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Basic Packet Radio Instructions

Here are some basic packet commands that will be used. Assume that you know how to connect a TNC to the radio, and tuned the radio to an agreed upon packet simplex keyboard-to-keyboard frequency (such as 145.03). You've also connected the TNC to the serial port on your computer and fired up a comm program. Turn on the TNC, and now what?

I will show what you type in bold . Every line you type must end with a carriage return, sometimes labeled enter. First, place the TNC in command mode by holding control down like a shift key and typing the letter c. Doing this is called hitting CTRL-C . The TNC will show:

	cmd:

First, define your call sign:

	cmd:MYCALL KF6ABC

Let's say you want to connect to KF6DEF:

	cmd:C KF6DEF

When the connection is established you get:

	*** CONNECTED to KF6DEF

and your TNC will switch into converse mode. Now, everything you type will be sent to the other station and they can type back to you. As you type a line, you can make corrections with the delete key, but once you hit return, the line is sent to the other computer and you enter the next line of text.

For the Regatta, the scoring computer will need the data in some format. For example, the start and finish times for boat 17 may look like:

	S 17 10:23:54
	F 17 10:54:13

To disconnect, enter CTRL-C , then:

cmd:D

If you can't make a direct connect, you can go via another TNC acting as a digipeater. To find out who else is on frequency:

	cmd:MON ON
	cmd:MFROM ALL

Try out any call you see flash by:

	cmd:C KF6DEF V W6PW-3

All stations may have to switch frequency to access a digipeater node such as NAVY on 144.99 and use:

	cmd:C KF6DEF V NAVY

That's it, have fun.