Timewave DSP-232, Operating Manual

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Chapter 1 The DSP-232
Most modern radio transceivers are capable of excellent performance in Morse, Baudot and ASCII RTTY,
AMTOR, PACTOR, and packet radio. Although AMTOR Mode A (ARQ) and PACTOR operation imposes more
demanding switching speed requirements than the other operating modes, most radios will operate in both AMTOR
and PACTOR modes without any modifications. (See the AMTOR operating section for further details on timing
requirements.) The DSP has software-controlled timing variations that permits operation with nearly all the HF,
VHF and UHF radios in general use today.
...and Computer
You’ll need a computer or “dumb” terminal that has an RS-232 serial communications port in order to have it
communicate with your DSP. The most popular computers are IBM™-PC compatibles, PC laptops, and Apple
Macintosh™ (and Powerbooks™).
For the sake of brevity in this manual, instead of using both the phrases “dumb terminal” and “computer”
interchangeably we’ll just use the word, computer.
A Tour of the DSP-232
Before you leap ahead into the next chapter to see how to hook up your DSP, you should read this section to find
out what all those LEDs, adjustment levels and connectors are on the unit and what they do. If their functions or
terms sound cryptic to you now, don’t worry about it—they’ll be explained fully in later chapters.
Carefully remove the DSP from its box and plastic bag and inspect the it for signs of damage that may have
occurred during shipment. If there’s visible damage, please contact the dealer or shipper.
Don’t install or use a
damaged controller.
The Front
Front view of the DSP-232
Now, set it on the table or hold it in your hands and take a few minutes here to take a guided tour of your controller,
starting with the blacked-out display on the left-hand side of the front of the DSP labeled Mode and Status. Under
this black display are two, seven-segment LED indicators. These lights tell you which mode you’re using and
what’s going on while you’re in that mode. Let’s start with the ones in the MODE box.
Mode Indicators
In the Mode area, there are twelve possible symbols that can appear. Below is a rundown of these symbols. You will
find a legend on the front of the DSP-232 which tells you what symbols stand for what mode.
‘P’ will light when you’re using VHF/UHF or HF Packet at 9600, 1200, or 300 bps.
‘A’ will light when you’re in the AMTOR mode.
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