Timewave DSP-232, Operating Manual, Page: 83 / 271

Chapter 5 Packet Operation
You can either enter the Transparent mode by typing
TRANS
at the command prompt after you connect, or by
setting CONMODE to TRANS . Either way, once you enter the transparent mode any character you type will be
sent automatically after the
PACTIME
setting. This way, any character can be sent by the DSP. Although we
recommend using hardware flow control in Transparent mode, software flow control is available through the
TRFLOW and TXFLOW commands.
To return to the Command mode after you’re finished with transparent mode, you must type the Command
character (
CTRL-C
) three times within the “guard time” set by
CMDTIME
(default: 1 second), then wait an
additional CMDTIME for the
cmd:
prompt to appear.
Sometimes you may need to send a file that contains some 8-bit data, but you don’t need all the features of the
Transparent mode. In this case, you may find turning the command
8BITCONV ON
is all that is needed.
Full-Duplex Operation
Most packet activity is conducted through half-duplex transceivers that transmit or receive, but not both at once. In
some systems where a separate transceiver and receiver is used (such as satellite operation), set
FULLDUP ON
.
Morse ID in Packet
In most countries, packet is an accepted mode of identification so
MID
should be left
OFF
. (Your callsign appears
in the header information.) If a Morse ID is required where you reside, turn MID ON .
The QRA Feature
The DSP recognizes UI frames with a destination field of “QRA” and will respond by sending an ID packet. This is
helpful for others new to your area that are looking for other packet stations to talk to. To disable this feature and
remain anonymous, simply set
UBIT 22 OFF .
If you want to see who’s available in your local area, simply set your
UNPROTO path to QRA and send a packet.
Within 1 to 16 seconds, other stations should respond to your QRA request by sending an ID packet of their own.
This feature is compatible with TAPR’s QRA feature introduced in their 1.1.8 firmware release.
Packet Mail
Although standard TNCs allow incoming messages to be saved, there’s no way for the owner to leave a message for
someone who will connect at a future time. The ability to both send and receive messages without the owner being
present is accomplished by a mailbox.
There are many different packet mailbox systems in use. Some systems are large and require the use of a dedicated
computer to that end. Other systems are relatively small like the personal PakMail™ MailDrop built into your DSP.
Large systems are often called Packet Bulletin Board Systems (PBBS) since they serve as electronic message
centers for a local area. PBBS’s are a source of information as well as a gateway for messages that can be sent to,
and received from, other parts of the country or world. You will probably want to locate the PBBS nearest you and
connect to it from time to time.
Most mailbox systems are easy to use and whether they are small or large, operate in much the same way. Another
nice feature of mailboxes and other automatic systems is that they usually have a Help file or menu available by the
caller entering an “H” or “?” after a command line. Feel free to experiment with mailboxes and other packet
systems, but be courteous and experiment during off-peak hours.
For more information on setting up and using your maildrop, read
Chapter 7: Maildrop Operation.
PACKET COMMANDS
Other commands can be found in the following mode, mailbox, and GPS chapters. A complete list of
commands is in Appendix C and an explaination of terminal commands are found in Chapter 4.
5-22 September, 05