Timewave PK-900, Operating Manual

Page: 69 / 392

4.7.1 Where to Operate HF Packet
Before you can operate HF Packet, you must first find the activity.
Most HF packet operation is on the 20-meter amateur band starting at
14.103 MHz and every 2 kHz above that up to 14.111 MHz. Note that
14.103 MHz is the HF Packet calling frequency and a good place to
start. The higher frequencies such as 14.109 and 14.111 are used
mostly by HF PBBS systems and are not good places to look for a QSO.
4.7.2 PK-900 HF Packet Settings
Radio Port 1 on the PK-900 is intended for multi-mode operation so
either a VHF or HF transceiver may be connected. The packet
parameter defaults have been set for VHF Packet operation on both
radio ports and should be changed for HF packet operation as shown
in the table below.
The table below shows the parameters that should be set differently
for HF and VHF packet operation. If you will be operating HF Packet,
you should make note of these parameters and change them accordingly.
Recommended Port 1 & 2 Defaults
300 baud HF Packet 1200 baud VHF Packet
SLOTTIME 12 SLOTTIME 30
PACLEN 64 or less PACLEN 128
MAXFRAME 1 MAXFRAME 4
FRACK 8 FRACK 5
VHF OFF VHF ON
HBAUD 300 HBAUD 1200
MODEM 10 MODEM 11/4
Note that the HF (VHF OFF) modem number is tied to the QHPACKET
command and the VHF (VHF ON) modem number is tied to QVPACKET.
The Radio Port baud rate is not changed when you change modems. You
select the appropriate baud rate with the HBaud command.
You should set MONITOR to 6 on the port used for HF Packet when tuning
in your first HF Packet stations.
4.7.3 HF Receiver Settings
Set your HF receiver (or transceiver) to Lower Sideband (LSB) unless
you connected your PK-900 through the direct FSK keying lines, in
which case you should select the FSK or RTTY operating mode. Adjust
the volume to a comfortable listening level.
4.7.4 Tuning in HF Packet Stations
Perhaps the most difficult thing about HF Packet operation is making
sure the station is tuned properly and stays tuned. Since HF packet
uses 200 Hz Frequency Shift Keying to send data (2110/2310 Hz),
tuning accuracy is very important. Being off frequency by only 20
Hz can make a noticeable difference in the PK-900's ability to copy
packet stations. Your have a choice of three types of tuning indi-
cator types. Use the BARgraph command to change the indicator type.
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