4.4.6 Packet Connects
When you turn your PK-232 on and enter your callsign, anyone can
Connect to you. If you are at your terminal or computer when this
occurs you will see a message like the one shown below:
*** CONNECTED to N7GMF
When a packet connection occurs, the PK-232 automatically switches to
the Converse mode so what you type on the keyboard will be sent to
the connected station. The NEWMODE and NOMODE commands control when
and how the PK-232 changes to and from Command mode in response to
packet connects and disconnects. You will probably never need to
change these settings.
4.4.6.1 Time-Stamping Connects
Sometimes it is useful to know what time someone connected to you -
perhaps for logging purposes. To time-stamp your packet connects and
disconnects turn the command CONSTAMP ON. As discussed in the
Monitoring section above, turning the command DAYSTAMP ON will add the
date to this time-stamp as well. The DAYTIME command must be set
first for this to operate.
4.4.6.2 Connect Alarm
If you are in the ham shack but busy doing other things, you may want
to be alerted when someone connects to you. Turning the command CBELL
ON will ring the bell on your terminal when another station connects
or disconnects from you.
4.4.7 Packet Formatting and Editing
Some of your PK-232's command parameters affect how your packets are
formatted - how your typing appears to the rest of the world. Other
commands let you correct typing errors before your packet is sent,
cancel lines or cancel packets if necessary.
4.4.7.1 Carriage Returns and Linefeeds in Packets
Most people use packet radio for sending and receiving messages or
conversing with other Amateurs. The character used to send a packet
is defined with the command SENDPAC which defaults to a Carriage
Return ($0D). The SENDPAC character may be changed, but most will
find the Carriage Return or Enter key to be a natural choice.
Similarly, your PK-232 will include a Carriage Return in the packet
you send to the other station since this makes for a more natural
conversation. The ACRPACK command (default ON) controls this feature,
and most people will never want to change this.
The PK-232 also has the capability of adding a linefeed character
($0A) automatically to packets that you send to others. AEA PAKRATT
programs and most other terminal programs do this automatically. If
you encounter a station that says your packets are overprinting, you
may want to turn the ALFPACK or the ILFPACK command ON temporarily.
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