l>l>:>>
""
0 d 0
QL..a.__fll DS 2 DS!
lli\E.:.O_Ul (ill]
.IlEf.ill J2
I
m Jl
CH A PTT
IJlli:=illll
rurAl
CH B MODEM
OUTPUT LEVEL
D
@ CH B MODEM RXD
DS3
QUJJ_QiliJi
OUTPUT LEVEL
D
R21
2
R12
CH A MODEM RXD
@ 0
GND
DS4
3
4 I 5 I
§J4
J3 !ilil
6 I
ADDRESUilli.l
JS -==S2
S!
GND
0
7
JS
INTERRUPT LEYEL
J7 .1f\
;;5Si,i;Q
000
NW_,.
I 8
CHANNEL B
CHANNEL A
REV. (l.:f1l HAL COMMUNICATIONS CORP.
ChANGED 1RQ4 PRESET TO JRQ2 I A [l1lJ BOX 365, URBANA, IL 61801
I
A
B
c
D
I I I IRPC-2000 PARTS PLACEMENT' E
DATE 1/20/88 SCALE FULL
I I I 1 DRN BY TIH
APP BY
NO. C1330A
5 6 7 8
()
::r:
~
1-tJ
1-3
tx:l
:;o
1-'
H
z
C/)
~
t:-l
s:
1-3
H
0
z
1-d
~
G)
tx:l
0'1

CHAPTER 1 INSTALLATION
PAGE 7
*****************************************************************
NOTE: The RPC-2000 has been tested in HAL DS-3200 Radio Data
Communications Terminals and in "standard" versions and models of
the IBM PC, PC-XT, PC-AT, and several fully IBM-compatible
computers with standard video cards, disk controllers, and serial
communications cards. However, HAL Communications Corp. cannot
assume responsibility (or non-operation) of the card when other
options are installed in the DS-3200 or computer. If problems
are experienced, try removing extra option cards until correct
operation is observed.
*****************************************************************
Generally, the RPC-2000 will function normally if the following
conditions are met by the IBM-compatible computer in question:
1. Compatible ROM BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) routines.
2. Compatible IBM-buss structure.
3. Compatible interrupt routines.
1.3.2 HAL DS-3200 Radio Data Communications Terminal
Remove the 16 flat-head screws from the top cover. Lift-off the
top cover. The RPC-2000 may be installed in any of the long
slots available in the DS-3200. Remove the card slot cover from
the long slot chosen for the RPC-2000 installation. Plug-in the
RPC-2000 and secure the card bracket with the screw originally
removed from the card slot cover. Replace the top cover of the
DS-3200 with the 16 flat-head screws.
1.3.3 IBM PC, PC-XT, and PC-AT Computers
Remove the back panel screws which secure the top chassis cover.
Slide the cover forward and lift-away from the computer bottom
chassis. The RPC-2000 may be installed in any of the long slots
available in the computer. Remove the card slot cover from the
long slot chosen for the RPC-2000 installation. Plug-in the RPC-
2000 and secure the card bracket with the screw originally
removed from the card slot cover. Slide-on the top chassis cover
and secure with the back panel screws.
1.3.4 IBM-compatible Computers
Due to the rapid growth of the "PC-compatible" market, it is
impossible to list all of the possible chassis variations
available. However, installation of the RPC-2000 in an IBM-

CHAPTER 1 INSTALLATION
PAGE 8
compatible most often is very similar to that of the IBM PC, in
that the top cover chassis is removed in the same fashion. Some
IBM-compatibles, however, may have a top cover which is hinged at
the rear allowing easier access to the expansion slots.
1.4 Installation of the Optional 7910 Modem Chip (M2-RPC)
Remove the 7910 modern integrated circuit from the packing
material. CAUTION: SOLID STATE DEVICES ARE VERY SENSITIVE TO
STATIC ELECTRICITY. ALL WORK SHOULD BE ACCOMPLISHED IN AN AREA
OF NO STATIC ELECTRICITY.
Carefully install the 7910 in the U20 socket. Pin 1 of the 7910
-- which is denoted by a dimple in the plastic cover -- should be
oriented next to the Pin 1 silk-screened on the RPC-2000 printed
circuit board. Please check that all pins are properly seated in
the socket and that there are no bent pins.
1.5 RPC-2000 Software Installation
The software for the RPC-2000 is supplied on one 5. 25" floppy
diskette. You should make back-up copies of this diskette BEFORE
attempting operation. It is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED that you place a
write-protect tab on the HAL RPC-2000 diskette. This will
help prevent accidental erasing of the original diskette when
copying the files. The DOS system files must also be included on
the operating RPC-2000 diskette should you wish the diskette to
be a "bootable" one.
First, you must prepare a new diskette using the FORMAT/S
command. This formats the diskette and places the DOS
"hidden" files and COMMAND.COM on the diskette. Next, copy the
RPC-2000 files from the master to the newly formatted diskette.
Please refer to your DOS manual for proper procedures for your
computer configuration. After copies have been made, store the
master HAL RPC-2000 diskette in a safe location and use a copy of
the master diskette for normal operation.
For a DS-3200 Radio Data Communications Terminal or an IBM-
compatible computer with a hard drive, simply copy the RPC-2000
software diskette files to your hard drive. You may wish to make
a sub-directory on the hard disk with the \MD DOS command. You
could name the sub-directory \PACKET or \RPC, or whatever
filename you wish.

CHAPTER 1
INSTALLATION
PAGE 9
*****************************************************************
NOTE: The RPC-2000 software will function only with the HAL RPC-
2000 circuit board installed. The RPC-2000 software is
copyrighted by HAL Communications Corp. and duplication of the
software for other than your own use with the RPC-2000 is
specifically prohibited. Any attempt to copy this software for
resale or any other use other than with the supplied RPC-2000
circuit board will be vigorously prosecuted to the full extent of
the copyright laws.
*****************************************************************
After the RPC-2000 circuit board is installed in the DS-3200 or
IBM-compatible computer (but before connection to the radio
system), "boot" the RPC-2000 software. After the program
"boots", you will see the title page with the software version
number. Remember this version number! We will need to know the
version number if you should call us with a software problem.
l

CHAPTER 2
CONNECTIONS
CHAPTER 2
CONNECTIONS
PAGE 10
This chapter describes connecting the RPC-2000 Two-Channel Radio
Packet Controller to your radio station equipment. PLEASE
CAREFULLY READ THIS CHAPTER BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO CONNECT THE RPC-
2000 TO YOUR TRANSCEIVER OR OTHER RADIO STATION EQUIPMENT.
*****************************************************************
FAILURE TO HEED THE ABOVE WARNING MAY PERMANENTLY DAMAGE THE RPC-
2000. THEREFORE, PLEASE STUDY THIS CHAPTER WELL!!
*****************************************************************
2.1 Introduction
The RPC-2000 has only two connectors on the rear card bracket.
The 25-pin DB-25P connector ( J8) is used for CHANNEL A. As
configured from the factory, CHANNEL A is intended to be used
with a high-performance external HF modem such as the HAL ST-
8000. An optional 7910 I.e. modem (M2-RPC) is available for use
on CHANNEL A in lieu of the external HF modem. Please contact
your HAL dealer or HAL Communications Corp. directly for this
option. Please note that for high-performance HF packet, an
external modem is highly recommended. When the M2-RPC option is
installed, CHANNEL A could certainly be used on HF but with
lesser performance. Or, it could be used as a second separate
packet channel on VHF.
The 9-pin DE-9S connector (J9) is used for CHANNEL B. CHANNEL B
is primarily designed for use on VHF packet. The modem used for
this channel is a 7910 I.C. modem.
All I/O connections to the RPC-2000 are made via the DB-25P
connector (J8) or the DE-9S connector (J9) on the rear panel of
the DS-3200 Radio Data Communications Terminal or IBM-compatible
computer AFTER installation of the RPC-2000. ALL signals
required for direct connection to your radio system( s) or an
external HF modem are supplied on these connectors.
The DB-25P (J8) and DE-9S (J9) connectors abide by the standard
RS-232C convention for I/O pin-outs, although not all pins are
supported.
1

CHAPTER 2
PIN
1
2
3
4
5
6*
7
8
9*
10*
11*
12*
13*
14
15
16
17
18*
19
20
21*
22*
23*
24*
25*
CONNECTIONS PAGE
11
TABLE 2.
RPC-2000 CHANNEL A
DB-25P (J8) I/0 CONNECTIONS
NAME
GROUND
TXD
RXD
RTS
CTS
GROUND
DCD
TCA
ST
RCA
RT
APTT OUT
DTR
FUNCTION
SIGNAL GROUND
TRANSMIT DATA
RECEIVE DATA
REQUEST TO SEND
CLEAR TO SEND
SIGNAL GROUND
DATA CARRIER DETECT
TRANSMIT AUDIO CHANNEL A
TRANSMIT TIMING (CLOCK)
RECEIVE AUDIO
CHANNEL A
RECEIVE TIMING (CLOCK)
PTT
OUTPUT CHANNEL A
DATA TERMINAL READY
* Denotes this pin unused
'%
'~

CHAPTER 2
PIN
NAME
CONNECTIONS
TABLE 3.
RPC-2000 CHANNEL A
DB-25P
(J8) I/0 RATINGS
MAXIMUM
PAGE 12
FUNCTION
-----------------------------------------------------------------
1
GND
SIGNAL GROUND
2
TXD +/-12VDC
RS-232C SIGNAL (OUT)
3
RXD +/-12VDC
RS-232C SIGNAL (IN)
4
RTS +/-12VDC
RS-232C SIGNAL (OUT)
5
CTS +/-12VDC
RS-232C SIGNAL (IN)
6*
7
GND
SIGNAL GROUND
8
DCD +/-12VDC
RS-232C SIGNAL (IN)
9*
10*
11*
12*
13*
14
TCA 0 DBM
TRANSMIT AUDIO
CHANNEL A (OUT)
-30 DBM TYPICAL
15 ST
+/-12VDC
TRANSMIT TIMER
16
RCA 0 DBM
RECEIVE AUDIO
CHANNEL A ( IN)
-30 DBM TYPICAL
17
RT +/-12VDC
RECEIVE TIMER
18*
19
APTT OUT
O.C.**
CHANNEL A PTT OUT
20
DTR +/-12VDC
RS-232C SIGNAL (OUT)
21*
22*
23*
24*
25*
* Denotes this pin unused
** Open collector transistor switch to ground (Type VN10KM)
~

CHAPTER 2
PIN
CONNECTIONS
TABLE
4.
RPC-2000 CHANNEL B
DE-9S
(J9) I/0 CONNECTIONS
NAME
FUNCTION
PAGE 13
-----------------------------------------------------------------
1
2
3*
4
5*
6*
7
8
9
PIN
NAME
RCB
RECEIVE AUDIO CHANNEL B
GND
SIGNAL GROUND
BPTT OUT
CHANNEL B PTT OUTPUT
GND
SIGNAL GROUND
TCB
TRANSMIT AUDIO CHANNEL B
GND
SIGNAL GROUND
* Denotes this pin unused
TABLE 5.
RPC-2000 CHANNEL B
DE-9S
(J9) I/0 RATINGS
MAXIMUM
FUNCTION
-----------------------------------------------------------------
1
2
3*
.4
5*
6*
7
8
9
RCB
0 DBM
GND
BPTT OUT O.C.**
GND
TCB 0 DBM
GND
* Denotes this pin unused
RECEIVE AUDIO
CHANNEL B ( IN)
-30 DBM TYPICAL
SIGNAL
GROUND
CHANNEL B PTT OUT
SIGNAL GROUND
TRANSMIT AUDIO
CHANNEL B (OUT)
-30 DBM TYPICAL
SIGNAL
GROUND
** Open collector transistor switch to ground (Type VN10KM)
··~

CHAPTER 2 CONNECTIONS PAGE 14
*****************************************************************
IMPORTANT NOTICE: AVOID SHORTING ANY OF
ON EITHER THE DB-25P OR DE-9S CONNECTORS.
IN
DAMAGE TO THE RPC-2000 OR THE SWITCHING
DS-3200 OR IBM-cOMPATIBLE COMPUTER.
THE RS-232C I/0 LEVELS
TO DO SO, COULD RESULT
POWER SUPPLY OF THE
*****************************************************************
2.2 RPC-2000 Channel A Connector Pin-Out
Figure 3 below shows the Channel A signal definition on the DB-
25P connector (J8).
I I 2 I 3 I • I 5 I • I 7 I •
• •
RPC-2000 CH A
-J8
1-
DB25P
B
14-~f--
1
GNO
B
TCA
ST
f-2
RS232 TXD
15-f-- -f--3
RS232 RXD
RCA
16 -f-- -1--4
-
RT
RS232 RTS
17-!-- -1--s
RS232 CTS
'--
APTT OUT
19-_: :L7
GND
RS232 DTR
c
20- • -1--8
RS232 DCD
c
.
--
"-.:)
D D
-RfV.
DAT£
l>i'P.
llllJ HAL COMMUNlCATlDNS CORP.
BOX 3~S. 00""'- ll 61801
£
RPC-2000 CHANNEL A SJGNAL DEtlNJTJON E
DATE 1/21188 SCAli
DRH BY TFH
I NO. C1334
W'P BY
l I 2 I 3 I • I 5 I • 7 I 8
FIGURE 3. RPC-2000 CHANNEL A CONNECTOR PIN-OUT
'

CHAPTER 2 CONNECTIONS PAGE
15
2.3 RPC-2000 Channel B Connector Pin-Out
Figure 4 below shows the Channel B signal definition on the DE-9S
connector (J9).
I I 2 I 3 I 4 I s I ' I 7 I •
• A
-
1-
RPC-200Q CH B
J9
DE9S
J B
:u:
KCB
GND
GND
-
TCB
1-
GND
BPiT OUT
c c
-
1-
D D
-
REV.
DATE
W'P.
Elfi) HAL CDHHUNJCATJONS CORP.
BOX 365. ~ ll 61801
[
RPC -2000 CHANNEL B SlGNAL DErlNJTJON r
DATE 1/2!/88 SCIU
DRH BY TFH
] NO. C1335
W'P !Y
I I 2 1 3 I 4 I 5 I 6 7 T •
FIGURE 4. RPC-2000 CHANNEL B CONNECTOR PIN-OUT

CHAPTER 2 CONNECTIONS PAGE 16
2.4 Connecting the RPC-2000 to Your Radio Equipment
It is HIGHLY recommend that ALL cables between the RPC-2000 and
your radio equipment be shielded. Also, a separate LOW-
INDUCTANCE RF ground should be connected between the DS-3200 or
IBM-compatible computer and the radio equipment. The shield
braid from RG-8 or RG-213 coaxial cable serves this function
quite well. Do NOT use small gauge wire for RF grounding
purposes, as the wire will act as an antenna at normal HF
operating frequencies.
Make up your interface cables with the highest-quality shielded
cable you can can afford -- AND make them as short as possible.
Do not have an excess length connecting the RPC-2000 and your
radio station equipment.
Also, use shielded connector shells for the DB-25 and DE-9
connectors.
2.4.1 Connecting Channel A to an External HF Modem
The RPC-2000 Channel A DB-25P connector (J8) may be connected to
an external HF modem for higher-performance packet radio
operation on the HF bands. Your modem of choice should be
capable of running at a data rate of 300 BPS for HF packet
operation. The modem should also have tunable shift and tones
for ease of use.
The HAL ST-8000 HF Modem meets all of the above requirements.
You may also have access to other high-performance
which may meet this requirement. Nevertheless, using
modem on the front end of the RPC-2000 will make
operation much more reliable.
HF modems
a true HF
HF packet
Figure 5 describes the cable interface from the DB-25P connector
(J8) on the RPC-2000 to the Terminal Data connector on the ST-
8000.
The ST-8000 operationally should be set as follows to permit
operation with the RPC-2000 for HF packet:
A. Set the INPUT baud rate to 300 baud (BPS) on the front panel.
B. Set the DETECTOR MODE to AM mode M/S position.
C. Switch ANTISPACE to OFF.
D. Make
sure REGEN is OFF.
E. Set the PRINT SQUELCH to the threshold point.
~