Kantronics KAM Plus User manual

KAM Plus
Reference Manual
Version 7.0 – March 21, 1994
Version 7.1 – August 29, 1994
Version 8.0 – May 1995
Version 8.2 – May 1995

2
Table of Contents
Introduction to Commands
ome Abbreviations .......................................................................... 3
Entry ................................................................................................ 3
Format ............................................................................................. 3
Parameter Types ............................................................................... 3
Commands ............................................................................................... 5
Operation of the KAM Plus ...................................................................... 46
Tuning in the ignals ......................................................................... 46
AMTOR Operation ............................................................................. 47
A CII Operation ................................................................................ 51
CW Operation ................................................................................... 52
G-TOR Mode ..................................................................................... 54
NAVTEX Operation ............................................................................ 59
Packet Operation ............................................................................... 61
PACTOR Operation ............................................................................ 63
RTTY Operation ................................................................................. 65
Kantronics PBBS ...................................................................................... 67
Setting up other functions of your KAM Plus .......................................... 70
PBB ................................................................................................ 70
KA-Node ........................................................................................... 70
Gateway ........................................................................................... 70
PBB ysOp Functions ....................................................................... 70
Remote Access to your KAM Plus ........................................................ 72
Host Mode Operation ........................................................................ 73
KI Mode Operation ........................................................................ 73
WEFAX Operation .............................................................................. 73
Hard are Information ............................................................................. 74
Precautions ...................................................................................... 74
Connecting to the Computer .............................................................. 74
Connecting to your Radios ................................................................. 75
AF K Output Level ............................................................................ 77
Hand Held modification ..................................................................... 77
Watchdog Timer ............................................................................... 77
Assembly and Disassembly of your KAM Plus ....................................... 77
Hard Reset ....................................................................................... 78
Calibration / Equalization ................................................................... 78
pecifications .................................................................................... 80
ASCII Chart .............................................................................................. 81

3
Introduction to Commands
Some Abbreviations
<Ctrl- x >: This represents a single control character sent from your terminal program to the KAM
Plus. To send this character, press and hold the control key and type the second key ( x ) while hold-
ing the control key down. If another letter follows this (i.e. <Ctrl-C>T) do not continue to hold the
control key down while pressing the other letter. If your keyboard does not have a control key,
consult your computer/terminal manual to determine which key performs the control key function.
If your terminal does not have a key that performs this function, you will need to change the Pa-
rameters in the KAM Plus that define these special Ctrl key characters.
$ preceding a number denotes a hex number (base 16)
<CR>: carriage return, $0D, decimal 13, <Ctrl-M>, ENTER key
<LF>: line feed, $0A, decimal 10, <Ctrl-J>
I/O: Input / Output
Entry
A command is entered to the KAM Plus by typing the command name and its argument (setting or
value) in the Command mode. The prompt for the Command mode is cmd:.
The command name and the argument must be separated by a space, and the KAM Plus takes ac-
tion when a carriage return <CR> is typed. All commands may be abbreviated to the shortest
string indicated by the CAPITAL letters in the command reference.
You may examine the value of any parameter by typing the command name followed by a <CR>.
The DI PLAY command allows you to display sets of related parameters as a group.
Format
All commands are listed alphabetically in this manual. On the first line of a command will be the
command name followed by any arguments used with the command. Arguments shown in square
brackets ([ ]) are optional. If a command accepts several different values, or a range of values, the
permissible values will be shown in parentheses (). Arguments may also be shown separated by a
vertical bar ( | ). This indicates that you may choose ONE of the items separated by the bar.
ome of the commands in the KAM Plus are dual-port commands, allowing you to set one value
for the HF port of the KAM Plus and a different value for the VHF port. This is indicated by a dual-
port default value (e.g. (192/63)). The value shown before the slash bar is the value used for the
HF port of the KAM Plus, and the value after the slash is used for the VHF port. There are a few
exceptions to the HF/VHF convention, in which the value before the slash applies to non-packet
modes of Operation, and the value after the slash is for Packet Operation. These are noted in the
description of the command.
Parameter Types
n (range): Any number within the range is permissible.
n ($00 - $FF): Any HEX number - normally used to define an A CII character. When entering a
HEX number, be sure to type the $ ymbol to indicate a hex number follows. ee the A CII chart
at the end of the manual to determine the code required.

4
flags (choiceA) | choiceB): Many commands allow a choice of two or more possible entries
(e.g. ON | OFF). For ON/OFF choices, you may also enter YE or NO. Other commands accept one
of several choices (ON | OFF | TO | FROM). Enter the appropriate word to indicate your choice.
callsigns xxxxxx-n: Many commands require a callsign or alias as an argument. These parame-
ters are normally set to Amateur callsigns, however any combination of 6 numbers and/or letters is
permitted. You may optionally include an "extension" ( ID, econdary tation Identifier) which is
a decimal number between 0 an 15 (inclusive) used to distinguish two or more stations on the air
with the same amateur call. IDs of 0 are not displayed by the KAM Plus.
The commands which can used when INTFACE is set to the default NEWU ER, are underlined.

5
Commands
8bitconv ON | OFF
Default ON
When ON, transmission of 8-bit data is allowed in PACKET and A CII Modes. When OFF, the 8th
data bit is set to 0 before transmission and all data received in these modes will have the 8th bit
set to 0.
ee also: parity
ABaud n ( n = 0, 300, 600, 1200, 1800, 2400, 4800, 9600)
This command sets the baud rate for communication with your computer or terminal. It is set au-
tomatically when you press the * during the KAM Plus autobaud routine.
ee also: reset, restore
AMtor [ xxxx [ xxx ]] characters (or 4, 5 or 9 digits)
Immediate command
This command places the KAM Plus in AMTOR TANDBY Mode. Entering AMTOR xxxx[xxxxx] will
cause the KAM Plus to start a link sequence to the station specified. Entering AMTOR without a
ELCAL will allow your KAM Plus to respond to a link request from another station, or to transmit
Mode B (FEC) AMTOR. To transmit Mode B, type [Ctrl C][T] to begin transmission and type
[Ctrl C][E] to end the transmission. You may also copy Mode B transmission in this mode, if
ARQBB is OFF.
ee also: arqtime, autostrt, canline, fec, lamtor, misschar, mygroup, myselcal, pmode, rephase,
txdtor, txdfec
ARqbbs ON | OFF
Default OFF
When ON, the PBB in your KAM Plus may be accessed by another station using AMTOR, G-TOR or
PACTOR ARQ. When OFF, the PBB may only be accessed on PACKET. Note that if ARQBB is ON,
you will not be able to transmit FEC from the tandby modes.
ee also: arqid, pbbs
ARQId n ( n = 0 – 31)
Default 9
This command sets the time interval in 1 minute increments for an automatic CW ID when operat-
ing AMTOR, G-TOR or PACTOR ARQ. The CW ID will be transmitted at the speed set by the
CW PEED command and he text of the ID is set with the CWIDTEXT command. etting ARQID to
Ø disables the automatic.
ee also: arqbbs
ARQTime n ( n = 1 – 10)
Default 2
This command sets the timeout interval when attempting to link to another station in AMTOR ARQ
Mode. The interval is set in increments of 64 ARQ cycles (approximately 28.8 seconds).
ee also: amtor

6
ASCBaud n ( n = 20 – 500)
Default 110
This command sets the default baud rate used when entering A CII Mode with no baud rate speci-
fied.
ee also: ascii
Ascii [ n ] ( n = 20 – 500)
Immediate command
This command places the KAM Plus in A CII Mode. If you specify the optional value n , the KAM
Plus will enter A CII at the specified speed, otherwise it will operate at the speed set in A CBAUD.
ee also: ascbaud, autostrt, canline, hbaud, pmode
AUtocr n (n = 0 – 255)
Default 0
A carriage return <CR> character is sent to the radio after n characters are typed in a line. when
operating RTTY, A CII, AMTOR, G-TOR or PACTOR. etting AUTOCR to Ø disables automatic car-
riage returns.
AUTOLf ON | OFF
Default ON
When ON, a line feed is sent to the terminal after each carriage return. This command affects only
data sent to the terminal, not sent over the radio.
ee also: crsup, lfsup
AUTOStrt ON | OFF
Default OFF
When ON and operating in RTTY or A CII Mode, the KAM Plus will receive information only after it
has received the MYAUTO T identifier. It will then continue to receive until it receives four "N"s sig-
nifying the end of message, or 30 seconds of no signal.
When ON and in AMTOR Mode or FEC Mode, only AMTOR ELFEC messages which contain any of
the ELCALs in MY ELCAL or MYGROUP will be received. Loss of lock will cause the KAM Plus to
stop receiving data.
ee also: fec, myautost, mygroup, myselcal
AX25l2v2 ON | OFF
Default ON/ON
When ON, Level 2 Version 2 protocol is implemented for PACKET operation. When OFF, Level 2
Version 1 protocol is used.
ee also: relink, retry, tries
AXDelay n ( n = 0 – 255)
Default 0
This command specifies a period of time to wait, in addition to TXDELAY, after keying the radio be-
fore data is transmitted. If you operate through a voice repeater, this delay may be required to al-
low the repeater's transmitter to turn on. Each unit represents 10 milliseconds.

7
AXHang n ( n = 0 – 255)
Default 0
When operating through a voice repeater, this command should be set to the hang time of the re-
peater. If the KAM Plus has detected activity within this time interval, it will not use the AXDELAY
setting, since the repeater should still be transmitting. Each unit represents 10 milliseconds.
Beacon (Every | After) n ( n = 0 – 255)
Default Every 0/Every 0
When set to EVERY, a beacon packet will be transmitted every n minutes. When set to AFTER, a
beacon packet will be transmitted ONCE after n minutes of no channel activity. etting n to Ø will
disable beacon transmissions.
ee also: btext
BER v8.2
In use BER test (???)
BIts n ( n = $00 –$FF)
Default $00
This command specifies the bits to be inverted when receiving a RTTY or A CII signal. This may
enable you to decode some scrambled RTTY/A CII signals. Transmitted RTTY and A CII is not af-
fected by this command.
BKondel ON | OFF
Default ON
When ON, the KAM Plus will echo a backspace-space-backspace sequence to your terminal when
the DELETE character is received from the terminal. When OFF, the KAM Plus will echo a backslash
character ( \ ) when the DELETE character is received.
ee also: delete, redisplay
BLt n EVERY | AFTER hh:mm:ss [ TART hh:mm:ss] ( n = 1 – 4) v8.0
Default EVERY 00:00:00/EVERY 00:00:00
This command sets the interval between beacons for the associated string. n identifies which LT is
used (1 – 4). If EVERY is specified, the LT will be transmitted at the interval specified by the
hh:mm:ss parameter. This is set in hours:minutes:seconds, and all characters must be specified.
The values before the / apply to the HF port and the values after the / apply to the VHF port. If
the optional key word TART is given followed by a time (in 24 hour format), the beacons will not
be transmitted until the specified time. The beacon will then be transmitted according to the set-
ting of the EVERY parameter. (NOTE: If the current time is past the start time, the beacon will
start at the next scheduled interval based on the start time.)
If AFTER is specified, the beacon will be transmitted once after no activity is detected on the chan-
nel for hh:mm:ss time. electing AFTER does not allow the optional TART parameter.
For example, setting BLT3 EVERY 00:15:00 TART 03:30:00 would cause the third string (LT 3) to
be transmitted every 15 minutes, with the first transmission each day occurring at 03:30:00.
BReak ON | OFF v8.2
Default OFF
If ON, a modem break will cause return to Command Mode.

8
BText text (0 – 128 characters)
BTEXT specifies the content of a BEACON packet. To clear the BTEXT, enter a single % character
(BT %).
ee also: beacon
BUDCalls [+ | -] callsign(s) | NONE NOT IN v8.2
Default NONE
A list of up to 10 callsigns for use with BUDLI T or CONLI T. To delete or add individual entries
precede the callsign with a - or + respectively.
ee also: budlist, conlist
BUdlist OFF | TO | FROM | ON
Default OFF/OFF
When OFF, all packets are eligible to be displayed as monitored packets. When ON, only those
packets TO or FROM stations listed in the BUDCALL will be monitored. When TO, only those pack-
ets addressed TO stations in the BUDCALL will be monitored, and when FROM, only those pack-
ets FROM stations listed in the BUDCALL will be monitored.
ee also: budcalls, monitor, suplist
CAlibrat
Immediate command
The CALIBRATE command is used to generate a signal which may be used as an aid in tuning the
transceiver for operation with the KAM Plus. Use of this command is detailed in the Calibra-
tion/Equalization section of this manual. The letter X will return you to the Command Mode.
CANline n ( n = $00 – $FF)
Default $18 (Ctrl-X)
When entering commands or data to the KAM Plus, you may cancel the current line you are typing
(back to the last un-passed carriage return) by sending a [Ctrl-X] to the KAM Plus from your termi-
nal. When operating non-packet modes, a [Ctrl-X] will clear the transmit buffer of any character
you have typed which have not already been transmitted over the radio.
ee also: canpac, cpactime, pass
CANPac n ( n = $00- FF)
Default $19 (Ctrl-Y)
When entering commands or data to the KAM Plus, you may cancel the entire packet (back to the
last un-passed ENDPAC character) by sending a [Ctrl-Y] from the terminal to the KAM Plus. When
in Command mode, [Ctrl-Y] acts as a cancel output character, turning off any output from the KAM
Plus. Typing another [Ctrl-Y] re-enables output.
ee also: canline, cpactime, sendpac

9
CD INTERNAL l EXTERNAL l SOFTWARE
Default INTERNAL/INTERNAL
When set to INTERNAL, the KAM Plus will detect a signal when any energy is present on the audio
input to the KAM Plus. When set to EXTERNAL, the signal detection is supplied by an external de-
vice, connected to the XCD pin of the radio port. When set to OFTWARE, the firmware in the KAM
Plus will detect a signal based on the presence of PACKET data on the audio input. This setting al-
lows open-squelch Operation. Proper equalization is important for correct operation of software
carrier detection.
When operating RTTY or A CII, the KAM Plus will use only INTERNAL or EXTERNAL. If this com-
mand is set to OFTWARE, the KAM Plus will act as though it were set to INTERNAL when operat-
ing these modes.
ee also: swp
CHeck n ( n = 0 – 255)
Default 0
This command specifies the time interval, in 10 second increments, used to check the condition of
a PACKET connection if no data is passing between the connected stations. If AX25L2V2 is ON, the
KAM Plus will send a "check" packet every n × 10 seconds to insure the other tation is still re-
sponding. If AX25L2V2 is OFF and n × 10 seconds has passed with no data being transferred, the
KAM Plus will send a disconnect to the other station. etting CHECK to Ø disables the automatic
check function.
ee also: ax25l2v2, kntimer, relink, rnrtime
CMdtime n ( n = 0 - 15)
Default 1
This command sets the permissible time (in 1 second increments) between characters when at-
tempting to exit from the Transparent Mode. WARNING: etting CMDTIME to 0 will prevent you
from exiting the Transparent mode.
ee also; command, trans
CMSg ON | OFF | DI C | PBB
Default OFF/OFF
When OFF, the custom text stored in CTEXT will not be sent to a connecting station. When ON, the
custom text will be sent. When set to DI C, the custom text will be sent, and then your KAM Plus
will disconnect from that station When set to PBB , the custom text will be sent to the connecting
station and then the connection will automatically be transferred to your PBB , if it is available. If
the PBB is not available, the KAM Plus will disconnect from the station.
ee also: ctext, pbbs
CODe [AMTOR | RTTY] [ITA2 | U | LCRTTY | APLINK | MAR ]
Default AMTOR ITA2/RTTY ITA2]
This command allows you to select the alphabet used to send and receive RTTY and AMTOR. ITA2
uses the International Telegraph Alphabet Number 2, U selects the U. . character set (not avail-
able in AMTOR), LCRTTY provides a complete upper/lower case character set, and APLINK uses
the full printable character set developed by G3PLX and W5 MM (currently used on APLINK BB
systems). When set to MAR , special characters can be used as required by the Military Affiliate
Radio ystem. ( ee the MAR Feature section of this manual.)

10
COMmand n ( n = $00 – $FF)
Default $03 (Ctrl-C)
This command sets the character used to enter the Command mode from the Convers mode, or to
exit from the Transparent mode. It also defines the lead-in character for non-packet mode direc-
tives.
CONList ON | OFF
Default OFF/OFF
When ON, the KAM Plus will recognize only those packets received with a callsign that appears in
the BUDCALL list. All other packets are completely ignored. When OFF, packets originating from
any station are accepted.
ee also: budcalls
CONList [ON | OFF][NONE | {+|-} callsign,callsign,...] v8.2
Default OFF NONE
If ON, only responds to stations in list.
CONMode CONVER | TRAN
Default CONVER
This command sets the mode the TNC will be placed in AUTOMATICALLY when a connect occurs if
NOMODE is OFF.
ee also: canline, connect, convers, nomode, trans
Connect call1 [VIA call2,call3,...call9]
Immediate command
This command is used to initiate a PACKET connection to another station. Each callsign may have
an optional ID specified as -n where n = 1 to 15. Call2 through call9 are used to specify digi-
peaters required to connect to a distant station.
This command can also be used to reconnect through a different set of digipeaters to a distant
station you are already connected to.
ee also: conmode, conok, maxusers, nomode, retry, ring, streamsw, xmitok
CONOk ON | OFF
Default ON
When ON, connect requests from other TNCs will automatically be acknowledged. When OFF, a
connect request from a distant station will be answered with a <DM> packet, causing that station
to get a busy message from you. When this occurs, you will see a connect request message
on your terminal.
ee also: conrnode, connect, intface, maxusers, monitor, nomode, users
CONPErm ON | OFF v8.2
Default OFF
Forces connection present stream to be permanent.

11
CONVers
Immediate command
This command will place your KAM in the Convers mode on the current I/O stream.
ee also: k, command, stat
CPactime ON | OFF
Default OFF
When OFF and in the Convers mode, packets are transmitted when the ENDPAC character is en-
tered, or when PACLEN is exceeded. When ON, packets are sent at periodic intervals determined
by PACTIME.
ee also: convers, cr, paclen, pactime, sendpac, trans
CR ON | OFF
Default ON
When ON the ENDPAC character (normally carriage return) is appended to packets send in
Convers Mode. When OFF, the ENDPAC character is not transmitted as part of the packet.
ee also: lfadd, sendpac
CRAdd ON l OFF
Default OFF
When ON, a carriage return will be added to every carriage return received from your terminal be-
fore being transmitted in RTTY, A CII, AMTOR, G-TOR and PACTOR. When OFF, no extra carriage
returns are added by the KAM Plus.
ee also: lfadd
CRSup ON l OFF
Default ON/OFF
When ON, every other carriage return will be suppressed when two or more carriage returns are
received with no data between them. When OFF, no carriage return suppression occurs.
ee also: autolf, lfsup
CStamp ON | OFF
Default OFF
When ON, the daytime stamp is printed with all *** CONNECTED TO and *** DISCONNECTED
messages. When OFF, no daytime stamping of connects and disconnects occurs.
ee also: connect, daytime, disconnect, mstamp
CText text (0 -128 characters)
This command sets a custom text message to be sent to any user who connects to your MYCALL .
To clear the CTEXT enter a single % character (CTEXT %).
ee also: cmsg, connect

12
CW [ n ] ( n = 5 – 99)
Default 20
This command places the KAM Plus in the CW Mode. If n is not specified, the speed set in
CW PEED will be used for transmit and receive. pecifying n will allow you to enter the CW mode
at the desired speed. The KAM Plus will automatically adjust to copy stations within approximately
±20 WPM from the speed selected.
ee also: canline, cwspeed, morse, pmode, prosign
CWAudio ON l OFF
Default ON
When ON, the AF K Output of the KAM Plus HF port will provide Morse code with an on/off audio
tone. This can be used for automatic CWID when operating ARQ modes (G-TOR, PACTOR and AM-
TOR) or for sending Morse code over an FM transceiver. You must also set the CWPTT command
ON for this to operate.
CWBand n ( n = 10 – 1000)
Default 200
This sets the audio bandwidth for CW Operation. A small bandwidth will improve reception of CW
signals, but will be more difficult to tune.
CWFarns n ( n = 5 – 99)
Default 15
This commands sets the character speed used when operating CW and the CW PEED is less than
CWFARN W. Characters will be sent at this speed, and additional time will be placed between
characters to lower the CW word rate to your selected speed.
CWId [EVERY | AFTER] n ( n = 0 – 255)
Default EVERY 0/EVERY 0
When operating PACKET, this command will cause a CWID to be transmitted periodically. When set
to EVERY, a CWID will be transmitted every n minutes. When set to AFTER, a CWID will be trans-
mitted ONCE after n minutes of no channel activity.
ee also: arqid, cwidtext
CWIDText text (0 – 15 characters)
Default DE mycall
This command sets the text to be sent during a CWID or an automatic ARQID.
ee also: arqid
CWPtt ON | OFF
Default OFF
When ON the PIT line from the KAM Plus HF port will be keyed when transmitting CW (ARQID.
CWID or CW Mode). When OFF, the PIT line will not be keyed. With this command OFF, CW mode
operation requires that your radio be in VOX operation and CW Mode and the CW key line from the
KAM Plus must be connected to your CW key jack on the radio.

13
CWSpeed n ( n = 5 – 99)
Default 20
This command sets the CW speed used when entering the CW mode. If this value is less than
CWFARN , the KAM Plus will transmit CW using Farnsworth spacing.
ee also: cw
CWTone n ( n = 50 – 2000)
Default 750
This command sets the center frequency of the CW filter of the KAM Plus. It also sets the transmit-
ted AF K CW tone if CWAUDIO and CWPTT are turned ON.
CWWeight n ( n = 0 – 15)
Default 0
This command adds weighting to a transmitted CW signal. Normally a dash is three times the
length of a dot. If weighting is used, the dash will be n × 0.1 dot times longer than normal. For in-
stance, if n is set to 7 then a dash would be 7 × 0.1 (or 0.7) times longer than normal, making the
dash 3.7 times the length of the dot.
DAMa ON | OFF v8.2
Default OFF
DAMA lave protocol used when ON and connected to DAMA Master.
DAMAChck n ( n = v8.2
Default 18 (180 sec)
No activity time before protocol checks on DAMA link (10 sec).
DAYStr dayform
Default mm/dd/yy hh:mm:ss
This command sets the format for the date/time display. This display is used for all time stamps,
including the PBB , KA-Node, MHEARD list, etc. The lower case characters m, d, y, h and s have
special meaning to this command and will be replaced with data from the software clock. The low-
er case m will be replaced with the minutes the first time it appears after a lower case h. If h, m,
y, d, or s is specified as a single character, the corresponding date/time element will be displayed
as a single digit if the value is less than 10. Entering two characters will force a two digit display
for values under 10. If the month is entered as three characters (mmm), the month will be dis-
played as the first three characters of the month name (APR). You may also enter any other text
you wish, allowing you to add such things as your time zone.
Caution: When entering real text into the display, ALL lower case m, d, y, h, and s characters WILL
be translated! ome samples of possible format strings and the resulting display
mm/dd/yy hh:mm:ss 02/18/93 11:30:00
d.m.y h:mm:ss 18.2.93 11:30:00
d.mm.yy h:mm 18.02.93 11:30
mmm d 19yy h:mrn C T FEB 18 1993 11:30 C T
TIME hh:mm DATE: mmm dd, 19yy TIME 11:30 DATE: FEB 18, 1993

14
DAytime yymmddhhmm[ss]
Default 01/01/93 00:00:00
This command sets or reads the real-time clock and software clock in the KAM Plus. The clock de-
termines date and time display in conjunction with the C TAMP, MHEARD, M TAMP and
PBB /Node messages. When entering the daytime digits to set the clock, enter in pure number se-
quence with no spaces, dashes or slashes. Entering the seconds digits is optional, and if not en-
tered, the seconds will be set to 00.
ee also: cstamp, daytweak, daystring, mheard, mstamp
DAYTWeak n ( n = 0 – 15)
Default 8
This command is used to tweak the software clock for accurate time keeping. Increasing the value
will slow the clock, decreasing the value will speed up the clock. Each count corresponds to 0.85
seconds increase or decrease per day. Ambient temperature will affect the clock to some degree.
DBldisc ON | OFF
Default OFF
When OFF, only one disconnect command needs to be given to terminate an unsuccessful connect
attempt. If you are actually connected, the normal disconnect sequence will occur. When ON, a
normal disconnect sequence will always occur. A second disconnect command would be required
to force a local disconnect independent of the retry counter.
ee also: disconnect
DElete n ( n = $00 – $FF)
Default $08 ()
This command sets the character to be used as the delete character. When this character is typed,
the last input character is deleted. The most common settings are $08 (backspace) and $7F (de-
lete).
ee also: bkondel
DIddle ON | OFF
Default ON
When ON, a diddle character is sent when no characters are available from the keyboard or buffer
during transmission in RTTY or A CII Mode. In RTTY the diddle character is the LTR character; in
A CII the diddle character is a null. When OFF, a constant MARK frequency is transmitted.
DIGipeat ON | OFF
Default ON/ON
When ON, any packet received that has MYCALL or MYNODE in the digipeat list of its address field
will be retransmitted. Each tation included in the digipeat list relays the packet in the order speci-
fied in the address field. Digipeating takes place concurrently with other KAM Plus operations and
does not interfere with normal connected operation of the station. To disable digipeat operations
(via MYCALL or MYNODE) turn this command OFF.
ee also: hid, myalias, mycall, mygate, mynode

15
Disconne
Immediate command
This command will initiate an immediate command disconnect request on the current I/O stream.
When an acknowledgment is received, your KAM Plus will display the message *** DISCON-
NECTED. If you issue a second disconnect command before receiving the acknowledgment, your
KAM Plus will immediate enter the DI CONNECTED state, but this may leave the other station
thinking it is still connected.
ee also: dbldisc, nowmode, retry, status
Disconnect MYPBBS
Issue this command if you want to cause the personal mailbox to issue a disconnect to the user of
the mailbox. D MYPBB is what you should type, do not type the call entered in the mypbbs com-
mand.
Disconnect MYNODE x ( x = KA-Node circuit)
x may be any of the KA-Node circuits in use, designated by A, B, C, etc. This command will cause
the node to disconnect the stations linked through the node on the circuit specified. MYNODE does
not refer to the call entered in the mynode command, but is the actual characters to type.
DISPlay [class]
This command will display a list of parameters in the KAM Plus. If you do not specify a class, all
parameters will be displayed. You may display one specific class of related parameters by specify-
ing the class with the display command, The classes of parameters are:
(A)sync asynchronous port parameters (KAM Plus to computer)
(AM)tor parameters affecting AMTOR (ARQ and FEC) and NAVTEX/AMTEX Modes
(A C)ii parameters affecting A CII Mode
(C)haracter special KAM Plus characters
(CW) parameters affecting CW Mode
(G)tor parameters affecting G-TOR Mode
(I)d ID parameters
(L)ink parameters affecting packet link (KAM Plus to other TNC)
(M)onitor monitor parameters
(P)bbs mailbox parameters
(PT) parameters affecting PACTOR Mode
(R)tty parameters affecting RTTY Mode
(T)iming timing parameters
(X)tra some transmission related parameters, such as F KINV
Individual parameters may be displayed by entering the command name followed by a carriage re-
turn.
DWait n ( n = 0 – 255)
Default 0
This value is used to avoid collisions with digipeated packets. The KAM Plus will wait n × 10 milli-
seconds after last hearing data on the channel before it begins its own key-up sequence. When
this method of collision avoidance is used, the value is normally agreed upon by users in the local
area. Most PACKET operators are now using the PER I T/ LOTTIME method of collision avoidance
and setting DWAIT to 0.
ee also: persist, slottime

16
Echo ON | OFF
Default ON
When ON, characters received from the terminal are echoed back to the terminal. If you are see-
ing double printing of characters you type, set this command OFF. The KAM Plus will not echo the
XOFF or XON characters to your terminal. ECHO is automatically disabled when in Transparent
Mode.
ee also: bkondel, flow, xmitecho
EScape ON | OFF
Default OFF
When OFF, an escape character ($1B) will be sent to the terminal when one is received in a pack-
et. When ON, the KAM Plus will send a dollar sign ($) to the terminal instead of the escape charac-
ter.
Fec [ xxxx [ xxxxx ]]
Immediate command
This command sets the KAM Plus in FEC Mode. When the optional xxxx [ xxxxx ] is specified, the
KAM will call the specified station using ELFEC. The optional xxxx [xxxxxj can be any of the follow-
ing:
AMTOR (476) ELCAL (4 characters, 4 digits or 5 digits)
AMTOR (625) ELCAL (7 characters or 9 digits)
Amateur Radio callsign – in this case, the KAM Plus will automatically create a unique AMTOR
625 ELCAL from the callsign and initiate a 625 ELFEC transmission.
ee also: amtor, autostrt, canline, lamtor, pmode, txdfec
FIlter ON | OFF
Default OFF/OFF
When ON, this command will inhibit the printing of control characters ($00 – $1F) which may be
present in monitored packets. All control characters except carriage return ($0D) and line feed
($0A) will be filtered. This command does NOT affect receipt of control characters in packets re-
ceived from a connected station when MONITOR or MCON is OFF. When operating RTTY or A CII,
this will also inhibit printing of control codes.
ee also: monitor
FLo ON | OFF
Default ON
When ON, any character entered from the terminal will stop output from the KAM Plus to the ter-
minal until the current line or packet is completed (by ENDPAC, PACLEN, or PACTIMEj. Canceling
the current input or typing the REDI PLAY character will also cause output to resume. When OFF,
received data will be inter-leaved with keyboard entry. If you use a split screen terminal program
you should have FLOW OFF and ECHO OFF to allow received data to be displayed while you type
into the KAM Plus' type-ahead buffer.
ee also: canline, canpac, cpactime, echo, paclen, redisplay, sendpac, xmitecho

17
FRack n ( n = 1 – 15)
Default 4/4
After transmitting a packet requiring acknowledgment, the KAM Plus waits FRACK seconds before
incrementing the retry counter and sending the packet again. If the retry count is exceeded, the
current operation is aborted. If the packet address includes relay-requests (digipeaters) the time
between retries is adjusted to FRACK × ((2 × m ) + 1) where m is the number of intermediate re-
lay stations. The FRACK timer begins when PTT is released (the packet has been sent) and is sus-
pended when data carrier from the radio is present, or when your station is transmitting.
ee also: connect, resptime, retry
FREequal n ( n = v8.2
Default 20
Maximal number of bits in error when scanning for free signal.
FSkinv ON | OFF
Default OFF
This command controls the polarity of the F K output on the HF port of the KAM Plus. When OFF,
MARK is open-collector and PACE is ground. When ON, the polarity of MARK and PACE is re-
versed.
FUlldup ON | OFF
Default OFF
When OFF, the presence of a received signal will prevent the KAM Plus from transmitting to avoid
collisions. When ON, the VHF modem is run full-duplex and the presence of a received signal will
not inhibit transmission. Full-duplex may be especially useful for split-frequency operations.
GMON v8.0
Immediate command
The GMON command places the KAM in the monitor mode, allowing you to monitor G-TOR Q Os.
To exit the GMON Mode and return to the command prompt, type [Ctrl-C][X].
GPShead n string ( n = 1 – 4) ( string up to 8 characters) v8.0
Default blank
This command determines which GP NMEA sentences will be stored in the LT buffers. n deter-
mines which which buffer will be used to store the data (1 – 4) and string is a NMEA sentence
header.
When the string is received, the KAM Plus will store the up to 128 characters in the associated LT.
GPSInit string Initial text sent to terminal in GP Mode (string up to 128 characters) v8.0
Default blank
This command establishes a string which will be sent to the attached GP unit upon power-up.
This may be useful to configure your GP unit to provide only the information you require. ome
GP units may require more then one sentence; consult your GP unit manual. To send more than
one, enter a [Ctrl-N] at the end of each sentence and the KAM Plus will send a CR/LF sequence to
the GP unit.

18
GSCAN r,m,s,f v7.0
Immediate command
G CAN is a general scan function that will sample the audio signal applied at the HF port of the
KAM Plus. The signal is sampled r times per second, and the resulting binary data is sent to the
computer through the serial port. The first sample will be in the Most ignificant Bit (M B) of the
byte. Valid sample rates are from 1 to 4800 samples per second. The m , s , and f values, if speci-
fied, set the MARK frequency, PACE frequency and demodulated filter output bandwidth. If not
specified, m defaults to the MARK command setting, s defaults to the PACE command setting,
and f is set to the HBAUD setting for the HF port (normally 300). NOTE: You must set MAXU ER
to n/0 (disabling the VHF port) to use the G CAN mode.
We have provided a program for PC computers which allows monitoring of G-TOR ARQ links using
the G CAN function. Documentation for this program can be found on the diskette provided in a
file called "GMON.DOC".
GTDo n n ( n = 2 – 30) v7.0
Default 6
ets the number of consecutive bad frames received before switching to the next lower speed.
GTErrs n ( n = 30 – 255) v7.0
Default 40
ets the time-out attempts for G-TOR. When attempting to link with another station, the unit times
out after n attempts without a response. When already linked, reception of n consecutive faulty
frames results in a timeout.
GTFuzzy n ( n = 0 – 3) v7.0
Default 3
ets the number of bits in a data acknowledgment that may be corrupted.
GTor [ xxxxxxxxxx ]v7.0
Immediate command
Entering GTOR with no parametors will place the KAM Plus in G-TOR tandby, allowing you to re-
spond to an incoming link request or transmit a CQ or other broadcast. If you also have MONITOR
ON, you can monitor FEC G-TOR broadcasts. By using the optional callsign Parameter, this com-
mand will initiate a link attempt with station xxxxxxxxxx . You can discontinue the link attempt, or
break an existing link, with the [Ctrl-C][D] directive, which will leave you in the G-TOR tandby
Mode, or with the [Ctrl-C][X] directive which returns you to PACKET Mode (cmd: prompt). NOTE:
If ARQBB is on, you cannot transmit FEC and you will not be able to monitor FEC.
GTTries n ( n = 0 – 9) v7.0
Default 2
ets the maximum number of attempts to speed up. If unsuccessful after n attempts, the KAM
Plus will return to its previous G-TOR speed until it receives GTUP consecutive good frames.
GTUp n ( n = 2 – 30) v7.0
Default 3
ets the number of consecutive good frames received before switching to 300 baud operation.

19
HBaud n ( n = 50 – 300 for HF; 300, 400, 600 or 1200 for VHF)
Default 300/1200
This command sets the baud rate used by the KAM Plus for transmission of data over the radio
link. It is not related to the terminal baud rate (set by ABAUD). HF PACKET is normally operated at
300 baud, and VHF PACKET is most commonly found at 1200 baud. FCC rules currently limit the
maximum baud rate to 300 when operating below 28 MHz. NOTE: 300 baud on VHF uses different
tones than 300 baud on HF.
HEAderln ON | OFF
Default ON
When ON, a carriage return is Output to the terminal between the header and text of monitored
packets. This allows the packet header and time stamp (if on) to be displayed on one line, with the
packet text displayed below it on the next line(s). When receiving connected packets, no header is
displayed if MONITOR or MCON is OFF.
ee also: cstamp, mcon, monitor, mstamp
Help [cmd] ? [cmd]
Immediate command
The HELP command will display a table of all available commands. If you specify a command name
after the HELP command (e.g. HELP TXDELAY) the KAM Plus will display a one-line description of
the command. The command HELP HELP will display a one-line description of ALL commands.
HId ON | OFF
Default ON/ON
When ON, an ID packet will be sent every 9.5 minutes if packets are being digipeated through
your tation or routed through your KA-Node, or if your PBB is used. When OFF, no periodic ID
packets will be transmitted.
ee also: digipeat, id, myalias, mygate, mynode, mypbbs, numnodes, pbbs
HText text (0 – 33 characters)
This command is used to set the hierarchical portion of your packet address. Your KAM PBB will
not forward (or reverse forward) any messages to another BB if this command is empty and
PBPER ON is OFF. We suggest you read the section on the Kantronics PBB to become familiar
with BB operation and hierarchical addressing. You should ask your local BB sysop if you are un-
sure of the proper hierarchical address for your station.
Id
Immediate command
When this command is entered an identification packet will be transmitted on the current I/O port.
The ID packet consists of your station identification as set in MYCALL. The MYCALL will be ap-
pended with "/R", MYALIA callsign (if any) appended with "/D", MYGATE (if any) with "/G", MY-
NODE (if enabled) with "/N" and the MYPBB callsign (if enabled) with "/B".
ee also: hid, unproto

20
INtface TERMINAL | NEWU ER | BB | KI | HO T | GP
Default NEWU ER
When set to NEWU ER, a basic set of only 30 commands is available to simplify operation, When
set to TERM, the full command set of the KAM Plus is available (over 200 commands). etting this
command to BB will prevent certain messages from being sent to the terminal (*** connect
request, *** FRMR, etc). This is provided for those running a full service BB to prevent these
messages from appearing in received text. etting this command to KI will enable the KI code
as specified by Phil Karn (KA9Q) for use with TCP/IP or other KI programs in your computer.
etting this command to HO T will enable the Kantronics Host mode for use with special host pro-
grams such as Host Master.
v8.0
When this command is set to GP , the KAM Plus will enter GP Mode upon power up. Data from
the serial port will be parsed according to the GP HEAD command, text will be placed into the LT
buffers, and beacons will be transmitted according to the setting of the BLT commands.
To have the KAM exit GP Mode, connect a PC or terminal to it and issue three [Ctrl-C] characters.
NOTE: After changing the INTFACE command, you may need to do a soft reset for the new mode
to take effect.
ee also: pmode
INVert ON | OFF
Default OFF
When ON, signals received in RTTY, A CII or AMTOR, and signals transmitted using AF K are in-
verted. While in RTTY, A CII or AMTOR mode, entering a [Ctrl-C][I] directive will toggle the inver-
sion ON and OFF.
K
Immediate command
This command will place the KAM Plus in the Convers mode on the current I/O stream. It is syno-
nymous with the CONVER command.
ee also: convers
KNtimer n ( n = 0 – 255)
Default 51
If there is no activity through a KA-Node circuit for n minutes, the KA-Node will disconnect both
the input and output sides of the circuit. etting KNTIMER to Ø disables this feature.
ee also: rnrtime
KNXcon ON | OFF
Default OFF
When OFF, the KA-Node will not allow the Xconnect command (cross connecting). When ON, the
Xconnect command is enabled, allowing users to cross-connect from the one port of the KAM Plus
to the other port.
ee also: numnodes, mynode