Timewave PK-12 User manual

TW P/N VA.06012
May, 1997
PK-12
Operating Manual
Timewave Technology Inc.
1025 Selby Ave, Suite 101
St. Paul, MN 55104
http://www.timewave.com

ii / PK-12 Packet Controller Operating Manual
Welcome
Thank you for purchasing an Timewave/AEA product! Before you go any further, please fill out and
return the enclosed Warranty Registration Card. Periodically, Timewave offers updates to its prod-
ucts—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.
FCC Regulations
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device,
pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These 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, there is no guarantee that interference will
not occur in a particular installation. If this device does cause harmful interference to radio or tele-
vision reception, which can be determined by turning the device off and on, the user is encouraged
to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the 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 au-
thority to operate the device.
Disclaimer
As part of its continuing program of product improvement, Timewave reserves the right to make
changes in this product’s specifications or documentation. Timewave also reserves the right to incor-
porate and issue any information thus supplied in whatever manner it deems suitable, without incur-
ring any obligations whatsoever.
Copyright
©1997 by Timewave Technology Inc. All rights reserved.
Under the copyright laws, this manual can’t be reproduced in any form without prior written permis-
sion 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: TimewaveTechnologyInc., 501 W. Lawson Ave., St. Paul, MN 55117.

PK-12 Packet Controller Operating Manual / iii
PK-12 Packet Controller Operating Manual / iii
Table of Contents
FCC Regulations............................................................................................................................................ii
Introduction....................................................................................vii
Overview............................................................................................................................. vii
Typographical Conventions.........................................................................................................................vii
Abbreviations used throughout the manual..............................................................................................viii
1. The PK-12.....................................................................................1
Capabilities & Features ................................................................................................................................1
What You Should Have Received ..................................................................................................................1
Your Computer ..............................................................................................................................................1
2. Power Supply & Computer Installation...................3
Overview............................................................................................................................... 3
Connecting Power ................................................................................................................. 3
Turning it On ......................................................................................................................... 3
Re-Initialization ................................................................................................................... 3
Connecting Your Computer to the PK-12............................................................................... 4
The Cable......................................................................................................................................................4
Dumb Terminals............................................................................................................................................4
The Computer ....................................................................................................................... 5
The Software......................................................................................................................... 6
PC Compatible Computers............................................................................................................................6
Installing PC PakRatt Lite.............................................................................................................................6
System Start-up and Loop-back Test.................................................................................... 7
3. Radio Installation ........................................................................9
To Transmit and Receive. . . ..........................................................................................................................9
Radio Connection Requirements........................................................................................... 9
Basic Connections and Adjustments ................................................................................... 10
Connections for Specific Transceivers.................................................................................. 10
Transceiver Adjustments..................................................................................................... 11
4. You’re in Command ....................................................................13
Parameters and Arguments ............................................................................................... 13
Changing Commands .......................................................................................................... 14
List of Commands ............................................................................................................... 14
PK-12 Command Quick Reference....................................................................................... 50

iv / PK-12 Packet Controller Operating Manual
5. Packet Operation........................................................................53
The Packet Modes............................................................................................................... 53
Tuning in Packet Stations — VHF/UHF ............................................................................... 53
What It Means............................................................................................................................................54
Who’s Out There?.......................................................................................................................................55
Talking to Yourself.............................................................................................................. 56
Setting Up for Transmitting ................................................................................................ 57
Calling CQ ..................................................................................................................................................58
Going On the Air.........................................................................................................................................58
More Packet Features......................................................................................................... 59
Nodes and Node Operation................................................................................................ 59
Operating Your Node..................................................................................................................................60
Digipeating ................................................................................................................................................62
Are You a Digipeater? ................................................................................................................................63
Identifying as a Digipeater ........................................................................................................................63
Time-stamping Packets and Messages.......................................................................................................63
Multiple Connection Operation........................................................................................... 63
Setting Up...................................................................................................................................................64
The Channel Switching Character...............................................................................................................64
CHCALL........................................................................................................................................................65
Checking Your Connect Status with CSTATUS ..............................................................................................65
Packet Meteor Scatter Extension ........................................................................................ 65
Intermediate and Advanced Commands ............................................................................ 66
Monitoring Other Stations..........................................................................................................................66
Monitoring the Packet Networking Switches..............................................................................................66
Selective Monitoring...................................................................................................................................66
Monitor Without Call Sign Headers............................................................................................................66
Beacon Operation.......................................................................................................................................67
Packet Transmit Timing...............................................................................................................................67
Packet Formatting and Editing ........................................................................................... 68
(RETURN)’s and Linefeeds ..........................................................................................................................68
Cancelling Lines and Packets .....................................................................................................................68
Redisplaying Text........................................................................................................................................68
The PASS Character.....................................................................................................................................68
Packet Protocol Basics........................................................................................................ 68
Reducing Errors through Collision Avoidance.............................................................................................69
DAMA Support.............................................................................................................................................70
CHECK and RELINK .....................................................................................................................................70
Transparent Mode.......................................................................................................................................70
Full-Duplex Operation................................................................................................................................71
Morse ID in Packet......................................................................................................................................71
The QRA Feature.........................................................................................................................................71
Packet Mail......................................................................................................................... 71

PK-12 Packet Controller Operating Manual / v
PK-12 Packet Controller Operating Manual / v
6. MailDrop Operation ...................................................................73
MailDrop Memory............................................................................................................... 73
Setting Up Your MailDrop................................................................................................... 73
Accessing and Commanding Your MailDrop........................................................................ 74
Monitoring Your MailDrop.................................................................................................. 74
MailDrop Prompts and Operation...................................................................................... 75
Sending Mail....................................................................................................................... 78
From the Console Operator ........................................................................................................................78
Sending Other Types of Messages ..............................................................................................................79
From the User’s Point of View ....................................................................................................................79
Message Numbers ......................................................................................................................................80
Forwarding and Reverse-Forwarding.........................................................................................................81
Settings for Auto-Forwarding .....................................................................................................................81
Entering a Message for Reverse Forwarding..............................................................................................81
7. GPS Operation............................................................................83
Hardware Configurations ................................................................................................... 84
Installing APRS ................................................................................................................... 86
Setting Up the PK-12 for GPS Operation ........................................................................... 86
Stand Alone Tracking Device Set-up:..........................................................................................................86
APRS Hardware Single Port Mode (HSP) Set-Up.........................................................................................88
APRS Dual Port Mode Set-up:.....................................................................................................................89
Building your own APRS adapter cable.............................................................................. 89
Connecting the APRS adapter cable ...........................................................................................................89
Schematic Diagram for the APRS Adapter Cable ................................................................ 90
PK-12/ULTIMETER II® Stand Alone Weather Station Set Up.............................................. 90
Wireless Data/Location Tracking Applications ................................................................... 91
Connecting the GPS Adapter Cable to the TNC: .........................................................................................93
8. Troubleshooting .........................................................................93
A Troubleshooting Primer................................................................................................... 93
The Power Supply Cable .............................................................................................................................94
The PK-12 ...................................................................................................................................................94
Cable from PK-12 to Computer ..................................................................................................................94
Computer/Software.....................................................................................................................................94
Cable From PK-12 to Radio ........................................................................................................................94
Radio ..........................................................................................................................................................94
If You Need to Call for Help................................................................................................ 95
General Error Messages ..................................................................................................... 96
Packet Error Messages ....................................................................................................... 97
MailDrop Error Messages................................................................................................... 98
PK-12 Status and Error Messages...................................................................................... 98

vi / PK-12 Packet Controller Operating Manual
Out-of-the-Box Problems................................................................................................... 99
Computer to PK-12 Problems........................................................................................... 100
Radio to PK-12 Problems................................................................................................. 100
MailDrop Problems .......................................................................................................... 100
Packet Problems............................................................................................................... 101
PK-12 Problems................................................................................................................ 105
Appendix A: Radio Connections ...................................................107
Radio Connection Notes.................................................................................................... 107
Radio Listings................................................................................................................... 108
Radio Connection Diagrams ............................................................................................. 112
Appendix B: Parts List, Schematic, and Pictorial Diagram...........117
Appendix C: Specifications ...........................................................120
Modem Characteristics ..................................................................................................... 120
Processor System.............................................................................................................. 120
Input/Output Connections ................................................................................................ 120
Controls and Indicators .................................................................................................... 120
General............................................................................................................................. 120
Appendix D: Battery Power..........................................................121
Setting the PK-12 to Low Power mode............................................................................. 121
Power Cable...................................................................................................................... 121
Additional Power Conservation........................................................................................ 121
Appendix E: Upgrading the PK-12 ...............................................122
Appendix F: Limited Warranty .....................................................123
Index ............................................................................................125

PK-12 Packet Controller Operating Manual / vii
Introduction
Overview
The PK-12 is a 1200 baud, packet-only controller that sets a new standard in the amateur radio
world. As a new owner, however, you may be bewildered by its scores of commands and their func-
tions, besides wondering what all those lights on the front panel do or mean.
Take heart:You don’t need to be a rocket scientist to understand how to hook up your PK-12 and op-
erate it, but you do need to have an understanding of basic electronics so you can make the neces-
sary (and correct) connections to your station equipment. You also need to have a working knowl-
edge of your computer’s software, hardware and operation.
Just as a car’s owner’s manual isn’t written to teach you how to drive, this one won’t go into the
electronics, operation, or theory behind packet operation, so please refer to other sources if your in-
terest in the PK-12’s operation extends beyond its practical application.
Here are some excellent sources for reading more about packet and packet operation:
•The Radio Amateur’s Digital Communications Handbook by Jonathan Mayo, KR3T; TAB Books,
ISBN 0-8306-8362-3 (hardback) and 0-8306-3362-6 (pbk.).
•The ARRL Operating Handbook and Your Packet Companion by Steve Ford.
Both of the above are available from the ARRL, 225 Main Street, Newington, CT 06111-1541 or
your local ham radio dealer.
Typographical Conventions
To set off special text, this manual uses the following typographical conventions:
This kind of type identifies variables for which you enter values (for example, MYCALL
WF7A).
This kind of type indicates a section of importance.
This kind of type identifies text generated by your PK-12. Examples include screen
menus, prompts, and error messages.
Combinations of keystrokes are joined by a minus sign (–). For example, if you’re instructed to press
the Control (CTRL) key and the letter “Z” at the same time, the keystroke will be shown as
(CTRL-Z). Release all keys simultaneously.
Key names like (ENTER), (RETURN), (SHIFT), (CTRL), and (SPACE BAR) mean press the key.
After entering any command into your PK-12, you’ll always press the (RETURN) or (ENTER) key.
So, whenever the word “enter” is used, it means to enter a command or text from your keyboard,
then press the (ENTER) or (RETURN) key. Throughout this manual, we’ll refer to this key as (RE-
TURN).

viii / PK-12 Packet Controller Operating Manual
Abbreviations used throughout the manual
ack Acknowledge
call Call sign
CTRL Control
DCD Data Carrier Detect
ESC Escape
HF High Frequency
LF Line feed
mS Milli-second
nA variable which you substitute a number or letter
nack Not Acknowledge
PTT Push-To-Talk

1. The PK-12
Overview
The PK-12 was designed to provide you with a superior packet operating platform when connected to
your computer and a VHF or UHF transceiver.
Capabilities & Features
• AX.25 levels 1 & 2, 1200 bps packet operation in the Command, Host and KISS modes.
• 32K MailDrop RAM (expandable to 128K RAM with upgrade option, see Appendix E).
• Gateway for node operation.
• GPS firmware which is remotely programmable, can be remotely polled, and is compatible with GPS,
Loran, ARNAV, and Ultimeter II. Optional APRS Adapter Cable available. The GPS firmware also
allows for Stand Alone Tracking and automatically detects GPS receivers at power-up.
• Terminal software and GPS tracking/mapping software included.
• CompatiblewithmanyterminalcontrolprogramsincludingTimewave’s PCPakRattIIandPCPakRatt
for Windows 2.0.
• DAMA support for master/slave node communication.
• Uses little power and can run even run on a 9-volt battery.
• Enhanced MHEARD function identifies TCP/IP, NET/ROM, and <The-Net> stations.
• Special commands (DFROM, CFROM) commands that let you control who connects to your TNC.
• EXPERT command included to ease the learning process—only the most common commands will be
usable until the EXPERT mode is enabled.
• Timewave/AEA’s expanded HOST mode.
• External AFSK adjustment, so there is no need to open the case.
• Limited one year warranty.
• Independent operation—once your PK-12 is up and running, you can turn off your computer or use it
to do something else; the PK-12 will independently accept connects, receive and forward mail, and act
as a node as long as power is supplied to it and your radio is on.
What You Should Have Received
Besides this manual, the following items are enclosed:
• A cable to connect your PK-12 to a radio.
• A power cable.
•A computer disk containing PK-Term for Windows and APRS sotware demo programs
Your Computer
You’ll need a computer or dumb terminal that has an RS-232 serial communications port so it can com-
municate with your PK-12. If you plan to use a computer, you will need software that makes the com-
puter act like a terminal. This is typically the same software you would use with a telephone modem.
For the sake of brevity in this manual, instead of using “dumb terminal” and “computer” interchangeably,
we’ll just use one word, “computer.”

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ATour of the PK-12
•XMT. This LED, when lit, indicates the transmitter is keyed.
•DCD. This LED, when lit, indicates the PK-12 hears data on the channel.
•CON. This LED, when lit, lets you know that you are connected to another packet station.
•STA. This LED, when lit, indicates unacknowledged messages or data in the transmit buffer.
•MAIL. This LED, when lit, lets you know that you have mail waiting in your MailDrop.
Timewave

PK-12 Packet Controller Operating Manual / 3
2. Power Supply &
Computer Installation
Overview
In this chapter, you’ll power up the PK-12 and connect it to the RS-232 serial port of your computer. Af-
ter the connections have been made, you’ll do a quick check of the PK-12’s internal firmware and inter-
nal modem by performing the all-important “loop-back” test. When you’ve completed this chapter, you’ll
be ready to connect the PK-12 to your transceiver and begin using it on the air.
Connecting Power
If you have a ready-made power supply like Timewave’s AC-1, connect it to the PK-12, plug the “power
cube” into the wall, and skip ahead to the Turning it On section.
If you are not using a “power cube,” locate the power cable in the enclosed accessory bag and strip off
enough insulation from the ends of both conductors to connect it to your 12-14 VDC regulated power
supply.
Pay close attention to the polarity of the power cable—the positive (+) conductor is marked with a white
stripe.
Turning it On
With the power connections made, turn on the PK-12’s power supply (or plug the power cube into the
wall outlet), then press the POWER switch on the front of the PK-12. Watch closely for this start-up light
pattern: five LED’s—DCD, CON, STA, MAIL, and POWER—should light. If this occurs, then switch
off the PK-12 and move on to the section, ConnectingYour Computer to the PK-12.
If none of the red LED’s are lit upon power-up but the green POWER light is on, then the controller has
been previously initialized and set to your computer’s current TBAUD speed—it has already passed the
autobaud routine, which will be described shortly.
If either of the above doesn’t happen, go to Chapter 7 - Troubleshooting.
Re-Initialization
If the PK-12 has been previously initialized, it’s ready to communicate with a computer at a baud rate of
300, 1200, 2400, 4800 or 9600 baud. If you’re new to TNC operation, we suggest you re-initialize the
PK-12 now so you’ll have an easier time getting it up and running later. Reinitializing the controller will
make it “forget” all of its user-defined parameters and will return it to its default settings from the
factory.
To re-initialize the PK-12, enter RESET after the cmd: prompt.

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ConnectingYour Computer to the PK-12
NOTE:
Make sure that the PK-12 and computer are turned off before proceeding.
The Cable
For communication to take place between your computer and the PK-12, you need a properly wired
shielded cable that will connect the computer’s serial port to the RS-232 I/O port on the back of the PK-
12.
The style of connector you have on your computer probably looks like one of these three:
Here’s a table of pin assignments to wire the PK-12’s RS-232 I/O port to a typical computer’s serial port:
from PK-12 to... Macintosh
RS-232 I/O DB-25F DB-9 mini DIN-8P Function
8 8 1 2 (DCD)
3 3 2 5 (RxD)
2 2 3 3 (TxD)
20 20 4 1 (DTR)
7 7 5 4+8 (GROUND)
6 6 6 (DSR)
4 4 7 (RTS)
5 5 8 (CTS)
1 1 Shield
Don’t use a “null modem” cable. This type of cable flips pins 2 & 3 so that pin 2 on one end of the cable
is connected to pin 3 on the other end (and vice versa). Use a cable that has “straight through” connec-
tions like the ones used to connect computers to a telephone modem, since as far as your computer is con-
cerned, the PK-12 is a modem.
If you’re using a computer that has a DB-9 connector for its serial port, you can purchase an adapter from
Radio Shack that will work with the supplied computer cable.
Once you’ve tested the cable to make sure it’s pinned correctly, plug one end into your computer’s serial
port and the other end to the RS-232 I/O port on the back of the PK-12. Then, proceed to the System
Start-up and Loop-back Test section in this chapter.
Dumb Terminals
If you have an RS-232 dumb terminal, you may need to change the gender of the cable provided with
your PK-12. This can be done with an inexpensive double-male RS-232 gender changing adapter avail-
able from Radio Shack and other computer dealers. The Radio Shack part number is 26-243.

PK-12 Packet Controller Operating Manual / 5
The Computer
If the type of computer you plan to use with the PK-12 wasn’t mentioned earlier in this chapter, you may
find specific connection information below.You’ll also need a communications program to use with your
computer. See The Software section following this one for information regarding communication pro-
grams for many of the above machines.
Computers that don’t have a serial port or permit use of a suitable adapter or level converter can’t be used
with the PK-12.
Other Computers with RS-232 Ports
If your computer has an RS-232 port, consult your computer manuals to see which pins are used for TxD,
RxD, and signal ground. Read the manufacturer’s recommendations for connecting the serial port to a
telephone modem. Connect your PK-12 the same way.
The PK-12 is configured as Data Communications Equipment (DCE)—it receives data on pin-2. Most
computers and terminals are configured as Data Terminal Equipment (DTE) transmitting data on pin-2.
If your computer is configured as DTE, use the supplied RS-232 cable with a gender changing adapter, if
necessary. These are available from Radio Shack (catalog# 26-243) and other computer stores.
If your computer is configured as DCE, wire it like this:
• Wire pin 2 of the PK-12 to pin 3 of the RS-232 computer connector.
• Wire pin 2 of the computer’s RS-232 connector to pin 3 of the PK-12.
• Wire pin 7 to pin 7.
Other Computers with Non-Standard Serial Ports
Computers with non-standard serial ports must meet the following conditions:
• The signal levels must be compatible with RS-232C. The PK-12 requires the voltage levels from the
computertobe greater than+3volts in the“asserted”state and 0 voltsorless in the“non-asserted”state.
• The signal polarity must conform to the RS-232C standard. The 0 or negative-voltage state must
correspond to logical “1” and the positive-voltage state to logical “0.”
Make or buy a cable that provides the following connections:
• The computer’s serial port signal ground or common pin must be connected to the PK-12’s serial port
connector, pin 7.
• The pin on which the computer sends data (TxD) must be connected to the PK-12’s RS-232 connector,
pin 2.
• The pin on which the computer receives data (RxD) must be connected to the PK-12’s RS-232
connector, pin 3.
If your computer requires any other signals, you must arrange to provide them. The PK-12 has the stan-
dard hardware handshake lines available. As a default, the PK-12 provides XON/XOFF software flow
control to the computer or terminal. The command, XFLOW, can be turned off, disabling software flow
control and enabling hardware handshake if your computer requires it. Hardware flow control is achieved
with RTS/CTS (pins 4 and 5) of the DB-25 RS-232 I/O connector. The documentation provided with
your computer or serial card should clarify any special requirements.

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The Software
If you’re going to use your PK-12 with a computer, you’ll need to read parts of this section to set up your
communications or terminal (modem) program software. If you’ll be using your PK-12 with a dumb ter-
minal, you won’t need any software and can skip to the next section, System Start-up and Loop-back
Test.
The PK-12 operates in much the same manner as a telephone modem, so most telephone modem termi-
nal programs will work with your PK-12. Some of these programs are in the “public domain,” which
means they’re free. Other terminal programs are “share-ware,” which means you may get them from a
friend and try them before you buy them. Of course, you can always purchase a program outright from
Timewave, a local amateur radio dealer, a nearby computer dealer, or through mail-order software
houses.
Follow the installation directions for the terminal program you plan to use. Once installed on your com-
puter, you should start the program and set its parameters to:
• Data Rate = 9600 bits per second (Baud)
• Data bits/word length = 8
• Parity = NONE
• Stop bits = 1
• Duplex = FULL
• Handshake = XON/OFF
NOTE:
As a default, the PK-12 provides XON/XOFF software flow-control to the computer or terminal. The PK-
12 command, XFLOW, can be turned off to disable software flow control and enable hardware hand-
shake if your computer requires it. Hardware flow control is achieved with RTS/CTS (pins 4 and 5) of the
DB-25 RS-232 I/O connector.
Installing PC PakRatt Lite
NOTE:
You will need 500K of free hard disk space to load PC PakRatt Lite
1. Insert the installation disk into the floppy drive on your computer, A: or B:.
2. If you placed the disk in drive A:, type: A:INSTPPLT and then press ENTER.
If you placed the disk in drive B:, type: B:INSTPPLT and press ENTER.
This brings up a screen that explains what you need to do to install PC PakRatt Lite. Follow the di-
rections and PC PakRatt Lite will load itself on your hard drive.
3. After installation, it is highly recommended that you print the PC PakRatt Lite Operating Manual.
The manual is copied to the PC PakRatt Lite drive and the directory when the program is installed.

PK-12 Packet Controller Operating Manual / 7
The manual uses about 60 pages when printed. To print the manual, type: cd\PPLITE at the C: and
press ENTER; this puts you in the PC PakRatt Lite directory. Now type: COPY
PPLITMAN.PRN LPT1 (or LPT2, 3, or 4— whichever your printer is connected to) and press
ENTER. The manual should begin printing.
The manual can be viewed on your screen using a text editor, however we recommend printing the
manual on your printer.
4. After printing the manual, read through the setup instructions to find out how to properly config-
ure the program and TNC.
5. To run the program type: cd\PPLITE at the C: and press ENTER. You will see this: C:\PPLITE>.
Now type: PPLITE and press ENTER.
You are ready to setup and use PC PakRatt Lite.s
System Start-up and Loop-back Test
Make sure that you’ve connected your PK-12 to a power supply and to the RS-232 port of your com-
puter or terminal.
1. Don’t connect any other cables to your radio yet!
2. With wire strippers and radio cable in hand, remove about an inch (2.5cm) of cable jacket, expos-
ing the five colored wires and the shield-wire. Be careful not to nick the wires’ insulation.
3. Strip about 1/4 inch (7mm) of insulation from the green and white wires and short them by gently
twisting their stripped ends together.
4. Plug the cable into the RADIO socket on the PK-12’s rear panel.
5. Set the TX LEVEL pot on the rear of the PK-12 to 50% rotation (straight up and down) using a
small screwdriver.
6. Turn on your computer. Load your communications program. (Choose the TTY option, if avail-
able.)
NOTE:
If you’re using an Timewave program, follow its manual’s instructions for TNC start-up, then skip to Step
9.
7. Press the PK-12’s power switch to the ON position.
8. Type an asterisk (*). The PK-12 will automatically try to recognize your computer’s data (baud)
rate that’s set in the communications program you’re using—this is referred to as the autobaud rou-
tine. When the PK-12’s baud rate matches your computer’s baud rate, your screen will display the
following sign-on message:
AEA PK-12 Packet Controller
AX.25 Level 2 Version 2.0
Copyright (C) 1995 by
Advanced Electronic Applications, Inc.
Release 26.JUN.95
Ver. 7.1
cmd:
The five red LED’s on the front panel should now be off.
(Make note on the first page of this manual of the firmware release . This is important should you
ever need to call Timewave for technical support.)

8/ PK-12 Packet Controller Operating Manual
bar once, enter the command’s “argument” (the variable or text you’re changing)if appropriate,
then press (RETURN).
9. For now, enter a mock call sign after the cmd: prompt. For example:
MYCALL AAA
After you’ve entered this, the PK-12 will print the following on the screen:
MYcall was PK12
MYcall now AAA
10. The PK-12 recognizes the letter “C” to mean “connect to...”. Try to connect to yourself by entering:
C AAA
After a few moments, your monitor should display:
*** CONNECTED to AAA
11. Type Hi, there!, then press (RETURN). Your monitor should echo the same message.
12. Press (CTRL-C)—you’ll get the cmd: prompt back. Enter the letter “D” so you can disconnect
from yourself. You should get the message:
*** DISCONNECTED: AAA
cmd:
If you’ve gotten this far, the PK-12 is operating properly. If you’re having difficulties, see Chapter 8 -
Troubleshooting.
If you experienced problems with the above procedure, go back to Step 1 after checking all the cables
and connectors for proper wiring, continuity, and connection. Read each step again carefully. The most
common errors made during this procedure are: trying to connect to a call sign different from the one you
entered after MYCALL, not having the green-and-white wires shorted, or not setting the TX LEVEL to
50% rotation.

PK-12 Packet Controller Operating Manual / 9
3. Radio Installation
Overview
This chapter describes how to connect the PK-12 to your radio receiver or transceiver.
To Transmit and Receive. . .
If you want to transmit as well as receive, you’ll need to make the proper connections to your radio’s
speaker, microphone, ground, and the Push-To-Talk (PTT) circuits.
The best way to connect the PK-12 to your transceiver is through its rear panel accessory port (if it has
one)—it will free up the mike jack so you don’t have to swap connectors with your mike and the PK-12.
If your radio doesn’t have an accessory port, use its microphone connector for your hookup.
NOTE:
If your controller is connected to your radio’s accessory port and you leave your mike plugged in, it will
cause your radio to transmit whatever it hears from the PK-12 if you accidentally key the mike.
Radio Connection Requirements
NOTE:
Make sure that you remove power from your PK-12 and radio before making any of the following con-
nections.
You’ll need the following items to make a radio cable to connect the PK-12 to your transceiver:
• The Timewave-supplied radio cable.
• A microphone or accessory-plug connector.
• A schematic of your radio’s microphone or accessory port.
• A low-wattage (under 40W) soldering iron and solder.
• Wire cutters or strippers.

10 / PK-12 Packet Controller Operating Manual
Basic Connections and Adjustments
The following will help you identify the connection points to the PK-12’s radio cable:
Wire
Pin Signal Name Color Description
1 Microphone Audio White Transmit audio from the PK-12 to your transmitter
2 Ground Brown Audio and PTT common return
3 Push-To-Talk Red Keying line to your transmitter
4 Receive Audio Green Audio from your radio to the PK-12
5 Squelch Input Black Squelch input from radio (optional)
Shield/Drain Wire Silver Shield of cable / Microphone ground
Connections for Specific Transceivers
Appendix A contains notes and diagrams for connecting the PK-12 to many VHF/UHF transceivers. Lo-
cate the transceiver you’ll be connecting to your PK-12.At the same time, refer to your radio’s Operating
Manual to verify the pin assignments. (If you don’t find your transceiver in Appendix A, locate a model
from the same manufacturer that has the same accessory or mike connector and pinouts as the unit you’ll
be connecting—usually the manufacturer is consistent with their wiring formats so the hookups will be
the same.)
If you’ll be using a packet channel that’s shared with voice users, you should connect the black wire to
the Squelch pin of the connector—this will prevent the PK-12 from transmitting when there’s a received
signal strong enough to open the squelch. If you connect this pin, you may have to change the
SQUELCH setting in the PK-12. (Most VHF/UHF Packet operations are no longer shared with voice re-
peaters, so this generally isn’t used.)
So, to fashion the radio cable:
1. Locate the radio cables included with your PK-12.
2. Prepare the bare end by removing an appropriate amount of jacket for the mike connector you’ll at-
tach. Typically, this is .5 - .75 inches.
3. Carefully remove the foil shield exposing the colored wires underneath. Be careful not to nick or
cut the shield wire.
4. Strip back about .125 inch of colored insulation from the red, white and brown wires. Don’t strip
back the black wire if you don’t intend to use it—just cut it short.
5. Feed the connector’s backshell over the cable end, then look at the connector closely to locate Pin
1. Compare this to the location of Pin 1 on the connector drawing in your transceiver’s manual and
the one in Appendix A. This is important, as some diagrams show the connector from the inside of

PK-12 Packet Controller Operating Manual / 11
the transceiver, not the outside of the plug you are wiring. This will help insure that the plug is not
wired backwards.
6. Warm up your soldering iron and begin soldering the wires.
NOTE:
When wiring a connector, it’s often easier to wire the inside or middle pins first, then work your way
to the outside pins.
7. Connect the Shield (silver) wire to the mike’s ground connection, if your transceiver has one. If it
doesn’t have a separate mike or ground connection, then connect it to the single ground along with
the brown wire. (See the next step.)
8. Connect the brown wire to the main ground on the connector. This ground is the one used for the
PTT and receive audio. You should connect the silver Shield/Drain wire to this ground only if there
isn’t a separate mike ground as described in the previous step.
If you’re connecting a handheld (“handy-talkie”) transceiver to your PK-12, you’ll probably need a resis-
tor and/or capacitor to isolate this connection from the AFSK audio (check Appendix A).
Transceiver Adjustments
Make sure your PK-12 and radio are turned off and all the cables are correctly wired and connected.
1. Connect a dummy load to your radio and be prepared to monitor your transmissions with a devia-
tion meter.
NOTE:
If you don’t have a deviation meter, a “quick ’n’dirty” way to set the 1200 bps AFSK level is to turn the
TX LEVEL pot on the back of the PK-12 halfway between its stops.
2. Verify that your PK-12 and FM radio are connected as shown in the following figure:

12 / PK-12 Packet Controller Operating Manual
3. Turn on your radio and computer.
4. Go ahead and load your terminal program so that you’re operating the PK-12 in the Dumb Termi-
nal mode.
5. Enter the CALIBRATE mode by entering: CAL next to the cmd: prompt.
In the CALIBRATE mode only, the letter Ktoggles the transmitter PTT line on and off; the
(SPACE) bar toggles the tone generator from Mark (the lower pitched tone) to Space (the higher
pitched tone).
NOTE:
The PK-12 has a transmit watchdog timer circuit that unkeys your transmitter automatically after
sixty (60) seconds.
6. Press Kto key the transmitter.
7. Tap the (SPACE) bar several times until the higher pitched of the two tones (Space) is heard.
8. Adjust the transmit audio level by adjusting the rear-panel TX LEVEL pot clockwise until the de-
viation meter reads ±3 kHz average deviation. If 3 kHz can’t be obtained, change the position of
JP3 and repeat adjustment.
9. Press Kto return to receive mode.
10. Press Qto leave the CALIBRATE mode.
11. Set your receiver’s squelch control for normal voice operation.