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

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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

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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

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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