SCS PTC-IIex User manual
SCS
PTC-IIex
The New Dimension in Data Transmission Technology
Manual for Version 4.0
©Copyright 2003-2009 SCS GmbH & Co. KG
Disclaimer
SCS makes no representation of warranties with respect to the contents hereof and
specifically disclaims any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for any
particular purpose. Further, SCS reserves the right to revise this publication, hardware,
and software, and to make changes from time to time in the content thereof without the
obligation of SCS to notify any persons of such revisions or changes.
Foreword
The information contained in this handbook has been carefully put together. It is,
however, still possible that errors have crept in. If any errors are found, we ask your
forgiveness, and request you send us a short note pointing them out.
Your SCS-Team
Attention, Very Important:
You should connect the power supply plug to the PTC-IIex only when the power supply
is switched off. First connect the plug to the PTC-IIex, and then to the power supply.
The DC plug of the PTC-IIex should never be plugged into its socket with the power
connected. This applies especially when the PTC-IIex and the radio equipment are
connected by means of the AF and the PTT cables, and use the same power supply.
The case of the PTC-IIex is at earth potential, and, in event of a short circuit, very serious
internal damage to the PTC-IIex can occur if this advice is not followed.
Manual rev. G
PACTOR™is a registered trademark of SCS GmbH & Co. KG, Hanau, GERMANY.
II
Special Communications Systems Model PTC-IIex
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Statement
This equipment has been tested by a FCC accredited testing facility and found to comply
with the limits for Class B Digital Device, persuant to Part 15 of the FCC rules. These rules
are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential
installation.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions: 1) This device may not cause harmful
interference, and 2) this device must accept any interference received including interference
that may cause undesired operation.
This device is exempt from these rules in any transportation vehicle including motor
vehicle and aircraft as per Part 15.103 (a).
Any changes or modifications to this equipment may void the users authority to operate this
equipment.
For further information, please contact:
Farallon Electronics
2346 B Marinship Way
Sausalito, CA 94965 U.S.A.
+415 331 1924
+415 331 2063 fax
http://www.farallon.us
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
1Introduction.................................................................1
1.1SCS-PTC, the Original ..................................................1
1.2Requirements................................................................1
1.3About this manual .........................................................1
1.3.1Typography...................................................................2
1.4HF email........................................................................2
1.5The SCS CD-ROM........................................................2
1.5.1The programs................................................................2
1.5.2Version numbering........................................................4
1.5.3File types.......................................................................4
1.6Professional solutions ...................................................4
1.6.1PACTOR-III...................................................................5
1.6.2PACTOR-IP-Bridge.......................................................5
1.6.3EasyTransfer.................................................................6
2Customer Support.......................................................7
2.1If you have a problem....................................................8
3Installation...................................................................9
3.1Power supply.................................................................9
3.2The serial interface (RS232/V24)..................................9
3.3Connections to the transceiver....................................10
3.3.1Connection to ICOM transceivers: ..............................12
3.3.2Connection to Kenwood transceivers:.........................13
3.3.3Connection to Yaesu transceivers:.............................13
3.3.4Amplitude Adjustment .................................................14
4LED's..........................................................................17
4.1PACTOR-III.................................................................18
5PTC-Firmware............................................................19
5.1General .......................................................................19
5.2Command structure.....................................................20
5.3Menus .........................................................................20
5.4Simultaneous STBY mode..........................................21
5.5Specialities of the PTC-IIex.........................................21
5.6Remote commands.....................................................22
5.7PTC-Mailbox ...............................................................23
5.7.1Multiple file operations ................................................24
5.7.2Special features when reading files.............................24
5.7.3The PTC mailbox for Packet-Radio.............................25
5.7.4Practical operation using the PR mailbox....................25
5.7.5Passing PR connects to the mailbox...........................26
5.7.6Properties of mailbox-commands................................27
5.8The NAVTEX-Processor .............................................27
5.8.1NAVTEX General........................................................27
I
5.8.2The NAVTEX System in Detail ...................................28
5.8.3Operating the NAVTEX Processor..............................29
5.8.4Notes about NAVTEX practice....................................30
5.8.5AMTEX .......................................................................30
5.9GPS............................................................................30
5.9.1Connecting the GPS receiver .....................................31
5.9.2GPS position request..................................................31
5.10APRS..........................................................................31
5.11Robust HF-Packet ......................................................32
5.12PACTOR Duplex and Data Transparency ..................33
5.12.1Application for PACTOR-Duplex.................................34
5.12.2How to avoid incompatibility?......................................34
5.12.3PACTOR data transparency.......................................34
5.13Audio Functions..........................................................35
5.14The hostmode.............................................................35
6Commands ................................................................37
6.1ACheck (AMTOR Check)............................................37
6.2ADdlf...........................................................................37
6.3Amtor..........................................................................37
6.4APower.......................................................................38
6.5AQrg ...........................................................................39
6.6ARX ............................................................................39
6.7AUdio..........................................................................40
6.8BAKup.........................................................................40
6.9BAUdot .......................................................................41
6.10BC...............................................................................41
6.11BEll Remote.................................................................42
6.12BKchr..........................................................................42
6.13BMsg...........................................................................42
6.14BOOT..........................................................................43
6.15Box .............................................................................43
6.16BRightn.......................................................................43
6.17CHeck Remote.............................................................44
6.18CHOBell......................................................................44
6.19CHOchr.......................................................................44
6.20CLr Remote..................................................................45
6.21CMsg ..........................................................................45
6.22Connect ......................................................................45
6.22.1Longpath-Connect ......................................................45
6.22.2Robust-Connect..........................................................46
6.23CONType....................................................................47
6.24CSDelay Remote .........................................................47
6.25CTExt..........................................................................47
6.26CTrlchr........................................................................48
6.27CWid...........................................................................48
6.28CWMoni......................................................................49
6.29CWSpeed ...................................................................49
6.30CWTerm .....................................................................49
6.31CWWeight...................................................................51
II
Table of Contents
6.32CYcle...........................................................................51
6.33DAte Remote................................................................52
6.34DD...............................................................................52
6.35DELete Remote............................................................52
6.36DIR Remote..................................................................52
6.37Disconnect ..................................................................53
6.38EQualize......................................................................54
6.39ESCchr........................................................................54
6.40FAX.............................................................................54
6.41FEc..............................................................................55
6.42FSKAmpl.....................................................................55
6.43HCr..............................................................................55
6.44Help Remote ................................................................55
6.45LFignore......................................................................56
6.46LICENSE.....................................................................56
6.47LIN ..............................................................................57
6.48LIst Remote..................................................................57
6.49Listen ..........................................................................57
6.49.1PACTOR-III.................................................................58
6.50LOCk...........................................................................58
6.51LOg Remote.................................................................59
6.52LOGIn Remote .............................................................59
6.53MAil.............................................................................59
6.54MARk ..........................................................................60
6.55MAXDown...................................................................60
6.56MAXErr........................................................................60
6.57MAXSum.....................................................................61
6.58MAXTry.......................................................................61
6.59MAXUp........................................................................61
6.60MOde ..........................................................................61
6.61MONitor.......................................................................62
6.62MYcall .........................................................................63
6.63MYLevel......................................................................63
6.64MYSelc........................................................................63
6.65NAVtex........................................................................64
6.65.1Activating the NAVTEX Processor..............................64
6.65.2Setting the types of messages required......................64
6.65.3Choice of the message area codes.............................65
6.65.4Choosing the message latency time ...........................65
6.65.5AMTEX........................................................................66
6.66NULl............................................................................66
6.67OFF.............................................................................67
6.68PACket........................................................................67
6.69PDTimer......................................................................67
6.70PDuplex.......................................................................67
6.71Phase Remote..............................................................67
6.72POSition Remote..........................................................68
6.73PSKAmpl.....................................................................69
6.74PSKTerm.....................................................................69
III
6.75PT...............................................................................70
6.76PTChn.........................................................................70
6.77Qrt Remote ..................................................................70
6.78QRTChr ......................................................................70
6.79Read Remote...............................................................70
6.80RELOad......................................................................71
6.81REMote.......................................................................71
6.82RESEt Remote.............................................................71
6.83RESTart......................................................................72
6.84RLe.............................................................................72
6.85Send Remote ..............................................................72
6.86SERBaud....................................................................72
6.87SFile............................................................................73
6.88SHow Remote..............................................................74
6.89SPAce.........................................................................75
6.90SQuelch......................................................................75
6.91STatus ........................................................................75
6.92SYStest.......................................................................78
6.93Term ...........................................................................78
6.94TIme Remote ...............................................................80
6.95TNC ............................................................................81
6.96TOnes.........................................................................82
6.97TR...............................................................................83
6.98TXDelay......................................................................83
6.99UMlauts.......................................................................84
6.100Unproto.......................................................................84
6.101UPDATE.....................................................................85
6.102USer Remote ...............................................................85
6.103USOs (Unshift On Space)...........................................86
6.104VERIfy.........................................................................86
6.105Version Remote ...........................................................86
6.105.1Displaying the most important modem properties.......86
6.106Write Remote ...............................................................88
6.107XUser..........................................................................88
7Audio..........................................................................91
7.1Bandwidth...................................................................91
7.2Center.........................................................................91
7.3CWfilter.......................................................................91
7.4DD ..............................................................................91
7.5Delay...........................................................................92
7.6Help ............................................................................92
7.7Invert...........................................................................92
7.8Notch ..........................................................................92
7.9Peak............................................................................92
7.10Quit.............................................................................92
7.11Through ......................................................................92
7.12TOne...........................................................................93
IV
Table of Contents
8FAX.............................................................................95
8.1General Information ....................................................95
8.2Basic info concerning FAX and SSTV.........................95
8.2.1AM-FAX.......................................................................95
8.2.2FM-FAX.......................................................................96
8.2.3SSTV...........................................................................97
8.3FAX and SSTV with JVComm32.................................98
8.3.1Specifications..............................................................98
8.3.2Reference of databytes concerning the PTC...............99
8.3.3LED functions..............................................................99
8.4Fax:-menu commands...............................................100
8.5The PTC-IIex as COMPARATOR-MODEM...............101
8.6PTC-IIex with 300 baud HF Packet...........................101
8.7Modem commands in detail ......................................101
8.7.1Amfax........................................................................101
8.7.2Fmfax........................................................................102
8.7.3Sstv...........................................................................102
8.7.4Jvfax..........................................................................103
8.7.5JVComm ...................................................................104
8.7.6FSK...........................................................................104
8.7.7Comparator...............................................................104
8.7.8PR300.......................................................................105
8.8Transmission during MODEM operation ...................105
8.8.1Transmission in AM-FAX-Modem mode....................105
8.8.2Transmission in FM-FAX/FSK/SSTV-Modem mode .106
8.8.3Transmission in COMPARATOR mode.....................106
8.9The Parameter commands in detail ..........................106
8.9.1AGain........................................................................106
8.9.2AResolut....................................................................107
8.9.3FResolut....................................................................107
8.9.4SResolut....................................................................107
8.9.5FSKBaud...................................................................108
8.9.6Deviation...................................................................108
8.9.7MBaud.......................................................................108
8.9.8HSynch......................................................................108
8.9.9JSynch ......................................................................108
8.9.10SMode.......................................................................109
8.9.11TXcomp.....................................................................110
8.10LED functions............................................................110
8.10.1The LED´s whilst transmitting....................................110
8.10.2Tuning-display in COMPARATOR mode...................111
8.11Tips and Tricks..........................................................111
8.11.1IF-SHIFT ...................................................................111
8.11.2FIFO..........................................................................111
8.11.3TC-graph...................................................................111
8.11.4New phasing in SSTV ...............................................111
9Packet-Radio ...........................................................113
9.1DAMA........................................................................113
V
9.2Modern Times...........................................................113
9.3Robust HF-Packet ....................................................114
9.4300 Baud HF-Packet ................................................115
9.5KISS, SMACK and SRP for Packet-Radio Operation115
9.5.1KISS..........................................................................115
9.5.2SMACK.....................................................................116
9.5.3SRP ..........................................................................116
9.6Commands ...............................................................117
9.6.1Baud Aprs.................................................................117
9.6.2Baud .........................................................................120
9.6.3CBell.........................................................................120
9.6.4CHeck.......................................................................120
9.6.5CMsg ........................................................................121
9.6.6Connect ....................................................................121
9.6.7CONStamp ...............................................................121
9.6.8CONVerse ................................................................121
9.6.9CStatus.....................................................................121
9.6.10CText........................................................................122
9.6.11DIGIpeat ...................................................................122
9.6.12Disconnect................................................................122
9.6.13FRack .......................................................................122
9.6.14Help ..........................................................................123
9.6.15JHOST......................................................................123
9.6.16KISS..........................................................................123
9.6.17MAXframe.................................................................123
9.6.18MCon........................................................................123
9.6.19MFIlter.......................................................................124
9.6.20Monitor......................................................................124
9.6.21MStamp ....................................................................125
9.6.22MText........................................................................125
9.6.23MYAlias.....................................................................125
9.6.24MYcall.......................................................................126
9.6.25MYMail......................................................................126
9.6.26PACLen ....................................................................126
9.6.27PErsist ......................................................................127
9.6.28PRBox.......................................................................127
9.6.29Quit...........................................................................127
9.6.30RESptime..................................................................127
9.6.31REtry.........................................................................127
9.6.32Setchn.......................................................................128
9.6.33SLottime....................................................................128
9.6.34TRACE......................................................................128
9.6.35TXdelay.....................................................................128
9.6.36TXLevel.....................................................................129
9.6.37Unproto.....................................................................129
9.6.38USers........................................................................129
10Hostmode................................................................131
10.1The PTC-IIex Hostmode...........................................131
10.2Modern Times...........................................................132
VI
Table of Contents
10.3DAMA........................................................................133
10.4Commands................................................................133
10.4.1C ...............................................................................133
10.4.2D ...............................................................................134
10.4.3F................................................................................134
10.4.4G...............................................................................134
10.4.5I.................................................................................134
10.4.6JHOST ......................................................................134
10.4.7K................................................................................135
10.4.8L................................................................................135
10.4.9M...............................................................................135
10.4.10N ...............................................................................135
10.4.11O...............................................................................135
10.4.12P................................................................................136
10.4.13PR.............................................................................136
10.4.14PS.............................................................................136
10.4.15PT .............................................................................136
10.4.16T................................................................................136
10.4.17U ...............................................................................136
10.4.18V................................................................................137
10.4.19W...............................................................................137
10.4.20Y................................................................................137
10.4.21@B............................................................................138
10.4.22@F............................................................................138
10.4.23@K............................................................................139
10.4.24@S............................................................................139
10.4.25@T2..........................................................................139
10.4.26@T3..........................................................................140
10.4.27%B ............................................................................140
10.4.28%C ............................................................................140
10.4.29%E ............................................................................140
10.4.30%I..............................................................................140
10.4.31%L.............................................................................140
10.4.32%M............................................................................141
10.4.33%O............................................................................141
10.4.34%Q............................................................................141
10.4.35%T.............................................................................141
10.4.36%V ............................................................................142
10.4.37%W ...........................................................................142
10.5Extended hostmode..................................................143
10.6Status output in hostmode.........................................144
10.6.1Auto status in Hostmode...........................................144
10.7NMEA Channel .........................................................145
10.8CRC Hostmode.........................................................145
10.8.1Extended CRC-hostmode .........................................146
10.8.2Basic principles.........................................................146
10.8.3MASTER protocol .....................................................147
10.8.4SLAVE-protocol.........................................................148
10.8.5Stuffing errors or unexpected header sequences......148
VII
10.8.6Start of the CRC-Hostmode......................................148
10.8.7Recommended baudrate ..........................................149
10.8.8Example source code for CCITT CRC16 (HDLC).....150
11PSK31 ......................................................................152
11.1General.....................................................................152
11.2Activation and use of the PSK31 terminal.................152
11.3Carrier Frequencies..................................................152
11.4Level Setting.............................................................153
11.5Prompt and Status....................................................153
11.6Hot-keys....................................................................153
11.7Receiver Tuning........................................................155
11.8CW-Identification ......................................................155
12SYStest....................................................................156
12.1Audio.........................................................................156
12.2AUDPerm..................................................................156
12.3Beep .........................................................................157
12.4DD ............................................................................157
12.5Fsk............................................................................157
12.6Help ..........................................................................157
12.7Kill.............................................................................157
12.8Led............................................................................157
12.9MONitor ....................................................................158
12.10Ptt .............................................................................158
12.11PLl ............................................................................158
12.12Quit...........................................................................158
12.13Ram..........................................................................158
13The BIOS..................................................................160
13.1BIOS and Firmware ..................................................160
13.2Activating the BIOS...................................................161
13.3BIOS commands.......................................................161
13.3.1DAte..........................................................................161
13.3.2FCall .........................................................................162
13.3.3FSelcall.....................................................................162
13.3.4Help ..........................................................................162
13.3.5OFF...........................................................................162
13.3.6RESTart....................................................................162
13.3.7SERBaud..................................................................163
13.3.8SYStest.....................................................................163
13.3.9Time..........................................................................164
13.3.10UPDATE...................................................................164
13.3.11Version......................................................................164
13.4BIOS SYStest commands.........................................164
13.4.1Beep .........................................................................164
13.4.2CHKFlash .................................................................164
13.4.3CHKRam...................................................................164
13.4.4CLr............................................................................164
13.4.5Help ..........................................................................165
VIII
Table of Contents
13.4.6Led............................................................................165
13.4.7Quit ...........................................................................165
13.4.8RUN ..........................................................................165
14Circuit Description..................................................166
14.1The Processor section ..............................................166
14.2The shortwave modem with signal processor ...........166
14.3The Power supply .....................................................167
14.4The Indicator Unit......................................................168
14.5The Construction.......................................................168
15Basics.......................................................................170
15.1Why PACTOR?.........................................................170
15.2Why PACTOR-II ?.....................................................171
15.3Basics of the PACTOR-II protocol.............................172
15.3.1General .....................................................................172
15.3.2The modulation system.............................................173
15.3.3Error control coding...................................................175
15.3.4Online data compression...........................................177
15.4PACTOR-II in practice...............................................178
15.4.1General points...........................................................178
15.4.2The tuning indicator and tuning behavior ..................178
15.4.3Speed and robustness ..............................................179
15.4.4CQ calls and broadcasts...........................................180
16History......................................................................182
17Accessories.............................................................184
18Technical Data.........................................................186
19Layout ......................................................................188
20Circuits.....................................................................191
21Connector Pin-out...................................................195
22Glossary...................................................................197
IX
List of Figures and Tables
List of Figures
Figure 3.1: The PTC-IIex rear panel................................................9
Figure 3.2: RS232 Connections....................................................10
Figure 3.3: Connection to the transceiver......................................11
Figure 3.4: Connections to the transceiver (5 PIN DIN). ...............12
Figure 15.1: Raised-Cosine-Pulse, Sampling points marked X or x.174
Figure 15.2: PACTOR-II spectrum and 300 Bd FSK (200 Hz Shift)174
List of Tables
Table 1.1: List of programs.........................................................................3
Table 1.2: File Types..................................................................................4
Table 3.1: Cable Colors: 8-pole DIN-cable ...............................................11
Table 3.2: ICOM 8 pin connection ............................................................12
Table 3.3: ICOM 13 pin connection ..........................................................12
Table 3.4: Kenwood 13 pin connection.....................................................13
Table 3.5: Kenwood TS-50 connection.....................................................13
Table 3.6: KENWOOD 6 pin Mini-DIN......................................................13
Table 3.7: Yaesu connection ....................................................................13
Table 3.8: YAESU 6 pin Mini-DIN.............................................................14
Table 3.9: YAESU 6 pin Mini-DIN.............................................................14
Table 4.1: PACTOR-III Speedlevels.........................................................18
Table 5.1: Command prompts ..................................................................20
Table 5.2: Remote commands..................................................................22
Table 5.3: PACTOR mailbox commands..................................................24
Table 5.4: Packet-Radio mailbox commands ...........................................26
Table 5.5: NAVTEX message types .........................................................29
Table 5.6: AMTEX message types ...........................................................30
Table 6.1: AMTOR and NAVTEX reception..............................................40
Table 6.2: Conversion of German special characters...............................62
Table 6.3: PTC status information, Bit 0-2................................................77
Table 6.4: PTC status information, Bit 4-6................................................77
Table 6.5: Code byte description..............................................................79
Table 6.6: Prompt coding..........................................................................80
Table 8.1: JVFAX Control Bytes.............................................................103
Table 8.2: STTV sub modes...................................................................110
Table 10.1: Commands: Terminal mode / Hostmode .............................133
Table 15.1: Total Bit Rate.......................................................................175
Table 15.2: The four speed settings and coding.....................................177
XI
List of Figures and Tables
XII
1. Introduction
1
Chapter 1
1Introduction
1.1 SCS-PTC, the Original
Thank you for having decided to purchase the SCS-PTC-IIex. The SCS-PTC-IIex is the
original, develped by those people that created PACTOR and PACTOR-II. Only from SCS
you receive the best possible support. The concentrated knowledge of the PACTOR- engineers
is available to you.
The SCS-PTC-IIex is the optimized device for modern, digital short wave communication as,
additional to PACTOR, all the other HF modes like AMTOR, RTTY, CW and a lot of others
are supported.
The PTC-IIex reacts on PACTOR- and AMTOR-calls and answers automatically in the
correct mode. Because of these outstanding features the SCS-PTC-IIex is the best device for
all of those people that do not only want to use PACTOR, but also AMTOR. Also in mailbox
systems the features of the SCS-PTC-IIex can be utilized for best performance.
1.2 Requirements
To operate PACTOR, a transceiver capable of switching between transmit and receive within
20 ms is required. Therefore any transceiver capable of AMTOR can also be used for
PACTOR.
To operate the SCS-PTC-IIex you need a computer or a simple terminal that provides an serial
interface compatible with the RS232 (V24) standard. If you use a computer you need a
appropriate terminal program to operate the serial interface with the following parameters: 8
bit, no parity and 1 stopbit. The baud rate in the range between 2400 and 115200 Baud is
automatically sensed by the PTC-IIex (Autobaud operation).
Many modern computers (especially laptops) do not have a serial COM connector. For these
computers a USB to RS232 converter can be purchased from most computer stores and SCS
representatives. With the help of this adapter you can easily operate the PTC-IIex with the USB
interface of your computer.
1.3 About this manual
This manual contains information on the installation and operation of the SCS PACTOR
Controller. The shortform for PACTOR Controller is PTC and is used in this manual
alternatively.
The manual may be used as a reference manual for the PTC commands and as a hardware
reference.
The section 3show how to "quick start" the PTC-IIex. Section 15 gives basic introduction
about PACTOR and PACTOR-II. Section 5shows the command structure and operation of the
PTC.
You should additionally read sections 6.42 and 6.73. Here it is explained how the audio
output signal from the PTC-IIex is adjusted for FSK and PSK operation.
The circuit description is contained in chapter 14.
1 Introduction
2
All descriptions in this manual refer to the default settings of the PTC-IIex. This is very
importand especially with respect to the freely definable control characters (ESCAPE-
character in section 6.39 on page 54, BREAKIN-character in section 6.12 on page 42
CHANGEOVER-character in section 6.19 on page 44 and QRT-character in section 6.78
on page 70.
1.3.1 Typography
To clarify various meanings contained in this manual, various types of fonts have been used.
Hereby it is intended to use the same typography for equal or similar items:
Typewritten is for all outputs or messages FROM the PTC.
Sanserif shows Instructions or Inputs (Commands) TO the PTC.
Characters inside pointed brackets <> in the following text mean that the corresponding key or
key combination should be pressed. <ESC> means that the ESCAPE key should be
pressed.<RETURN> characterizes the <RETURN> or ENTER key, and <Ctrl-D> that the Ctrl
key should be pressed together with the 'D' key. All commands are closed with <RETURN>.
Commands may be input either in upper or lower case letters, or a mixture of the two.
1.4 HF email
If you intend to use the PTC-IIex for HF-email only and not for amateur-radio purposes then
95% of this manual are not necessary for you to read. HF-email is deeply associated with the
email-client (PC-programm) you use and your service provider. The email-client (e.g. Airmail)
automaticly does most of the configurations needed and lets you successfully transfer email at
a fraction of knowledge which this book presents. So don´t feel bothered by the thickness of
the book but have a look into the documentation of your email-client, which will provide a well
tailored description of all you need for HF-email.
If you´re still looking for an email service provider then refer to our homepage where you find
actual links to the sites of many service providers. When you have choosen a service provider
then follow his instructions on which software you need on your PC and how it needs to be
configured.
1.5 The SCS CD-ROM
The SCS CD-ROM contains software to operate the PTC-IIex in various modes.
1.5.1 The programs
The PTC-IIex offers many modes of operation of which most are related to the exchange of
text or data. In addition, picture modes like FAX and SSTV are supported. To access and
operate your PTC-IIex you must run a software program on your computer (PC). Although
very simple terminal software (i.e. Windows HyperTerminal) will control a PTC-IIex, it is
much more convenient to use a program which has been specially created to operate the SCS
PTC-II series.
Many of the programs have been written on a voluntary base and are available free of charge to
all users and distributed via the Internet. With the permission of the authors we have included
the programs on our SCS CD-ROM. Third party programs are not developed by SCS and
1. Introduction
3
SCS cannot provide support for them. If you have problems or questions concerning the
programs, please contact the author directly. Table 1.1 below gives you an overview on the
software available for specific applications.
Modes Special Support for
Program
Text/data
Picture modes
PACTOR
HF-email
Amateur-modes
Packet-Radio
Hostmode
TRX-control
Firmw.-Update
Audio-modes
NAVTEX
Operating-
System
Airmail WIN
Alpha WIN
Easyterm EZT3271 WIN
EasyTransfer WIN
EasyUpdate WIN
GSH-PC DOS
JVComm32 WIN
JVFAX DOS
Kptc Linux
Mscan Meteo Fax WIN
Mscan Meteo Pro WIN
Mscan SSTV WIN
Mscan for DOS DOS
NCWinPTC WIN
Paxon WIN
PlusTerm DOS
RCKRtty WIN
Simple WIN
Simple32 WIN
Update Linux
WinUpdate WIN
XPWin WIN
Table 1.1: List of programs
Agenda: Special and comfortable support provided.
Possible, but no special support provided.
Not possible with this software.
•We are frequently asked “What is the best program for the PTC-IIex?”. This question
cannot be answered easily as it is similar to someone asking “What is the best car?” or
1 Introduction
4
“What is the best operating system?”. It’s a question of personal preference and depends on
the application.
If HF email is your application for your PTC-IIex, it may not be necessary to study Table 1.
In most cases, your HF email service provider supplies or recommends the appropriate
software for their particular service.
•Transceiver control is possible with the PTC-IIpro only, not with the PTC-IIex.
•Windows programs usually need Windows 98 or higher.
•PlusTerm and EasyTransfer are the only programs that have been developed by SCS.
•The SCS CD-ROM is usually updated twice the year. Always check if there is a newer
version of your selected program available from the Internet.
1.5.2 Version numbering
Each (software) component has an own version number. The BIOS, the firmware, the programs
for the PC and the user manual. The different version numbers are necessary to distinguish
between old and new versions.
1.5.3 File types
Basicly the following file types (extentions) are used:
.TXT Normal text
.GER German text
.ENG English text
.PT2 Firmware file for the PTC-II
.PTE Firmware file for the PTC-IIe
.PEX Firmware file for the PTC-IIex
.PRO Firmware file for the PTC-IIpro
.PTU Firmware file for the PTC-IIusb
.PTN Firmware file for the PTC-IInet
Table 1.2: File Types
1.6 Professional solutions
SCS has developed a Professional version of the firmware which enables new modes for the
PTC. The “Professional Firmware” meets many special requirements for mobile and maritime
users and services. It also provides the high-speed PACTOR-III mode.
The following overview shows the Professional Firmware features:
•PACTOR-III highspeed data transfer protocol.
•Hayes compatible command interpreter, Hayes-mode (phone modem compatibility).
•PACTOR-IP-Bridge, direct “TCP/IP over PPP” via HF.
1. Introduction
5
•PACTOR-Free-Signal-Protocol, collisions-avoiding access system to HF data services.
•More robust protocol for the PACTOR link establishment (“Robust-Connect”).
•CCIR 491-Number-SelCalls (4- and 5 characters), as well as WRU-identifier and
Answerback for comfortable access to SITOR-coast-stations.
For permanent usage of the extended firmware features you need a license key from SCS.
Without this key you can test the extended features for 20 connects. Refer to LICENSE
command chapter 6.46 on page 56. For prices and detailed information (manual) about the
Professional Firmware refer to our homepage: www.scs-ptc.com.
1.6.1 PACTOR-III
PACTOR-III is a third generation HF protocol building on latest developments in 2-
dimensional orthogonal pulse shaping, advanced error control coding, and efficient source
coding. Due to the advanced signal processing methods applied, PACTOR-III provides
outstanding performance under poor and moderate signal conditions. As PACTOR-III also
achieves very high throughput rates under good signal conditions, it is well-suited to HF
channels with good SNR and low signal distortion as well. During the development of
PACTOR-III, high importance was attached to compatibility with ordinary SSB transceivers
(using standard 2.2-2.4 kHz wide IF-filters). Therefore, PACTOR-III can achieve its maximum
speed with using unmodified, common SSB transceivers. The occupied bandwidth is around
2200 Hz.
Thus PACTOR-III is the ideal means of fast and reliable data communication over (the
sometimes difficult medium) HF-radio. The new protocol is fully backwards compatible to
existing PACTOR-I/II networks.
The properties of the PACTOR-III protocol summarized:
•Under virtually all signal conditions, PACTOR-III is faster than PACTOR-II. Under
average signal conditions a speed gain by a factor 3x to –4x is achieved, under very
favourable conditions the speed improvement can exceed 5x.
•Maximum data throughput (without compression) greater than 2700 Bit/sec, around 5200
Bit/sec if PMC (online text compression) is applied.
•PACTOR III is at least as robust as PACTOR-II under extremely poor signal conditions.
•Maximum bandwidth only about 2200 Hz.
•Low crestfactor (high mean output power).
•High spectral efficiency – PACTOR-III makes very good use of the bandwidth.
•Fully backwards compatible to existing PACTOR-I/II networks.
1.6.2 PACTOR-IP-Bridge
The PACTOR-IP-Bridge (PIB) is a new Network –Integration Protocol developed by SCS.
The dominant protocols of the Internet like TCP/IP, as well as the Point-to-Point Protocol
(PPP), which have become standard for establishment of links between Internet applications,
are combined with the PACTOR modes. The result of this intelligent protocol combination is a
data transparent and relatively fast Internet access via HF-radio using standardized user
1 Introduction
6
interfaces. The PTC appears to an attached PC as if it were a Hayes compatible "telephone
modem”. The PTC locally takes over both the complete PPP and TCP/IP handling. Except for
a minimum fraction of protocol overhead, the physical PACTOR link only carries useful data.
The huge amount of overhead of the TCP/IP and PPP protocols (which are designed for broad
banded wired links) is reduced to the absolute minimum required. By locally carrying out the
PPP protocol between the PC and the PTC a further decisive advantage arises: Because of the
very short timeouts, PPP used to be nearly impossible over slow communication channels with
relatively large delays. Timeout problems are now solved by the PACTOR-IP-Bridge.
Summarizing the qualities of the PIB:
•TCP/IP-transparent and relatively fast Internet access via HF-radio.
•Internet-services accessible via PACTOR, e.g. E-Mail (SMTP/POP3), FTP, HTTP, ...
•Up to 4 Internet channels ("sockets") over one physical PACTOR link.
•Extreme compression of the TCP/IP and PPP"overhead".
•Full PPP compatibility: Use of common client/server-software, like Netscape, Outlook,
Eudora and others is possible.
•Easy embedding and configuration under all common operating systems.
•No "timeout"-problems on PPP and TCP/IP.
As host system for the PACTOR-IP-Bridge SCS has developed the PTC-IInet.
A detailed manual for the Professional Firmware can be found on our homepage
http://www.scs-ptc.com.
1.6.3 EasyTransfer
EasyTransfer is a program developed for binary transparent file-transfers between two
computers connected via PACTOR. The graphical user interface is similar to some well known
FTP clients, which are used for file –transfers via the Internet. When viewing the software user
interface, the left side shows the contents of the local hard disk, on the right are the contents of
the enabled REMOTE directory of the PACTOR connected server. Files can easily be moved
between the two sides using standard drag-and-drop actions. In addition to FTP, EasyTransfer
has a “chat” mode to exchange hand typed messages. With that, EasyTransfer is the ideal tool
to exchange computer data via HF and over unlimited distances.
Table of contents
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