Timewave PK-900, Operating Manual, Page: 61 / 392

Understanding all types of packet frames is not necessary to operate
packet. Packet operators should however understand that there are
many types of control frames that do not contain printable data.
Your PK-900 can display these frames, but most users only want to
see frames with information. For this reason, the MONITOR command
default (4) does not display all the packets that the PK-900 hears.
NOTE: If you will be leaving your PK-900 on to accept connects
from others while your computer is off, set MONITOR to 0
(zero) and type a <CTRL-S> to hold the data.
If you are using an AEA program, you must set the MONITOR
command to 0, but our programs automatically perform the
<CTRL-S> function for you. If this is not done, the PK-900
memory will be filled with useless data and prevent others
from connecting with you.
4.4.5.1 Monitoring the Packet Networking Switches
There are other types of AX.25 frames used by networking switches that
the PK-900 does not normally display. These other frames can be
seen by turning the MPROTO command ON. Some of the packets monitored
with MPROTO ON will contain information that may interfere with the
screen on your terminal or computer causing it to look "funny". For
this reason the MPROTO command default is OFF.
If you are hearing packets that sound strong but are not displayed,
setting MONITOR to 6 and MPROTO ON should show them. If you are
curious about the packets that do not print, you may find the command
WHYNOT useful. When WHYNOT is turned ON, the PK-900 will give a
reason why each packet was not displayed. If you are interested in
exactly how the packets are represented, turn on the TRACE command.
See the Command Summary for more information about WHYNOT and TRACE.
4.4.5.2 Monitoring Other Stations While Connected
When you are NOT connected to another station, the MONITOR command
discussed above determines what packets are displayed. When you ARE
connected, the MCON command determines what packets are shown.
The default of MCON is 0 which tells the PK-900 NOT to monitor any
packets while you are connected. Most users like this so they are not
disturbed with monitored channel data when they are communicating with
another station. If it is desired to monitor channel activity while
you are connected, then remember to set MCON to an appropriate Monitor
number from the list in 4.4.5 or the in command summary.
4.4.5.3 Selective Monitoring
After you have monitored channel activity for a while, you may decide
there are only a few stations you wish to display. The PK-900 will
let you do this with the Monitor-TO (MTO) and Monitor-FROM (MFROM)
commands. With the MBELL command, you can even be alerted when a
certain station transmits on the frequency. These commands work in
conjunction with MONITOR and MCON commands.
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