Kantronics KPC-3 Plus User manual

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Kantronics
KPC–3 Plus
Users Guide: Introduction,
Getting Started,
Modes of Operation,
Command Reference, and
Hardware Specifications

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Contact Us:
Kantronics
14830 W. 117th St.
Olathe, Kansas 66063
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
A
2003-11-11
Inserted warranty form and revisions page. Deleted reference to
previously supplied molded audio plug with shielded cable.
B
2005-04-28
Added UIDUPE command definition and reference in a number
of locations to the GPS port. Updated “Expanding the RAM”.
C
2005-09-21
Deleted further references to previously supplied molded audio
plug with shielded cable. Deleted reference to Warranty
Registration card. Changed time to file Warranty Registration
from 10 to 60 days. Added e-mailing of Warranty Registration
information. Other cleanup.
D
2005-09-26
Deleted reference to Kantronics HSP cable.
E
2006-05-10
Changed Kantronics address to 3115 W. 6th St., Ste. A.
F
2006-08-22
Removed CE mark pending RoHS Compliance.
G
2011-07-31
Updated contact information, minor text revisions.
The KPC-3 Plus 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 KPC-3 Plus is manufactured in the U.S.A.
© Copyright 2007-2011 by Kantronics. All Rights Reserved.
Contents of this publication or the firmware within the KPC-3 Plus may not be reproduced in any form without
the written permission of the copyright owner.
KPC-3 Plus is a registered trademark of Kantronics Co., Inc.
KPC-9612 Plus is a registered trademark of Kantronics Co., Inc.
KAM XL 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.

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Warranty Registration
Please take the time to fill out the warranty registration form (or a copy of the form) and mail it to Kantronics,
including a copy of your sales receipt, to register your purchase. Kantronics must receive warranty registration
within 60 days of purchase of the Kantronics KPC–3 Plus to be valid. Both must be on file at Kantronics in
order for you to receive warranty service. Refer to the warranty policy in this manual for further information.
Warranty Registration form and copy of sales receipt may be e-mailed to [email protected].
Mail form and sales receipt to:
KANTRONICS
14830 W. 117th St.
OLATHE, KS 66063
Warranty Registration
Last Name: ________________________
First Name: ________________________ Call Sign: ___________________
Mailing Address
City: ______________________________ Telephone: _________________________
State: ______________________________ E-Mail: __________________________________
Zip/Postal Code: _____________________ Country: _________________________________
Product: KPC–3 Plus Serial #: __________________________________
Date of Purchase: ___________________ Dealer: ___________________________________

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IMPORTANT
READ THIS PAGE BEFORE YOU INSTALL YOUR NEW KANTRONICS PRODUCT
This product contains SOFTWARE on Programmable Read Only Memory (PROM) and/or diskette
and/or CD, 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 such product and all
associated documentation unused to your supplier for refund of the amount you paid.
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.

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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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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Contact Us:...............................................................................................................................................................................................2
REVISIONS .............................................................................................................................................................................................3
Warranty Registration ............................................................................................................................................................................4
License Agreement...................................................................................................................................................................................5
LIMITED WARRANTY.........................................................................................................................................................................9
Return/Repair Procedures....................................................................................................................................................................12
Radio Frequency Interference Statement.............................................................................................................................................14
RFI Suppression...................................................................................................................................................................................15
FCC Declaration of Conformity: .........................................................................................................................................................16
Introduction............................................................................................................................................................................................17
Welcome..............................................................................................................................................................................................17
Overview of This “User’s Guide” Manual...........................................................................................................................................17
Major Uses of Your KPC-3 Plus..........................................................................................................................................................17
Package Contents.................................................................................................................................................................................18
Additional Parts for Your Packet Radio Station ..................................................................................................................................18
Our Assumptions about You................................................................................................................................................................19
Documentation Conventions................................................................................................................................................................19
Overview of Packet Radio ...................................................................................................................................................................19
.Inside a TNC –the KPC-3 Plus ..........................................................................................................................................................26
Inside a TNC –the KPC-3 Plus ...........................................................................................................................................................27
Installing Your KPC-3 Plus ..................................................................................................................................................................29
The Major Components of Your Station..............................................................................................................................................30
Back Panel ...........................................................................................................................................................................................30
How the Parts of Your Station are Connected .....................................................................................................................................33
Connect Your KPC-3 Plus to a Power Source.....................................................................................................................................34
Connect your KPC-3 Plus to Your Computer......................................................................................................................................36
Configure Your KPC-3 Plus................................................................................................................................................................39
Connect the KPC-3 Plus to a Transceiver............................................................................................................................................43
Connecting to a GPS Device (Optional)..............................................................................................................................................53
Getting Started.......................................................................................................................................................................................54
The Front Panel of the KPC-3 Plus......................................................................................................................................................55
Beginning a Packet Session .................................................................................................................................................................55
Giving Commands and Transmitting Data ..........................................................................................................................................56
NEWUSER Commands.......................................................................................................................................................................57
Using NEWUSER Commands.............................................................................................................................................................59
Connect to Your Mailbox ....................................................................................................................................................................60
Monitor Communications From Nearby Stations ................................................................................................................................61
Communicate Directly with a Nearby Station .....................................................................................................................................62
Modes of Operation...............................................................................................................................................................................64
Packet Mode of Operation ...................................................................................................................................................................64
Remote Access to Your TNC...............................................................................................................................................................74
PBBS (Personal Mailbox)......................................................................................................................................................................76
GPS NMEA Interfacing ........................................................................................................................................................................91
GPS Operations....................................................................................................................................................................................95
KA-Node...............................................................................................................................................................................................104
Introduction to Basic Packet Networking..........................................................................................................................................112
K-Net Network node............................................................................................................................................................................114
K-Net Node Commands.....................................................................................................................................................................115
WEFAX Mode...................................................................................................................................................................................137
Other Modes of Operation .................................................................................................................................................................139
Modem Mode.....................................................................................................................................................................................140
Kantronics Host Mode Operation ......................................................................................................................................................141
KISS Mode ........................................................................................................................................................................................142
Command Reference..........................................................................................................................................................................146
Introduction........................................................................................................................................................................................146
Commands............................................................................................................................................................................................151

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Appendix A: Advanced Installation...................................................................................................................................................209
Precautions.........................................................................................................................................................................................209
Cable Wiring......................................................................................................................................................................................209
Connecting to the Computer (DSUB-25)...........................................................................................................................................209
Connecting to your Radios.................................................................................................................................................................212
Appendix B: Advanced Information..................................................................................................................................................215
Assembly and Disassembly ...............................................................................................................................................................215
Hard Reset..........................................................................................................................................................................................215
Calibration/Equalization ....................................................................................................................................................................216
PTT (Push-to-Talk) Watchdog Timer................................................................................................................................................217
Microprocessor Watchdog Timer ......................................................................................................................................................217
A/D Converter....................................................................................................................................................................................217
KPC-3 Plus Jumpers ..........................................................................................................................................................................218
Appendix C: Options for the KPC-3 Plus..........................................................................................................................................221
Low Power Operation........................................................................................................................................................................221
Expanding the RAM in the KPC-3 Plus ............................................................................................................................................221
Installing the Optional Real-time Clock Module...............................................................................................................................221
Replacing the Lithium Battery...........................................................................................................................................................222
Appendix D: In Case of Difficulty ......................................................................................................................................................223
KPC-3 Plus Does Not “Sign-On” to Computer .................................................................................................................................223
You Are Unable to Make a “Connect” ..............................................................................................................................................223
Cannot Transmit.................................................................................................................................................................................223
Cannot Return to Command Mode ....................................................................................................................................................224
Appendix E: Additional Information.................................................................................................................................................225
Specifications.....................................................................................................................................................................................225
Messages from the KPC-3 Plus .........................................................................................................................................................226
ASCII Chart.......................................................................................................................................................................................232
KPC-3 Plus Parts List ........................................................................................................................................................................233
KPC-3 Plus Parts List ........................................................................................................................................................................233
KPC-3 Plus MX Parts List.................................................................................................................................................................234
KPC-3 Plus Parts Layout ...................................................................................................................................................................235
KPC-3 Plus MX Parts Layout............................................................................................................................................................236

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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].
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

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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:
KPC-3 Plus, KPC-9612 Plus, KAM XL, MT1200, MT1200G
Applicable Warranty Period: One (1) year from date of purchase.
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.)