M A N U A L DIGICOM V5.00 Commodore 64/128 BY DL3RDB, DL8MBT and DG3RBU English Translation of the Original German Text: G0KIU. English Manual Compiled by: G6URT (for the Digicom User Group UK). USA Edition edited by: KK6IB. 6/94 Handbook DIGICOM Vers. 5.0 Amateur Radio-Communication for Commodore 64 + 128 (Version 5.0 6/92) Contents: 1. Introduction 4 2. Innovations and Features of Version 5.0 6 2.1 Inprovements since Version 3.51 (3.60) 6 2.2 DIGICOM Features when using SCC>64-Card 8 3. First Steps for Beginners 11 3.1 Start-up with the Modem on the Cassette Port 11 3.2 Start-up with the SCC>64-Card 11 3.3 Important Parameter Installation 11 4. The Operation of DIGICOM 5.0 13 4.1 Keys 13 4.2 The Screen Layout 15 5. Commands 17 5.1 General Commands 18 5.2 Diskette Access Commands 22 5.3 Printer Control 27 5.4 Packet Radio (TNC) Commands 28 5.5 Monitor Commands 39 5.6 Program Remote Control Facility 42 5.7 Standard Texts 43 5.8 Multi-Connect Commands 46 5.9 Path-Finder 47 5.10 The DIGICOM Node 51 5.11 Use of the Userports 52 5.12 Software Squelch (Data-Carrier-Detect) Control 53 6. Appendix 54 6.1 Organizational 54 6.2 Packet Radio Control Codes 55 6.3 Reports from the program 56 6.4 Generation of the EPROM/Autostart Version 57 6.5 Modem Recommmendation 58 6.6 The SCC>64-Card 59 6.7 THE DC>EDITOR UK Wordprocessor. 59 Page 3 Handbook DIGICOM>64 Version 5.0 1. INTRODUCTION When the work, on DIGICOM V3.51, was completed, in August 1989, Flori DL8MBT thought that his work was finished and the task of putting the Commodore 64 through its paces accomplished. The RAM capacity, of the computer, was exhausted and any alteration, on the routines, no matter how small, resulted in laborious searching for extra RAM space. In 1990 DIGICOM was layed aside, due to the commencment of the BAYCOM Project. The idea of a software driven NetNode and Terminal, for the PC and Compatibles, marked a new beginning and all our free time was dedicated to that project. DL3RDB Daniel, actually never gave up trying to improve DIGICOM, so again in 1990 he managed to develope the program further. Removing some of the "internal cosmetics" and re-arranging the complete RAM management, he corrected some problems, which became apparent, in part of the RAM, as a result the program's operating speed increased distinctly. It was the start-up of the new Digipeaters in Munich, DBOUNI using 9600 Baud rate, that made us develop a small plug-in Expansion Card, which fits into the User-Port of the 64 computer. This Card, together with the modified Software accomodates much higher baud rates (up to 19,200 Baud) and made possible the operation of the higher baud digipeaters. The Card also provides a true two Channel GATEWAY, so one can operate 2 Modems, Two radios on 2 different frequencies with ONE Commodore 64. Moreover the familiar DIGICOM operation, with the Modem connected to the Cassette Port is still possible and unaffected. Following further modifications and improvements, in the Spring of 1992, the whole DIGICOM Team, decided that this new version should now be presented, once again, for the enjoyment of Radio Amateurs. Our thanks go to Gorch, DF3MH, who over the years has been our liaison with all our DIGICOM fans. Also our thanks to Heinrich, DL8RAF, who performed as our quality controller, in the development of DIGICOM over the years, and has spent a lot of his scarce free time, Error Searching within Digicom and in the correction of the Manuals. Thanks also to Olaf DG8OAQ for the 1991 development of DIGICOM V3.60, in which certain errors apparent in V3.51 were corrected. We wish that all 64 and 128 Users will have a lot of pleasure using the new program and we are very pleased that 7 years after the appearance of the first version of DIGICOM so many people still show so much interest in the program. Regensburg, Munich, in June 1992 Daniel, DL3RDB Johannes, DG3RBU Flori, DL8MBT Heinrich, DL8RAF Handbook DIGICOM V5.0 Page 4 THIS HANDBOOK In a Software Instruction Manual, it is difficult to cater to both the beginner and the experienced user who is updating from the old Version. We are trying to cater to both. We dedicated Chapter 2 to the actual differences between V3.51 and V5.0 and made it easy for the User to learn those. The actual Manual for DIGICOM V5.0 starts at Chapter 3. In this the beginner will be helped on his way to DIGICOM's elementary functions, but unfortunately as Packet Radio itself is a very complex Mode, the beginner will need the assistance of an experienced packet User, to overcome his difficulties. (Help is available from your local DIGICOM Copier, or from me G6URT on 081-878-6251 most evenings after 18.00h.). Before starting up DIGICOM please RUN README.B, it contains the up-to-date Advice and alterations (Basic Program). IMPORTANT NOTICE. ---------------- The Copyright for the Software DIGICOM is owned by Daniel Kohler, DL3RDB and Florian Radherr DL8MBT. The Copyright of the Hardware (SCC>64-Card) and Modem PCB) are owned by Johannes Kneip, DG3RBU and Daniel Kohler, DL3RDB. The translation to English, of the Original German text in this Instruction Manual is Copyright of Denis J. Godfrey, G0KIU. The compilation of this Instruction Manual, in it's entirety is Copyright of C. Kapoutsis, G6URT (Co-ordinator DIGICOM user Group U.K.). All rights are reserved and it is forbidden to use the Software, or Part of, or this Instruction Manual, or any part of it, in support, or as part of a package ,or on it's own, in conjuction with Commercial Ventures, Amateur Radio related or otherwise. Amateur Radio Operators can use the Software and Instruction Manual under the following conditions: * The Product is exclusively for use in Amateur Radio and is excluded from any Commercial Use. * The Statuatory requirements for Amateur Radio will be observed. * No alteration shall be made to the Software, or the Instruction Manual, without the previous written concent of the Copyright Holders. Individual Parameter, (parameter files), alteration excluded. * The Switch-Message of all Program Parts, especially the advice regarding Authors and the Exclusion of Commercial Operation, may NOT be Removed OR Altered. * The program may NOT be given "free" with Commercial Products, or in support of Commercial products, without the previous written concent of the Copyright Holders. Under these conditions the Software and associated files may be arbitrarily copied and passed on. The Software's Origin should be continually included. Construction of the hardware is only for PERSONAL use. Advertisment of the Software and it's supporting documentation, together with the Hardware, relevant to the Program, is only allowed with written consent of the Copyright Holders. Page 5 Handbook DIGICOM>64 Version 5.0 The Authors and Distributors of DIGICOM - Software - and Hardware cannot be held responsible or liable for any possible damage, which may occur through installation, operation or construction of the Products DIGICOM. 2. INNOVATIONS AND FEATURES OF VERSION 5.0 2.1 Improvements since Version 3.51 (3.60) As already mentioned, this version has not added a Multitude of new Commands, to the previous Version, but through some internal program re-arranging, higher Operating Speeds, more available RAM and higher Baud Rates have been acheived. The following are the main differences and improvements, over Version 3.51. * Support for the SCC>64-Card: In order to obtain higher Baud rates, additional hardware is required. This takes away part of the decoding work from the 64. A small Card has being designed, which fits into the User Port. It carries a Z8530 Chip and it's peripherals. It enables two modems (G3RUH or DF9IC) to be connected to the computer (for 9600 bd.). A single Modem can also be used. The speed of Operation could be increased up to 19.200 Bd. Even at that speed half-duplex is possible, on two channels. That speed is only relevant to the 128 computer though due to the slower Screen Output Speed of the 64. On the diskette there are two versions of the program, one for the familiar cassette port connection to the Modem, operation, and one for the SCC>64-Card for a true two channel gateway. This new version is only optional, therefore, operation is possible as previously. * Dynamic RAM Management, now the whole 64K-RAM is managed. TX and RX- Buffers grab the RAM only when it is unconditionally important, therefore there are more ports and considerably increased speed. * 64 Version now has 20 Ports, 4 visible operational and 16 hidden for the Node. The 128 Version has 40 Ports, 4 visible Operational and 36 to the Node. * Path may have 37 calls to the previous 8 max. * Logbook Function, to overview any connects, it records the duration of the connections. * The Node is RMNC transparent: Packets will be Digipeated 1:1 i.e. length and PID remain as received. * DAMA is now corrected (Corresponding to Version 3.60) P. 31 * DAMA, when active, will be prompted on the screen, on the status line with "D". * WPRG and RPRG will now suppress output to the screen in order to guarantee a faster Program Data Transfer. * The Screen Output can also be suppressed when the READ and WRITE Commands are issued to the Diskette, by positioning the Cursor in the RX window, therefore a much faster Sequential File tranfer is guaranteed. Handbook DIGICOM>64 Version 5.0 Page 6 * Block count with WPRG, RPRG, READ, WRITE and EDIT shows how many Blocks on the Disk have been written or read respectively. A Block corresponds to 254 Bytes (P. 26). * Keyboard Shortcuts, have been altered some what. The following shortcuts, will always function regardless if GERMAN is ON or OFF (0). There is no need, anymore, to place characters in the Standard Texts in order to have them available at the keyboard. If you do want to specify special characters, in the ST TExt List, then they will be obtainable with +(@). +(.) will return ">", +(/) shows the IBM Backslash. That with GERMAN ON will display a lower case "o". * //e sends back //ECHO . (Remote command). * Node reports on connection with DC-NODE and does not disconnect even if the other Node or Destination Station does; it returns to the connected Station with the prompt "Reconnected to " allowing the User Station further interrogation. * The Path finder, now, only responds to the three messages "Connected","Busy" and "fail" so KA-Node and Wild-Node welcome, link-made, etc, messages do not cause a disconnection. * ASC Command dropped, due to lack of space. * The FREE Command now has a new function added to it: If "FREE +" is issued, the free space in the text RAM will be given over to the Main RAM, there are more than 256 bytes available here. This setup will remain active until the next Software reset. If all the Standard Texts, needed by the User, are set and all the Paths edited and set and there are more than 256 Bytes of Text Free, then the Call "FREE +" should be installed in the Autoexec like this, :ST2 FREE + CLOCK (P. 20) * UNPROTO and BEACON will be sent with the MYCALL set in PORT 4. The Command BPORT is now dropped. * Fast Serial Operation with the C64 and the 1581 Drive is now possible, and it is recommended, if the higher baud rates are to be used for storing Data onto Floppy. * In principle, the Parameter Structure is compatible, with Version V3.51 (3.60). BUT it must be shortened somewhat, (see the README File). The existing parameters can be loaded from V3.51 (V3.60) and then modified. The RCMD is the only set of parameters that MUST be reset from scratch, to set the Station's Remote Access. * For the Cassette Version ONLY: The number of the Leading Flags will be displayed on the Monitor preceeding the Frames, therefore the TXDELAY, of the other station can be monitored. Any station with a TOO long TXDELAY can be excluded with the command MXFLAGS. Page 7 Handbook DIGICOM>64 Version 5.0 2.2 DIGICOM FEATURES with the SCC>64 ADD-ON CARD. In order to operate this version, of the program, an add-on Card with a Z8530 HDLC-Controller, is plugged into the User Port. The software can be blown on an Eprom, and therefore it fires up immediately the computer is switched on. It must be understood that, with the SCC>64 card, there are TWO fully independent Channels available. They will support TWO modems and TWO radios. On fire-up no port is dedicated to either Channel, the monitor will display the Channel Number "1" or "2", in front of received and transmitted packets, as an identifier of which channel RXed or TXed. Unlike the cassette Version NO leading Flags will be displayed, because recognition and synchronization is taken over by the HDLC-Controller, in the Card, and hence this information is not available to the program. On the MH Screen (F7) any Callsign received on Channel "1" has no identifier, on the other hand, any received on Channel "2" will have a small "2" placed in front of the Callsign. This number "2" cannot be transmitted when a Remote Station has issued the MH l Command, instead he will receive all the MHEARD Stations from Channel "1" as normal, but any Station callsigns heard on Channel "2" will be preceeded by a "/" (single backslash) indicating that they were heard on Channel "2". With just the MH command issued remotely (Only callsigns heard DIRECT), then either "1", or "2", will be placed in front of the callsign to indicate which Channel it was heard on. The reports on the Status Line "SEND", "RECV", "QRV" will be displayed shortened as "S", "R", "=" when the particular port is chosen as the default monitor port for either Channel. i.e. --=--=---...---Kx---MYCALL>Connected to DB0XYZ------...--Time--1 : : : : : :-----Channel Number Active on THIS port: "1" or "2" : : : :-----Channel "2" state, "S"(send), "R"(receive), "="(Standby/QRV) : :----Channel "1" state, (as per Channel "2"). Fixed Parameters (HBAUD, TXDELAY, etc) must now be installed separately for the two Channels. The General Syntax is: :COMMAND i.e. The first Command value (parameter) is valid for Channel "1" and the second for Channel "2". e.g. :HBAUD 1200 9600 Sets the Baud rate for Channel "1" to 1200 and for Channel "2" to 9600 baud. If only one value is installed, say 1200, that then will be installed on both Channels. The following commands accept double parameters: HBAUD, TXDELAY, DWAIT, FRACK, MAXFRAME, PACLEN, IPOLL, RESPTIME, and NRZ (new Command see below). Handbook DIGICOM>64 Version 5.0 Page 8 ADDITIONAL COMMANDS for SCC>64 Operation. MONO on/off (ein/aus). This prevents both Channels from Transmitting together. (P. 35) NRZ on/off on/off (ein/aus ein/aus). If a DF9IC Modem is used on one or both Channels then this parameter MUST be installed. It is important that separate parameters are issued for each Channel. (P. 36) DEFCH x (x = 1,2) Determines the Default - Send - Channel. (DEFault CHannel). It is on this Channel, that UNPROTO and BEACON are set and sent from. (P. 32) CPATH is now dropped as it is always set to ON. PATHFINDER OPERATION WITH SCC>64 DIGICOM "DUAL CHANNEL" CARD. The Pathfinder recognises two types of call, which when issued from the Connect Command, direct the connect to the appropriate Channel. Hence the Channel selection occurs via two entries in the pathfinder. Another "prefix" has been added to the Pathfinder available ones. N>, G> and P> are still available but now the parhfinder also recognises D> (Digipeater). e.g set :Path N>DB0AAB to connect to Node DB0AAB direct, or set :Path N>DB0AAB, D>DB0DIG to connect to DB0AAB via the digipeater DB0DIG using second level DIGI. The following Paths MUST be set as a MINIMUM. :Path 1>1 via 1>1 (simply type :path 1 1 1 1 ) :Path 2>2 via 2>2 (simply type :path 2 2 2 2 ) :Path =>NIX via =>NIX In this "1" corresponds with Channel 1 and it will be utilised in the Link Construction. Similarly "2". NIX is used instead of CPATH OFF. See page 51 for further information on the Pathfinder. The output of CSTATUS has been expanded: >> Port Ch To Mycall Status : : : :-----As previously ie. Connected to..... : : : : : :----Host Station or Node Callsign.(first line) : : Digipeated Station Callsign (second and subsequent lines). : : : :---Channel (1 or 2) on which this port works. : :---As previously. Page 9 Handbook DIGICOM>64 Version 5.0 PARAMETER CONSTRUCTION SCC>64 With this version, and after the main body of the program has loaded, on the command RUN, for the tape version, or automatic for the Eprom version, the program will look to load it's operating parameters, it will look for a default Number 9 (DC-PAR 9 unlike the ordinary tape version DC-PAR-0), it is possible, therefore, to keep both versions on the same diskette. With the SCC>64 version the following parameters MUST be set immediately before operation. HBAUD, TXDELAY, DWAIT, FRACK, MAXFRAME, PACLEN, IPOLL and RESPTIME. Also the following: NRZ and MONO (default here is OFF) and DEFCH (set 1 or 2). In conclusion all RCMD values must be examined and set according to your requirements. (RCMD will NOT import from other versions of DIGICOM). After all is done make sure you :PERM 9 (for SCC>64 Version). FEATURES OF THE 128: This chapter will cover the Features of DIGICOM>128 V5.0, the explanation will be brief, as the differences between this and the DIGICOM>64 V5.00 are slight, therefore a separate manual for the 128 version is not necessary. The EPROM-Loader and the EDITOR runs ONLY in the 64 mode. There is an EDITOR provided for the 128. DIGICOM runs in 128 true 80 column mode at the RGBI video output of the 128 computer. This version (DC-128) will NOT run on the 128 computer in 64 mode. As the 40 character Video Controller is not capable of operating on the 2MHz Operating frequency, as set in the program and 128 mode, hence the HIRES Command is dropped from the parameter set. The expanded 128 Keyboard is used as normal. The ESC Key has the same effect as the "Left Arrow" Key of the 64, and it removes, or replaces the colon (:) in the command line. The Key NO SCROLL halts the output to the screen, same as CTRL-STOP. ALT=SHIFT, HELP=SHIFT-RETURN, LINEFEED=Cursor Down, TAB=Cursor right. The ASCII/DIN Combination of commands can produce customized Keyboard Operation to suit the individual. This also will depend on the setting of GERMAN ON or OFF (0). Usual practice is to set DIN to OFF. Handbook DIGICOM>64 Version 5.0 Page 10. ASSISTANCE FOR THE BEGINNER. PLEASE PRINT and READ the file called INTRODUCTION on your disk. All beginnings are hard, especially with such a complex mode of Operation as Packet Radio. In the following paragraphs, additional instructions, for the beginner, to the INTRODUCTION file are included, hoping that will be of help. On the disk there are TWO versions of DIGICOM V5.0. One is the conventional DIGICOM program that operates with a Modem connected to the Cassette Port of your computer, and a disk-drive. The other (DC.SCC) Operates with the SCC>64 Card which plugs in the User-Port of the Computer, and a disk-drive, this will allow 2 independant Modems, and radios to be connected to the one computer and also will allow communication between the two. Also higher baud rates can be used with this card. 3.1 STARTING UP WITH THE CASSETTE VERSION. Plug in the modem into the Cassette Port of your computer, connect the Radio to the Modem, switch on the computer. TYPE at the READY prompt LOAD "DC",8,1 and press RETURN After the program has loaded and the READY prompt has re-appeared TYPE RUN and press RETURN DIGICOM will start up and the cursor will be flashing next to :CLOCK For further instructions read 3.3 3.2 STARTING UP WITH THE SCC>64 CARD. Insert the SCC>64 Card into the User Port Slot at the back of the computer, connect the modem(s) there, (how this should be done is in the section covering the SCC>64 Card). If you already have a programmed EPROM (see corresponding Chapter in the Appendices), insert jumper 1 and switch the Computer on. After a short delay DIGICOM will be up and running. If you do NOT have a programmed EPROM, remove Jumper 1 and switch on the Computer. TYPE at the READY prompt LOAD "DC-SCC",8,1 and press RETURN After the program has loaded and the READY prompt has re-appeared TYPE RUN and press RETURN DIGICOM will start. 3.3 CUSTOMIZATION OF THE PARAMETER FILE. DIGICOM will ALWAYS start up using the PAR-0 file (modem in cassette port version). SCC>64 version with EPROM will ALWAYS default to whatever parameter file was blown onto the EPROM, it is important therefore to set the parameter file will ALL your Operating Parameters before the EPROM is programmed. After the CLOCK is set as HH:MM, then set the DATE as DD.MM.YY and then you are ready to set the first parameter which is :MYCALL Page 11 Handbook DIGICOM>64 Version 5.0 At the flashing cursor (should be positioned after a colon [:]) type MYCALL (Callsign) and press RETURN, this will place your callsign at the top of the screen. The colon [:] before the parameter, or ANY other entry places DIGICOM in Command Mode, where the Operator can Change parameters or issue Commands to the System. Without the colon [:] as the first character before the flashing cursor, any entries will be interpreted as text to be transmitted and on pressing RETURN, or after the 79th character has been typed, the line WILL be transmitted. The Master Copy Diskette comes with the program Operating parameters set, so that the beginner can just type in the time, date and his callsign only, he can then start to operate and worry about "fine tuning" the System after he/she has gained some experience. (see INTRODUCTION). Do not forget to PERM the callsign and any other parameters you have changed, on your working disk, otherwise the program will load the default parameters, as set by the copier. Remember that the cassette port version defaults to PAR-0 so you :PERM 0 (or just :PERM) whilst the SCC>64 defaults to PAR-9 therefore with that version you :PERM 9 (p.25). At first it is adviseable to just read the screen and watch the received packets. By pressing F3 you will see the first of the "receive buffer" screens, the second one is F5. You will be able to see all that is happening on the frequency as far as packet is concerned. To return to the operating screen press F1. If any problems are experienced with Receive, then perhaps the following may help. Use plenty of Volume, (you cannot hear it as you should be taking the input to the modem from the extention speaker, or if you can, if you have a separate Audio out facility on your rig, like the FT 726, make sure enough audio level comes out of it). Set the squelch to minimum, you could also experiment with the Frequency Input of the Transfer Path before the Modem (high or Low Pass) and the Equalize-Input of the 7910 (Pin 17). A simple way to verify the fact that you are transmitting is to use the UNPROTO parameter and set it via a digipeater. Most stations have the facility enabled so set :UNPROTO TEST, Press RETURN, you should see the following:UNPROTO TEST via >>>was UNPROTO CQ Remove the colon [:] by pressing "back arrow" [<-] once (CBM-64) or the ESC key (CBM-128) then press RETURN. Each time you do that you will see the following on your receive screen: / TEST>UI,P,FO: /* Test>UI,P.FO: It is the star [*] after the digi-station's callsign that tells you he heard your packet and command and has repeated it (digipeated it), therefore your Transmit is OK. Now you are ready to try a "real" packet QSO. Look for a callsign that you recognize, or that you would like to contact, in your MHEARD screen (F7), then type after the colon [:] :C and press RETURN. C stands for Connect. If all is well your station will transmit the connect codes and if the station called is available you will here the "bong" of connection and you'll have your first packet connect. Remember that F3 will always show you what is happening on the frequency and F1 will return you to your chosen Operating screen. Handbook DIGICOM>64 Version 5.0 Page 12 4. THE OPERATION OF DIGICOM V5.0 There are very few visible changes between DIGICOM V3.51 and DIGICOM V5.0. most of the changes are in the hidden source code and programming. More ports and higher baud rates were made possible and increased working speed. The program is controlled by Commands which are issued as letters at the colon, on the Operating Screen. The familiar codes and presentation have been retained. So have the Function keys. As usual before any command can be accepted a colon [:] must be present IN FRONT of the flashing cursor. Otherwise, the program identifies the text typed as text for transmit. In short the colon [:] represents a TNC's command Mode and the absence of it, a TNC's Converse Mode. Command letters, or words, must be separated from the parameter or other text by a space, unless the command is followed by numbers, such as in setting the date or clock where the space can be dropped without problems. Most of the commands will self correct, on screen, if issued wrong, to a certain extent of course. The commands with "ON", "OFF" qualifiers can be placed with a variety of shortcuts, i.e. :CPATH ON is the same as :CP on, or :cp on, or :CP Y, or :CP O etc. Also, although this is the English version and :GERMAN is set to "OFF" or "0" (zero), :CP EIN will return as CPATH ON and :CP AUS will return as CPATH OFF, so the System does recognise some commands in German as well. If a command is issued, at the colon [:] with no following text or parameter, then the default value will be returned, on screen, for that command. The values can be overwritten and new defaults can be permed that way. For that purpose all numbers can be typed in ordinary decimal form, or by preceeding with a "$" (dollar sign), in hexadecimal. The colon can be removed or replaced with the DEL-Key as well as the Back-Arrow key (<-). There is FULL wordwrapping of the typed text, so there is no need for line-feeds, unless required. If the colon [:] is NOT removed prior to typing a line, then the System will interpret the whole line as a "command gone wrong" and ignore it, and therefore no text will be sent. 4.1 KEYS. F1: Operating Screen of whichever Port is in use at the time. F2: Reads the disk directory and displays it on screen. F3: Current Monitor Screen of ALL that is happening on Channel (40 Column C64) F4: Not in Use. F5: Receive Screen Buffer. (One screenful continued from F3)(40 Column C64). F6: Forces a Beacon send with the BADRESS and Call Sign. F7: List of Stations Heard direct and Via Digipeaters. (MHEARD). F8: Not in Use. CTRL 1...4 or Commodore FLAG key 1...4 This will toggle between the 4 Visible operating ports. The port number will be shown on the far right of the Status Line. Using the CTRL key in conjunction with other normal keys, special Control characters can be placed in the Standard Text list, and therefore cause the text transmitted by the Standard Text List, to appear in a certain way, pre-set by the Operator. Useful in setting the Welcome on Connect tect (CTEXT) or setting up ANSWER specific callsigns and INFO for the Node etc. (See Standard Texts). These Characters are always placed in the ST Text in Inverse Video. Page 13 Handbook DIGICOM>64 Version 5.0 By holding the SHIFT key and then "hitting" the Left-Arrow Key [<-], the current time is placed in the command line, ready to be sent. Also by "hitting" the Plus-Sign key (+), the current date is placed on the command line, ready to be sent. If the CTRL Key is pressed and held and then the back arrow, or the plus sign keys are pressed they will place a small inverted video letter s and r respectively. These can be set, for instance as a message on disconnect. If placed in the ST Text, then on disconnect the time and date will follow any goodbye message from the operator. (Default parameter QTEXT set). CTRL P will return the Immediate Port number (set in ST Text). CTRL and Cursor Down places the cursor in the RX screen. Any text in the RX screen can be then re-transmitted. Also useful when using the EDIT command to place Sequencial files in the drive for possible transmission. Some problems may be encountered, through, if transmitted packets, from the receive screen, clash with transmitted packets from the normal transmit screen. With practice this can be avoided. The RX screen can be halted by pressing CTRL RUN/STOP and to start receiving again, the same keys are pressed again. For the duration of the "pause" an inverted video STOP will appear on the Status Line. This facility is available on all 4 operating ports independently. Therefore if any received text needs to be saved temporarily in order to be referred to, then that particular port can be placed in "pause" mode and the scrolling of text on screen will be halted. The other 3 ports will be operating normally and of course the F3 and F5 screens are always active. SHIFT - (minus) Displays an underline. SHIFT = (equal) Clears the actual line. There are a number of characters which if placed in inverted video by using the CONTROL key can alter the RX screen of a connected station and DIGICOM's own RX screen. Care must be taken as some of these control characters can cause a crash on some terminals and should really only be transmitted to other DIGICOM users only. These Characters and their functions are: CTRL L Clear Screen (Rx Part) CTRL X Clear Line. CTRL G Sound the Gong (Low Tone). CTRL \(Pound) Cursor Home. CTRL T Clear Character. CTRL I Cursor Right. CTRL R Reverse write ON. CTRL K Cursor UP. CTRL S Reverse write OFF. CTRL H Cursor Left. CTRL W Second Gong (higher Tone)" CTRL M Cursor Return. CTRL U Insert Character. CTRL /(Slash) IBM Backslash. CTRL Z EOF (Close disk write seq. file). NOTE: If you set these characters, except CTRL M, in the MFILTER parameter then your screen will remain readable, and your cursor will NOT jump all over the screen, when there are binary file transfers taking place on channel. Also, if you do not want any of the user Stations to "re-arrange" your RX screen layout whilst connected, set the same characters in CFILTER. Handbook DIGICOM>64 Version 5.0 Page 14 Standard Texts can be READ individually and displayed on your transmit screen, either to be transmitted when the colon [:] is not there, or for your perusal if it is. This is done with the Commodore Flag Key and a letter allocated to the Standard Text you wish to see. ie. Z will display the "goodbye" Standard Text from the default parameters. These will be active regardless if GERMAN is "ON" or "OFF". CAUTION: I Will display the Station Information ST Texts, normally available to the Node, but it will also show ALL the pre-set Paths, in the Pathfinder, and the MHEARD (F7) list. It sometimes CORRUPTS the Pathfinder. THE SCREEN LAYOUT. The F1 Screen (Active Port). The first line (or the first two lines in 40 column mode) displays the 4 Visible Operating Ports. Next to it's number (1 to 4) The callsign assigned to the Port is displayed. The Active Port is displayed in Inverted Video. If a User Station connects to a port then the Low tone Gong sounds (providing CBELL is set to 255). The same happens when the Operator has a successful connection issued by him. To the right of the connected port there will be displayed the connected Station's callsign. Four (4) connections can take place at once. The Operator can converse with any of the 4 Stations by pressing CTRL and a number 1 to 4 to activate the appropriate port. If the Operator wishes then he can turn the CONVERSE mode ON and then DIGICOM becomes a CHAT NODE capable of accomodating 5 stations in all, including the Operator. The screen is split in two. The division of TX/RX screen is left to the individual Operator with the command :DIV (number 3 to 22). Default is 8. Page 15 Handbook DIGICOM>64 Version 5.0 STATUS LINE. STOP : SEND : RECV W : : --QRV--1-P-C--T2-I58---DG3RBU>Connected to DB0RGB----D--R-19:28--DC-1 : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : Port No. : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : DIGICOM : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : Time (Clock) : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : Disk Drive Status (*) : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : Dama Active : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : Connected Station's Callsign : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : Current/Last Connection : : : : : : : : : : : : : MYCALL set for Port : : : : : : : : : : : Last Frame received from the Connected Station : : : : : : : : : Number of retries. : : : : : : : Converse ON : : : : : Connection made via the Pathfinder : : : Frames typed but not yet transmitted : System Status. (*) When READ or WRITE are active the actual number of BLOCKS that are read/written on the diskette will be displayed. When the CTRL-RUN/STOP Key combination is pressed the Output to the screen is halted and an inversed Video STOP appears on the status line. This is valid for the idividual port only, the other three ports stay as per normal. If the SCC>64 Card version is used, then instead of RECV a double R and instead of SEND an S and QRV a = (equal sign), will be displayed. The next character is the number of outstanding packets, which increases as more data is placed in the buffer prior to transmission, or if there are many retries before the data is accepted by the receiving station. The number increases by 1 for every 256 bytes of text received in the transmit buffer, up to a maximum of 9. If there is a larger number of outstanding packets for transmission then the number is replaced with the up-arrow (^) symbol. Handbook DIGICOM>64 Version 5.0 Page 16 The next character, displayed on the status line, is a letter P. That is shown only if the connection attempted by the operator is using one of the pre-set paths in the pathfinder. A capital letter C will appear next, only if the converse mode is set to on. The echo parameter can be used to direct the data to any specific port, from 1 to 9, setting echo to 9 will send the text to all the ports. The next character shows the number of retries preceeded by the letter T. After the ninth retry, the T is replaced by the number 1. Usually after the 17th retry, the system disconnects. The following indicator displays the control field of the last frame received from the connected station. The link-Status Report follows with the MYCALL shown against either the last station connected, or attempted to connect, or the current connected status. The Callsign of the last station connected will be displayed after the disconnection and until the next connect, as a reminder of the last QSO. The next character displayed will be a D, only if DAMA is set and the system recognises a DAMA-MASTER Node connection. R or W will be displayed next if a sequencial file is being Read or Written on the diskette. This will be replaced with E if the operator is using the EDIT command to place a sequential file on the diskette. If the transmit command is set to OFF with :XMITOK OFF then the very first character in the status line will be an inverted video X. just before QRV-RECV. The F3/F5 Screens (General monitor). The whole activity on the frequency can be monitored here, including any connections to other stations or reasons for retries etc. The F7 Screen contains the MH list (Stations Heard) as normal. Due to the new Dynamic RAM Management, the Status line of the non active operational ports will be completely clear and only show the MYCALL set for that port. 5. COMMANDS. The following section deals with all the Commands available in DIGICOM and parameter values. All Commands will be fully explained. Basically the parameters set will be of either numerical values ranging between 0 to 255, or set to ON or OFF. The mycall will accept up to six characters. The * (star) character can be used as a wild-card, when operating the diskette with the :VIEW and :FLOPPY commands. Page 17 Handbook DIGICOM>64 Version 5.0 When the program is loaded and run, it will load the file called DC-PAR-0 for the cassette port version, and DC-PAR-9 for the SCC>64 Card version. These are the DEFAULT parameter files necessary for DIGICOM to run. These can be altered to suit the individual operator, but they must be saved with the same end numbers (0 and 9) in order that the program can start up with the desired parameter values installed. Commands can be abbreviated to their first 3 letters. There must be a space between the command and any parameter value set. The commands MUST always be set AFTER the colon Û:Ý. That is how DIGICOM recognizes the difference between a command issued and text written for transmission. To make the colon appear, disappear, without having to look for it on the keyboard, the left arrow key is programmed to do that, for convenience. 5.1 GENERAL COMMANDS: BAS (Basic) Causes a warm-start of the computer, typing SYS2064 returns the computer to DIGICOM. BORder x BO x This sets the border colour of your screen, It corresponds to POKE 53280 x, x can be set from 0 to 15 giving all 16 colours availble on the Commodore 64. In the 128 Version the border colour is not programmable. Border 0 will return an inverse video screen display and any other value a normal screen. Default 0 CLEar CL Clears the receive screen and sends a form feed to the printer if turned on. CLKusa ON/OFF CLK ON/OFF Switches the internal clock to either 60 Herz Frequency (ON), which is required in the USA and other Countries with 60 Hz National-Grid Networks. The SX-64 has an built in 60Hz generator, which is independent to the Grid frequency. With this computer, the clock gives false readings which can be avoided with the use of this command. If set to OFF then the clock is set for 50Hz operation. Default OFF. CLOck HH:MM CLO HH:MM Sets the real time clock, which is displayed on the status line. This MUST be set every time the program is restarted, that is why the cursor always flashes Handbook DIGICOM>64 Version 5.0 Page 18 next to that command, after the program has started. The time can be brought up on the transmit screen for transmission, by holding the SHIFT key and hitting Left Arrow, or placed in one of the Standard Texts, as the Goodbye text , ST Text Z, by holding the CTRL key down and hitting Left Arrow which will place an inverted video small letter s on the screen. COMmand ON/OFF COM ON/OFF Places the colon Û:Ý, automatically, as the first character on the line, following the issue of a command, if the parameter is set to ON, so that the System is ready for the issue of another Command. If it is set to OFF then no colon will be placed after the issue of a command and the system will transmit all subsequent lines. The only command, after which there will be NO colon placed on the line is the Connect Command. Default ON. COLour x y COL x y As BORDER sets the border colour, COLOUR sets the screen and cursor colours, values 0....15. These are set to suit individual preferences. Default 0 1 CRTsave x CRT x This is DIGICOM's screen saver, it blanks the screen so that it does not "burn" when not in use. Values of x = 0....255. 0 means that the screen will be ON all the time, 255 will "switch" the screen OFF after approx 5 mins. of inactivity. To reinstate just press any key but F1 is recommended so that you do not alter the cursor position. DATe dd.mm.yy DAT DD.MM.YY Sets the current date, which is updated automatically if the clock is set every 24 hours, providing the system is NOT switched off. It must be set as DAY/MONTH/YEAR and the fullstop (.) MUST separate each. Otherwise it is not accepted. To make sure that is is accepted type :date (in lower case) and then the actual numbers, when you press the lower case changes to Upper case letters. February always has 29 days so the date must be reset for non leap years. The date can be transmitted by pressing SHIFT + (Plus sign), or it can be programmed in the ST Text (Standard Text List) with CTRL + (plus sign). DIV x Determines the position of the divide line between transmit/command screen and receive screen. X=3....22. Default 8 DISplay DIS Immediate command didplays all the parameter values set. It is helpful to set DIV to 22 when checking the DISplay, the screen will scroll up and only RETURN Page 19 Handbook DIGICOM>64 Version 5.0 needs to be pressed in order to continue to the end of the parameter file. Any parameter can be changed by placing the cursor against the value to be overwritten. DIGICOM will respond to the pressing of after the new values have been inserted, with >>>was on the following line, so one line of the DISPLAY will be covered by the message confirming the acceptance of the value change. ECHo x ECH x This parameter has 4 values 0 - 255. Setting any value other than 0 will reproduce the typed text from the transmit/command line, to the receive screen. This will enable the operator to save his transmitted text on disk or hard copy from the printer. The values reproduce the following: ECHO 0 Echo facility off. ECHO 1 - 64 will reproduce the text from the transmit line to the receive screen in Lower Case and Normal Text mode. ECHO 64 - 128 will reproduce same but in inverted video mode. ECHO 128 - 180 will reproduce the text in UPPER case characters only and Normal video mode. ECHO 180 - 255 sane as 128 - 180 but in inverted video mode. Default 0 FREe FRE Immediate command. Displays the main RAM space of the Computer and the diskette. Text : Free bytes in the Standard Text RAM. The Texts occupy 1 byte per letter Pathfinder entries occupy 8 bytes per entry. Disk: Free blocks on the diskette, each block corresponds to 256 bytes, this number should be equal to the amount of blocks shown as remaining after a DIR command has been issued. If :FREE + is issued then all unoccupied spaces in the RAM will become available to the program, if there are more than 256 bytes remaining. This should be done ONLY when ALL Standard Texts and Paths have been set, to the satisfaction of the operator, as the program will return an "out of memory" error, if more text/paths are entered after the issue of this command. The System will remain in that configuration UNTIL the next RESET. This command CANNOT be permed in the parameter list, but the System can be configured to remain in this situation AFTER initial loading and running, by entering the following line in the :AUTOEXEC parameter. :ST 2 :FREE + :CLOCK GERman 0/64/128 GER 0/64/128 Switches ON/OFF the German Character set. GERMAN 0 Normal ASCII Character set, and normal Keyboard Operation (English). GERMAN 64 will display the special German characters on Screen, (aouAOU with Umlaut and SS), these will be displayed correctly. GERMAN 128 will allow toggle between normal and German Keyboard as required. The characters are ":"="o", ";"="a", "@"="u", these with umlaut (two little dots on top) in ech case. Shifted will produce the same only in Upper Case. The pound sign (Ü) will produce a double SS. Colon and semi-colon can be obtained with SHIFTED "." and ",". Default OFF Handbook DIGICOM>64 Version 5.0 Page 20 HBAud x HBA x Sets the Baud rate. This is the same as in V3.51 (3.60). For HF Operation 300 baud rate is used, however under certain operating conditions other parameters have to be set in order to accomodate the slower baud rate, such as TXDELAY, DWAIT and others. It may be prudent, if the operator will work both VHF/UHF and HF to perm more than one set of operating parameter files, and load the appropriate one each time. NOTE, for 300baud HF operation, the actual Modem MUST have a switcheable Baud, rate as some cheaper versions of the DIGICOM modem do not. The circuit diagram included with this manual does make provisions for HF Operation. For VHF/UHF Operation, the norm, at the moment is 1200 Baud rate. Certainly with DIGICOM V5.0 higher baud rates are possible up to 2400 as this is the absolute limit for the cassette port version of the Commodore 64. On its own the 64 CANNOT accept any faster baud rates, only the Commodore 128 and the Commodore 64 with the SCC>64 plug-in Card can accomodate the higher than 2400 baud rates. Default 1200. The 128 will accomodate up to 4800 baud. With the SCC>64 Card both the Commodore 64 and the 128 will accomodate baud rates up to 19200. The screen output of the Commodore 64 though cannot accomodate these fast rates and it is reduced, but there are no problems between the two channels of the card. HELp HEL Lists all permissible commands on the transmit/command screen. The output to the screen halts when the screen is full thus allowing the Operator time to read the commands. It can be re-started by pressing any key. This is an immediate command. HIRes ON/OFF HIR ON/OFF Switches between 40 characters per line (OFF), and 80 Characters per line (ON). NOTE. The 80 column screen is a composite one and not a TRUE one for the Commodore 64. It is produced by using the Graphics mode of the Computer and a 3 * 7 point matrix per letter. This will require a GOOD quality MONITOR set in Black and White, in order to be comfortably readable. The 40 Character (HIRES OFF) WILL transmit 40 characters at the time thus only filling half a line of a normal screen. There is no provision for transmitting two lines at a time. Also Standard Texts (in the ST Text List) in order to have full 80 cloumn lines MUST be set with Hires ON. Default ON. LCOk ON/OFF LCO ON/OFF Switches the keyboard to Lower Case Characters (ON), or Upper Case Characters (OFF). The SHIFT Key inverts this setting. Default ON. Page 21 Handbook DIGICOM>64 Version 5.0 NTSc ON/OFF NTS ON/OFF Switches on the American/Japenese TV Standard from PAL/SECAM. In Europe either PAL or SECAM TV Standards are used and NTSC is set to OFF. In USA and JAPAN NTSC is used and NTSC is set to ON. Default OFF. MEM $AAAA BB CC DD.. Immediate Command, performs a Hexadecimal dump of the RAM starting at address $AAAA. This machine language monitor will show one line at a time, to advance to the next line press . To escape from the monitor press . ASC $AAA Text..... Immediate Command, performs an ASCII dump of the Text in the RAM. As this was seldom required it has been dropped from DIGICOM V5.0. RUN $AAAA RUN $AAAA Starts a Machine Language program from Address $AAAA. Return with RTS. XMItok ON/OFF XMI ON/OFF If set to OFF then the System will NOT transmit. Although the word SEND will appear on the Status line, the rig will NOT be keyed up. This is used mainly for self-connects. 5.2 DISKETTE ACCESS COMMANDS. In Version 5.0 of DIGICOM it is possible, still, to save Data on the diskette even with the SCC>64 card in Operation. Although the Baudrates have been raised considerably, the slowness of the Disk drives (1541 or compatible) will create a bottle-neck. The sending and receiving of packets under the Timing Parameters always takes precedence over all disk operations. That will slow the data transfer to and from the diskette even further. It is recommended, therefore, that a faster Disk Access System is used. DIGICOM operates the Drives as Device numbers 8....12 and the Serial IEC-Bus Speedos and Compatible Systems will be recognised and utilized, but any other type of Disk-Accelerator will NOT be recognised and will be ignored. Some of the Disk-Accelerators may cause problems on loading DIGICOM and must be switched off prior to loading DIGICOM. All diskette data transfer Commands are operational from the active port. The operator therefore can Edit a file on one port, write a file on another, and call up the directory from a third port. It is also possible for Stations connected remotely to interrogate, write or read program and sequential files Handbook DIGICOM>64 Version 5.0 Page 22 providing they are allowed to do so from the RCMD (Remote Controlled Command Set) Parameter Set. (Page 42). Because of RAM limitations of the CBM-64 only 3 open files are allowed, at any one time. The Directory catalogue is treated as an open file. If this is overstepped then DIGICOM simply returns the DOS error prompt "NO-CHANNEL" Tests have proven that most versions of the 1541, and compatible, disk drives accept multiple open files, but some older versions cannot deal with such operating conditions. If that is the situation, then one must either accept the fact, or replace the Disk Drive ROM with one that will accept the multi-tasking. (Note from the writer: It is my personal experience that the OCEANIC Drive and the 1541 circa 1988 onwards produce no problems, also the 1570, for the 128 computer has proved itself most reliable. Some minor problems have been reported to me from users of the double-sided 1571, but that appears to be so on the very early models and only when the drive starts to write on the second side.). In 80 Column Display mode, the EDIT, WRITE, WPRG, LOG commands will be shown on the Status Line, right of center, as E, W, P, L. Also the RED L.E.D. on the Disk Drive will be illuminated to inform the Operator that a File is Open. CD Partition (Only 1581 Drive). Immediate Command. It changes the active partition on a 1581 Disk Drive (3.5). This is equivalent to the Command :Floppy/partition. With :CD....The root directory can be changed to suit the partition, also the arrangement of a new partition can be implemented with this command. Syntax :CD name ÜtrackÜlength,c The length should be an even numbered multiple of 40, a minimum of 120. The first track must be issued so that the partition has a place, otherwise a corresponding error message is displayed. (e.g. :CD TEXT,Ü20Ü400,C). Refer also to the 1581 handbook. On disk drives that do not implement partitioning (1541,1570,1571 etc) the command is meaningless and therefore a syntax error is displayed. CWRite ON/OFF CWR ON/OFF This is the "automatic mailbox" facility of DIGICOM. When enabled then every time there is a connection to one of the 4 Operating Ports, (not to the Node Ports, or 2nd. level digipeating), then a file is opened on the disk, the time (if set), the callsign of the connected station and the port number, act as the header of the file, and any text that is sent is saved in that file. For example if on the disk directory there is a file which reads >>>2 21-36-DL8MBT/1 seq. Then that means that at 21-36 DL8MBT connected on port 1 and typed in a message which is 2 blocks long. The drive closes the file and switches itself off automatically on disconnection. It can be closed, if the RCMD allows it, remotely by the User Station with //w off before disconnection. This facility provides a LOG and an Auto Mailbox, the appropriate welcome message is permed in the Standard Text List and the other relative parameters have been set to accomodate this. The Systen is defaulted so that the Operator will explore the Node facility of DIGICOM to the full, so rather than setting the System "conventionally" with a port dedicated to a PBBS Page 23 Handbook DIGICOM>64 Version 5.0 with an SSID of -2, and wasting time in mailbox operating messages to and fro, the end user does nothing other than type in the message he/she has for the operator. All the users have to do is READ their screen after connection. NOTE: In my experience since DIGICOM V3.51 this facility works 100% every time, even if all 4 Operating Ports are active and Users are reading or writing messages on the disk, the System appears capable of coping with it all DIR Immediate Command. When issued lists the disk directory on the TX/Command screen. If the screen fills up then the scrolling stops until a key is pressed. Can also be stopped with CRTL-STOP or aborted with STOP. DRIve DRI This command can be used to change the default drive, or for the end User to interrogate another drive, if the Operator runs more than one drive in his System. The range is 8......15. Default 8 EDIt EDI Where is the name given to a file. This command Opens a Seq. file on the disk and saves all that is written on the transmit screen. Text is entered without the colon [:] being present. Text is saved after the key is pressed, or if the 79th character is typed and a line-feed occurs (39th character for 40 column display). Saved text appears on the Receive screen and once that has happened text CANNOT be altered. This facility is NOT a complete wordprocessor, but it is exremely useful, when long messages have to be send to either a mailbox as a bulletin or to individual stations as private mail. It eliminates the need for "live" typing while connected to the mailbox and therefore making mistakes. It does have full word wrapping though so the operator does not need to worry about funny-split words (like most TNC's). The file can be closed with :EDIT OFF. Several small files can be linked together. For example if FILE 1 FILE 2 and FILE 3 were to be linked then a file is opened called, say, :EDIT MASTER FILE . Once the Master File is opened then place the colon [:] back on the command line and type :VIEW FILE 1 . The contents of FILE 1 will be displayed on the Receive Screen and simultaneously will be saved in the file called MASTER FILE. Repeat for FILE 2 and FILE 3. When finished CLOSE the MASTERFILE with :EDIT OFF. All 3 files will be now on the new file. The SEND command can also be used to place text in a pre-opened file, such as the MHEARD list or maybe a parameter file etc. EOF ON/OFF EOF ON/OFF Places a character at the end of every file that is transmitted using the READ command. This closes the opened file on the Station's Disk drive, which the Operator has opened, and placed the text with the READ command, thus saving any mistakes and leaving open files on other stations drives after disconnection, especially if the other station is not a DIGICOM user. DIGICOM users files opened with :CWRITE will NOT be closed with . Default ON Handbook DIGICOM>64 Version 5.0 Page 24 FLOppy FLO Immediate command. This corresponds to the the BASIC Command OPEN 1,8,15 which activates the drive and expects a command for further action. This command allows the operator a range of Disk Drive Commands. These are: :FLOPPY S0: It erases a file off the disk. Star (*) can be used as a "wild-card" and erase a range of files. eg.:FLOPPY S0:1* will erase ALL files starting with 1. :FLOPPY N0:, Will format a diskette. :FLOPPY V0 Will validate the disk. :FLOPPY R0:= Will rename a file on the disk. The format MUST be as shown above otherwise the command will NOT operate. GET x GET x Immediate command. Loads a parameter file (x) from the drive and warm-starts the program. File (x) is one of the parameter files saved under :PERM. These are NOT seq. files and camnnot be "read" with the :view command. They are of the form DC-PAR-. LOG LOG Opens a logbook on the diskette. It is a complete logbook of what has happened to the Station with time, port number, connect callsign, disconnect, FRMR, and Digis. Close with :LOG OFF; can be reopened with :LOG *,S,A so that the Station Log can be continuous if so required, for all the time the Operators station is On the Air, and on one file. PERm x PER x Saves the current parameters, including the Standard Texts, onto the diskette under the number x. (x = 0......9). Apart from the Operating Parameters, other variable values are also saved, such as Screen Format, colour etc. A maximum of 10 different parameter sets can be set and saved. Parameter set 0 (DC-PAR-0) is the set which DIGICOM, cassette port version, will load as default on power up. The SCC>64 Card version (DC>64.SCC) will default on set 9, (DC-PAR-9). Therefore to have your Operating parameters installed on fire-up, make sure that you save them on those two files. Although these files appear on the diskette with a PRG extension, they CANNOT be loaded separately as programs. REAd REA Immediate Command issued at the colon [:]. It reads a SEQ file off the diskette and transmits it on the air. It can only be used when connected to another station, not necessarily a DIGICOM user. The text is also shown on the Receive Screen. The function can be aborted by pressing the RUN/STOP key. When done the disk drive will stop automatically. The system can also be halted by typing at the colon [:], :READ OFF . The fact that data is transferred in ASCII makes it possible for files to be placed into any System, apart from Digicom, therefore Sequencial files can be placed into Mailboxes for forwarding, either as general Bulletins or Private mail. It is recommended, if the files to be transferred are large, to choose times when the frequency is not saturated with users. This will accelerate the transfer and keep the Operator popular with the fellow packetters. Page 25 Handbook DIGICOM>64 Version 5.0 RPRg RPR Immediate Command issued ONLY when connected to another station. The other station MUST be another DIGICOM User, otherwise the transfer will NOT be successful. DIGICOM is NOT compatible with YAPP protocol, it uses it's own protocol to transfer program files (Extension PRG on the diskette). The transfer does take place in true 8 bit Binary code, transparently transferred, therefore any Commodore program, in Basic or Machine Code can be successfully transferred. The syntax is as follows: A program file MUST be opened on the diskette of the OTHER station. This is done by issuing the command //WPRG , it is done without the colon [:], so that it is transmitted to the connected station. The response FROM the other DIGICOM System will be / /WPRG 00,ok,00,00 If this is NOT shown on the Screen the transfer will NOT take place. Once the prompt is received PLACE the Colon [:] back on the screen (command mode) and type :RPRG . The drive will start and the designated program file will be READ and transmitted to the User's drive. On completion, that is when the disk-drive stops (red light extinguishes), and there are NO outstanding packets shown on the Status-line, type without the colon //WPRG OFF , IN CAPITAL LETTERS. When the prompt / /WPRG OFF 00,ok,00,00 is shown on the RX Screen, the file opened in the User's drive is properly closed and the transfer is completed. (see also WPRG Command). VIEw VIE Immediate Command. When issued at the colon [:], the disk drive dumps the designated file on screen. It is used to see Sequencial files, (Ext. SEQ on the diskette). With the :PRINTER ON command, issued BEFORE the VIEW, then a hard copy can be obtained. NOTE: some combinations of CBM-64, Drive, and Printer cause the program to lock-up. I'm afraid I cannot be specifc as this does not appear with a specific 64 or with a specific combination of 64 + drive + printer. If you do experience this then I'm afraid you cannot use YOUR printer and Disk-Drive at the same time, and it is NOT DIGICOM's fault. The output, to screen and printer, can be halted by pressing and holding the CONTROL key and hitting the RUN/STOP key. The inverted video STOP will appear on the status line. To resume viewing the file press the SPACE BAR. (CBM-128 press NO SCROLL). WRIte WRI Immediate Command. Normally used to SEND a Sequencial file to another DIGICOM User. Issue the Command //write ,return> without the colon [:] and wait for the prompt / /write 00,ok,00,00 When this is displayed on screen, use the READ command to send the file to the other station as explained above. If :WRITE is issued AT THE COLON, then the drive will open a file with the and ALL activity on the frequency will be saved in that file. It is rather pointless to do so as the LOG command will keep a record of stations that worked, or attempted to work your System and the :CWRITE command will provide an automatic mailbox. (WARNING the disk will fill up rather quickly if :WRITE is used) Handbook DIGICOM>64 Version 5.0 Page 26 WPRg WPR Immediate Command. Is issued to a connected DIGICOM User ONLY, does NOT work for other Systems including YAPP protocol. To open a PRG (program) file on the diskette of the connected station and to send a PRG file to that file. It is used with the RPRG command as explained above. These two commands (RPRG & WPRG) can be used in reverse as well, in order for program files to be placed INTO the Operator diskette FROM the connected DIGICOM User Station's drive. All this of cource ONLY if the relevant RCMD (Remote Control Parameters) allow it. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE FAST-SERIAL-OPERATION WITH A 1581 FLOPPY DRIVE. Fast-serial-Operation using a 1581 (3.5in.) Floppy Drive, is now possible, with the CMB-64 Computer. This is actually recommended especially when the higher baud rates are used with the SCC>64 card. The following connections have to be made. Either solder two wires, as shown below, or make a removable plug, connected to the Serial Port. The two wires must then be connected to the User Port, similar connections must be made to the CBM-128 as well. One way is shown below: Purpose SERIAL PORT <--------- USER PORT = CIA U2 (Soldering needed) Pin 1 (SRQ) --------- Pin 6 (CNT2) Pin 40 Pin 5 (DATA) --------- Pin 7 (SP2) Pin 39 Pin 1 (SRC) of the Serial Port must not be connected to the Computer's Serial Port. Pin 5 (DATA) will be connected to the Computer, but a switch MUST be provided in the Path to CIA, otherwise damage can be caused to the Eproms. 5.3 PRINTER CONTROL This chapter covers the printer Operation within DIGICOM. Since the first version of DIGICOM some combinations of Computer-Drive-Printer gave problems when the printer was enabled. Although the situation is not as bad as V1.50 or even V2.00, it is still a problem. If the printer causes the program to lock-up, then the Operator must save all he needs on disk as sequencial files and use either a seq. file reader, such as EASYSCRIPT, or the wordprocessor provided with this program, the EDITOR, to obtain a hard copy. ( NOTE from the writer: In my experience the program may lock-up if BOTH the disk drive and the printer are enabled simultaneously. Therefore if you do experience problems then do make sure that one of those two peripherals is inactive when the other is active.). Serial Commodore compatible printers can be used with device numbers 4 or 7. The command will accept more than one number, so refer to your printer manual and set the relevant device number, character set, line-feed etc. A starting point may be :PRTRSET 7 7 0 . With the :PRINTER ON Command the screen dump can be send to the printer and a hard copy can be obtained. This is useful when receiving mail off the BBS's. The printer is disabled with :PRINTER OFF The System will work with printers which use Commodore interfaces into the User Port. Page 27 Handbook DIGICOM>64 Version 5.0 IMPORTANT. As mentioned above the printer can lock or affect the running of DIGICOM, therefore make sure that the printer is physically SWITCHED OFF the mains, when you load the program and Run it. Also it may be wise to keep the printer switched off, from the mains, when it is not in use. That will ensure that you will have no problems. Also if you do have problems try the following: Both the Serial-Port and the interfaced User-Port Printers use a Control Code which also powers up Pin 1 in the Serial socket of the Computer. This is NOT used by DIGICOM and although there is a provision made in the Version 5.0 to ignore it, problems may arise by it's power-up. It is recommended therefore that the connections are disabled at the plug end. It should not make any significant difference to the printer operation. The printer remains active on the Port, from which it was enabled. A second request to enable it will result in an Error Message. This situation, did cause problems with previous versions of DIGICOM and printers utilizing the Serial-Port. It was rather annoying to the Operator, as there are many printers that use the Serial-Port protocol. Although some re-programming has eliminated part of the irregularities, the basic problem is not remedied. PRInter ON/OFF PRI ON/OFF Initializes the printer on and off, providing the printer is powered from the mains and is switched on. When ON then the printer will be initialized using the printer parameters set in PRTRSET. Default OFF PRTrset x y ABC PRT x y ABC Where x y are the primary and secondary address to the printer. ABC can be between 0.......255, consult your printer manual. NOTE: Commodore MPS 801, 803 and the DPS 1101 etc should send text to the printer exactly as received on screen by setting :PRTRSET 7 0. Default 7 7 0 5.4 PACKET-RADIO OPERATING COMMANDS. BEAcon x BEA x This command sets the time interval for the Station's beacon to be transmitted. It is calculated by the formula x * 10sec. If x = 0 then NO beacon will be sent. It is adviseable not to send beacons out too often as this may offend some operators, also it does not help an overcrowded frequency. On the other hand, especially if a Node is operated, then a regular beacon will inform other Nodes, of the K-A type, that the station is present and the callsign will be shown in their MHEARD (or JHEARD) list. NOTE by the writer: For your beacon to be identified as a NODE by other K-A Nodes set your BTEXT to end with your NODE callsign like so :BTEXT DIGICOM>64 V5.0 /N Handbook DIGICOM>64 Version 5.0 Page 28 do NOT exceed 79 characters, including spaces. The /N is vital for other K-A Nodes to recognize and list you as a Node. Default 90 BADress ID BAD ID This sets the address field for the Beacon. It may be set so that the beacon can be digipeated, although this is not recommended over crowded frequencies. The syntax for the Digipeated BADRESS is :BADRESS,id, will show as :BADRESS ID via . The convention ID or maybe Beacon is used rather than CQ as this is suppose to inform users that your Station is on air and available for Node or mailbox operation, normally unattended. If however the BADRESS is set to ID and the BTEXT (Beacon Text) as described further on, then the beacon will be picked up by any K-A Node and will be displayed in his Nodes Heard List. If, on the other hand, it is set to Beacon or CQ then it will not. Default ID BPOrt x BPO x This parameter determined from which port the beacon will be transmitted. CAUTION due to lack of memory this parameter has been eliminated. The beacon will now be sent with the MYCALL parameter set in PORT 4. BTExt BTE This is the text sent with the beacon. Maximun of 80 characters can be included in the BTEXT, but for that to be possible, the screen MUST be in 80 column display (HIRES ON). The station's location, separate PBBS Port (if used), and Node information can be included in the text. There is no need to repeat the callsign set in MYCALL as this will be automatically sent as the beacon header from the BADRESS parameter. To be recognised by other K-A Nodes the beacon text MUST end with the /N. The /N tells the K-A Nodes that can hear your signals, together with the ID in the BADRESS, that this is a K-A Node as well and they list it in their Nodes Heard List. To create more than one line of BTEXT using the 80 characters available, place a character after the end of EACH sentence. It appears as an inverted video capitol M. Default * DC>64 V5.0 * CBEll x CBE x Switches the "gong" on, off or sets the "deep" connect "gong", and or the light "gong". The values are as follows: :CBELL 0 No Gong at all. :CBELL 64 Light "gong" used for notification ONLY. :CBELL 128 Deep "gong" used for Connection-made notification only. :CBELL 255 All "Gongs" active. Default 255 Page 29 Handbook DIGICOM>64 Version 5.0 CFIlter ABC.... CFI ABC... This filter stops various special character-codes from re-arranging the Operators Screen during a connection. If the station connected sends a character it will clear the Operators screen, so this character is included in the CFILTER command to stop stations connected doing so. It was found, after a lot of experimentation, that the best character set for that command is . All these appear in capital letters and inverted video. To see what they mean see Control Characters and their function on page 14. Connect C Immediate Command. Will, on pressing , send out the appropriate codes to initiate a connection between the Operator's station and the station . It can be set to attempt the connection using one or more digipeaters and 2nd. level digi. Example :CONNECT DL8MBT,DL0XY,SL0XX . This means that the attempted connection to DL8MBT will be via DL0XY and SL0XX. This is 2nd. level digipeating, though, and the success of completing the connection is governed by the two digis being able to "hear" one another 100%. The first digi MUST be able to "hear" the Operator's station's signals 100% and the second digi of course MUST be able to hear DL8MBT. Also the success of connection depends on the amount of re-tries between all stations involved in the digi-route, and finally in the number of connect transmissions set in the :RETRY parameter of the Operator's Station. If a :C is issued, by the Operator, then the System will attempt a connection with the Last callsign as shown on port 1. This is the only command which when issued will NOT replace the colon [:] as the first character on the next line, irrespective if :COMMAND is set to ON or OFF. If the Callsign of the station called is set in the Pathfinder, then the Path command will be activated and the connection will follow the Path set. A Capital letter "P" will appear in the status line. If the SCC>64 Version of the program is used, then the Channel number MUST be included in the Connect Command like this :CONNECT DL8MBT 2 (number 2 being the channel number). Further information in the Pathfinder. CONOk ON/OFF CONO ON/OFF It allows other Stations to connect to the Operator's station if set to ON. If set to OFF, no station will be allowed to complete a connection, instead they will receive a "busy" message. Default ON CONVers ON/OFF CONV ON/OFF Immediate Command, Switches on the Chat Mode of DIGICOM, during which ALL stations connected to the Operator's Station, (up to 4), will see the messages sent back and forth. DIGICOM will re-transmit messages received in any port to all the connected stations and will place the port number and callsign of the originating station in front of the message line. Any message typed by the Operator will be shown with MYCALL and 0(zero) as port number. This can be discribed as a round-table facility where all, 5 in all, stations can see everything that is transmitted to DIGICOM and out of it. Two or more Handbook DIGICOM>64 Version 5.0 Page 30 stations MUST be connected before this command can be activated successfuly. WARNING do NOT use CONVERS ON for self-connects as you will create an endless loop which will lead to a program crash. It is not adviseable for two DIGICOM Users to set CONVERS ON at the same time when connected to one another. Default OFF CFRom + CFR +, or CFR - If it is set to any callsigns, by placing the + (plus) sign as shown, and separating the callsigns by a ,(comma) then the station will "listen" for those callsigns ONLY and they will be able to connect to the Operator's station. All others will receive a "busy" signal. If a -(minus) sign is placed in front of a callsign, then this station WILL be excluded and will NOT be able to connect to the Operator's station. If CFROM is set to ALL then all stations will be able to connect to the Operator's station. Default ALL DAMA x DAMA x DAMA Master Technique was developed by DK4EG. It is a NODE Operation System that linits packet collisions, specially under conditions of very heavy channel use. It is still not used in Britain, but it is in Use in North Germany. DIGICOM incorporates this command and is believed now, in Version 5.0, to be error free. DAMA MASTER Nodes and DAMA Terminals will be automatically recognized. DIGICOM will switch itself to DAMA mode and "D" will appear on the status line. The duration of this "switched" condition will depend on the value set for DAMA in DIGICOM. After the initial recognition and switching into DAMA, if no more DAMA packets are recognized or if the DAMA MASTER Node does not recognize and "POLL" DIGICOM, then the System will switch back to standard operation after X * 10 seconds. The value of x = 0.......127. If the SCC>64 Card is used then DAMA must be set with the Channel number. There is a drawback to DAMA and that is, if a Normal connect comes while the DAMA Node is in operation, DAMA can be considerably disrupted. Especially with the SCC>64 Card as DAMA is both Channel and Port dependant, and a normal connect will not be synchronized if it occurs to another port and, or channel. This will cause excessive QRM on the frequency and therefore it is recommended not to use DAMA unless the user is familiar with it's operation and unless there are DAMA MASTER Nodes and Terminals on frequency. NOTE from the writer: There was an explanation on DAMA NODE Operation and what it actually meant, in the BBS network awhile back. It was dated JULY 24th 1992 and it was a translated transcript from the 8th. Computer Networking Conference October 1989. (page 203-209). The heading was A NEW METHOD OF HANDLING PACKETS. by Detlef J. Schmidt DK4EG. Maybe it is still available and can be downloaded from your local BBS. It does make interesting reading. Default 0 DISCON D Immediate Command. It forces a disconnection from a connected station on the active port. Therefore any stations connected to the other ports will not be affected. Cannot be used to disconnect a station using the Node facility. It must be issued as a command at the colon [:]. Page 31 Handbook DIGICOM>64 Version 5.0 DISCTime x DISCT x Sets the time when DIGICOM will disconnect from the current connection if NO packets have been received within time x. x = 0.......255 * 10 sec. This facility is useful in times of heavy traffic, QRM, or even when the connected station leaves the frequency without disconnecting first. If set to 0(zero) then DIGICOM will stay connected indefinitely irrespective of what has happened to the other station. NOTE from the writer: Experience has shown that the old concept of 6 minutes is NOT enough for the longer PATHS set in the Pathfinder. So in order to accomodate the Node a DISCTIME no less than 15 minutes must be impemented. Default 90 DCAlls + or - If this command if set to specific callsigns with +(plus) then these callsigns ONLY will be digipeated by DIGICOM. If it is set to ALL, all callsigns will be digipeated. On the other hand if a callsign is preceeded by -(minus), that callsign will NOT be digipeated. This should be used with caution so that the Operator does not offend anyone. If DCALLS is set to 0(zero) then no station will be able to use DIGICOM as a digipeater. If any station is excluded in DCALLS with a - (minus) sign in front of it's callsign then that station will NOT be able to use the NODE facility of DIGICOM either. Excluded station's beacons will also not be digipeated. DEFch x (X=1 or 2) DEF x This command applies ONLY to the SCC>64 Card Operation. It sets the default send Channel from which the BEACON and UNPROTO will be sent. Usually to initiate a connect on ports 2, 3, & 4 the channel will be required as well. The exeption is port 1. If a connect command is issued in port 1 then the Channel number is not necessary as port 1 will default to the channel that was used last. Default 1 DIGIpeat x DIGI x Selects which Digipeating facilities DIGICOM will provide. The Digipeater or Node or both can be enabled with this command. DCALL must be set for the NODE or Digipeater to operate. The following values can be set: :DIGIPEAT 0 (Digipeater is switched OFF). :DIGIPEAT 64 (No 2nd. level Digipeating allowed, only NODE operation). :DIGIPEAT 128 (Only 2nd Level Digipeating allowed, the NODE is disabled). :DIGIPEAT 255 (Both 2nd. Level Digipeating and the NODE are active). IMPORTANT: If digipeat is set while the program is running, it will cause the program to warm-start. That is necessary because the RAM management will be rearranged, which makes the complete initialization necessary. If the parameter is PERMED in the default parameter set, then it will be set with the original fire-up. Handbook DIGICOM>64 Version 5.0 Page 32 2nd. Level Digipeating may not be the best way of increasing ones range. It is governed by the general QRM on the frequency and how well the various digis can "hear" one another. If there are any re-tries, these can only be initiated by the Operator and the :RETRY parameter set, not only in DIGICOM but in any other System as well. 2nd. level digipeating is basically repeating the request of the initiating station and then pause until another request comes from either the initiating station or the replying one. A far better way will be to use the NODE. The one in DIGICOM or any other, use 3rd level digipeating and let the various Nodes, who after all should have guaranteed Paths (Digi-Routes), to make the connection. Default 255 DWAit x DWA x Defines the time in (x * 10 msec.) during which the Receiver will "listen" for a clear frequency BEFORE the transmitter Keys up and sends a packet again. This helps to avoid collisions between packets from various stations. For additional safety, the time set will be mixed with a random sample time. The calculation is similar to the one used in PPERSIST for a normal TNC. x = 0....255. NOTE from the writer: It was found that in crowded frequencies, such as in London, a DWAIT value of 0(zero) works best.It appears to minimize the amount of retries and communication there appears not to be too many collisions of packets. In any case the System takes care of any other packets on the frequency by ignoring them, having locked to the connected station's callsign. NOTE from the editor: I cannot agree with the above note. The purpose of DWAIT is to give Digipeaters and Nodes priority on the channel so, unless you are using your station as a Networked Node, you should set DWAIT to 16 (160 ms.) or your local standard. The Beacon does not take DWAIT into account, it will be transmitted at the appropriate time interval. Default 16 FRAck x FRA x Frame Acknowledge (FRACK) is used by the System to request a repeat of the last packet received, if this arrives corrupted. The time is calcuclated in seconds, (x = 2.......255). The System "waits" for "x" seconds before sending the request for re-transmission. If the connection is achieved via digipeaters, then the time for FRACK is calculated by the formula x=2*D+1, where d is the number of Digipeaters in the connection chain. Default 7 (Experiments found this to be optimum in crowded frequencies) Page 33 Handbook DIGICOM>64 Version 5.0 IPOll x IPO x This parameter is used by DIGICOM to POLL (store and Display) "short I-frames". It does save time and lots of re-tries BETWEEN DIGICOM USERS, as it does set faster confirmation of "short I-frames". x = 0....255. If x is set to zero the IPOLL facility is switched OFF. If OFF then "short-Frames", which have corrupted, will not be requested by "RR" by the DIGICOM System, but with the full dispatched information, thereby slowing the transfer down. Default 60 ITIme x ITI x Determines the time in x * 10ms steps, for which the System will wait for previously entered data to be transmitted, whilst the keyboard is in use. Within that time the activity from the computer is minimal and that allows a continuous input from the keyboard. The selected time must not be TOO short because this will cause erratic behaviour of the cursor. ITIME also allows time for more data to be "buffered" for transmission, so more than one line can be packed in a single frame, therefore under good operating conditions, data transfer is accelerated. Default 40 J Immediate Command. This command allows the SysOp FULL REMOTE ACCESS. In other words, if you are running a NODE and a MAILBOX from a location other than your own home, then you can interrogate DIGICOM remotely and have FULL access to parameters and Disk drives. You can alter parameters, read and ERASE massages and files from the diskette(s), set and erase Paths (Digi-routes) in the Pathfinder and alter the RCMD and Standard Test lists. If you are in ANY doubt of how to use this Command DO NOT USE it as you may leave your System open to abuse by some unscrupulous Operators. J represents the Password command that Operators of Node Systems such as TheNet are using to interrogate their Syatems remotely. It MUST be set ACCURATELY otherwise it will NOT work. To set J the following MUST be done: Set Standard Text 00 and 01 as follows: :ST 00 ABC....................XYZ (MUST BE 40 CHARACTERS LONG) :ST 01 A.N.OTHER................. (MUST BE 40 CHARACTERS LONG) These 2 lines MUST consist of 40 characters EACH and you MUST remember ALL of those characters. NO spaces are used between the characters. These two Standard Text Lines ARE the Password, that DIGICOM will use if the //J command is issued by a connected Station. The System works like this: When //J is send by the connected station DIGICOM responds with 5 numbers, these will be selected at random from the 80 places available in ST 00 and ST 01. Page 34 Handbook DIGICOM>64 Version 5.0 If the connected station replies with the letters corresponding to each of the 5 number places from the password correctly, then he gains full System control. The first character in ST 00 is number 1, the last is number 40. Similarly the first character in ST 01 is number 41 and the last one 80. Access to the whole System remotely will depend not only in answering the password correctly but also in the RCMD and RFROM parameters and their values. REMOTE must be set to ON and RCMD J must not be set to 5. A wise parameter set, for remote SysOp access may be with RFROM + , RCMD J 4 and the appropriate password set in the ST 00 and ST 01. As a minimum RFROM Must be set to ALL and RCMD J 0. There is a shortcut in answering the password, if BOTH systems are DIGICOM. When the set of 5 numbers are sent by the Remote Station, and if the Operator is running a second DIGICOM System and has set the SAME passwsord as the one in the Remote Station, then when the 5 numbers arrive FROM the Remote Station, place the colon [:] and type J followed by the set of the 5 numbers. DIGICOM will return the appropriate letters, which then can be transmitted, and Full Remote Access will become possible. If the facility is to be used by the Operator, then to avoid unauthorized Access, the RCMD (Remote Control Parameter Set) must be set to 5 like this: RCMD RCMD 5 . Also the LIST function that shows the Standard Texts Set MUST be set to 5 like this: RCMD LIST 5 , in order to stop other operators or users from reading the password. LINktime x LIN x This is the time after which the link to a connected station is checked. If nothing is heard then the connection will be checked as many times as the number set in RETRY. If still there is nothing heard then the System will attempt a disconnection. x = 0.......255. It is calculated by x * 10sec. Default 30. MAXframe x MAX x This sets the maximum amount of Packets that will be sent out without waiting for conformation from the connected Station. If conditions are not favorable then it should be set to 1. x = 1.......7. Default 2 MONo ON/OFF (Only with the SCC>64 Card) If set to ON then the two channels cannot send simultaneously. One must wait for the other to finish transmiting before it does. If set to OFF then Both channels can send independent from one another and simulteneously. Default OFF MXFlags x MXF x This operates with the cassette version only, x = 0.......255. If a fraame is received which carries more leading flags than x, then it will not be evaluated. It will be displayed on the monitor, but DIGICOM will not respond to any connect requests, etc. So any station with a TXDELAY set to a number larger than x, will be ignored. Handbook DIGICOM>64 Version 5.0 Page 35 MYCall 000000 MYC 000000 This sets the individual port callsign. Usually the Operators own callsign. The parameter will accept a maximum of six (6) characters, excluding any SSID (Single-Suffixed IDentity), so callsigns like WA0AAA-13 will be accepted. SSIDs from 1 to 9 are displayed as ordinary numbers. 10 and up are displayed with their equivalent hexadecimal value so WA0AAA-15 will be shown as WA0AAA-F. Each port can have it's own callsign and/or SSID. In theory therefore, for a station using the SCC>64 card and both channels, 8 different MYCALL can be set. This of cource is only a theoretical situation. More realistically, if the Operator uses the System as defaulted, with an automatic mailbox and a Node facility on, then he only needs to set his callsign in ALL 4 ports (8 for the SCC>64 Card), or if he wants a conventional looking PBBS then a -2 after his Callsign will set the PBBS port. Other conventions do exist, as an SSID extention of -7 normally denotes a 70cm operation, a -4, 4 meters, a -8, a Node on 2 meters, etc. Remember that these are conventions and really you can set any SSID extention you like, providing you do inform other users in your beacon. To set MYCALL, just type at the colon [:] :MYCALL G9QRM . That will set your callsign in that port. Then press and hold the key and hit No. two (2), you will see Port 2 displayed on your screen. Repeat the operation as for Port 1, then for 3 and 4. Once you have finished setting your callsign and all the other parameters, do not forget to PERM them on the diskette you use to load the program from so that DIGICOM will start with YOUR favourite parameters in place and ready to go. (Remember: PAR 0 for the cassette Port version, PAR 9 for the SCC>64 Version). DIGICOM will increase the SSID value by 1 if you attempt a connect to the same station or Node from more than one Port so that there will be no packet collisions. NRZ ON/OFF ON/OFF (Only SCC>64 Card Version) This command is used for DIGICOM to distinguish between the original G3RUH modem and the new DF9IC one. If set to ON then the following must be done. The DF9IC modem must be connected on plug ST 1 (Channel 1) or ST 2 (Channel 2). The 74HC393 will synchronize IC3, Channel 1, or IC4, Channel 2. The DF9IC modem will accomodate the Z8530 with its rate, which will be synchronized on NRZ-Signals on the Receive side of the DF9IC Modem. The HBAUD parameter becomes invalid, as the corresponding rate will no longer be generated internally by DIGICOM. In order for THAT modem to operate under normal 1200 Baud, or if the original G3RUH-Modem is used, the NRZ MUST be set to OFF/OFF (both Channels). Default OFF/OFF PASsall ON/OFF PAS ON/OFF If set to ON will allow corrupted or incomplete packets, (ones with the wrong CHECKSUM), to be displayed on screen and/or printed if the printer is on. This can cause a System lock-up under certain circumstances and PASSALL should only be set to ON for Testing purposes, otherwise the purpose of packet Radio of error free operation will be defeated. Default OFF Handbook DIGICOM>64 Version 5.0 Page 36 PAClen x PAC x Determines the maximum length of each transmitted packet. x = 1........255. If the PACLEN is set to a value smaller than the amount of typed Characters ready for transmission, then these will be spilt into two packets. This will not be apparent during a QSO but it can be seen in the F3/F5 screens. In conditions of heavy traffic or QRM, it may be adviseable to limit PACLEN to something like 128. Default 255 Quit Q This will disconnect from another DIGICOM user if send as //q . If ANY System sends //q to DIGICOM, then DIGICOM will disconnect but NOT before ALL outstanding packets are send and acknowledged by the other System. On receiving this Immediate Command, DIGICOM will also send the QTEXT, (Quit Text, see Standard Texts), before disconnecting. This of cource only if the RCMD (Remote Control Command Set) allows Q to be accepted if issued remotely. RESPtime x RESP x Could be interpreted as resttime. It is the time, in x * 10ms., that DIGICOM will wait before answering an I frame from a connected station. Default 10 RETry x RET x When DIGICOM is connected to another Station, this sets the number of times that a packet will be repeated if it is not acknowledged. If, after x retries there still is no acknowledgement from the other station, DIGICOM will disconnect and the corresponding error message will be displayed. On the initial Connect Request, (Packet Code SABM), only one quarter of x will be used. x = 0....255. Default 18 SAMmler ON/OFF SAM ON/OFF When switched to ON it collects V24 Fraames. Under normal Operating conditions it can be left ON permanently as all incompatabilities with version 2.0 have been removed. Some other Protocols, (other than AX25), may cause some problems if SAMMLER is ON, for that purpose it can be set to OFF. Frame Collection is described in Chapter 3.3. Default ON TXDelay x TXD x This is the time, taken as x*10ms, which the System will wait, after the PTT has being activated, before the data is sent. Setting TXDELAY to a value of at least 30 will compensate for Users with Slow Squelch radios, or for relay operated radios and linears. On the other hand, too long a TXDELAY may cause packet collisions and increase the QRM on an overcrowded frequency. Page 37 Handbook DIGICOM>64 Version 5.0 Experimentation should prove useful here. The optimum TXDELAY can only be found by the individual Operator, as it depends on one's equipment and frequency used. As a guide, values less than 16 and larger than 50 should not be used. x = 0........255. Default 30 UNProto CQ UNP CQ (can be set to CQ via Digi) It is used to call CQ "live" on the frequency. Up to 8 digipeaters can be set in this parameter. Instead of CQ, ID can be used similar to BADRESS, but any text that is typed without the colon WILL be transmitted and UNPROTO will be the header of such a transmition. Default CQ F6 $40 $ 13 $F0 $FF $00 This function is not intended for everyday use, but for Users thoroughly conversant with the AX25-Protocol. It should only be used for experimentation. It is possible to program the F6 key to generate an arbitrary frame and transmit that with the beacon. The default installation is for a normal Beacon, as a UI-Frame with set final bit. The 5 variable bytes have the following meaning: 1. Byte $80 Command $40 Response $C0 Both C-Bits set $00 V1 2. Byte Control Field 3. Byte PID (00=no PID) 4. Byte Max. Info Field. (If you DO NOT want an arbitrary Frame to be sent with your Forced Beacon when pressing the F6 Key then set that value to $47 for a maximum of 80 characters or less if your BTEXT is less. Experimentation will show you the correct value). 5. Byte Must be set to $00. The address field, will be the same as the BADRESS, the info field will be taken from the BTEXT, as already explained above. MYCALL is derived from the active port. All plus the arbtrary frame, if the info field is set to $FF, will be transmitted. Example :F6 $80 $3F $00 $00 This will send an SABM. (Connect Command Code). Therefore the F6 Key can be set according to the Operators wishes. Handbook DIGICOM>64 Version 5.0 Page 38 5.5 MONITOR COMMANDS In Monitor Mode all packets, on the frequency will be displayed providing they are complete and un-corrupted, (PASSALL OFF). An asterisk [*] will show which station is actually transmitting the displayed packet, so any digipeating completed can be recognized. Example: DG3RBU/DL8MBT*>DF3MH>SABM,P : : : : : :----- Poll/Final-Bit (see Appendix) : : : : :-------- Control Field (see Appendix) : : : :-------------- Station to whom the Command is addressed to. : : :------------------ Denotes the station who transmited this last. : :---------------------- First Digipeater (can be more). :---------------------------- Originating Station. (Sender). All the frequency activity can be seen on screen in 40 column mode, (CBM-64) only, (80 column for the 128), by pressing F3. There is one screenfull worth of "buffer" that can be seen by pressing F5. F1 always returns the monitor to whichever Port is active. The display of the General Monitor Screen was altered in this version. In version 2.00 the number 1 was always added to the last number of a received Frame sequence. This was thought to assist the Operator. Now this number is displayed according to the last Frame number received. This was also done in order to comply with International Standards. The Info-Frame therefore should look like this: DL8MBT>DG8RCO>I23,C,F0 ::------- The number of the last received Packet Sequence. : :-------- Send Sequence Number, as until now. Printer and Diskette Operation is possible only from the Operating screen, and active Port. In the following pages, Individually Selected Control Codes for the Monitor Screen will be explained. MONitor MBCT ADEKZP UIS HQL Each letter following MONITOR has a special meaning. If the letter is present then this function is switched on. The monitor can be switched off by setting it to :MONITOR OFF, however this will have the same meaning as deleting the leter M after the command :MONITOR. The F1 screen (monitor screen) will not display incoming packets, either general traffic, or specific messages in the connected mode. The meaning of each letter is as follows: M Activate the Monitor Screen (F1). B Selection of the packets also on the F3-General Monitor Screen. C Monitor General Channel activity, even during a connect. T Packets sent from this System will be displayed. A Display the Station Callsign which sent the displayed packets. (general) D Display the Digipeater Chain. E Display the Station callsign which received sent packets (general). K Display the Packet Control Fields. Z Display of command, Response, Poll, Final. Handbook DIGICOM>64 Version 5.0 Page 39 P Display of the PID-Bytes with info Frames. U Display UI-Frames. I I-Frames (Connected) will be displayed. S Supervisory and un-numbered frames (eg. SABM,RR etc) will be displayed. H A linefeed will be forced before each INFO Field. Q The time will be shown in front of each Info Frame on the F1 Screen. L On the F3/F5 Screens, empty lines will force a line feed (each). Default :MONITOR MBT ADEKZP UIS HQL MFIlter ABC.... MFI ABC..... This filter is similar to the CFILTER. The control codes set here will determine the way the cursor behaves when monitoring the general traffic on the frequency on the F1 Screen. It selects which characters, or functions, will be excluded from the MONITOR Screen in order to maintain the F1 Screen in a Standard display form that suits the Operator. The Control Codes and their functions can be found on page 14 of this manual. Default :MFILTER GHIKLRSTUWXYZ\ MFRom ALL MFR ALL It stands for Monitor From. If it is set to ALL then all packets received will be displayed on the screen. These of course will be un-corrupted and complete as set by the :PASSALL parameter. If the Operator wishes that packets from specific Stations ONLY will be displayed on the Screen (F1) then by setting the this parameter with a + (plus-sign) in front of the callsigns, like this: :MFROM +DL8MBT,DG3RBU , only packets from these two stations will be displayed. More than 2 station callsigns can be set. Similarly if the Operator wishes to EXCLUDE some stations from his monitor Screen, then a - (minus sign), can be set in front of the station callsigns to be excluded like this :MFROM -G9QRM,WALLY etc. Default ALL MHEard MH Immediate Command. Short for Monitor-Heard. Displays, on the Command/Transmit part of the Screen, all the Stations heard Direct and currently listed on the F7 Screen. If it is issued with a space and the letter l, like this :MH L then the FULL F7 Screen will be displayed, with the Stations heard Direct and the ones via Digipeaters. The listing will be in the same format as in the F7 Screen. For the Operator, this command is of little use, as he has an immediate access to the Stations heard list by simply pressing the F7 key. On the other hand, during perhaps a QSO, he may wish to transmit the Stations Heard list to the other station, and he can do that by issuing the MH command. This command is very useful for the users of the Node, where they can find the Stations that this station has heard and possibly be able to connect to. So it is adviseable, if you are running a Node, to set the RCMD MH command to 0 (zero), more on the RCMD in the appropriate section of this manual. Handbook DIGICOM>64 Version 5.0 Page 40 The MHEARD list display will change at midnight, providing the clock is set. The colon, in the time displayed in front of the callsigns, will change into an asterisk (*), for all stations heard BEFORE midnight. Stations callsigns, which use the Operators System as a second-level digipeater, can be displayed in Inverse Video, in the F7 screen. It is possible that the same callsign will be shown twice, once in inverted video, showing that DIGICOM was used as a 2nd. level digi, and once in normal video showing that the station was heard by DIGICOM. Stations heard via 2 digipeaters will be shown as such, in the MHEARD via columns of the F7 Screen, with the number 2 displayed instead of the callsign of the digipeater. Similarly numbers 3 and 4 will be displayed. Any callsign that is already digipeated will be displayed with the hexadecimal notation 13, like this G9QRM-F, also the letters E or D and any other SSID will be shown. The number on the upper right-hand corner of the F7 Screen is the amount of FREE RAM immediately available. This is just to monitor the "state" which the computer is in, so that the Operator may know if more Standard tests can be placed in the appropriate list, or maybe the BTEXT extended, etc. The RAM is displayed in BLOCKS. When using the SCC>64 card, the display on the MH Screen (F7) is as follows. There is nothing special displayed with the callsigns heard on Channel 1, but callsigns that have been heard on Channel 2 will have a small number 2 shown before the actual callsign. When a Remote Station requests the MH L list, this small number 2 will not be transmitted, instead a Backslash will be sent, in front of all callsigns heard on Channel 2. If the MH is requested on it's own, then the heard direct List will be transmitted, with the numbers "1" and "2" in front of the callsigns heard in the appropriate Channels. MPOrt x MPO x Determines which Port will be used as the Monitor Port, for display of the General Frequency activity, and also during connections. x = 1...4 and it depends if the MONITOR command is set to ON (with control codes), and if the USERS command set to more than 1. Default 1 MTO ALL MTO ALL Similiar to MFrom but refers to the destination station of a monitored packet. To prevent the monitoring on the F1 screen of packets sent to specific stations, place a - (minus sign) in front of the callsign, or callsigns if more than one, separated by a comma or space. MTO + (plus sign) and then the callsign(s) sets the monitor to only display the packets addressed to the specified stations. Default ALL Page 41 Handbook DIGICOM>64 Version 5.0 5.6 REMOTE CONTROL OF THE PROGRAM. DIGICOM not only can be "worked" by another station in the conventional way, as another packet program and/or Digipeater and Node but, with this facility, DIGICOM can be worked by it's own SysOp and be set and fully interrogated remotely. Also Users of a DIGICOM Node, or station, can be allowed access to certain functions, not unlike those of a BBS, where they can place messages on the diskette, tranfer programs, see how many users are connected to the System at the same time, etc. CAUTION: EXTREME caution MUST be used by the Operator of DIGICOM NOT to allow Access to certain parts of the parameter set, as unscrupulous Operators will attempt to disrupt the smooth Operation of DIGICOM. Therefore if the Operator does NOT understand the following instructions, it may be wise to set :REMOTE OFF, as to not allow this to happen, until such time that he/she becomes familiar with the RCMD list and it's functions. All the remote commands send to DIGICOM MUST be preceeded by a double backslash (//). These backslashes must be the first two characters sent to DIGICOM on a new line followed by the appropriate command. DIGICOM Operators must issue these commands WITHOUT the colon {:}, in the form of //Command REMote ON/OFF REM ON/OFF Command which enables connected stations, to a DIGICOM System, to Access the Command set remotely. If REMOTE is set to OFF then the following commands will be ignored, when issued by a connected Station. Default ON RCMD x Immediate Command usually issued by the Operator either at the keyboard, or remotely if the password is set correctly at J. This command will set the Systems security against unauthorized Access to each particular parameter for each particular command. The value of x is EXTREMELY important. The accepted values of x are: 0 ALL stations may use Cmd. and change parameter. 1 All stations may use Cmd. ONLY stations in RFROM may change parameter. 2 ONLY Stations in RFROM List may use Cmd. or change parameter. 3 All stations may use Cmd. NONE may change the parameter. 4 ONLY stations in RFROM may use CMD. No parameter change permitted. 5 Access denied to ALL. To set the RCMD for a particular command type at the colon {:} RCMD x and press return. For example :RCMD FLOPPY 5 stops any remote station from erasing, reformatting, etc., your drive. If you are using ANY previous version of DIGICOM and have tranferred your personalized parameter files onto the V5.0 diskette, you will find that the RCMD HAS TO BE SET again. It will NOT transfer across with the other parameters. NOTE from the writer: I have made every effort to set the RCMD so that no one other than the Operator can alter any of the important Operating, and other parameters, so that inexperienced Users do not fall victims of the Handbook DIGICOM>64 Version 5.0 Page 42 various "jokers" that plague our airwaves. If you wish, do leave the RCMD "as is" on the copy disk, which you received from the copier, or me. If it has come from the DIGICOM USER GROUP UK Copiers, or from me G6URT Co-ordinator of the Group, then the RCMD will only allow limited Access for NODE and mailbox Operation, to Stations connected remotely to DIGICOM. RFRom All RFR ALL Works with RCMD to provide two separate security levels for each command. If set to ALL, then all stations have access to the Cmd. subject to the security level set by RCMD for that command. You may allow certain stations to have a higher level of access then others by placing a + in front of a list of these stations in RFROM. RCMD will set the level of access for these stations and for all others. You may alternatively give certain stations a lower level of access by placing a - in front of a list of their callsigns in RFROM. This reverses the RCMD access definition for each security level. Note that + and - cannot be used together in RFROM. SENd SEN Immediate Command. It is issued at the colon {:} and it is used by the Operator to transmit items such as the RCMD parameter List, the MHEARD list, etc. These and other items held in memory, rather than the diskette, cannot otherwise become available to a connected station. the format is :SEND MH 5.7 STANDARD TEXTS These are texts that are used frequently by the system, such as the welcome text, when a station connects to DIGICOM, the goodbye one (QTEXT), the information text (I) with info on the Node, etc. They can be viewed by the Operator by typing, at the colon {:} :LIST . They can also be useful when the Operator wants to leave a message for a specific station, who on connect, will NOT receive the connect welcome text, but his own personalised text, set by the Operator using the ANSWER parameter and the Standard Text List. The only limit to the number of texts is the available RAM, fairly limited on the 64, but much better on the 128 computer. If the Operator wants to keep the Standard Texts then do not forget to PERM them after setting them. To set a Standard text type at the colon {:} :ST the format is :ST A0 * DIGICOM V5.0 *. The Standard Text can have up to 10 lines of 80 characters each. Once the line 0 (ST A0) has filled up, then line 1 can be set as :ST A1 * This station is unattended *, again up to 80 characters. Similarly ST A3, ST A4, ST A5, up to ST A9 can be set, and that stands true for all 26 letters of the Alphabet. Do not forget that the Password for the J Command is also set in the Standard Text List as ST 00 and ST 01. Numbers can also be used to set Standard texts, but they will be limited to ONE full line of 80 characters only. A Standard text is also used, with the AUTOEXEC Command, to set which item will be displayed when the program fires-up for the first time, or it is re-booted with RUN/STOP RESTORE, or when another Parameter Set is loaded. Blank Spaces are seen as characters and therefore are counted. If the Operator wishes to set MORE than 10 lines of text, then each line of 80 characters can be split by FORCING a new line when necessary. Page 43 Handbook DIGICOM>64 Version 5.0 This is done by placing a n character after the last character on the current line. It looks like this :ST A0 ** DIGICOM V5.0 **n* Hello * this will be displayed, when transmitted as: ** DIGICOM V5.0 ** * Hello * Experimentation will determine the best solution for the individual. Standard Texts can be seen on screen, the same as if a remote station is connected, by performing a self connect. Then the appropriate text can be edited and tried again until satisfied. To erase ANY Standrd Text, simply type at the colon {:} the standard text letter and number without any text, like :ST A0 . If :ST A is issued then ALL the lines from A0 to A9 will be cleared. There is also Full overtyping and word-wrapping facility with the Standard Texts so they can be easily edited. Standard texts were used in past versions of DIGICOM to allocate special characters to a number of the keyboard keys such as the underline set as the letter O. like this :ST O = , but this may not be required anymore, so it will save memory if all these are not used. There are some other codes which perform specific functions in the ST Text List. These are: B It inserts an Empty Character in the location where it is issued from. It will only be needed at the end of a line when the Screen Editor is unable to line-feed. T This Control Character will join two Standard Texts together so that they are transmitted one after the other. Therefore if the Operator wishes to set a message for one station, but not any others, he/she can set the following: :ST A Hello Con(T)C :ST B Hello Flori :ST C Please give me a ring. Providing that the ANSWER parameter is set as :ANSWER G6URT:A,DL8MBT:B then G6URT will see ST A and C when he connects, whilst DL8MBT will only see ST B. X This will clear the line, after the position, where it is issued. It is important if a command is set in the text which has to be answered by either the Operator or the User. Such as the Clock, which appears after the initial power-up of the program. That is set in the Standard Text List as : :ST 1 X:CLOCKB X clears the line prior to the colon {:} so that the command Clock can be set in the ST Text list. BEWARE: Standard Text 00 and 01 will be used for the generation of the password (see corresponding chapter). LIST Immediate Command. It lists all the saved Standard Texts on the Transmit/Command part of the Screen. As with the DISPLAY command which shows all the commands and their set parameters, the ST Texts can be edited using the Screen Editor. List should be set to 5 in the RCMD so as to deny remote Access. Handbook DIGICOM>64 Version 5.0 Page 44 AUToexec x AUT x It determines which Standard Text will be shown to the Operator after initial Power-Up. It is usual to have :CLOCK set in this parameter so that the Operator will not forget to set the time. It operates like this: Set :AUTOEXEC 1 Type :ST 1 X:CLOCKB Default 1 ANSwer OFF ANS OFF This parameter will set specific Standard Texts to be issued to specific callsigns, when these connect to DIGICOM. So instead of the General CTEXT, a customised connect text will be issued by DIGICOM. it is set like this: Set :ANSWER :x (x = Standard Text Letter) Type :ST X0 Default OFF CTExt x CTE x This sets the Standard Connect Text, normally called the Welcome Text. It is send out immediately after the first acknowledgment and conformation of a connection to DIGICOM. The appropriate ST Text must be set. There are two more control characters that can be used here, D set after a brief text will disconnect without awaiting acknowledgment, and Q which again will disconnect but wait for acknowledgment of the sent Standard Text first. Default A INFo x Immediate command, normally used by a Station Connected to DIGICOM or to the DIGICOM Node. The appropriate Standard Texts are set normally in ST I0....I9. If the connected, to DIGICOM, station sends //I then the ST I will be sent informing the station of the Operators Station Details. If a station connected to the DIGICOM Node sends I (// not used for Node Operation) will receive same. NOTE: From the writer: As Default I have set ST I to produce Help Information for Operating the DIGICOM Node. So users of the Node can send and they will receive Help. Default I QTExt x QTE x Sets the Standard Text that will be send to a connected Station when that Station sends //q to disconnect. Default Q Page 45 Handbook DIGICOM>64 Version 5.0 5.8 MULTI-CONNECT COMMANDS CSTatus CST Immediate command issued by either the Operator at the colon [:] as :CSTATUS or by a Connected Station as //CSTATUS, providing the RCMD will allow it. It will display all ports in use and the relative callsigns. The display appears like this: >>>Port To MYCALL Status 1 0 G6URT Connected to G0KIU 20 5 DL8MBT Connected to DG9QRM 5 20 DG9QRM Connected to DL8MBT 6 9 G9QRM SABM to G7QRM The status of both the MYCALL Ports and the Node Ports are therefore displayed, Node Users can also see the Station Status if they send to DIGICOM as the Node will NOT accept //(double backslashes) as Remote Operating Commands. CSDelay x CSD x It determines the time in seconds, that No.1 line on the Screen will be displayed. This is the line which contains the MYCALL set for all 4 ports and where any callsign connected to a Port is displayed. Also information, in the form of a small + (plus) sign, when a message is sent to a Port other than the active one. x = 0......255. The line will be blanked out after x seconds, unless new information arrives, which is normally displayed at that line. Default 0 USErs x USE x Sets the maximum number of Stations that can connect to DIGICOM simultaneously. This only concerns the actual Operating Ports and NOT the Node Ports. x =1..4 Default 4 Chat-Possibility. If there is more than one Station connected to DIGICOM (maximum of 4), then it is possible for the USERS to actually send messages to one another. This facility was included in DIGICOM since V2.00, although it's operation is somewhat enhanced in V5.0. The initialization of this facility occurs when one of the USERS issues a //x . x = Port Number. DIGICOM responds with the User's Callsign followed by the Port number in brackets a linefeed and the msg. typed. The Operator appears as Port (0). Each User can find out who is connected to DIGICOM by typing //cs , from then on they can direct messages to any of the 4 Ports they wish. It looks looks like this: Assume that G6URT is the "host" or Operating Station. Assume that G0KIU is conneted on Port 1. Assume that DL8MBT is connected on Port 2. Handbook DIGICOM>64 Version 5.0 Page 46 If G0KIU sends //2 Hello Flori. DIGICOM will respond by sending the following to DL8MBT's Screen: G0KIU(1) Hello Flori. Number (1) after the callsign denotes the Port Number of the DIGICOM System that G0KIU is connected to. Similarly, if DL8MBT answers with //1 Hello Denis, then DIGICOM will send to G0KIU's screen : DL8MBT(2) Hello Denis Again Number (2) shows Denis which Port Flori is connected to. Any message send to either station from the Operator, via the keyboard and using the // (double backslash) instead of physically changing Ports by pressing and the Port Number, will appear on the Users Screen with the MYCALL followed by (0). Zero showing the fact that the message was sent by the Operator of DIGICOM, or Host Station if you'd prefer, from the keyboard and not from one of the Stations connected to the Ports. Although this is a very good facility, provided by the program for USER use, there is another way of holding a "round-table" chat and that is described in the CONVERS command. 5.9 PATHFINDER. In DIGICOM V5.0 the pathfinder has been improved over both V3.51 and V3,60. It does not disconnect the user on a failed connect attempt, and not only sends a failure reply, but re-connects the user to the DIGICOM Node. 2nd. or 3rd. level Digi routes are worked, and not only that but the user can actually define his own digipeating route. The Operator can set both 2nd. and 3rd. level Digi-routes, for ordinary Digipeaters, Nodes of both kinds Netrom, (such as TheNet) and K-A. Plus there is a facility to accomodate "Wild" Nodes with welcome text on connect. The pre-set Digi-routes can be altered, at any time, by the Operator, or they can be erased, or re-crafted. There is also a facility for a Node Controlling SysOp (or the Operator) to change the routes remotely using the J command. This version of the digicom program can be networked into a Nodes System. The only facility missing, unless anyone can tell me different, is the secondary and continuously updating route facility that other Networked (TheNet etc.) have. So, if in any of the longer routes that the Operator may set, a Node or Digipeater goes down, then this Node hasn't got an alternative route to follow, and the link will break down. So the routes set must be looked at every day to ensure that they still work. The Route to a Destination Station or even a Destination Node or BBS is called PATH in this program. The Paths can be set by the use of the PATH command as follows: Using 2nd. Level Digipeating type :PATH G9QRM,G9AAA,G9XYZ and press RETURN. The accepted Path will show :PATH G9QRM via G9AAA G9XYZ. More than 5 Digis can be entered. Page 47 Handbook DIGICOM>64 Version 5.0 Using 3rd. Level Digipeating type :PATH G9QRM N>G9AAA N>G9XYZ and press RETURN. The accepted path will show :PATH G9QRM via N>G9AAA N>G9XYZ. In excess of 5 digipeaters can be entered. The notation N> Callsign, will work networked Nodes as TheNet, if you want to include K-A or "WILD" Nodes with welcome texts on connect then use the G> Callsign command. Mixing those in a Path works just as well, so for example, type :PATH G9QRM N>G0AAA N>G9XYZ G>G9ABC and press RETURN. The N> notation means Node which will be asked for a further connect. The same applies for the G> notation. If N> is to be entered, a simplified way is to enter the callsigns with just a space between them thus :PATH G9QRM G9AAA and press RETURN. This will show, on entry to memory, as :PATH G9QRM via N>G9AAA. Notice that, for 3rd. level Digi-route setting, NO commas can be used. The Destination Stations set in the Pathfinder can be seen by the user or the Operator. If TERMS (stands for TERMINALS) is issued, then it returns a list of all the Destination Stations, for whom Digi-Routes have been set, in both 2nd. and 3rd. Level Digi Modes. If the end of the route (Destination) station is specified as N>, or G>, then it won't be shown in the TERMS list. To see the NODES list then type N . This command can be issued either by the user of the Node or from the keyboard by the Operator. The NODES List contains all the Nodes that the Operator has set in the PATH command as N> and G>. V5.0 does not "listen" and list Nodes heard. To see ALL the PATHs set, type :PATH * (star) or remotely P *. NO // (Backslashes) are used in the operation of the Node. Another facility on the Node is the P> command, this is available to the operator only. If, instead of remembering callsigns, you find it easier to remember someones name, or town or neighbourhood then you can set a PATH using this information instead of the callsign. The DESTINATION Callsign MUST be the LAST callsign in the PATH, so you set P>CON N>ABC22 N>CDE22 G>FGE21 G6URT and press return. The P (I suppose you may call it short for Personal) will NOT be shown in the NODES, TERMS or LANS when requested by a User, but if YOU type :CONNECT CON then the PATH will be activated and the connection will be made. The LANS (Local Area Network System) is another way of setting PATHS to your Local NODES and STATIONS. The ones which YOUR station can connect to ANY time day or night and the link is ALWAYS 100%. If this is not the case please do not set LANS as it will be confusing for users of your Node. To set a LAN type :PATH = N>ABC22 N>ABC22 and press RETURN. What you will see is :PATH =>N>ABC22 via N>ABC22. The = (equal) sign is IMPORTANT. Now if you type :LANS you will see N>ABS22 and so will the user. Any Pre-Set Paths can be ERASED from the List by typing :PATH -. The - (minus) is important and so is the SPACE . The Pre-Set PATHS can be altered by simply typing in another PATH for the same destination station. The Pathfinder in V5.0 will accept Callsigns and Alias up to six characters long, including any SSID's, as part of the Digi-Route. There is no problen setting the Destination (TERM or NODE) Station with more than six characters Handbook DIGICOM>64 Version 5.0 Page 48 but this can only be the first callsign entered in a path. All the connecting Nodes and Digis in the Route, will only be accepted if their calls do not exceed six characters, including any SSID. If the callsign is more than six characters long, only the first six will be entered into the Path and the rest ignored. This can cause some problems, if the Operator is not careful, because if two callsigns are very close to one another and the only difference is in the 7nth. or 8th. characters, the Pathfinder will see them as one. NODE COMMANDS. USE NO // BACKSLASHES. ============= ===================== C Will connect the user to the callsign. Conn Set your own Digi-Route. I (info) Will display the information file from ST I. L (LANS) No display as no LANS are inplemented in the U.K. MH (Mheard) Displays the Heard list, (F7 screen) but only the ones heard direct. MH L Displays the whole MHEARD list, including the stations Heard via list. It also time-stamps the entrys. N (Nodes) Displays all the Nodes set in the PATh with N>, or G>. P Displays the Path (Digi-route) set for that callsign, or returns if none set. T (Terms) Displays all the destination Stations from the PATH. U (Users) Displays all stations currently connected. Same as CSTATUS. Q (Quit) (Not listed in the Node's menu). Disconnects. If the user sends a command that the Node does not recognize then the following error message will be sent: (IDENT)(NCALL):Invalid Command (Conn,Info,Lans,Mh,Nodes,Path,Terms,Users) The Node operates in 16 hidden ports 8 for User Stations to connect to and 8 for the output. The 128 Computer allocates a total of 36 ports to the Node. If a user, or the Operator, sends any command followed by the "wild-card" * (star) like :TERMS * , then all the Station callsigns in the entire Path list will be displayed, without discrimination, of which is a TERM, or a NODE, or a LAN. The linking routes will NOT be shown either. This may be of use if one is searching for a specific station, irrespective if that station is part of a digi-route or a Node or a Destination (TERM). DIGICOM will attempt a connect with ANY of the callsigns set in it's PATH file. The System sets the linking-routes automatically between the Station Callsigns of every PATH (digi-route). So, even if a Station is mentioned only as a link in a long digipeating route, DIGICOM will set up a routing link to that Station. If either the User of the Node, or the station that the Node has connected the User to, breaks the Connection, then DIGICOM 5.0 Node, instead of simply disconnecting the User, returns to a "stand-by" situation by sending, to the remote user, the prompt "re-connected to ", and it awaits further instructions from the remote User. The Operator of the Digicom Node can use the following "prefixes" in the Path Command, and the DIGICOM V5.0 will recognize them as: Page 49 Handbook DIGICOM>64 Version 5.0 Set T>Callsign : Terminal (or Destination Callsign for a Digi-Route), can be Digipeated to and Connected to, by either the Operator from the keyboard, or by a remote User of the Node. The Letter T can actually be omitted, providing that the callsign is set like this :PATH followed by the various Nodes and digipeaters. Then it will automatically become a TERM, which will be displayed in the TERMS list. Set D>Callsign : Digipeater 2nd. Level only. The DIGICOM Node will not connect to it, but will use it as part of a pre-defined route, or a route that is defined by the Remote User. These will NOT be displayed in the TERMS list. Set N>Callsign : Any Node of the TheNet, DC-Node, or any other that does NOT have welcome text after the initial connection. Any callsign set here will be displayed in the NODES list. Set G>Callsign : Any K-A Node, or Gateway Node which will send a "welcome" or information text AFTER the initial connection. These Nodes will NOT be displayed in the NODES List, but Paths set with these as Destination Nodes will be seen in the TERMS List. NOTE from the writer: In my experience DIGICOM V5.0 will ignore the welcome text and will only respond to the commands CONNECTED, FAIL, DISCONNECTED, but any text sent by the other Node will be displayed on the Users screen. Care must be taken when setting PATHS using GATEWAY type Nodes, as these will require a PORT NUMBER to be specified in front of any callsign that is NOT present in it's NODES list. I found it impossible to set this type of Path in the PATHFINDER, as it will look something like this :PATH G9QRM,G>G0QRM 1 etc. that number 1 showing that G9QRM can be heard on PORT 1 of the G0QRM Node. I'm afraid that DIGICOM does NOT recognise that Number 1, and therefore any path set via such a Gateway will fail. Therefore use GATEWAY type Nodes in a PATH only if the callsign that will follow the connection to such Node is present in it's NODES list. Set =>Callsign : The "equal" sign in front of the callsign will specify that this Station is part of a Local Network (LAN), and will be displayed in the LANS List of the DIGICOM NODE. Please make sure that ANY callsigns set in the LANS LIST can be heard AND connected by YOUR Station 100% 24 Hours a Day, otherwise Users can get confused. The Syntax for setting a LAN is: PATH =>Callsign,Callsign (the SAME callsign TWICE). Can be a Node (N>Call) or (G>Call) or even a TERM (T>call). Set P>Callsign : This can be useful if the Operator finds it easier to remember names of individuals, or places. Therefore instead of issuing a Connect command, he can issue a Connect . The Syntax for setting this type of PATH in the PATHFINDER is: PATH P>Con,N>CATB22,G6URT. The callsign of the Destination Station MUST be set as the last link in the Digipeating-route. The PATHS set as P> will NOT appear in any of the Lists, other than the PATH * (Star), which shows ALL the set PATHS in the PATHFINDER. Handbook DIGICOM>64 Version 5.0 Page 50 Set 1>Callsign : Selecting Channel 1 when the SCC>64 Version is used. Set 2>Callsign : Selecting Channel 2 when the SCC>64 Version is used. SPECIAL FEATURES WHEN OPERATING WITH THE SCC>64 VERSION The PATHFINDER recognizes two new types of Call, by which the Connect command issued will be addressed to the correct channel. As the Channel selection takes place via those two entries in the PATHFINDER, the CPATH is ALWAYS set to ON and therefore is not available as a comand. To set a PATH for a Callsign the following 3 PATHS MUST have been set : PATH 1>1 via 1>1 PATH 2>2 via 2>2 Path =>NIX via =>NIX The number 1, tells the PATHFINDER that Channel 1 will be specified in the connect command, and the attempted link should be made via Channel 1. Consequently Number 2 specifies Channel 2. The PATH entry NIX replaces the command CPATH OFF. A PATH therefore set for Channel 1 will read like this :PATH G6URT 1,N>CATB22 the CHANNEL number always following the Destination Station Callsign. Similarly number 2 can be used to set a PATH in CHANNEL 2. If the Operator is runing a GATEWAY using DIGICOM SCC>64 Version, then, assuming he is running CHANNEL 1 on 2mtrs and CHANNEL 2 on 70cms. the following PATHS can be set: PATH 1>2m via 1>2m PATH 2>70cm via 2>70cm Now a Connect Command can be send by a Remote User as :C 70cm, or correspondigly :C 2m instead af the numbers 2 and 1, which will be easier for Users to recognize. If the operator or a Remote User, wants to connect to a Station in the PATH List, but does NOT want to start the PATHFINDER and follow the pre-set Digi-Route, but instead wishes to connect DIRECT to that Station, then the PATHFINDER can remain inactive and the System will issue a normal direct Connet Command if the following is sent :C G6URT 1 nix . 5.10 THE DIGICOM NODE. Nodes are used more and more, as packet radio is expanding, and the frequencies are getting crowded as more and more Stations are running digipeaters. Since Node Networks have developed, it is unlikely that anyone will use 2nd. level digipeating, especially long chains, to obtain a connection, as a "bad-link" anywhere along the chain will result in a failure. A much better proposition, therefore, was found in the use of 3rd. level digipeating and the use of either Networked, or K-A, or Gateway Nodes. As most Nodes have pre-set and constantly updating routes, a connection to a distant station becomes more reliable. DIGICOM has followed suit to the development of the 3rd. level digipeatimg in the last 3 versions. (3,51, 3,60 and 5.0). Classical 2nd. level digipeating was, and still is, possible in DIGICOM, but now 3rd level digi and Page 51 Handbook DIGICOM>64 Version 5.0 perhaps Networking is possible. A special callsign can be entered in the NCALL parameter, which will be particular to the NODE. Also an Alias can be set in the IDENT parameter, which can identify the Node's Area for instance, or the Operator's name, etc. In addition to those, the DIGIPEAT parameter must be set, it accepts values from 64 - 255. (Page 32). As any other Remote Accessible parameter, the RCMD must be set accordingly. Additionally, in the ordinary Cassette Port Version of DIGICOM, the CPATH parameter must be set to ON. On connection to the DIGICOM Node, a remote Station will receive a small prompt like **DC-NODE**. There are no more prompts or welcome text after that, but if the Remote Station sends the wrong Command, DIGICOM Node responds with the following: :Invalid Command(Con Info Lans Mh Nodes Path Terms User) These stand for the VALID commands that the DIGICOM Node will accept. They are described on page 49 of this manual. The NCALL parameter should be set with an appropriate SSID (Single Suffixed Identity). It is a convention, in Britain, to set a -8 SSID for a Node on 2 mtrs. and a -7 for a Node on 70cms. -4 for 4mtrs. and -6 for 6mtrs. Nodes. This of course is only a convention, but if -1 is used with DIGICOM, a situation may arise that can confuse both the Operator and the Users. If Port 1 is connected to a Node and the Operator decides to connect to the SAME Node on Port 2 of DIGICOM. To avoid confusion from the Node, which may cause a Frame Reject due to the fact that two identical Callsigns are trying a connect to the same Station on the same frequency, DIGICOM automatically places a -1 SSID after the . So try and not set the Node SSID as -1. On the other hand and again by convention in Britain, PBBS (Personal Bulletin Board Service) is normally set to a port with a -2 SSID after the . The IDENT, otherwise known as Alias Callsign, is widely used by TheNet Node Operators. It normally gives information of the Node location, but can be set to anything up to 6 characters long. DIGICOM V5.0, unlike V3.51 and V3.60 (with the "querk" of swapping NCALL and IDENT), will NOT acknowledge connect requests to the IDENT callsign, so if you wish the IDENT to be displayed on the Stations Heard List of the K-A Nodes that can "hear" your beacon, then set the Alias in the NCALL parameter and the Node Call Callsign in the IDENT parameter. Users will be able to connect to your Alias, and on connection will see your Nodecall as well, but will NOT be able to connect to it. It is a matter of preference really. The special features of setting and using the Node as a Gateway when the SCC>64 version of the program is used, have already being described earlier. 5.11 CONTROL OF THE USER PORTS. The 4 Operating Visible Ports can actually be configured to recognize that a Speedos device is connected to the User Port of the CBM64 and any other Centronics Parallel device. As the Port Control Numbers PB0 ..... PB7 correspond with User Port Pin Numbers C .... L, these can be altered by changing the parameters IOPORT and PB. Handbook DIGICOM>64 Version 5.0 Page 52 IOPort 0/1/128 IO 0/1/128 The IOPORT parameter will determine the way that the User Ports function. According to it's setting it will determine if: Floppy-Accelerator device, like Speedos, will be recognised and if the User Port will allow the Operation of a Centronics Parallel device connected to the Port. The following can be set by the DIGICOM SysOp. IOPORT 0 The Speedos and Centronics are both recognised and in operation. IOPORT 1 The Speedos and Centronics are NOT recognised. IOPORT 128 The Speedos and Centronics are NOT recognised BUT the Pins (Ports), are freely switcheable using the PB Parameter. The 8 Ports are as follows : PB0 Port 1 Connected. PB1 Unread information on Port 1 (Equivalent to the + sign in the Status Line). PB2 Port 2 Connected. PB3 Unread information on Port 2. PB4 Port 3 Connected. PB5 Unread information on Port 3. PB6 Port 4 Connected. PB7 Unread information on Port 4. If the IOPORT parameter is set to 0 or 1 then the PB parameter cannot be changed and will always return an PB x ON. Where x is the Port Number. Default 1 PBx ON/OFF PBx ON/OFF If IOPORT is set to 128 then each of the 8 Ports can be set to either HIGH (ON), or LOW (OFF). x = Port Number (0....7). May be needed to adjust the software routine that controls the Parallel Centronics Printers connected to the User Port. Default PB0 on PB1 on PB2 on PB3 on PB4 on PB5 on PB6 on PB7 on 5.12 SOFTWARE SQUELCH CONTROL (DCD) DIGICOM since V3.51, has got a built-in Software Squelch control. It allows the Operator to run the Radio with Open Squelch, this of course is very useful, especially on HF and SSB Operation. Once set the DIGICOM System will ignore all other signals except packet tones. Therefore even in exreme QRM conditions and even if there are "Dead Carriers", or Voice, or even RTTY, AMTOR or CW or ANY other type of interference including "White Noice" on FM, DIGICOM will transmit and acknowledge packets transmitted to it. It therefore makes this system virtually impossible to be interfered with. DCD x DCD x This operates on the Cassette Version only. The range x = 0 .... 32. Each number increases the squelch, similarly to the rig's own control. If the setting is too low, then obviously the Carrier-detect will be affected and the Page 53 Handbook DIGICOM>64 Version 5.0 EMPF display on the status line will "flutter". A too high value will lead to slow and unsafe evaluation of any detected signals. Experimentation will show the best DCD setting for the individual's needs. NOTE from the writer: I found that DCD 10 works fine for VHF/UHF and 1200 Baud, for 300Baud HF/SSB use, DCD 12 has proved adequate. Care must be taken if the DCD is set to anything other than 0 (zero) and the rig's own squelch is also used. Generally the rig's own squelch is not needed, but it can be used, if necessary, as some Operators do not like seeing the LEDs on their modems lit up all the time. Default 0 If The SCC>64 version of the program is used, then the rig's squelch is geerally left open, if the 1200 baud Modem is used. For the higher baud rates the DCD Signals of the Modem will be used in conjuction with the expansion adapter card. 6. APPENDIX: 6.1 ORGANIZATION The TNC Routines of the program originate from Stefen Eckart, DL2MDL. Screen and the Command set from Florian Radherr, DL8MBT. The present Version 5.0 has been developed by Danield Koehler, DL3RDB. Original German Copies of DIGICOM>64 V5.0 can be obtained by sending 20DM and a self addressed mailer to: Rudi Dussman DK5RQ Otto-Hann str. 9, 8400 Regensburg. Account 190786-859 Post Giro Office Nuernberg BLZ 76010085 Or as usual to: Gorch Pollow DF3MH Angerweg 10 8201 Au Bei Bad Aibling Account 214822-806 BLZ 700100800 Post Office Giro Muenchen Prices of hardware are also available from the above. Once again your attention is drawn to the COPYRIGHT notice at the beginning of this manual. The terms and conditions of which will be strictly adhered to and any violation of these will be pursued to the full extend of the Law. The modem described further on in this manual, can be constructed on veroboard. The circuitry is sufficiently uncritical for that purpose. There is a PCB available and further information can be obtained from the addresses above. Handbook DIGICOM>64 Version 5.0 Page 54 PBBS ==== If the Operator wants to take FULL advantage of the excellent facilities of this version, then ALL the visible PORTS must be set to the same callsign, WITHOUT any SSID (Suffixed Station ID). CWRITE must be set to ON, and when a Station connects a file will AUTOMATICALLY open and the time of connection, the callsign of the user Station, and the port number will be entered thus: 1(or more blocks) 00-00-G9QRM/1 SEQ After the file has been Opened then the User can leave a message and disconnect either with the //q command or by sending :d (Discon). NO backslashes (//), NO commands, NO Header, or anything else is needed. (Other than the //q). The message will be saved automatically and the file will be closed on disconnect. This System works perfectly even with more than 1 User Stations connected. All these Seq. files can be read with the VIEW command. On the other hand, if the Operator wishes his PBBS to "Look" like others, then PORT 4 must be set as an operating port with the callsign only. PORT 2 must be set with the callsign and a -2 SSID (for 2 meter operation -7 for 70cms.). The other 2 remaining visible ports must be left with the default 000000, or set to other SSID for specific use by the Operator. ST A Text must be changed to whatever "welcome" message the Operator wishes for his port 4 and CTEXT left to A in port 4. For the PBBS port 2 though, the CTEXT must be changed to B (This is done by pressing the Commodore Flag Key and 2 to change from port 4 to 2). and ST B0 - 9 must be set to give PBBS instructions. CWRITE must be set to OFF. The procedure to leave a message after connection is: Type //w The filename should include the Users Callsign. When the 00,Ok,00,00 prompt appears, then the User can type in his message. On completion, the User must send //W OFF to close the file and the drive. Control Z or /ex or //ex or ex DO NOT WORK. Wait for the prompt again to make sure all is ok. The Operator can read these messages with the view command. Any files left open can be closed with :EDIT OFF or :WRITE OFF, by the Operator, but this may not work all the time. 6.2 PACKET-RADIO CONTROL CODES. SABM = Connect Command. DISC = Disconnect Command. DM = Disconnect Mode: the Station cannot be connected by another Station. UA = Unnumbered Acknowledge: return Answer for an Unnumbered Frame. FRMR = Frame Reject: Protocol has not been observed. RR = Receive Ready: Station is able to take up new data. RNR = Receive NOT Ready: Station is NOT able to take up new Data. REJ = Reject: Not all packets have been received correctly. UI = Unnumbered Info: eg. Beacon, or as the case may be Text in UNPROTO. I = Info Packet in the connected mode with IFD Number. Page 55 Handbook DIGICOM>64 Version 5.0 Display of the P/F and C Bits separated by a comma. P = Command with Poll-Bit set. F = Answer (Response) with Final bit set. C = Command without Final. S = V1 frame with P.F.- Bit set. (nothing) = V1 frame P/F not set. The packet Operator must have an understanding of the various codes that pass on the screen, and the above listed are the main ones. A further understanding of the AX-25 protocol can be found in the Article about the AX-25 Protocol published by WB4JFI (USA). Most of the important elements though can become apparent by observation of the general traffic on the frequency. 6.3 DIGICOM PROGRAM REPORTS. The link-status-Report, on the Status line (Screen Dividing Line) shows: On the issue of a Connect to...command: Link Setup On Completion of the attempted Connect: Connected to On the issue of a Disconnect Command : Disc request Normal Reports that are displayed on the TX Screen: >>>was : Shows after an alteration of a parameter value. >>>out of memory : Shows if there is no more RAM availble for ST Texts or Paths. >>>Device not present : Shows if a piece of hardware is missing. >>>Connect Request :Shows on the RX Screen when a distant Station tries a connection to DIGICOM and there are no more Ports available. >>>Connected to via : Shows on the status line if digipeating. >>>Failure with : Shows on the Status line if an attempted Connect fails. >>>Bad Link : Shows on the Status Line after the retry count is exceeded. >>>FRMR : It shows on the Status Line, if there is a serious breakdown in the link between the two stations, such as when one program may lock up and all the codes do not correspond to the correct ones for the AX-25 protocol. The connection will be terminated and all data awaiting transmission will be lost. >>>Busy from : Shows on the RX Screen if an attempted connect fails because the Station, whom DIGICOM tries to connect to is occupied with another QSO. Page 56 Handbook DIGICOM>64 Version 5.0 >>>Not for Remote : Is sent to a User Station By DIGICOM if he attempts to interrogate a Command that is excluded by the RCMD List. >>>Port Disconnected : Is send to a User of DIGICOM if the User attempts to initialise the "Chat mode" with a Port that no other User is connected to. 6.4 GENERATIOM OF THE EPROM AUTOSTART VERSION, HELP PROGRAMS Only relevant for the CBM-64 On "A" side of the Master Copy diskette of DIGICOM>64 V5.0 there is a program called AUTOSTART. If it is loaded and all the prompts that appear on the Screen are answered correctly, it will create, automatically, a fast-loading version of DIGICOM. Unfortunately, this version will not Load if any other accelerators are used, as it is not compatible with any other SPEEDOS. The EPROMMAKER program, also on side "A", of the Master Copy Diskette, will assist the Operator in the Generation of an EPROM for the Commodore 64. It works as follows: Load "EPROMMAKER",8,1 and RUN it. The drive number will be requested. That is the same drive as the one containing the diskette with the program. The next input to the computer is the Program name EXACTLY as it appears on the diskette, (DC>64.SCC). The EPROMMAKER will load DIGICOM. The next input from the keyboard, will be requested by the program as a "filename" and that should be DC-PAR-9. Following the input of the parameter file name EPROMMAKER creates 2 programs on the diskette. The first one is called EPROM I and it is to be used in conjuction with a Commodore EPROM Programmer, and the second called EPROM OHNE2 to be used in conjuction with a PC-EPROM PROGRAMMER. The EPROMS used in the SCC>64 Card are two types 27258 and 27512. The program can be blown to both but some Commodore 64 EPROM PROGRAMMERS will not blow the 27512 Eprom correctly, hence the second program which allows the use of a PC-EPROM PROGRAMMER. NOTE from the writer: I have not got an Eprom Blower and therefore I have not tested this facility, other than creating the two program files on my User Disk. The program "VORSPANN" can also be found on the diskette, this should be familiar from the older version, V3.51, and which will generate a bootable version of the program. The final program on the diskette is one called BBOOT1581. This will work with the Serial Cable, from the CBM-64 to a 1581 Disk-drive. It will create a bootable disk and the program MUST be named "DC.B", to do this the DIGICOM program must be renamed with the use of basic commands as follows: OPEN1,8,15,"r0:DC.B=old ":CLOSE 1 Now if you type LOAD BBOOT1581,8,1 this file DC.B will be loaded in approx 7 seconds. Handbook DIGICOM>64 Version 5.0 Page 57 CONNECTIONS TO THE CASSETTE PORT Pin 4/6 RX-Data (Connect both Together) Pin 3 TX-Data (Not TTL-Level ! 6-7 Volts approx.) Pin 1 Ground Pin 2 +5 Volts. IMPORTANT. ========= The Send Data Output from the Modem must be connected to a resistor, around 470 Ohms, if no Opto-couplers are used, as the high voltage from that output terminal can destroy the TTL input device. This has always being provided for on all previous Modem designs and PCB's. Under certain circumstances a serious problem occurs with the SEND command and some 64 Computers. To eliminate this fit a capacitor, inside the computer, to block the Cassette Motor Control. Use caution though as this capacitor is NOT necessary in all combinations of CMB64-DIGICOM Modem, because if it is not used it will cause a time-lag in the Packet-Send-Control. Similarly Pin 5 (PTT Control) needs a resistor of minimum value of 2.2 kilohms, and not 470 Ohms as it is often quoted. Furthermore care must be taken so that Control Pin 1 of the Serial IEEE-Bus for Printer and Disk-Drive Control is NOT used, this is necessary with 1570, 1571 and 1541C Drives. Some small amount of soldering may be necessary for this, either in the Disk-Drive or the Computer itself. The connection to this pin must be severed on the Disk-Drive, printer side, and clamped to +5 Volts. As the Operating System of the CBM64 does not use this Control, the modification will have no effect on the Operation of the Computer. This modification is only necessary on some 64 computers. The problem does NOT exist with the CBM128 Computer as the relevant Controls are allocated differently and cause no problems. 6.5 MODEM RECOMMENDATIONS. All existing DIGICOM Modems will Operate with this Version. The circuit diagram of a simple Modem is shown om page 61 (a photocopy of the circuit diagrams is included with the Master Coppy Disk). This modem by DG3RBU utilizes the TCM3105 processor. It is very simple in construction, and robust enough to be constructed on Veroboard, It can be plugged in straight into the cassette Port of the CBM64. Care must be taken to avoid short-circuits between the TCM3105 and the Crystal. In some cases, especially on HF Operation where high performance is necessary, the modem should be placed in a screened box. The modem MUST be properly "tuned" and aligned. The following instructions will assist the constructor in carrying out that vital Operation. There is a 10 kilohm adjustable Pot, connected to the Audio Output, which connects to the Radio's microphone Audio-Input, otherwise known as the Audio-line. A temporary connection should be made, so that the PTT-Line can be keyed manually. The modem should be active and functioning, when "keyed up", on monitoring the frequency, (preferably with a dummy-load connected to the radio). A high-tone, not unlike the repeater tone-burst, should be audible. Page 58 Handbook DIGICOM>64 V5.0 Rotate the 10k pot, firstly fully counter-clockwise and then clockwise. At one point the tone will disappear, then on reversing the direction of rotation, it will re-appear and begin to get stronger. It will reach a maximum strength, after which further rotation of the adjustmet will result in the tone distinctly distorting. The ideal setting for the Audio-Out is just "off" it's peak loudness and definitely before distortion. The tone must appear to be constant in strength and stability. The second adjustment is in the discriminator threshold of the TCM3105, and the symmetry between 1 and 0 Signal in the Input Path. This is done by adjusting the 50 kilohm Pot. The setting of this Pot can be found by experimentation; in other words by varying the setting and trying the modem out, (the theoretically correct setting is given when the voltage on Pin 7 is set to 2.6 Volts or slightly above.). The more accurate way is by the use of an Oscilloscope. It works thus, by carefully observing the packets from other stations on the frequency and noting the Amplitude of both the Space and Mark signals. The Pot is then adjusted so that both the higher value Mark and Space signals can be read. If there are any further problems with connections to stations especially under heavy QRM conditions, then careful setting of the TXDELAY could eliminate such problems. Note that TXDELAY should not be set to less than 20 as any stations using relay-switching to either the main radio, or to any amplifiers, will have difficulty in connecting and maintaining the connection. On the other hand, TXDELAY settings above 40 may result in numerous re-tries, as data can get corrupted if it is not sent soon after the PTT is activated. This modem is to be used for 1200 Baud on VHF/UHF. There is a modem utilizing the AM7910 / AM7911 processors, developed by DG3RAY and suitable for HF. The Siegfried Richter Expert Modem, will not be manufactured at this time. 6.6 THE SCC CARD. If DIGICOM is to be used with the higher Baud Rates, the SCC Card must be constructed and inserted into the User Port, it will also make it possible for two BAYCOM, or G3RUH or DF9IC modems to be connected. The circuit diagram is shown on page 62. All components, included a PCB are available from DK5RQ, also completed modem are available from the same source. 6.7 THE EDITOR WORDPROCESSOR. The EDITOR is included on side A of the Master Copy Disk. It may not be as versitile as "Wordperfect" for the PC, or even the Commercially available wordprocessors for both the CBM64 and 128 Computers, but it is a very simple program to learn and use and does offer many of the features of expensive Commercially available software. It writes Sequencial files on the diskette, which makes it an ideal partner to DIGICOM. This manual (all 58 pages) were written using the EDITOR wordprocessor. The version included in this UK Edition has being modified by EI3DIB so that all prompts are in English rather than German, apart from that the program remains unaltered. To load the EDITOR just place the Master Copy Diskette in the drive and type, at the ready prompt Handbook DIGICOM>64 Version 5.0 Page 59 the instruction LOAD "EDITOR64 WORD UK",8,1 . The 128 Version of DIGICOM also has it's own EDITOR program. Full Operating instructions for the wordprocessor will be found in the appropriate file on side A of the Master Copy issue diskette. ============================================================================== NOTE from the writer: Although Denis G0KIU, translated the Manual from German to English, thorougly and remained faithful to the page numbering and layout of the Original German text, and spend many weeks completing the task. I found that the manual was so long that it would not fit on one side of the Master Issue Diskette. So I compiled the manual, using not just Denis's translation, but my experience of running and experimenting with DIGICOM, and also by taking advice from the Stations that helped me with the Original Testing of V5.0, these are G3PQH and G7GZH. The result is this only "slightly condenced" but otherwise comprehensive Setting and Instruction Manual for DIGICOM V5.0. If there are any errors found in this manual please do let me know so that I can correct them for everybody. Finally to ALL please do NOT send flood bulletins, asking questions about DIGICOM. To save time and BBS space, a simple message to me G6URT & GB7DEO or to your local copier, will produce the necessary results. You can even write to me: Con Kapoutsis (G6URT) 78 South Worple Way Mortlake London SW14 8NG or even ring on 081-878-6251. after 18.00h. NOTE from the Editor, American version: This manual has been re-formated from the English and European standard of 68 lines per page to the American standard of 66 lines per page. Typographical errors have been corrected where I could find them and some of the English spelling of words has been Americanized. Some of the syntax has been changed where it would improve the clairity of the text. The content of the manual remains as close to the original English version as possible. All rights to this American version of the Digicom manual V5.00 are assigned to the original compilier of the English version, Con G6URT, and all copywrite restrictions and conditions that apply to the English version will also apply to this American version. Barbara KK6IB Editor; American version 6/94. Page 59 Handbook DIGICOM>64 V5.0 Addendum: LINStart TEXT/OFF Default OFF Text of max. 15 characters which is printed at the beginning of every line. ie, date and time by control characters or printer control characters such as ESC sequences. MInfo x Default 0 Sets the maximum displayed test in each monitored INFO frame. ie; MInfo 10 would display the first 10 characters in each INFO field on the monitor screen. MInfo 0 turns this feature off. x = 0 to 255. Handbook DIGICOM>64 V5.0 Page 60