Kantronics KAM XL User manual

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KANTRONICS
KAM XL
Reference Manual

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Table of Contents
Table of Contents ....................................................................................................................................................................2
Contact Us:..............................................................................................................................................................................5
REVISIONS............................................................................................................................................................................6
Disclaimer Notice....................................................................................................................................................................6
Kantronics Warranty Registration........................................................................................................................................... 7
IMPORTANT.......................................................................................................................................................................... 8
License Agreement..................................................................................................................................................................8
LIMITED WARRANTY ........................................................................................................................................................ 9
Return/Repair Procedures...................................................................................................................................................... 11
Radio Frequency Interference Statement .............................................................................................................................. 13
RFI Suppression ................................................................................................................................................................ 13
FCC Declaration of Conformity:........................................................................................................................................... 14
CE Marking Considerations .................................................................................................................................................. 14
Introduction........................................................................................................................................................................... 15
KAM XL features: ............................................................................................................................................................. 15
GPS compatibility: ............................................................................................................................................................ 15
APRS digipeater:............................................................................................................................................................... 15
Large PBBS:......................................................................................................................................................................15
E-mail:............................................................................................................................................................................... 16
Control and Sensing: ......................................................................................................................................................... 16
Remote access: .................................................................................................................................................................. 16
Other operations:............................................................................................................................................................... 16
Software control:............................................................................................................................................................... 16
Configurations:.................................................................................................................................................................. 16
Installation............................................................................................................................................................................. 17
Package Contents .............................................................................................................................................................. 17
Additional Parts Required for a Multi-Mode Radio Station.............................................................................................. 18
Front panel of the KAM XL............................................................................................................................................... 18
Rear panel of the KAM XL................................................................................................................................................18
CONNECTING THE KAM XL TO A POWER SOURCE...............................................................................................19
CONNECTING THE KAM XL TO A COMPUTER........................................................................................................ 19
The Terminal Program ...................................................................................................................................................... 23
CONNECTING THE KAM XL TO TRANSCEIVERS.................................................................................................... 24
AUX PORT (RS232 –DTE)............................................................................................................................................. 26
CONNECTING A GPS DEVICE ..................................................................................................................................... 26
Interface Communication modes of the KAM XL.................................................................................................................27
Terminal Mode.................................................................................................................................................................. 27
Kantronics Host Mode....................................................................................................................................................... 27
KISS Mode........................................................................................................................................................................28
XKISS (Extended KISS) Mode......................................................................................................................................... 29
COMMUNICATION MODES IN THE KAM XL ............................................................................................................... 30
Packet Mode...................................................................................................................................................................... 30
AX.25 Protocol for Amateur Packet Radio:...................................................................................................................... 30
Remote Access.................................................................................................................................................................. 36
Other Packet Modes of Operation .........................................................................................................................................37
PBBS (Personal Mailbox) ................................................................................................................................................. 37
PBBS Commands.............................................................................................................................................................. 39
Advanced PBBS Configuration......................................................................................................................................... 45
Remote SYSOP Access to the PBBS ................................................................................................................................ 46
KA-NODE............................................................................................................................................................................. 47
Overview........................................................................................................................................................................... 47
Configuring The KA-Node................................................................................................................................................ 47
Using a KA-Node.............................................................................................................................................................. 48
Using the XCONNECT Command ...................................................................................................................................48
Remote Commands of the KA-Node................................................................................................................................. 49
K-NET................................................................................................................................................................................... 51
K-Net Configuration.......................................................................................................................................................... 51

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Networking terms.............................................................................................................................................................. 52
K-Net SYSOP Commands ................................................................................................................................................ 53
K-Net USER commands: .................................................................................................................................................. 57
GPS NMEA, Weather station Interfacing ............................................................................................................................. 60
Overview........................................................................................................................................................................... 60
GPS Equipment Requirements.......................................................................................................................................... 60
Cabling a GPS Unit to the KAM-XL................................................................................................................................. 61
Configuring the GPS Commands ...................................................................................................................................... 61
Other GPS Features...........................................................................................................................................................62
GPS Command Summary..................................................................................................................................................64
Advanced GPS/APRS Digipeating....................................................................................................................................65
Improving Efficiencies of Advanced Digipeating............................................................................................................. 65
Overview of UI Digipeating Commands........................................................................................................................... 65
Configuring Digis for HF/VHF Gateway Operations........................................................................................................ 66
OTHER FUNCTIONS .......................................................................................................................................................... 68
TELEMETRY................................................................................................................................................................... 68
Copying NWS EMWIN Weather Broadcasts....................................................................................................................68
DAMA............................................................................................................................................................................... 69
HF Modes (Non-Packet) ....................................................................................................................................................... 71
Tuning in to receive signals............................................................................................................................................... 71
Exiting non-packet modes................................................................................................................................................. 71
CW ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 71
Receiving CW ................................................................................................................................................................... 71
Tuning in CW a signal....................................................................................................................................................... 71
Transmitting CW............................................................................................................................................................... 72
CW Directives................................................................................................................................................................... 73
RTTY .................................................................................................................................................................................... 74
Receiving RTTY ............................................................................................................................................................... 74
Tuning RTTY signals........................................................................................................................................................74
Transmitting RTTY........................................................................................................................................................... 74
RTTY Directives............................................................................................................................................................... 74
MARS Feature................................................................................................................................................................... 75
ASCII .................................................................................................................................................................................... 77
Receiving ASCII ............................................................................................................................................................... 77
Tuning ASCII signals........................................................................................................................................................77
Transmitting ASCII........................................................................................................................................................... 77
ASCII Directives............................................................................................................................................................... 77
AMTOR (includes LAMTOR, FEC, SELFEC, NAVTEX)..................................................................................................79
AMTOR Operation............................................................................................................................................................79
Calling CQ......................................................................................................................................................................... 79
Answering a CQ................................................................................................................................................................ 80
Mode B (FEC) Operation.................................................................................................................................................. 81
Mode B (SELFEC) Operation............................................................................................................................................... 81
Receiving Mode B SELFEC ............................................................................................................................................. 81
Transmitting Mode B SELFEC......................................................................................................................................... 81
LAMTOR (Listen Amtor) operation..................................................................................................................................... 81
Notes on AMTOR operation .............................................................................................................................................82
AMTOR directives............................................................................................................................................................ 82
NAVTEX .............................................................................................................................................................................. 83
NAVTEX/AMTEX Theory............................................................................................................................................... 83
NAVTEX/AMTEX Operation ..........................................................................................................................................84
NAVTEX directives.......................................................................................................................................................... 85
PACTOR (PTL, PTFEC) ...................................................................................................................................................... 86
Pactor Operation................................................................................................................................................................ 86
Tuning Pactor signals........................................................................................................................................................ 86
Monitoring Pactor FEC ..................................................................................................................................................... 86
Calling CQ or Transmitting FEC....................................................................................................................................... 86
Linking to another station..................................................................................................................................................86
PTLISTEN Mode.............................................................................................................................................................. 87
G-TOR (and GMON) ............................................................................................................................................................ 88

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G-TOR Operation.............................................................................................................................................................. 88
Tuning G-TOR.................................................................................................................................................................. 89
Monitoring G-TOR............................................................................................................................................................ 89
Linking to another station in G-TOR ................................................................................................................................ 89
Speed changes ................................................................................................................................................................... 89
PBBS Access in G-TOR.................................................................................................................................................... 90
Summary of GTOR Directives.......................................................................................................................................... 91
PSK31 ................................................................................................................................................................................... 93
Tuning PSK31 Signals ...................................................................................................................................................... 93
Transmitting PSK31.......................................................................................................................................................... 93
Exiting PSK mode.............................................................................................................................................................93
PSK31 Directives ..............................................................................................................................................................93
Command Reference............................................................................................................................................................. 95
Introduction....................................................................................................................................................................... 95
Entering Commands.......................................................................................................................................................... 98
COMMANDS ....................................................................................................................................................................... 99
Appendix A: Installation ..................................................................................................................................................... 181
Precautions ...................................................................................................................................................................... 181
Connecting to Radios ......................................................................................................................................................181
Interfacing Hand-Held Radios......................................................................................................................................... 182
Port 1: HF and Packet......................................................................................................................................................183
Transmit level.................................................................................................................................................................. 184
Appendix B: Advanced Information ................................................................................................................................... 185
Disassembly and Assembly............................................................................................................................................. 185
Hard Reset....................................................................................................................................................................... 185
Updating/Uploading new BIOS (Firmware) ................................................................................................................... 186
Calibration....................................................................................................................................................................... 187
PTT (Push-to-Talk) Watchdog Timer .............................................................................................................................189
Jumpers............................................................................................................................................................................ 190
Appendix C: Replacing the Lithium Battery....................................................................................................................... 192
Appendix D: In Case of Difficulty ...................................................................................................................................... 193
Appendix E: Additional Information...................................................................................................................................195
Messages from the KAM XL........................................................................................................................................... 195

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Contact Us:
Kantronics
14830 W. 117th St.
Olathe, Kansas 66062
Orders/Inquiries [phone]
FAX [phone]
E-mail [e-mail]
Website: www.kantronics.com
Service/Technical Support [phone] (8 AM to 12PM and 1 to 5 PM Central
Time, M-F)
FAX [phone]
E-mail [e-mail]

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REVISIONS
Revision
Date
Description
B
2006-5-18
Updated Kantronics address
C
2006-08-22
CE mark removed pending RoHS compliance.
D
2011-07-31
Updated contact information, text revisions, formatting.
E
2015-05-28
Updated to a searchable format.
The Kam XL is a Kantronics hardware and software design incorporating the AX.25 Level 2 Version 2
Packet protocol as adopted by the American Radio Relay League.
We have attempted to make this manual technically and typographically correct as of the date of the
current printing. Production changes to the TNC may add errata or addendum sheets. Your
comments and/or suggested corrections can be sent to us (see our contact information).
This document was compiled in the U.S.A.
The Kam XL is manufactured in the U.S.A.
© Copyright 2000-2015 by Kantronics. All Rights Reserved.
Contents of this publication or the firmware within the Kam XL may not be reproduced in any form
without the written permission of the copyright owner.
KAM XL, Pacterm, K-Net, and G-Tor are registered trademarks of Kantronics Co., Inc.
KPC-3 Plus is a registered trademark of Kantronics Co., Inc.
KPC-9612 Plus is a registered trademark of Kantronics Co., Inc.
NET/ROM is a registered trademark of SOFTWARE 2000.
APRS is a registered trademark of Bob Bruninga, WB4APR.
HyperTerminal is a registered trademark of Microsoft.
PSK31 is a design of Peter Martinez, G3PLX.
Special Thanks to Peter for his consultation and direction of implementation of PSK31 in the Kam XL.
Disclaimer Notice
We have attempted to make this manual technically and typographically correct as of the date of the
current printing. Production changes to the KAM XL may add changes to the manual at a later date.
Information in this document is subject to change without notice.
Contents of this publication or the firmware within the KAM XL may not be reproduced in any form
without the written permission of the copyright owner.
Your comments and suggestions are welcome, see our Contact Us information.
Printed in the United States of America.

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Kantronics Warranty Registration
Please take the time to (print this page) fill out the warranty registration form and mail it to
Kantronics, including a copy of your sales receipt, to register your purchase. Refer to the warranty
policy in this manual for further information.
Mail form and sales receipt to:
Kantronics
14830 W 117th Street
Olathe, KS 66062
Warranty Registration
Last Name: First Name:
Call Sign: .
Mailing Address:
City:
State: Zip/Postal Code: Country:
Telephone: E-Mail:
Product: KAM XL Serial #:
Date of Purchase: Dealer:

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IMPORTANT
READ THIS PAGE BEFORE INSTALLING THIS KANTRONICS PRODUCT
This product contains SOFTWARE on Programmable Memory (ROM) and/or diskette, which is
protected by both United States copyright law and international treaty provisions.
If you install or use this product, you will be deemed to be bound by the terms of the SOFTWARE
license shown below. If you do not wish to be bound by such license, return the (unused) complete
product package to your supplier for refund. The supplier may deduct restocking/re-packaging costs.
License Agreement
1. License. In consideration of payment of the License Fee, which is included in the price of the product, the Licensee
(you) is granted by the Licensor (Kantronics Company, Inc. - Kantronics) a non-exclusive right to use the
SOFTWARE and associated documentation. No ownership rights to the SOFTWARE or its Documentation are
transferred from Kantronics to you.
2. Term. This License Agreement is effective until terminated. You may terminate this Agreement by destroying the
PROM or diskette or CD and documentation. You may not rent or lease the SOFTWARE, but you may transfer the
SOFTWARE and accompanying written materials on a permanent basis provided you retain no copies and the
recipient agrees to the terms of this Agreement. Kantronics may terminate this Agreement without notice if you violate
any terms or conditions of the Agreement. In the event of termination of the Agreement, provisions relating to
Kantronics’ disclaimers of warranties, limitation of liability, remedies, or damages and Kantronics’ proprietary rights
shall survive.
3. Object Code. The SOFTWARE is delivered in object code only. You shall not reverse compile or otherwise reverse
engineer the SOFTWARE.
4. Limited Warranty. This product is covered by the standard Kantronics Limited Warranty, which is enclosed.
5. General. This License Agreement constitutes the complete Agreement between you and Kantronics.
The SOFTWARE and/or Documentation may not be exported or re-exported in violation of any export laws or regulations
of the United States of America or any other applicable jurisdiction.
This Agreement shall be governed by and interpreted under the laws of the State of Kansas, United States of America.
Use, duplication, or disclosure by the Government of the United States is subject to restrictions as set forth in subparagraph
(c)(1)(ii) of the Rights in Technical Data and Computer SOFTWARE clause of DFARS 252.227-7013.
Kantronics may in its sole discretion, provide you with upgrades of the SOFTWARE and/or Documentation if you have
provided Kantronics your completed Warranty registration with a copy of your receipt showing the amount you paid.
LICENSEE ACKNOWLEDGES HAVING READ AND UNDERSTOOD THIS AGREEMENT AND AGREES TO BE
BOUND BY ITS TERMS. LICENSEE FURTHER AGREES THAT THIS AGREEMENT IS THE COMPLETE AND
EXCLUSIVE STATEMENT OF THE AGREEMENT BETWEEN LICENSEE AND LICENSOR AND SUPERSEDES
ANY PROPOSAL OR PRIOR AGREEMENT, ORAL OR WRITTEN, AND ANY OTHER COMMUNICATIONS
RELATING TO THE SUBJECT MATTER OF THIS AGREEMENT.
Any questions concerning this Agreement or any other matter relating to Kantronics, Kantronics products, or business
practices, may be sent to us by any of the means on our contact information page.

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LIMITED WARRANTY KANTRONICS CO., INC.
LIMITED WARRANTY
Effective January 1, 1997
To receive notice of future updates, new product information and prompt warranty service, please fill in the
Kantronics Warranty Registration form COMPLETELY and return it along with a copy of proof of purchase (to
establish purchase date) by any means to us (see our Contact Us page).Warranty Registration form and proof of
purchase may be e-mailed to [email protected]m.
NOTE: Return of the Warranty Registration form and proof of purchase is a pre-condition to warranty
coverage.
1. WARRANTY. Kantronics warrants to the first consumer purchaser (“you”), for the Applicable
Warranty Period (as described below), that the Applicable Product (as described below) will be free
from defects in material and workmanship.
2. REMEDY. Kantronics agrees that, for any Applicable Product found by Kantronics to be in
violation of the warranty of Section 1 hereof within the Applicable Warranty Period, it will, at its
option, repair or replace the defective Applicable Product at no charge to you, excluding in-bound
shipping charges.
3. EXCLUSIVE REMEDY. Repair or replacement of the Applicable Product, as provided herein, is
the sole remedy available to you against Kantronics, and in no event will Kantronics be responsible
for any other liability or damages or for incidental, special, or consequential damages, regardless of
whether purported liability is predicated upon negligence, strict tort, contract, or other products
liability theory and whether or not Kantronics is warned about the possibility of such liability or
damages. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF
INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATION OR
EXCLUSION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.
4. DISCLAIMER. This Limited Warranty is in lieu of all other warranties expressed or implied and
no representative or person is authorized to assume for Kantronics any other liability in connection
with the sale of its products. KANTRONICS SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS THE IMPLIED
WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY AND IMPLIED WARRANTY OF FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE FOR ANY APPLICABLE PRODUCT. IF, HOWEVER, YOU ARE A
CONSUMER WITHIN THE MEANING OF 15 U.S.C. 2301(3), THE ABOVE DISCLAIMER OF
IMPLIED WARRANTIES IS EFFECTIVE ONLY FOR PERIODS OUTSIDE THE APPLICABLE
WARRANTY PERIOD. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW LIMITATIONS ON HOW LONG
AN IMPLIED WARRANTY LASTS, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY
TO YOU.
5. APPLICABLE PRODUCTS AND PERIODS. Kantronics products are of two types - (1)
hardware units and (2) firmware and software for operation of these units, whether incorporated into
the units themselves or separate from the units as adjuncts or accessories to the units. Hardware units
and the media containing firmware, software and documentation are sold to the consumer purchaser
and become property of the purchaser. Firmware and software are licensed for use by the consumer
purchaser in return for a fee included in the purchase price of the units and do not become the
property of the consumer. (See separate License Agreement provided with these products). The
products to which the warranty of Section 1 hereof applies (herein “Applicable Products”) and the
periods during which the warranty shall apply to such products (herein, “Applicable Warranty
Period”) are as follows:
Applicable Products:
UNITS:
KAM XL, KPC-3 Plus, KPC-9612 Plus, MT1200, MT1200G
Applicable Warranty Period: One (1) year from date of purchase.

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MEDIA:
EPROMS, CDs, manuals (however bound), specification and other supplemental pages or
any other media on which firmware, software or documentation are supplied
Applicable Warranty Period: Thirty (30) days from date of purchase.
6. EXCLUSIONS. This Limited Warranty does not apply to the cosmetic appearance of the
Applicable Product; to broken or cracked cabinets; to any accessory not supplied by Kantronics
which is used with the Applicable Product; to any product that has been subject to misuse abuse or
overvoltage; to any product that has been modified by non-Kantronics personnel unless specifically
authorized in writing by Kantronics; or to any product damaged or impaired by shipping (whether
or not caused by poor packaging), neglect, accident, wiring not installed by Kantronics, improper
parameter settings which are cleared by performing a hard reset, or use in violation of instructions
furnished by Kantronics or of generally accepted industry practice. Kantronics does not warrant that
the functions contained in any software will meet your requirements or achieve your intended
results; or that operation of any software will be uninterrupted or error-free or without effect upon
other software used with it. Responsibility for the selection of the hardware and software program to
achieve your intended results rests with you.
7. REMEDY PROCEDURE. Should you need to make a warranty claim, first contact the dealer
from whom you purchased the product. If the dealer is unable to assist you, contact us prior to
returning an Applicable Product to receive a Return Authorization Number. (As a practical matter,
problems can often be solved in such a manner without the product having to be returned to
Kantronics for repair or replacement.)
Return of any Applicable Product for the enforcement of rights under this Limited Warranty shall be
at your expense. Any product returned for warranty service, which Kantronics determines to be
without defect or not covered by this Limited Warranty shall be subject to the minimum charge for
labor and the product will be returned to you at your sole expense. Please note, no warranty service
will be provided until Kantronics has been furnished with your Warranty Registration card and copy
of proof of purchase establishing purchase date.
8. NON-ASSIGNMENT. This Limited Warranty is not assignable by you. Any attempt to assign or
transfer any of the rights, duties, or obligations hereof is void.
9. OTHER RIGHTS. This Limited Warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may also have
other rights, which vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction.

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Return/Repair Procedures
Important: Our repair statistics show that over 70 percent of the units returned for service do not, in fact, require
any service. Therefore, we advise you to please double-check the following list of common, user-solvable,
sources of difficulty before contacting Kantronics about returning your unit for service.
Check-List for Possible Problems
Should you encounter difficulty in getting your equipment to “talk” to your computer, please perform at least the
following limited checks before calling or writing:
Carefully check your wiring connections to the 232 port.
If you purchased third-party cables, double-check to be sure that they conform to the Kantronics’ wiring
instructions in this manual.
Verify your terminal baud.
It may be useful to perform a “Hard Reset”. (See Hard Reset section.) If service or repairs still appear necessary
after you have checked the items listed above, it may be wise to call, fax, e-mail or write Kantronics to determine
if the problem can be solved without returning the unit.
Return Procedures
When calling, report the product name and ask for the Service Department. Please have the following information
available:
The unit name and serial number (the serial number is found on the bottom of the unit).
The firmware version number (the version number is displayed when you give the Version command).
If possible, you should have the unit and your computer available to perform troubleshooting operations when you
call.
The Service Department telephone hours are 8:00 AM to 12:00 Noon and 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM Central Time,
Monday through Friday. If you call outside these hours, the phone will just ring. The service department
telephone is not connected to the main switchboard and the switchboard receptionist cannot transfer you to the
service number. If lines are busy, you may wish to (and it may be faster to) contact service by fax, or e-mail.
Service e-mail is checked twice per day. Before contacting us, please take the time to list out your problem fully
and carefully.
When writing, faxing, or e-mailing Kantronics, include a clear description of the problem, unit name, firmware
version, computer type, computer software used and if possible a list of current parameter values for your unit (as
shown in a DISPLAY listing). Be sure to include a return fax number and/or e-mail address.
Returns to the factory for refund or exchange are strictly regulated. Any return for refund or exchange, must be
approved by the service department.
Charges
Consult the limited warranty policy in this manual for the service provisions offered by Kantronics at no charge.
This warranty is considered to be in force only when the customer has submitted his completed warranty
registration within 10 days of purchase, and when the stipulations of the warranty have been met.
Violations of warranty clauses will automatically void the warranty and service or repairs will be charged to the
owner.
Service outside the warranty will be charged at the cost of parts, labor, and return shipping. Units returned for
service without a Return Authorization number will be subject to a minimum charge of ½ h labor plus shipping
and handling.
If payment has not been previously arranged, repaired (or un-repairable) units may be returned via C.O.D.
These C.O.D. charges can be avoided by including your VISA or MasterCard number with your unit to be
repaired. Shipping and repair may then be charged.

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International Returns
This section applies to international returns only, not to domestic returns.
In case of unit problems, first contact the dealer from whom you purchased the product. If you must return a
Kantronics product to us, please observe the steps outlined below. It will save you, the customer, and Kantronics
unnecessary difficulties and expense.
All returns must be shipped to the factory.
All expenses of returning items to Kantronics must be paid by you, including any duty/entry fees, whether the
return is for warranty or non-warranty repair.
Usually, the best way to return items to us is by mail. However, if you wish to use one of the courier services such
as DHL, UPS Expedited, Federal Express, etc., be sure to use DOOR-TO-DOOR service. If you use one of these
services, a commercial invoice may be required. Please check with your carrier before shipping.
Include in the description of the items on the paperwork (whether postal or courier) the words:
“U.S. GOODS RETURNED FOR REPAIR/REPLACEMENT.”
Step 1. An additional description of “Amateur radio peripheral equipment”, or “Data communications equipment”,
would be helpful. It would also be helpful (but not required) to include the code number 9801.00.1035 which
tells U.S. Customs agents that the package contains “U.S. goods returned without
improvement/enhancement”. However, if the words “U.S. goods returned for repair/replacement” are on the
paperwork, the number is not really necessary.
Provide a value for customs purposes. This is usually the value of the item(s) in their current condition. A $0
value is not acceptable for U.S. Customs.
Inside the package, with the item(s), include
a fax number and/or e-mail address (if available) in case we need to contact you
a correct and full address for return
method of payment to be used for any charges (if MasterCard or VISA, include expiration date)
a brief description of the problem
a reference to any conversations with the technical/sales staff about the problem
and the Return Authorization number assigned
For warranty repairs, we will pay the shipping charges to return the item(s) to you via air parcel post. If you wish
return by courier service, include your account number. To be eligible for repair under warranty, we must have a
record that you sent your Warranty Registration and proof of purchase to Kantronics, and the item(s) must still be
within the warranty period at the time the return is authorized.
For non-warranty repairs, you must pay the return shipping charges.

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Radio Frequency Interference Statement
Note 1: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and
can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions,
may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
However, there is no guarantee that the interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this
equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined
by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or
more of the following measures:
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is
connected.
Consult the dealer or an experienced Radio/TV technician for help.
The user is cautioned that any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party
responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment. The user is also
cautioned that any peripheral device installed with this equipment must be connected with a high-
quality shielded cable to insure compliance with FCC limits.
Note 2: The shield of the cable, whether foil, braid, braid over foil, or double braid, must be properly
terminated (connected) 360to the connector. This is usually accomplished by the use of a metal or
metalized plastic back shell, but may be implemented by direct contact, including soldering, with
metal portion of connector. Experience has indicated that cable assemblies (with connectors)
advertised as “shielded” are not necessarily terminated properly, if terminated at all. Check cable
construction to be sure.
RFI Suppression
In moving to the world of digital communications via computers, a new dimension of RFI may be
encountered. In spite of the equipment manufacturers’ diligence, each new piece of electronic
equipment will react differently in each separate environment. Every amateur station will have its own
unique layout, equipment variation, and antenna installations. Experience has shown that these
differences are related to the total RF environment, and may be causative factors in RFI induced
problems. The suggestions given here may assist in resolving RFI problems:
Use shielded cable for all connections between equipment. See note 2 above
Make all interconnecting cables as short as practical
Install RF suppression Toriod or Ferrite cores on the connecting cables between the equipment.

14
A balance should be maintained between cable length and equipment proximity. At times simply
routing interface cables away from the video monitor or other devices, will solve a “screen hash”
or electrical noise problem
Feed-lines to antennas should be kept away from equipment control lines and/or interconnecting
cables. If it is necessary for such lines to cross each other, they should do so at 90angles
Ground leads should be as short as possible and go to an EARTH GROUND
FCC Declaration of Conformity:
NOTE: This equipment, Kantronics’ KAM XL, has been tested and found to comply with the essential
emission and immunity requirements of the EMC Directive FCC Title 47, Part 15, Subpart B. The test
results are on file at the corporate offices of Kantronics.
Type of Equipment: Information Technology Equipment
Class of Equipment: Class B
CE Marking Considerations
The following cautions pertain to CE Marking of this product:
All cables connecting to DC IN, PORT 2 (VHF), PORT 1 (HF), AUX, and COMPUTER must be
3 m in length
The cable connecting to the TELEMETRY port may be 3 m in length
The nominal 12-V dc power must be supplied from a CE marked or third party approved power
brick (wall wart) or ac to dc power supply. If a homemade power supply is used the components
making up the supply must meet IEC/EN standards for such components
All cables, except for the DC IN port, must be shielded with the shield properly terminated 360to
the connector. See note 2 in the RF Interference section

15
Introduction
The Kantronics KAM XL is a dual-port multi-mode controller for wireless (RF) digital
communication, with connectors for GPS and other data functions, a telemetry connector for remote
sensing and control, and 2 radio port connectors.
The KAM XL advances the state of the art beyond the pioneering Kantronics' KAM, KAM Plus, and
KAM XL products in a number of ways, including increased processing power, larger amount of
RAM, more available operating modes, and DSP modems.
KAM XL features:
Commonly used HF modes, such as CW, RTTY, ASCII, AMTOR, PACTOR, G-TOR, PSK31,
300 baud packet, and receive WEFAX
300, 1200, or 9600 baud packet with a VHF or UHF transceiver
Capture and beacon of information from a GPS receiver, weather station, or other similar type
devices with NMEA or compatible data output format
As a DIGIPEATER, a packet repeater, can re-transmit packets from other stations, and can be
configured as an advanced APRS digipeater station
Operation as a network node (compatible with NET-ROM or THE-NET) using the Kantronics K-
NET node
Gathering of telemetry data from multi-channel analog inputs and beaconing packets containing
that data
Packet communication is described briefly in this chapter and covered in detail in the chapter on
packet modes of operation. Commands for packet mode are documented in the Commands chapter.
GPS compatibility:
A GPS (or other) data-reporting device with NMEA 0183 (or compatible) data output format can be
connected to collect and beacon information reports at specific intervals, using the packet mode. A
storage buffer can also be configured to store the reports internally, and be accessed through the
PBBS.
APRS digipeater:
APRS UI digipeater functions are included, with advanced features such as UIDWAIT, UIFLOOD,
and UITRACE.
Large PBBS:
An extensive set of commands for configuring and controlling the mailbox is included. Its default size
is about 480 k, but can be set to any smaller size or even disabled if memory is needed for other
functions, or set to a larger size if memory is available. It includes advanced features such as message
forwarding to a full-service BBS or other mailbox.

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E-mail:
With special purpose computer software, commercial or amateur e-mail messages can be relayed via
radio telex (AMTOR) , PACTOR, G-TOR, or PACKET, to another station for transfer to the Internet.
Control and Sensing:
A telemetry port is available for sensing voltages (0 to +5V). Reports of samples of these inputs are
available on command, or can be transmitted in a beacon-type packet at specified intervals.
Control outputs are available, and are switched on or off by command.
Remote access:
The KAM XL can be accessed and controlled from a remote location via packet mode, with password
control. Most commands and parameters can be sent from a remote station connected in this way.
Control outputs can be switched, and telemetry sensing operations can also be done remotely.
Other operations:
Reception of HF WEFAX signals, with 2, 4, or 16, gray levels possible (special computer software
required).
Reception and display of 1200 baud EMWIN signals (special computer software required for full
decoding of the EMWIN data stream).
Standard TERMINAL, HOST, and KISS (and NET-ROM), serial port interface modes.
Software control:
The KAM XL can be controlled with terminal communication programs, including Kantronics' DOS-
based Pacterm 2.0 (which is included), terminal programs included with Windows 3.1 (TERMINAL)
and Windows 95/98/NT/ME/XP (HYPERTERM), and programs from 3rd parties (written specifically
for Kantronics TNCs).
Configurations:
The KAM XL is easy and flexible to configure to operate in selected modes, with a wide range of
external devices, including remote TNCs, GPS devices, weather stations, external modems, and
remote sensing and control devices. Configuration is done by command entry from a terminal
program, external port selection, and internal jumper settings.
The internal operating program (BIOS or firmware) in the KAM XL is stored in FLASH ROM.
Update or Upgrade firmware can be loaded from a file, with a simple ASCII file transfer from a
terminal program.
Full details of the KAM XL’s internal jumpers, and other technical specifications are located later in
the Appendix sections of this manual. Additional documentation and supporting material is available
at the Kantronics website (www.kantronics.com).

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Installation
This chapter covers the hardware side of setting up a packet radio station.
The KAM XL is a multi-port device. Radio Port 1 is for low speed packet and HF non-packet modes,
and Port 2 is a packet port, with each port connected to different transceivers. Unless otherwise noted,
the steps involved for installing the two radio-to-transceiver connections are the same.
The major steps involved in installing (i.e., connecting the parts) a packet radio station are as follows:
Connect the KAM XL to a power source and confirm that the unit powers on when it should
Connect the "Computer" port of the KAM XL to a serial port on a computer
Install and/or configure terminal communication software in the computer to access the serial port
on the computer
Connect "Radio" port 1 on your KAM XL to a transceiver and adjust the volume of the transceiver,
so the KAM XL can receive/transmit packet signals from/to the transceiver
After learning how to connect radio port 1 to a transceiver, the same steps can be used to connect radio
port 2 to another transceiver.
Package Contents
Verify that the items listed below have been included:
The KAM XL unit
Parts to use in assembling cables (2 male DSUB-9 connectors, 2 metalized back shells for the
DSUB-9 connectors, and two 3-foot [0.91 m] pieces of 5-conductor shielded cable)
2.1 mm power connector
CD which will include:
KAM XL Manual
PACTERM 2.0 –DOS based PC terminal program (copyright Kantronics, Inc)
BIOS Wizard for Kantronics KAM XL flash download
Manuals for other Kantronics units
Note: The Kantronics supplied PACTERM 2.0 program was originally written for DOS operating
systems. Windows operating systems may or may allow Pacterm to properly access the computers
serial ports. You may need to locate a terminal program designed for your operating system.

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Additional Parts Required for a Multi-Mode Radio Station
In addition to the KAM XL unit, the following parts are needed to set up a multi-mode digital
communications radio station:
HF and/or VHF transceivers, with microphone (Mic) jack and external speaker or accessory jack
connectors
Connectors (plugs) to mate with the Mic jack and external speaker jack or accessory jack.
A computer and terminal program (or other RS232 terminal device)
An RS232 serial cable, used to connect the KAM XL to a computer
A 12 V dc power supply or power adapter.
Front panel of the KAM XL
The KAM XL has several LED indicators, and a power switch.
A row of closely spaced green LEDs, located in the upper left part of the panel, is the tuning indicator
“BARGRAPH”. It will indicate when the receiver is tuned properly, for decoding a received signal.
Starting at the left, the lower row of LED functions are:
PORT 1 Transmit (RED), PORT 1 Receive (GREEN), Lock/Connect (tri-color), Valid/STA
(GREEN), Speed (tri-color), Mail (YELLOW), PORT 2 Transmit (RED), PORT 2 Receive (GREEN),
Connect (GREEN), STA (GREEN), POWER (GREEN).
The Power switch is located near the right end of the front panel.
Rear panel of the KAM XL
The KAM XL rear panel has six connectors, which are:
Power jack (2.1 mm): for external power supplied from a dc power source (+9 to +18 V dc), center
positive.
Radio Port 2 (DSUB-9 female): accepts the cable from a radio, for 1200-baud packet operation.
Radio Port 1 (DSUB-9 female): accepts the cable from a radio, for HF or packet operation.
Telemetry (DB-15 female): an analog input port for connection to external sensing devices, which
provide voltages (from 0 to +5 V). Two control line outputs are also available on this port.

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AUX (DSUB-9 male): an RS232 DTE-type port, for data input from a GPS receiver, weather station,
(or similar device), or for RS232 communication to another device.
COMPUTER (DSUB-9 female): RS232 (DCE) for connection to a computer serial port, for control
of and communication with the KAM XL.
CONNECTING THE KAM XL TO A POWER SOURCE
A suitable power supply, such as a regulated dc power supply, an ac to dc power adapter, or a battery,
should provide +9 to +18 V dc at 100 mA (or more).
The power jack accepts a coaxial type plug, with a 2.1-mm center. The center of the plug is the
positive power connection.
Caution:
Exceeding the maximum input voltage or applying power with reversed polarity, can cause problems
operating the KAM XL or may cause damage to the unit or the power supply. When using a fused
power lead, do not use a fuse larger than 500 mA.
CONNECTING THE KAM XL TO A COMPUTER
To operate the KAM XL, the following is required:
A terminal device, or computer with an RS232 (or compatible) serial port that is available (not in use
by any other device).
A terminal communication program that will load and run in the computer’s operating system, and can
be configured to communicate through a serial port on that computer.
Note: If unsure about how to determine what serial (COM) ports the computer has, or how to make a
serial port available, consult the computer documentation and/or computer dealer.
The KAM XL does not require any specific computer program, and many different
communicationor terminal programs will work.
A simple (DOS) terminal program called PACTERM is available from the Kantronics web pages. It is
best used in DOS-only (by exiting windows to DOS), and can be used with standard COM-1 or COM-
2 serial ports.
Users of computers with Windows operating systems have other alternatives, such as TERMINAL in
Windows 3.1, HYPERTERM in Windows 95/98/Me, and Windows NT/2000/XP systems.
The Computer
Any computer that has an available (not used by any other device) RS232 serial port, and a terminal
program that can access that serial port, can be used.
Technical note: make sure the serial cable is wired as shown in the installation section below.
Standard type serial cables, such as those used to connect an external telephone modem to the
computer serial port, are correctly wired. If necessary, a cable can be assembled (wired as indicated
using shielded cable).

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The Serial Port of the Computer
On current models of PC-type computers, the serial port is usually a MALE DB style connector, with
9 or 25 pins. A FEMALE connector is needed on the computer-end of the serial cable, to connect
to the computer's serial port.
To use the KAM XL with a non-PC type of computer, use a serial communication program and a serial
modem cable normally used to connect a “HAYES” type high-speed telephone modem, to that
computer.
If the computer does not have an RS232 serial port available (or does not have one installed) but
does have USB ports, adapter devices can be found that will add an RS232 port through the
USB connection. However, this requires Windows 95 OSR2 with USB support, or a newer Windows
operating system, Macintosh (MAC) systems.
When requesting help from computer dealers or others, who may not be familiar with a packet radio
modem, refer to your KAM XL as an "external modem device," not as a "TNC," a less familiar term.
The Serial Cable
Use a standard RS232C serial cable, the same cable that would be used to connect an external-type
telephone modem to the computer serial port, or make a cable with the same wiring to connect the
KAM XL to a serial (COM) port on the computer.
When purchasing a cable, you should specify that:
The serial cable (RS232C) should be shielded, with at least 5 wires connected and 3 m in length.
See note 2 in the RF Interference section concerning shielded cable assemblies.
The modem end of the cable should have a male DSUB-9 connector (to connect to the KAM XL)
and the computer end of the cable should be a female DSUB-9 or DSUB-25 connector (depending
upon whether the computer’s serial (COM) port has a male DSUB-9 or DSUB-25 connector).
25 pin to 9 pin adapters are also commonly available, if a cable with the proper ends is not found.
When making a serial cable, these parts are needed:
A male DSUB-9 connector assembly (connector plug and metal or metalized plastic shell)
A length of shielded cable (3 m) containing at least five wires. See note 2 in the RF Interference
section concerning shielded cable assemblies.
Either a female DSUB-9 or DSUB-25 connector. Assembly depends on the connector on your
computer's serial (COM) port