Timewave PK-232MBX, Operating Manual

Page: 46 / 231

PK-232 MBX – OPERATING MANUAL PACKET-RADIO
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4.3.4
Who Can I Talk To?
Now that you understand a little about the different packets and Packet stations, you are
ready to make your first real connection.
If you do not have a friend on Packet in your local area, then you will want to choose a
station you can reach. Fortunately the PK-232 has a command called MHEARD that dis-
plays the list of the 18 most recently heard stations. Check this list in one of the following
ways:
I If you are using an AEA PAKRATT program, follow the instructions in the PAKRATT
manual for checking the Packet MHEARD list.
II If you are using a Terminal or Terminal Program on your computer, then first type a
<CTRL-C> to make sure you are in the PK-232 Command (
cmd:
) mode. Then type
the command MHEARD as shown. You should then see a display similar to the one
below:
cmd:MHeard
........ N7GMF
........ K6RFK
........ SEA*
........ N7HWD-8*
........ KD7NM*
........ N7ALW*
........ WA7GCI*
cmd:
The callsigns in the list are the stations heard by your PK-232 with the most recently
heard station at the top of the list. As in the Monitored packets, the asterisks (*) indicate
that the station was heard directly by the PK-232. The callsigns without an asterisk were
relayed by another station and so cannot be connected to directly.
4.3.5 Your First Real Connect
Choose one of the stations with an asterisk displayed in YOUR MHEARD list, or a friend
that you know is "on the air" near to you.
If you are using an Timewave or AEA PAKRATT program, follow the instructions to
CONNECT in packet mode to the callsign you chose above.
If you are using a Computer Terminal or a non-Timewave program, entering the following
after the
cmd:
command mode prompt will cause the PK-232 to Connect to the call of the
station (Callsign) chosen above:
CONNECT (
Callsign
) <Enter>
After pressing <Enter> , you should observe the SEND LED light. Your monitor should
soon display:
*** CONNECTED to (Callsign)
If you see this, you have just Connected to your first Packet station.
Identify what type of station you have connected to, and respond appropriately. After you
have connected to a few stations, you should skip to section 4.4 to learn more about the
PK-232 Packet features.