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Page 33 of 101
DWG ID: 181-0101-00A
Date: 2003-09-26
9.2.1
Host Mode Description
The HOST interface mode provides a way of having more control of the TALON. A
specially written program, that communicates with the TALON in a “framed” data mode,
can make operation easier and with more functionality than when using a simple terminal
program or “dumb” terminal. This allows sending commands and receiving command
responses, communicating over the radio in two modes at once (connected and monitored
packets.)
Each data frame has a header, which indicates the frame type (command, data, etc), and
sent or received data. The TALON retains all of its commands and functions in Host
mode.
Host mode uses Hardware flow control only, and requires that the serial cable that
connects the TALON to the computer include the RTS and CTS lines (as well as TXD,
RXD, and signal ground).
9.2.2
Exiting Host mode
If a Host mode program has been used to operate the TALON, it may leave the TALON
in Host mode when it exits. If a standard terminal program is then used (set to the same
interface baud) to communicate with the TALON, instead of a “sign-on” message, some
characters and SØØ will be displayed. This is the Host mode current-status message.
The Host mode program should have an option to return the TNC to COMMAND or
TERMINAL mode, when that program exits. If the program is configured to do this,
other “standard” terminal programs can then be used.
If the terminal program allows entry of high-numbered ASCII characters, a sequence of
characters can be sent to exit Host mode so the terminal program can then be used. First,
make sure the terminal program is set to the proper interface baud rate. Then, send a
FEND (frame-end) character (ASCII code 192, or Hexadecimal 0xC0), then the letter q
(upper or lower case is ok), and finally another FEND character. A FEND character can
be entered manually, by pressing and holding the ALT key, entering 192 from the
number key pad on the right side of the keyboard (or in Hyperterm™ under Windows™,
holding the ALT key and entering 0192), and then releasing the ALT key.
A small plain-text file (called EXITHOST.TXT), containing these characters can be
found on the CD accompanying the TALON. Again, make sure that the terminal program
is set to the correct interface baud rate. Then send the text file containing the exit
sequence characters (as an ASCII or PLAIN TEXT file) to the TALON.
The TALON will exit Host Mode, will return to TERMINAL interface mode, and will
display its usual “sign-on” message.