*************************************************************** New commands and changes in the new PTC-II firmware version 2.0 *************************************************************** The first generally available beta (test) version of the new PTC-II firmware 2.0 was released at the end of June 1996. A large proportion of the PTC-II firmware has been completely re-written to enable an Packet and PACTOR to work side by side, without mutual interference. A complex multitasking operating system has had to be built, on top of which the individual tasks, such as PACTOR, AMTOR, RTTY, Packet etc., have been placed. Using this logical system of a multitasking operating system, together with optimized management of the individual data streams, enables the high performance processor in the PTC-II to be available for every task. Here is a short list of the new features in the 2.0 firmware: - Packet-Radio - Hostmode - New Commands - Expanded transceiver control - Supports the RCU (Remote Control Amplifier Unit) - Bugs removed ====================== PACket ------ The PACket command, or PAC for short, switches on PTC-II Packet-Radio commands. The input command prompt has the form "pac:". The Packet-Radio commands are then valid. These will be described in detail below. As with the other sub-functions of the PTC-II, it is here also possible to pass through direct commands. These differ from the normal "cmd:" by the input of: PAC . For example: PAC MON 0 ====================== Rle --- Default : 1 Arguments: 0 Run-length-coding off 1 Run-Length-Coding on Rle allows the automatic run-length-coding for PACTOR-II links to be switched off (0), or to be activated again (1). This command is usually only used for testing purposes (speed comparisons etc.) and is only implemented for completeness. ====================== Gate ---- The Gate command allows unlimited access to the Packet network via PACTOR. The gateway is implemented totally within the PTC-II. The PTC-II is using the new multitasking operating system within its flash-ROM to enable optimum operation of both physical Packet-Radio ports, (32 Packet channels in total) as well as the HF task (PACTOR/AMTOR). The GATE command may be used from the terminal (local) or from the remote station. From the terminal (local command), a default callsign can be set which will be used when a remote user only gives the command "GATE". The possible local arguments are either NONE or a valid callsign. Example: Gate DB0GV-7 The remote user only now sends "Gate" and the PTC-II builds the link to the digipeater DB0GV-7. Operation from a remote station: The command GATE without argument is sent (ended only with ) ---> link made to the default callsign previously input by the SYSOP locally. The command GATE with a target callsign as argument. ---> link made with/to the given callsign. Example: GATE DB0GV Causes a connect to the PR-mailbox DB0GV. Optionally, before the callsign of the target digi, the port number of the PTC-II can be set e.g. GATE 1:DB0GV . General comments to operation: After a successful gateway connect, the PACTOR link serves only as a data throughput medium, i.e. no direct commands to the PTC-II are then possible. If the gateway-link with the digi is lost e.g. through a Q-command to the digi, then the "normal" next? - prompt from the PTC-II appears, and the usual internal commands are again available - even a new GATE access is then possible. The changeover-control is given entirely to the PTC-II when in Gateway- mode. The user should NEVER INITIATE A CHANGEOVER. ====================== RCU --- Activates the control of the SCS Remote Control Amplifier Unit (RCU). The input (command) prompt takes the form "rcu:". Except for the command "Quit", all commands are passed direct to the RCU and processed there. Any possible answers from the RCU are then passed back to the Terminal by the PTC-II. Return to the normal "cmd:" prompt is by using the "Quit" command. Note: If the RCU is not connected, the "rcu:" prompt is given, however any commands sent have no result. Even "Help" gives no result, as the "Help" is produced from the RCU. Only "Quit" is processed, and returns back to the normal "cmd:" As with other sub-functions of the PTC-II, it is here also possible to give direct commands to the RCU, this occurs from the normal "cmd:" by inputting: RCU Example: RCU Help ====================== HCr --- Default : 0 Arguments: 0 Auto-CHO after an empty line off 1 Auto-CHO after an empty line on If HCr is 1, then in Hostmode, a changeover is carried out after an empty line (double CR or ). ====================== PTChn ----- Default : 4 Arguments: 1-31, Hostmode channel for PACTOR. Defines the Hostmode-channel for PACTOR. PACTOR can only be used from a Hostmode program on the channel defined here. ====================== Packet-Radio ------------ ATTENTION: Important note! Packet-Radio with the PTC-II will only function in conjunction with the optionally available Packet-Radio modules from SCS. At the moment, there are two different PR-modules available: - AFSK-Module: for 1200 and 2400 baud AFSK with Modem-Chip TCM-3105. - FSK-Module: for the G3RUH compatible FSK-method (9600 baud etc.) Both modules contain only the electronics required for signal preparation. The actual Packet protocol processing is done by the PTC-II. Commands -------- The terms Channel and Port are very important for understanding the functions of the Packet-Radio option in the PTC-II, and the difference must be clearly understood. Port: A port describes the Hardware that is required to transmit and receive the information. To use a port, a modem must be built in. The radio is then connected to this modem. The PTC-II contains two possible ports, which correspond to the two available sockets on the main board. Channel: An AX.25-QSO may be found on a Channel. Normally, one QSO per channel. The number of channels sets the number of simultaneous links which can be made to other stations. The description Multiport describes commands that work separately on each port. It is, for example, rather probable that on both ports, a different TXDelay would be required. The port input for the multiport commands is set directly before the parameter, separated with a colon (:). In general: Command Port:Parameter No spaces are allowed between the port input, the colon and the parameter! As an example, the TXDelay command may again be used. Interrogate the TXDelay on port 1: TXD 1: Interrogate the TXDelay on port 2: TXD 2: Set the TXDelay on port 1 to 200 ms: TXD 1:200 Set the TXDelay on port 2 to 90 ms: TXD 2:90 If one works mainly on one particular port, after a while it becomes a bit of a chore always to have to give the port number. It is therefore possible to define a standard port with the Port command, on which a number of the Multiport commands work when port input is omitted. The following command sets the standard port to port 2: Port 2 Now all multiport commands without a special port number influence port 2. Interrogate the TXDelay (on port 2): TXD set the TXDelay to 150ms (on port 2): TXD 150 The commands in detail: ----------------------- Baud ---- Multiport Default : 1200 / 9600 Argument: Baudrate for the radio link. Setting / Interrogating the radio link baudrate. Without a parameter, the Baud command delivers the Modem type and the Baudrate set. If a valid Baudrate is given as a parameter, so this is set in the Packet modem. Valid Baudrates are: For the SCS AFSK-Modem: 1200 and 2400 For the SCS FSK-Modem: 4800, 9600, 19200, 28800, 38400, 57600, 76800, 115200. Cbell ----- Default: OFF Arguments: OFF Connect-Bell off. ON Connect-Bell on. Turn on or off the connect-bell. If the connect-bell is turned on, then every connect is signaled with an acoustic signal. Additionally, the PTC-II sends a bell character to the terminal. Check ----- Default: 30 (x 10s) Argument: 0-250, time x 10s The Check command sets the T3 or Link-Activity timer. If nothing is heard from the partner station during the time T3, then it is questioned if a link still exists. Connect ------- Multiport Default: none Argument: [ .....] Connect sets up the AX.25-link. The connect can take place over both ports in the PTC-II. The required port is given directly before the target callsign: C 1:DL1ZAM - connects with DL1ZAM via Port 1 C 2:DL2FAK - connects with DL2FAK via Port 2 If no special port is given, then the PTC-II uses the default port, that has been set using the Port-command. If the link takes place via one or more digipeaters, then the list of digi- peaters should be given directly after the target callsign. C DL6MAA DB0FKB - connects to DL6MAA via DB0KFB NOTE: a "v" or "via" between the target callsign and the digipeater list is NOT allowed! CONStamp -------- Default: ON Arguments: OFF Time stamp off. ON Time stamp on. Activates the display of time-stamps on Connect and Disconnect messages. CONVerse -------- Switches over manually to the Converse-mode. This function is seldom needed, as the PTC-II automatically switches into the Converse-mode after a successful link up. Alternatively, a "K" may be used as abbreviation for CONVerse. Cstatus ------- Cstatus gives out a list about the condition of the channel, the link status. DIGIpeat -------- Default: OFF Arguments: OFF Digipeating switched off ON Digipeating switched on. Disconnect ---------- Ends an AX.25 link. If there is still data to be sent to the partner station, then this data is first transmitted, then the disconnect is carried out. If the Disconnect-command is given twice, one after the other, then the link is immediately broken (corresponds to "DD" in PACTOR). Frack ----- Default : 5 Argument: 1-15, time in Seconds. Frack sets the time in which a packet must be acknowledged. If the PTC-II sends a packet, and no acknowledgment is forthcoming within the Frack- time, then the PTC-II asks if the information has arrived. FSKFilter --------- Multiport Default : 0 Argument: 0-15, Filter value. Filter parameter for the SCS FSK-Modem. NOTE: This command is only valid for the SCS FSK-Modem. Fulldup ------- Multiport Default : OFF Arguments: OFF Full duplex switched off. ON Full duplex switched on. Switches the port into full-duplex operation. Full-duplex allows the simultaneous transmission and reception of data at a port. Fulldup 1:0 switches the full-duplex on port 1 off. Fulldup 2:1 switches the full-duplex on port 2 on. Fulldup 0 switches full-duplex on the present port (default Port) off. Help ---- Lists all the Packet-Radio commands. JHOST1 ------ Switches to the Hostmode. This command is used by the Hostmode software, in order to switch to Hostmode. The command has no meaning for the "Normal" operation in terminal-mode. Further explanation concerning Hostmode on the PTC-II can be found below. MAXframe -------- Default : 7 Argument: 1-7, number of not acknowledged packets. Maximum number of non acknowledged Info-packets (I-Frames) in a link. Maxframe also sets how many packets the PTC-II transmits together. The value should be reduced for bad links. Mcon ---- Default : 1 Argument: 0-6, Frame-type. Mcon sets whether the Monitor should remain switched on in terminal- mode, even during a Connect. Values larger than 0 switch the Monitor on. Values greater than 1 set the type of frames that are displayed. 0 - Monitor switched off. 1 - Only UI-Frames 2 - Also I-Frames 3 - Also SABM- and DISC-Frames. 4 - Also UA- or DM-Frames 5 - Also RNR, RJ and FRMR 6 - Also Poll/Final Bit, PID and serial numbers Monitor ------- Default : 6 Argument: 0-6, Frame-Type. Switch Monitor on and off. Values greater than 0 switch the Monitor on. Values greater than 1 set which frame-types will be monitored. 0 - Monitor switched off. 1 - Only UI-Frames 2 - Also I-Frames 3 - Also SABM- and DISC-Frames. 4 - Also UA- or DM-Frames 5 - Also RNR, RJ and FRMR 6 - Also Poll/Final Bit, PID and serial numbers MStamp ------ Default : OFF Argument: OFF Time stamp off. ON Time stamp on. MStamp activates the time stamp for packets that are displayed via the Monitor. MYAlias ------- Default : SCSPTC Argument: Call, alternative station callsign. MYAlias is handled as Mycall for incoming connects. MYAlias can also be used as an alternative station callsign. MYcall ------ Default : SCSPTC Argument: Call, Stations callsign. Callsign for Packet operation. After switching on, the PTC-II checks the firmware to see if a valid call sits in the PACTOR-MYCALL buffer. If this is the case (where *SCSPTC* is not found as the Mycall) then the PTC-II copies this call into all PR channels which contain "SCSPTC", and thus overwrites it with a valid callsign. If the Mycall-command on the PACTOR side is used with a valid callsign as argument, then the PTC-II again checks all Packet channels for "SCSPTC" as Mycall. It then uses the newly set PACTOR-MYcall in the Packet-Radio channels where previously "SCSPTC" used to be. PErsist ------- Multiport Default : 64 Argument: 0-255, Persistence. The Persistence value sets the probability that a packet is transmitted, after the radio-channel is acknowledged as free. P 1:32 Persistence on Port 1 set to 32 p 2:128 Persistence on Port 2 set to 128 Port ---- Default : depending on installed Modems. Argument: 1/2 Default Port. The default Port is set here. The Port-Command influences the following commands: Baud, Connect, FSKFilter, Fulldup, Persist, Slottime and Txdelay. Quit ---- Leave the Packet-Mode. REtry ----- Default : 10 Argument: 0-255, number of repeats. Retry sets the maximum number of repeats. If this value is exceeded, then the PTC-II gives out the message: *** retry count exceeded *** DISCONNECTED Setchn ------ Default : 1 Argument: 0-31, Channel. Switches between the various channels. SLottime -------- Multiport Default : 100 Argument: 1-30000, Slot-time in milliseconds. Sets the Slot-time for the transmitter control. The PTC-II can only transmit at particular times. Slot-time sets the distance between these times. TXdelay ------- Multiport Default : 150 Argument: 1-30000, TxDelay in milliseconds. Sets the time between keying the PTT and transmission of the first information. TXD 1:50 sets the TxDelay of Port 1 to 50 ms TXD 2:200 sets the TxDelay of port 2 to 200 ms Unproto ------- Default : CQ Argument: Call, Callsign for Unproto. Unproto sets the target callsign for the Unproto-Operation. To start an Unproto transmission, just enter the Converse-mode with "K". Everything that is typed now and ended with is transmitted by the PTC-II. returns the "pac:" prompt. The entry of "K" then ends the Converse-mode. USers ----- Default : 4 Argument: 0 - 31 number of users. Limits the number of channels available from outside. USers 5 limits the number of connects from outside to five. If the PTC is presently connected to by 5 stations, and a further station attempts to connect, his connect request will be refused. Users is concerned only with Connect-requests from outside. The number of channels for the local user remains un-affected. ====================== The PTC-II Hostmode ------------------- The Hostmode implemented in the PTC-II is very highly compatible to the WA8DED-Hostmode, as found in virtually all TNCs. The Hostmode is only used when the PTC-II is connected to a computer and controlled by a special Hostmode program. The commands in Hostmode differ entirely to those commands used in the normal Terminal-mode. Here are the commands in detail: -------------------------------- C -------- Connect sets up the AX.25-link. The connect can take place over both ports in the PTC-II. The required port is given directly before the target callsign: C 1:DL1ZAM - connects with DL1ZAM via Port 1 C 2:DL2FAK - connects with DL2FAK via Port 2 If no special port is given, then the PTC-II uses the default port, that is set using %P. If the link takes place via one or more digipeaters, then the list of digipeaters should be given directly after the target callsign. C DL6MAA DB0FKB - connects to DL6MAA via DB0KFB NOTE: a "v" or "via" between the target callsign and the digipeater list is NOT allowed! A Connect-command on channel 0 sets the path for the Unproto transmission. D - Ends an AX.25 link. If there is still data to be sent to the partner station, this data is first transmitted, then the disconnect is carried out. If the Disconnect-command is given twice, one after the other, then the link is immediately broken (corresponds to "DD" in PACTOR). F <0..30000> ------------ Default : 5 Frack-Timer (T1) Frack sets the time in which a packet must be acknowledged. If the PTC-II sends a packet, and no acknowledgment is forthcoming within the Frack- time, then the PTC-II asks if the information has arrived. G - G (Get) is a special Hostmode command. It is used to get information about the various Hostmode channels. I -------- Sets the station callsign. The callsign can be individually set for each channel. After a disconnect, the callsign from channel 0 is used. JHOST <0/1> ----------- Switches to the Hostmode, This command is used by the Hostmode software, in order to switch to Hostmode. The command has no meaning for the "Normal" operation in terminal-mode. K <0/1/2> --------- Switches the Time-stamp display on and off. K 0 - Time-stamp switched off. K 1 - Time-stamp for connect and disconnect messages. K 2 - Time-stamp also in Monitor. L <0..31> --------- Interrogates the link-status. A list of the channel condition is given. M --------- M sets which Frame-types will be displayed in the Monitor. M N - Monitor off M I - Info-frames M U - Unproto transmissions M S - Control packets N <0..255> ---------- Default : 10 Sets the maximum number of repeats. If this value is exceeded, then the PTC-II gives out the message: *** retry count exceeded *** DISCONNECTED O <1..7> -------- Default : 7 Maximum number of non acknowledged Info-packets (I-Frames) in a link. Maxframe also sets how many packets the PTC-II transmits together. The value should be reduced for bad links. P <0..255> ---------- Default : 64 The Persistence value sets the probability that a packet is transmitted, after the radio-channel is acknowledged as free. P 1:32 Persistence on Port 1 set to 32 p 2:128 Persistence on Port 2 set to 128 T <0..30000> ------------ Default : 150 Sets the time between keying the PTT and the transmission of the first information. TXD 1:50 sets the TxDelay on Port 1 to 50 ms TXD 2:200 sets the TxDelay on Port 2 to 200 ms U <0/1> ------- Default : 0 U sets the Connect-text, e.g. U 1 Here is the PTC-II - switch on the Connect-text U 1 - Interrogate the Connect-text U 0 - Switch off the Connect-text W <0..30000> ------------ Default : 100 Sets the Slot-time for the transmitter control. The PTC-II can only transmit at particular times. Slot-time sets the distance between these times. Y <0..31> --------- Default : 4 Limits the number of channels available from outside. Y 5 limits the number of connects from outside to five. If the PTC is presently connected to by 5 stations, and a further station attempts to connect, his connect request will be refused. Y is concerned only with Connect-requests from outside. The number of channels for the local user remains un-affected. @B -- Outputs the free buffer This command is virtually only used from the Hostmode program to find out how much memory is still free in the PTC-II. @D <0/1> -------- Switches the port into full-duplex operation. Full-duplex allows the simultaneous transmission and reception of data at a port. @D 1:0 switches the full-duplex on port 1 off. @D 2:1 switches the full-duplex on port 2 on. @D 0 switches full-duplex on the present port (default Port) off. %B ------------- Setting / Interrogating the radio link baudrate. Without a parameter, the Baud command delivers the Modem type and the Baudrate set. If a valid Baudrate is given as a parameter, so this is set in the Packet modem. Valid Baudrates are: For the SCS AFSK-Modem: 1200 and 2400 For the SCS FSK-Modem: 4800, 9600, 19200, 28800, 38400, 57600, 76800, 115200. %F <0..15> ---------- Default : 0 Filter parameter for the SCS-FSK modem. NOTE: This command is only valid with the SCS FSK modem! %P <1/2> --------- Sets the default port for all Multiport commands. %P influences the following commands: C, P, T, W, @D, %B, %F. ====================== Expansion of the Type-command in the TRX sub-menu: -------------------------------------------------- The argument SGC is now permitted as Transceiver-type. A maximum of two parameters are processed: 1. Parameter: SGC, only the first character is processed. 2. Parameter: Baudrate, all normal values are allowed. The third parameter which is usual for Kenwood, Yaesu and Icom is dropped if the first parameter is recognized as SGC. New Command "Transfer" in TRX-Submenu ------------------------------------- The command "Transfer" allows any character sequences to be sent via the normal command interpreter of the PTC-II to a connected transceiver. If the transceiver type has been set to Kenwood, then ASCII characters can directly follow the Transfer-command, as Kenwood transceivers work directly with ASCII sequences. The Transfer-sequence is closed with . Example: T FA; commands the Kenwood-Transceiver to switch to VFO A and to give out the frequency of the VFO A. In the case of Transceiver-Types SGC, Yaesu or Icom, the Transfer-Sequences must be given in Hexadecimal form. Example: T F18A8A Commands the SG 2000 to switch to the next operating mode ('step radio mode' command). With the Hexadecimal input, spaces are ignored. Both small and capital letters are allowed. Transfer-Sequences may be easily stored as Fixtext or Fixfiles for individual control of the transceiver. New command "Dump" in the TRX-Submenu ------------------------------------- Possible Arguments 0 or 1: Default 0. With the command Dump 1 , the PTC-II is switched to Transceiver- Dump-Mode. This mode provides a very simple Hostmode for direct communication between the terminal program and the transceiver. The PTC-II only serves as a level converter or baudrate converter and delivers as required the necessary signal preamble (for SGC-Transceivers). The actual control sequences must be delivered by the host-computer or terminal program. In Dump-Mode, the information given out by the transceiver is transferred direct to the host-computer and must there be processed. TRX Dump-sequences from the host-computer (Terminal) to the PTC-II have the same format as the TRX Dump-sequences from the PTC-II to the host-computer. These consist of: 1. TRX-Dump-Header for un-ambiguous recognition of the TRX-Dump-sequences. 2. The actual data field in Hexadecimal form (identical to the data field when using the Transfer command for SGC, Icom and Yaesu). 3. The end character, Carriage Return (ASCII 13). Dump-sequences always begin with the TRX-Dump-Header. This header consists of the following <#><:>, where <..> denotes in each case one byte (ASCII) (corresponds to 05H 23H 54H 58H 3AH). The header is only then valid when it appears complete. If, for example, the third header-byte is defective, then the PTC-II behaves as if the CTRL- E start character is an accidental CTRL-E or an actual CTRL-E that has not been input as a TRX control character. The PTC-II then sends the buffered characters of the intended Dump-Header into the normal command-interpreter or transmit buffer. If one types for example CTRL-E#TXXX during an actual PACTOR link, then these characters would be transmitted over the HF link, and would not be transferred to the transceiver. A restrictive processing of the header allows through transfer of trans- ceiver-sequences WITHOUT in practice limiting the data transparency. The danger of a piece of text being "swallowed" due to an accidental CTRL-E is virtually nil. The host-computer or terminal program should naturally also thoroughly check the transferred TRX-Dump-sequence, and a "defective" header should be fed back into the normal processing (e.g. output as text in the receive window). The Dump-header can be followed by up to 256 bytes (or 512 places) of actual transfer information in Hexadecimal form. Spaces in this data field are ignored. If an un-even number of Hexadecimal places (Nibbles) are given, then the PTC-II ignores the last Nibble. A TRX-Dump-sequence is always closed with an ASCII 13 (Carriage-Return). This last character is not transferred to the transceiver by the PTC-II. The TRX-Dump-sequences from the PTC-II to the host-computer are also closed with an ASCII 13. Example: The control sequence FA; should be directly sent to a Kenwood transceiver via TRX-Dump. The ASCII character string for this is: #TX:46413B Here, the symbolizes an ASCII Special-character, CR = Carriage Return. The transceiver answers this command in its turn with a longer sequence, which the PTC-II passes directly as a TRX-Dump to the terminal. IMPORTANT: Some Transceivers (e.g. Kenwood TS-450) ONLY accept remote control commands in the receive condition. The terminal must take this problem into consideration, in that (for example) during the linked state, each of the following acknowledgments are checked to see if the command has been accepted by the TRX. If not, then the command must be repeated after approx. 100 msec, etc. (Possibly with timeout and error message display). Timing of the TRX-Dump-sequences: --------------------------------- Dump-sequences to the transceiver are sent a few milliseconds after the closing as a continuous string without pauses (idles). Sequences from the transceiver are transferred via the PTC-II to the Terminal as Dump-sequences when... 1. with Kenwood or Icom Transceivers, the appropriate end-character (delimiter) is recognized. 2. The string length reaches 40 characters. That means that the maximum info length of the TRX-Dump from the PTC-II to the terminal is 40 bytes. With Yaesu transceivers the maximum string length is restricted to 19 bytes. 3. If no further information is received from the transceiver for longer than 40 byte lengths, and information from the TRX is available. (For SGC-transceivers this Idle-Timeout has been reduced to 20 byte- lengths). Between the recognition of the end condition and the beginning of the Dump- sequence, there is only a few milliseconds delay. Important Note: When the Dump-mode is active, the CTRL-E should no longer be used as 'Hotkey' e.g. as changeover or QRT key. If, however, the CTRL-E should be defined as a control character, then the PTC-II will not give an error message. The processing of the CTRL-E as 'Hotkey' is delayed when the Dump- mode is active, for a minimum of one character. The respective following characters are checked to see if they are valid for the TRX-Dump-header. In other words, a buffering takes place. The Frequency-Command in the TRX-Menu (without argument) allows the output of the TRX frequency. With an active Dump-mode, these transceiver outputs caused by the F-command are also shown as Dump-Sequences, and no longer as a decimal ASCII string. The F-Command in this case then also gives a TRX- Dump-sequence. (This is, however, not the case in remote-control access. With remote-control access, the Dump-mode is ignored). ====================== Changes to the Remote control access using the Double-Slash: The remote sequence "//" must now sit at the beginning of a new line to be valid. The PTC-II interprets either CR or LF as line begin characters. Also directly after a connect or CHO to receive, the PTC-II is internally at the beginning of a "new line" and thus processes the directly following "//" sequence as a remote control sequence. This limitation of remote control sequences only being accepted at the beginning of a new line increases the data transparency quite considerably. Random multiple-slashes in 7PLUS texts etc. do not now lead inevitably to an error message from the receiving PTC-II. ====================== Error in TR-Command when TOne=1 fixed. TR used to be inverted on the transmit side when using "high tones". Therefore, in LSB for example, it was necessary to set TR to the value 2 instead of 0 for the correct shift. ====================== AP-command changed: Output power is returned to maximum when the AP- function is turned off (AP 0). ====================== Connect-frames are now only given out ONCE. Additionally, they are shown on the dot-matrix display e.g. : CFR DL2FAK. ====================== PACTOR-II Listen-mode as well as AMTOR-Monitor-mode improved. **************************************************************** =========================================================================== **************************************************************** New commands and changes in the new PTC-II firmware version 1.12 **************************************************************** Removed Bugs ============ Bug cleared at Unproto > 2: At AP=1 the power is not now automatically reduced. ================== MARk and SPAce-commands now are accepted while a PACTOR connect is running if TOnes ist set to 0 or 1. If TOnes is set to 2 the commands MARk and SPAce should not be used in a PACTOR 1 or 2 QSO because of problems with the carrier swapping in the PACTOR-protocol may occure. ================== The SPAce command now is lockable with the LOck command. ================== At Remote=2 now not all commands from the main menu are remotable any more, but only (as it should be) the commands of the TRX-menu are enabled to be remoted. ================== With direct box access enabled (BOX=1 or BOX=3) the commands can now be terminated with +? without the need of a CR. (Before this commands have not been realized because the command-interpreter has been waiting for a CR. The termination of cammands with +? is very usual when working with AMTOR- mailboxes.) ================== No more repeated listings when using the Check-command with greater arguments or other scramblings that could appear when using Check. ================== NEW NEW NEW NEW NEW NEW NEW NEW NEW NEW NEW NEW NEW NEW NEW NEW NEW NEW NEW =========================================================================== In the version 1.12, the CW-Terminal has been thoroughly re-worked. The demo- dulator now uses the talked about technique of the Auto-Correlation filter in the Audio-Menu (see below). This enables even weak signals to be reliably detected WITHOUT tuning problems. (An ideal filter for a CW signal with a speed of 60 BpM exhibits a 0/0 bandwidth of only 20Hz, which with conventional methods requires extremely exact and stable tuning for good results). The Auto-Correlation method is also the basis of the AGC used in the CW demodu- lator, with a dynamic range of approximately 40 dB. The AGC allows a constant- ly good receive performance, independent of audio input signal level. The tuning into a particular CW signal is carried out as formerly, in that the tuning is adjusted so that the LED tuning indicator shows maximum deflection. IMPORTANT NOTE: The Audio frequency of the CW-Terminal as from Version 1.12 is independent of the actual Mark-frequency. It is now defined by use of the Center-command in AUD menu (see Audio-command). As a further new feature, the CW terminal offers the use of a number of so- called hotkeys: BKIN-Character (CTRL-Y) ----------------------- When pressed twice, the BKIN character leads to switching between direct transmission of the keyboard input (Immediate transmission mode), and a delayed switch over (Delayed transmission mode). This delayed switching allows text to be "typed ahead" whilst reading the other QSO partners transmission. The text in the buffer can then be transmit- ted by pressing the BKIN-character (CTRL-Y) once. The transmission is then only blocked again when no characters are transmitted for 6 seconds. This has the advantage that user may continue to write after the buffered text is sent, without having to press any other key. The renewed blocking of the transmitted text (it then being redirected into the buffer instead of being immediately transmitted) is shown by the PTC with the message ">>>" written to the Echo-window. After switching to the CW-Terminal, one is always in the direct transmission mode. CTRL-U and CTRL-D ----------------- Increases (Up) or decreases (Down) the decoder speed by 1/16 the actual value. This is mainly for use when the automatic RX speed adjustment is turned off. CTRL-F ------ Switches between automatic and manual RX speed adjustment (fixed speed mode). On switching between the two possibilities, the present speed is taken without change, so that in practice, one can leave the automatic adjustment running for a while to set the correct speed, then press CTRL-F to keep this setting. The operation with a fixed speed has definite advantages with weak signals, or signals with heavy fading. The decoder withstands speed errors of 40 per- cent without problem, so that even with a fixed speed setting, virtually no reading errors are found. After switching to the CW-Terminal, on is always switched to the automatic speed adjustment mode. ================== Audio-Denoiser ============== As from the firmware version V.1.12, the PTC presents its own submenu - the so called Audio-Denoiser menu - used for special processing and filtering of Audio signals (Audio from the Transceiver). The PTC is thus also suitable for SSB operation (automatic notch filter) and for CW listening (Automatic peak- filter, CW-filter) being very useful options. The Audio is presented to the PTC as usual via pin 4 of the 8-pin HF radio connector, so that no changes from normal RTTY/PACTOR operation is required here. The processed or filtered signal is presented at pin 1 of the HF radio connector, and at pin 2 of the mini-DIN-connector (8 pin TRX-REMOTE-CONTROL). The maximum level of this output AF signal is +-500mV. For the first test, a 600 ohm earphone can be connected directly to the AF signal from the PTC. Usually however, a small AF amplifier with volume control should be used, which enables comfortable loudspeaker operation. The unregulated power supply of the PTC-II is available for use on pin 5 of the mini-DIN-connector, to ease connection of an AF amplifier block. The very high computing power of the PTC-II is shown to be very advantageous for the Audio processing algorithm. In comparison to the usual simpler and cheaper Audio Denoiser units, very much more computing effort can be used to give an optimum result. All functions of the AUD-menu that evaluate the AF input signal, use a 4-stage signal level matching (22 dB control range) for the 16-Bit A/D converter, in order that the quantising effect is kept as low and to allow a large effective dynamic range. The PTC-II therefore adjusts itself in stages automatically to the average signal level delivered from the transceiver. AUdio ----- The Audio-denoiser-menu (AUD-menu) is available from the main menu of the PTC-II, and is activated with the command Audio. The command prompt takes the form 'aud:'. At the moment, the following commands are available in the AUD-menu. There will certainly be a lot more in the future as improvements and extra features are added: Bandwith, Center, CWfilter, DD, Help, Notch, Peak, Quit, Through. The normal commands of the PTC-II are no longer available for use. The commands of the AUD-menu: ----------------------------- Bandwidth --------- Default: 300 Arguments: 30-300 Adjusts the -6 dB bandwidth of the CW-filter continuously between 30 and 1000 Hz. (See Cwfilter-command in the AUD-menu). Center ------ Default: 1400 Arguments: 300-2700 Sets the center frequency of the CW-filter continuously between 300 and 2700 Hz. (See Cwfilter-command in the AUD-menu and the CWTerm-command). IMPORTANT NOTE: As from Version 1.12, the Center-command also adjusts the audio frequency of the CW-Terminal of the PTC-II send and receive sides. (In the previous firmware releases, the CW-Terminal used the current Mark-frequency, which sometimes was not particularly suitable). CWfilter -------- Activates the CW-filter, using the center frequency set by the Center-command, and the bandwidth set by the Bandwidth-command. The filter is designed as FIR with a linear phase-change, so that even with a bandwidth of 30 Hz it does not ring. The transfer function has not been designed for maximum flank steepness, but a shape delivering a signal easily readable for the human ear, and the best signal/noise ratio possible. DD -- Ends the Audio-menu. Help ---- Lists commands used in the Audio-menu. Notch ----- Activates the automatic N-times notch filter. All systematic signals are heavily attenuated. The algorithm used leads to considerably less signal distortion of speech signals compared to simpler DSP notch filters. Peak ---- Activates the automatic N-times peak filter. This may be considered as a phase-linear Auto-Correction filter, of a very high order and large dynamic range. This filter enables slow CW-signals within the SSB bandwidth to be found that lie BELOW the level discernible by the human ear. The filter algorithm puts a very narrow band filter on all systematic signal components. Uncorrelated noise is heavily attenuated. Quit ---- Ends the Audio-menu. Through ------- Loops through the Audio signal direct, i.e. without filtering, from input ADC to output DAC. ============================================================================= **************************************************************** New commands and changes in the new PTC-II firmware version 1.11 **************************************************************** A bug of Version 1.1 has been fixed, which may lead to a failure of the modem tones in case of a frequency deviation of more than 20 Hz. ================== Auto-Power option (command APower) has been enabled. (Refer to the PTC-II manual for version 1.1 for more information). ============================================================================= *************************************************************** New commands and changes in the new PTC-II firmware version 1.1 *************************************************************** Transceiver Remote-Control ========================== TRX --- The TRX command (without argument) activates the transceiver remote-control menu (TRX-menu). The command prompt takes the form trx: The following commands are allowed within the TRX menu: Channel, DD, Down, DWell, Frequency, Help, List, Offset, Ptime, Scan, TYpe, Up, Quit and Wait (capital letters show the possible abbreviaton). All other ("normal") commands are not available from within the TRX-Menu. The TRX-menu may be ended either with DD or Quit. The TRX command may also contain an argument, this being a suitable command from the TRX-menu. In this case the PTC will then carry out this command, without switching to the TRX-Menu. The control command may be said to be "fed through" Example: TRX frequency 14079.0 This command, for example, would change the frequency of a connected transceiver directly to 14079.0 kHz - without having to divert to the TRX-Menu. The TRX-menu commands: ---------------------- Channel ------- The PTC allows up to 16 channels to be defined. Every channel consists of a channel number, its frequency (in kHz), the scan status and an optional short info-text. For example: CHANNEL-LIST: Ch Frequency (kHz) Scan Comment ============= -------------------------------------------------- 1: 14079.000 NO DL2FAK-QRG on 20 m 3: 3583.640 YES DL2FAK on 80 m The Channel-command (without argument) behaves exactly as a List-command for the TRX command set. All user defined channels are listed. If the Channel-command is followed by ONE argument, consisting of a number between 1 and 16, then the PTC switches the connected TRX to the given channel frequency. If the command Ch 3 is given, then (from the above list) the TRX would be switched to 3583.640 kHz. The definition of a channel is carried out by putting two or three arguments after the Channel-command. Example: ch 10 14076.5 EA5FIN STBY Defines the channel 10 for the frequency 14076.5, with the comment "EA5FIN STBY". The length of the comment must not exceed 19 characters. As the comment does not contain essential information, it may be omitted. The frequency input is always in kHz, where however the decimal point after the Megahertz position is optionally allowed (e.g. 14.076.50). The last decimal point is processed as a kilohertz decimal point. There are up to three positions allowed after this decimal point, whereby a frequency accuracy of 1 Hz has been anticipated (which cannot be used by some TRX`s as only 10 Hz synthesizers are fitted) Valid frequency inputs: 14079 14079.0 14079.010 3.582.500 1000.123 The frequency input 0 kHz serves to erase the channel from the frequency list. Example: Ch 1 0 deletes the channel 1 from the frequency list. DD -- Serves to leave the TRX-Menu. The command prompt changes back to its "normal" form (cmd:). Down ---- Allows the microphone DOWN key to be activated (simulated with a FET switch), which is connected to PIN 6 of the 8 pin HF transceiver socket. It is hereby possible WITHOUT accessing the serial interface, to make small adjustments to the TRX frequency. As argument, following the down command, may be a number between 1 and 60000. This represents the number of key pulses initiated by the PTC. If the argument is missing, then the PTC gives out a single pulse (identical effect to giving the command Down 1 ). As every impulse requires a number of milliseconds (see Ptime-command in the TRX-Menu), a frequency change using the microphone keys requires several seconds, even for relatively small frequency changes, as commonly the TRX frequency changes by only 10 Hz for every key pulse. This methode of frequency change is therefore only of very limited use for scanning. DWell ----- Default setting: 30 Argument: 5-1000 sets the dwell time of the PTC scanner on each channel in 100-ms steps. A DWell-time of 30 means, for example, that the scanner will pause on each channel for exactly 3 seconds. Frequency --------- Argument: Frequency input in the format described in the Channel-command. Allows the direct setting of the TRX frequency, without having to define a scan-channel. The format is, however, that as described in the Channel-command. Help ---- Gives a short list of the commands used in the TRX-menu. The Help-command may also contain a command word from the TRX-menu as argument, wherby a description of that command is given (e.g. Help Channel ). List ---- Lists the entire defined PTC frequency list. Also see the Channel-command. Offset ------ Default setting: 0 Argument: -5.000 bis 5.000 kHz (Format as for the Channel-command) The Offset value is applied to EVERY frequency (Channel-List, Frequency-command etc.) before it is output to the transceiver. This allows, even whilst in SSB mode, the transceiver to be set to the Mark-frequency of the PTC of the other station. If, for instance, Low-Tones are being used (1200/1400 Hz TOnes-Parameter=0) und USB, then the TRX is set on 14077.60 kHz in order to transmit the Mark-frequency of 14079.00 kHz. As the transceiver displays the frequency of the (imaginary) carrier, then, in USB, the frequency of the audio-mark-tone (1400 Hz) must be added to the carrier frequency for the actual Mark-frequency to be calculated. If on the other hand, the Mark-frequency is taken from a BBS list, The Mark-tone frequency must be subtracted, in order to find the correct frequency, to tune the SSB transceiver to. If the Offset-value is defined as -1.4 kHz, then the PTC-II carries out the required frequency correction for the Mark-frequency automatically. It is thus only necessary to give the wanted Mark-frequency, and the correct offset is automatically applied. For example, one can give the command "Frequency 14079.0 . The PTC-II then sets the transceiver to 14077.6 kHz, which automatically, with Low-tones and USB, gives the correct transmit and receive frequency of 14079.0 kHz. Similarly with LSB (only here the positive Space-tone frequency would be chosen as Offset) and with different tone pair frequencies. Ptime ----- Argument: 1-1000 Default Setting: 50 Sets the time (in milliseconds) for the Up and Down keying pulse, that can be initiated from the Up and Down commands (TRX-menu). A Ptime-value of 50 means that the respective switch in the PTC-II per impulse is closed for 50 ms and open for 50 ms. Scan ---- Default Setting: 0 Argumente: 0/1 or Channel 1-16 The Scan-command has two different functions: If, as argument, a 1 or 0 follows, then that means the scanner is switched on or off respectively. This can be said to be the "main Switch" for the scanner. If, as argument, the word "Channel" (minimum abbreviation: C) follows, then the PTC requires a further argument the Channel-number from the frequency- list (See the Channel-command). Such a command switches the scan status for the given Channel-number. If the channel 1 of the Frequency-list has not been defined as a scanned channel up until now (scan status: NO), then it may be declared as such with the command Scan Ch 1 . Through this command, channel 1 then obtains the scan status YES in the frequency-list. A new input of the command Scan Ch 1 toggles the scan status back to NO, whereby channel 1 would be skipped again on scanning. Type ---- Default Setting: ICOM 1200 04 (bzw. A) Argument: Icom/Kenwood/Yeasu BAUDRATE(300-115200 Bd) Icom-ID(1-99)/VFO(A/B) Enables the configuration of the PTC-II TRX interface. There are up to three arguments allowed. The first argument indicates the transceiver (Icom, Kenwood, Yaesu; the first letter is sufficient). Then follows the baudrate, which takes all the values also allowed in the SERbaud-command. For the third argument, the PTC requires either a number (maximum 2 figures) that represents the ICOM equipment address-number, or with Kenwood and Yaesu equipment, the VFO number (A or B) that should be addressed by the PTC. Example: Type I 1200 4 Ty K 4800 A Type Yaesu 9600 B If fewer that three arguments are included, then the PTC only changes the explicitly given parameter. The command Ty I 9600 for example sets only the Type to Icom and the baudrate to 9600. The equipment address remains unchanged. Up -- Allows the microphone UP key to be activated (simulated with a FET switch), which is connected to PIN 8 of the 8 pin HF transceiver socket. It is hereby possible, WITHOUT accessing the serial interface, to make small adjustments to the TRX frequency. As argument, following the up command, may be a number between 1 and 60000. This represents the number of key pulses initiated by the PTC. If the argument is missing, then the PTC gives out a single pulse (identical effect to giving the command Up 1 ). As every impulse requires a number of milliseconds (see Ptime command in the TRX-menu), a frequency change using the microphone keys requires several seconds, even for relatively small frequency changes, as commonly the TRX frequency changes by only 10 Hz for every key pulse. This methode of frequency change is therefore only of very limited use for scanning. Quit ---- Serves to leave the TRX-menu. The command prompt returns to its "normal" form. Identical to the DD-command in the TRX-menu. Wait ---- Initial Setting: 10 Argument: 1-240 Defines the time (in seconds) that the scanner waits after the end of a link, before it switches to the next channel. The waiting time for the resynchronisation of AMTOR is not influenced, as the phasing-condition in AMTOR-ARQ is interpreted internally within the PTC as a continuous connect, and the scanner therefore remains switched off. Systemtest-Menu =============== SYStest ------- The command SYStest (without argument) activates the Systemtest-menu. (SYS-menu). The command prompt takes the form sys: Within the SYS-menu, the following systemtest commands are allowed: Audio, Beep, DD, Down, Fsk, Help, Kill, Led, Ptt, PLl, Ram, Up, Quit. All other "normal" commands are NOT available! The SYS-menu may be ended with Quit or DD. The SYStest-command may also be followed by an Argument, which should be a command from the SYS-menu. In this case, the PTC carries out only that given Systemtest-command, without switching to the SYS-menu. The command may be said to have been fed through. Example: SYS Ram This command for example would show the PTC-II RAM expansion. The SYS-menu commands: ---------------------- Audio ----- Serves to carry out a so-called "Audio-Loop-Test" or check of the analogue I/O stages, as well as the DSP. This function requires a wire connecting PIN 1 (audio-out) and PIN 4 (audio-in) of the 8 pin shortwave sadio socket. If the analogue stages are working correctly, the PTC-II gives out OK. In cases where an error occurs, then NOT OK is displayed. Beep ---- Activates the micro-loudspeaker in the PTC-II briefly. With correct operation, a short signal tone should be heard. DD -- Serves to end the SYS-menu. The command prompt returns to its "normal" form. Identical to the Quit-command in the SYS-menu. Down ---- Gives out a 100 ms long key pulse (against ground) at the down-output of the 8-pin shortwave radio socket. Fsk --- Activates the FSK-test routine. The key toggles between Mark and Space tones. The routine supports the FSK as well as the AFSK outputs. The PTT-transistor switch is turned on during the FSK-Test routine. The FSK test may be ended with . Help ---- Gives a short list of the SYS-menu commands. The Help-command can contain a command word from the SYS-menu as argument, whereby a description of that command is given. e.g. Help Audio . Kill ---- The subdirectory killer. The entry of Kill enables to step through the directories of the PTC mailbox in alphabetic order using the + and - keys and to remove the whole directory using the # key. Led --- Carries out an LED-test. Ptt --- Activates the PTT-test routine. The PTT switching transistor is toggled on or off by means of the key. The PTT-test routine can be ended with . PLl --- Tests the DSP PLL. With correct operation of the PLL, the PTC gives OK. In case of error, NOT OK is given. Ram --- Displays the measured RAM-expansion of the PTC. Up -- Gives out a 100 ms long key pulse (against ground) at the Up-output of the 8-pin shortwave radio socket. Quit ---- Serves to end the SYS-menu. The command prompt returns to its "normal" form. Identical to the DD-command of the SYS-menu. ================== CHeck (additional command): ---------------------------- CHeck without argument lists the newest 10 public mails of the PTC mailbox. With a numerical argument between 1 and 100 it is possible to define the quantity of mails to be listed. CHeck follewed by the argument P lists the 10 newest private mails (directory name is a callsign). A numerical argument may follow the define the quantity of mails to be listed. Examples: CH 20 (lists the newest 20 public mails) CH P (lists the newest 10 private mails) CH P 20 (lists the newest 20 private mails) From remote the abbreviation C is also valid for there is no possibility of being interchanged with connect. ================== MYSelcall --------- New Command. It's identical to the Mycall-command with activated AMTOR-prompt, whereby under the cmd: prompt the AMTOR-Selcall may also be defined. ================== Changes in the List-Command: New column (=Status) after the filename. Contains the first letter of the read-status, i.e. N for New, or Not read, or R for Read. The second letter represents the source: A=Amtor, P=Pactor. Thus these outputs (A: or P:) are deleted from directly before the FROM-callsign. ================== Changes in the Log: Now the mode is displayed in the log with following meanings: S1: PT1-Sysop-Call S2: PT2-Sysop-Call P1: PT1-Rx P2: PT2-Rx AT: AMTOR Now the PTC internal log also diplays the number of the channel a link has taken place as soon as channels have been defined using the TRX command set. A channel number 0 is displayed when the contact was when not scanning. The extended log is only displayed when at least one connect happened while scanning. ================== REMOTE: Additonal parameter value 2 When remote is st to 2 then the whole transceiver control menu (TRX) is accessable from remote side. ================== Using slashes (//) for remote when BOX is set to 1 does not produce an error message any more. The slashes are simply ignored. ================== Directory sorted in alphabetic order. Now the directory of the PTC mailbox is devided into 2 groups, private mails (directory name is a callsign) and public mails. Each group is sorted in alphabetic order separately. ================== Bugfix in the change over procedure. Under very specific conditions it could happen that the link breaks down at change-over whilst long packet transmission. This was caused by a bug removed in the new firmware 1.1.