Timewave DSP-232 User manual

DSP-232
Multi-Mode
Operating Manual
Timewave Technology Inc.
1025 Selby Ave, suite 101
St. Paul, MN 55104, USA
[phone]
http://www.tmewave.com

DSP-232 Multi-Mode Operating Manual
Welcome
Thank you for purchasing a Timewave product! Before you go any further, please fill out and return the enclosed
Warranty Registration Card. Only a portion of all warranty cards are return, which makes it hard to keep Timewave
customers up to date. From time to time, Timewave offers updates to its products--we can only tell you about these
updates if we have your warranty card on file, so send it in if you haven’t already done so. Returning your warranty
card also places you on Timewave’s catalog mailing list.
FCC Regulations
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules. These rules are designed to provide reasonable protection
against harmful interference in a residential installation. This device generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency
energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. However, these is no guarantee that interference will not occur in particular installation. If this
device does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the
device on and off, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the device and receiver.
• Connect the device into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer will void the user’s authority to operate the
device.
You must use shielded cables for all device connections, then tie all grounding wires/shields to a single point,
normally the radio. You need an effective station ground or you’ll have problems when RFI infiltrates your
equipment and causes all kinds of unexpected problems.
Disclaimer
As part of its continuing program of product improvement, AEA reserves the right to make changes in this
product’s specifications or documentation. AEA also reserves the right to incorporate and issue any information
thus supplied in whatever manner it deems suitable, without incurring any obligation whatsoever.
Copyright
© 1995, 2005 by Timewave Technology Inc. All rights reserved.
Under copyright laws, this manual can not be reproduced in any form without prior written permission from Timewave Technology
Inc. No patent liability is assumed, however, with respect to the use of the
information contained herein.
This manual may contain errors, omissions or “typos.” Please send your comments, suggestions, and corrections to: Timewave
Technology Inc., 1025 Selby Ave, Suite 101, St. Paul, MN 55104
Table of Contents
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DSP-232 Multi-Mode Operating Manual
FCC Regulations ................................................................................................................................ii
Chapter 1 - DSP-232
Capabilities .....................................................................................................................................1-1
What did & didn’t come in the box ..................................................................................................1-2
A Tour of the DSP-232....................................................................................................................1-3
The Front ................................................................................................................................1-3
Mode Indicators ......................................................................................................................1-3
Status Indicators.....................................................................................................................1-5
Other Indicators ......................................................................................................................1-6
The Back.................................................................................................................................1-7
Chapter 2 - Power Supply and Computer Installation
Connecting Power...........................................................................................................................2-1
Turning it On ...................................................................................................................................2-1
Re-Initialization ...............................................................................................................................2-2
Connecting Your Computer to the DSP..........................................................................................2-2
The Cable ...............................................................................................................................2-2
Peripherals and IRQ Conflicts ................................................................................................2-4
The Control Program..............................................................................................................2-4
System Start-up and Loop-back Tests ...........................................................................................2-6
Radio Port 1 Test....................................................................................................................2-6
Radio Port 2 Test....................................................................................................................2-8
Chapter 3 - Radio Installation
Radio Connection Requirements....................................................................................................3-1
Connections for Specific Transceiver Models ................................................................................3-2
Basic Connections and Adjustments..............................................................................................3-2
Connections for Direct FSK on RTTY.....................................................................................3-4
Transceiver Adjustments ................................................................................................................3-4
FM Transceiver Adjustments..................................................................................................3-5
SSB Transceiver Adjustments................................................................................................3-7
Chapter 4 - Terminal Commands
Command Mode .............................................................................................................................4-1
Converse Mode...............................................................................................................................4-1
Transparent Mode...........................................................................................................................4-2
Host Mode.......................................................................................................................................4-2
Kiss Mode .......................................................................................................................................4-2
Parameters and Arguments............................................................................................................4-2
List of General and Terminal Related Commands .........................................................................4-3
Complete DSP-232 Command List.................................................................................................4-29
Chapter 5 - Packet Operation
Switching Between Radio Ports......................................................................................................5-1
Tuning in Packet Stations VHF/UHF ..............................................................................................5-2
What it Means.........................................................................................................................5-5
Who’s Out There?...................................................................................................................5-6
Talking to Yourself..........................................................................................................................5-7
Connecting..............................................................................................................................5-7
CTEXT....................................................................................................................................5-8
Setting Up for Transmitting.............................................................................................................5-8
Calling CQ.......................................................................................................................................5-8
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DSP-232 Multi-Mode Operating Manual
Going on the Air......................................................................................................................5-9
I’m having Trouble Connecting...............................................................................................5-9
More Packet Features.....................................................................................................................5-10
Nodes and Node Operation....................................................................................................5-10
Your DSP acts as a Node!..............................................................................................................5-10
Operating Your Node..............................................................................................................5-11
Digipeating..............................................................................................................................5-13
Are Your a Digipeater?...........................................................................................................5-13
Identifying as a Digipeater......................................................................................................5-14
Time-stamping Packet Messages ..........................................................................................5-14
Multiple Connection Operation .......................................................................................................5-14
Setting Up...............................................................................................................................5-14
The Channel Switching Character..........................................................................................5-14
CHCALL..................................................................................................................................5-15
HF Packet Operation ......................................................................................................................5-15
Where to Operate...................................................................................................................5-15
Settings...................................................................................................................................5-16
Tuning in HF Packet Stations.................................................................................................5-16
Transmitter Adjustments.........................................................................................................5-16
Going on the air ......................................................................................................................5-16
Packet Meteor Scatter Extension ...................................................................................................5-17
Immediate and Advanced Packet Commands ...............................................................................5-18
Packeting Through Voice Repeaters..............................................................................................5-19
Packet Formatting and Editing........................................................................................................5-19
Packet Protocol Basics...................................................................................................................5-20
Packet Mail......................................................................................................................................5-23
Packet Commands..........................................................................................................................5-23
Chapter 6 - Global Positioning System Applications
Why do GPS in the DSP-232?........................................................................................................6-1
What is APRS? ...............................................................................................................................6-1
Hardware Configurations................................................................................................................6-2
Setting Up the DSP-232 for GPS Operation...................................................................................6-3
Stand Alone Tracking Device Set Up.....................................................................................6-4
Connecting the GPS Receiver to the DSP-232..............................................................6-5
Hardware Single Port Mode....................................................................................................6-5
Dual Port Mode Set Up...........................................................................................................6-6
Building your own APRS cable.......................................................................................................6-6
Schematic Diagram for the APRS Adapter Cable..................................................................6-7
DSP-232/ULTIMETER II Stand Alone Weather Set Up .................................................................6-7
GPS Specific Commands ...............................................................................................................6-8
Chapter 7 - MailDrop Operation
MailDrop Memory............................................................................................................................7-1
Expanding Your MailDrop...............................................................................................................7-2
Setting Up Your MailDrop...............................................................................................................7-2
Accessing and Commanding Your MailDrop..................................................................................7-2
Monitoring Your MailDrop...............................................................................................................7-3
Packet MailDrop Prompts and Operation.......................................................................................7-3
Packet MailDrop command summary.....................................................................................7-3
Sending Mail ...................................................................................................................................7-5
Sending Other Types of Messages........................................................................................7-6
Message Numbers..................................................................................................................7-9
Forwarding and Reverse-Forwarding.....................................................................................7-9
Settings for Auto-forwarding...................................................................................................7-9
Entering a Message for Reverse Forwarding.........................................................................7-9
AMTOR MailDrop............................................................................................................................7-10
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DSP-232 Multi-Mode Operating Manual
Command Definitions for AMTOR..........................................................................................7-11
PACTOR MailDrop..........................................................................................................................7-12
Command Definitions for PACTOR........................................................................................7-12
MailDrop Commands......................................................................................................................7-13
Chapter 8 - ASCII and BAUDOT Operation
Setting Up for ASCII........................................................................................................................8-1
Setting Up for BAUSDOT................................................................................................................8-2
Receiving ASCII & BAUDOT ..........................................................................................................8-2
Going on the Air..............................................................................................................................8-3
Calling CQ.......................................................................................................................................8-3
Answering a CQ..............................................................................................................................8-4
The QSO ........................................................................................................................................8-4
Roundtable QSOs and Nets...........................................................................................................8-4
Operating Tips and Options............................................................................................................8-5
BAUDOT and ASCII Commands....................................................................................................8-7
Chapter 9 - AMTOR Operation
Setting Up .......................................................................................................................................9-2
Receiving AMTOR..........................................................................................................................9-2
Going on the Air..............................................................................................................................9-3
Calling CQ...............................................................................................................................9-4
Answering Another Station’s CQ............................................................................................9-4
Beginning a QSO....................................................................................................................9-4
Ending a QSO.........................................................................................................................9-4
Seizing the Link ......................................................................................................................9-5
Killing the Link.........................................................................................................................9-5
Roundtable QSOs...........................................................................................................................9-5
“Hidden” QSOs ...............................................................................................................................9-5
Operating Tips and Options............................................................................................................9-6
MailDrop Operation.........................................................................................................................9-7
LED Status and Mode Indicators....................................................................................................9-8
AMTOR Commands........................................................................................................................9-10
Chapter 10 - Morse Operation
Special Morse Characters ..............................................................................................................10-1
Setting Up .......................................................................................................................................10-1
Tuning in Morse Stations................................................................................................................10-2
Going on the Air..............................................................................................................................10-2
Calling CQ...............................................................................................................................10-2
Operating Tips ................................................................................................................................10-3
Type Ahead Buffer..................................................................................................................10-3
Operating QSK........................................................................................................................10-3
Morse Commands...........................................................................................................................10-4
Chapter 11 - SIAM and NAVTEX Operation
Setting Up for SIAM........................................................................................................................11-1
Reception........................................................................................................................................11-2
Copying Encoded RTTY Transmissions.........................................................................................11-2
About NAVTEX ...............................................................................................................................11-3
Setting Up for NAVTEX...................................................................................................................11-3
Receiving NAVTEX Signals............................................................................................................11-3
SIAM and NAVTEX Commands .....................................................................................................11-4
Chapter 12 - PACTOR Operation
Setting Up .......................................................................................................................................12-2
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DSP-232 Multi-Mode Operating Manual
Receiving PACTOR........................................................................................................................12-2
Going on the Air..............................................................................................................................12-3
Roundtable QSOs...........................................................................................................................12-4
Calling CQ...............................................................................................................................12-4
Answering Another Station’s CQ............................................................................................12-4
Beginning a QSO....................................................................................................................12-4
Ending a QSO.........................................................................................................................12-5
Killing the Link.........................................................................................................................12-5
Seizing the Link ......................................................................................................................12-5
File Transfers..................................................................................................................................12-5
MailDrop Operation.........................................................................................................................12-5
Operating Tips and Options............................................................................................................12-6
Status and Mode Indicators............................................................................................................12-7
PACTOR Commands ....................................................................................................................12-8
Chapter 13 - Troubleshooting
A Troubleshooting Primer...............................................................................................................13-1
Power Supply..........................................................................................................................13-2
Power Supply Cable...............................................................................................................13-2
The DSP-232..........................................................................................................................13-2
Cable from the DSP-232 to Computer....................................................................................13-2
Computer/Software.................................................................................................................13-2
Cable from DSP-232 to Radio................................................................................................13-2
Radio.......................................................................................................................................13-3
General Error Messages.................................................................................................................13-4
Packet Error Messages ..................................................................................................................13-5
MailDrop Error Messages...............................................................................................................13-7
DSP-232 Status and Error Messages.............................................................................................13-7
Out of the Box Problems.................................................................................................................13-9
Computer to DSP-232 Problems....................................................................................................13-9
Radio to DSP-232 Problems...........................................................................................................13-10
Morse Problems..............................................................................................................................13-10
ASCII/BAUDOT Problems ..............................................................................................................13-11
SIAM Problems...............................................................................................................................13-12
MailDrop Problems .........................................................................................................................13-13
Packet Problems.............................................................................................................................13-14
AMTOR & PACTOR Problems .......................................................................................................13-17
DSP-232 Problems.........................................................................................................................13-19
Index
Appendix A - Specific Radio Connections
Radio Connection Notes.................................................................................................................A-1
Radio ListA-2
Radio Connection Figures..............................................................................................................A-6
Appendix B - Specifications
Appendix C - Limited Warranty
Appendix D - 256K RAM upgrade
Appendix E - Schematics and Pictorial
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Chapter 1 The DSP-232
Chapter 1
The DSP-232
Overview
The DSP-232 was designed by Timewave Technology Inc. to be the ultimate digital operating platform
when coupled to your computer or “dumb” terminal. The DSP couples your HF, VHF, UHF transceiver(s) or short-
wave receiver to your computer so you can “talk” to other Amateurs or listen in to their—or a utility station’s—
digital and Morse communications. This unit is state-of-the-art and has been designed with an eye toward the future.
The architecture and parts used in the DSP-232 allow room for future technological enhancements. Timewaves’s PK-
232MBX left a decade long legacy of dependability and high-performance digital communication, the DSP-232 will
carry you through the next decade, and well into the next century.
Capabilities
With the DSP you can transmit and receive all the popular amateur digital modes. You can receive other modes
such as NAVTEX and bit-inverted Baudot RTTY. These capabilities, along with SIAM (Signal Identification and
Acquisition Mode), make the DSP ideal for the digital signal short-wave listeners (SWL) as well as the active
digital communication users. New modes will become popular and you can be assured this unit will be able to
handle them.
The DSP will transceive in the following modes:
♦AX.25 packet on HF (300 bps), VHF and UHF (9600 bps and 1200 bps)
♦Baudot and ASCII RTTY
♦AMTOR/SITOR CCIR Rec. 476 and 625
♦Morse Code
♦PACTOR
In addition, the DSP receives the following modes:
♦NAVTEX marine broadcasts and AMTEX amateur bulletins
♦Bit-inverted Baudot RTTY
The DSP also has the following special features:
♦Gateway firmware which allows the DSP-232 to operate as a node and identify TCP/IP, TheNet, and
NET/ROM stations. There are two heard lists with Gateway, one for nodes heard and one for stations heard.
♦Memory ARQ for better HF throughput in marginal conditions.
DSP-232 features continued. . .
September, 05 1-1

Chapter 1 The DSP-232
♦Numerous external adjustments, ports, and connectors.
♦The ultimate in digital filtering with the high-power, high-speed Digital Signal Processor.
♦The unique LED display which keeps you informed of system activity. This display allows for future modes
and features as no other display can. After all, we designed this unit for growth.
♦Packet/AMTOR/PACTOR MailDrop message handling.
♦A Mailbox that can expanded to 242K (256K RAM).
♦KISS mode for TCP/IP packet applications.
♦Host mode for popular Host application programs.
What Did—and Didn’t—Come In the Box
Besides this manual, the following items are enclosed:
♦two 5-pin DIN radio cable
♦one 8-pin DIN connector
♦two RX audio cables
♦one 2.1mm power cable
♦one wire loop-back jumper
♦an RS-232 serial cable with DB-9 connectors (pins 1-3 and 5-8 connected)
Here’s what isn’t enclosed:
♦DOS, MacIntosh, or other computer platform software to operate your DSP
♦microphone connectors for your radio(s)
♦a power supply
♦a computer and a radio!
The DSP will work with practically any telephone modem or terminal emulation program that your computer can run
as long as it uses the full ASCII character set. However, PK-Term for Windows is powerful
programs offered by CSS that istailor-made for its controller products. These programs offer many operating and
utility features—and conveniences—that simply aren’t found in typical modem and 3rd party controller programs.
But, if you do run Windows, PK-Term for Windows is the best amateur radio
has to offer in Windows control software. Visit http;//www.cssincorp.com
for more details about PK-Term programs.
We also didn’t enclose any mike connectors because we don’t know which brand or model of radio you plan to use
with your DSP.
Finally, we didn’t include a power supply since many owners simply connect their DSP to the same 12 VDC supply
that powers their radio and station accessories. If you want to operate your DSP from a “power cube” that plugs into
your wall outlet, you can purchase one locally or you can purchase the AC-5power supply from Timewave
or through your favorite electronic equipment dealer.
Your Radio...
We presume that you have an operating radio transceiver or short-wave receiver that you’ll use with your DSP. In
the Amateur bands, most of the VHF packet activity occurs on the 2-meter FM band while most of the HF digital
activity occurs on the 20-meter band. By convention, an HF receiver or transceiver must be capable of SSB
operation in order to communicate digitally to other stations. While no specific brand of transceiver is required, we
recommend that a modern transceiver (built in the last 20 years) be used. Specific transceiver connections are
described in Appendix A of this manual.
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Chapter 1 The DSP-232
Most modern radio transceivers are capable of excellent performance in Morse, Baudot and ASCII RTTY,
AMTOR, PACTOR, and packet radio. Although AMTOR Mode A (ARQ) and PACTOR operation imposes more
demanding switching speed requirements than the other operating modes, most radios will operate in both AMTOR
and PACTOR modes without any modifications. (See the AMTOR operating section for further details on timing
requirements.) The DSP has software-controlled timing variations that permits operation with nearly all the HF,
VHF and UHF radios in general use today.
...and Computer
You’ll need a computer or “dumb” terminal that has an RS-232 serial communications port in order to have it
communicate with your DSP. The most popular computers are IBM™-PC compatibles, PC laptops, and Apple
Macintosh™ (and Powerbooks™).
For the sake of brevity in this manual, instead of using both the phrases “dumb terminal” and “computer”
interchangeably we’ll just use the word, computer.
A Tour of the DSP-232
Before you leap ahead into the next chapter to see how to hook up your DSP, you should read this section to find
out what all those LEDs, adjustment levels and connectors are on the unit and what they do. If their functions or
terms sound cryptic to you now, don’t worry about it—they’ll be explained fully in later chapters.
Carefully remove the DSP from its box and plastic bag and inspect the it for signs of damage that may have
occurred during shipment. If there’s visible damage, please contact the dealer or shipper. Don’t install or use a
damaged controller.
The Front
Front view of the DSP-232
Now, set it on the table or hold it in your hands and take a few minutes here to take a guided tour of your controller,
starting with the blacked-out display on the left-hand side of the front of the DSP labeled Mode and Status. Under
this black display are two, seven-segment LED indicators. These lights tell you which mode you’re using and
what’s going on while you’re in that mode. Let’s start with the ones in the MODE box.
Mode Indicators
In the Mode area, there are twelve possible symbols that can appear. Below is a rundown of these symbols. You will
find a legend on the front of the DSP-232 which tells you what symbols stand for what mode.
‘P’ will light when you’re using VHF/UHF or HF Packet at 9600, 1200, or 300 bps.
‘A’ will light when you’re in the AMTOR mode.
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Chapter 1 The DSP-232
‘C’ will light when you’re using the DSP to decode Morse code signals.
‘b’ will light when you’re in the Baudot mode.
‘E’ will light when you’re in the ASCII mode.
‘S’ will light when you’re using Signal Identification and Acquisition mode (SIAM™) to
identify signals.
‘d’ doesn’t stand for an actual mode, but will light during special telemetry and data
conversion applications.
‘n’ will light when you’re copying NAVTEX data.
‘L’ will light when calibrating the DSP.
‘r’ will light when you’re working PACTOR.
‘II’ is an optional symbol which will be used for future applications.
‘F’ is an optional symbol which will be used for future applications.
Status Indicators
Now, let’s move on to the Status Indicators. There are ten symbols which may appear in the Status area. Below is
an explanation of these symbols. The legend on the front of the DSP-232 tells you what the symbols mean as well.
1-4 September, 05