[FARC] Note to PKT users

[Kirk Talbott]

Note to Packet Radio stations whom may be interested in pursuing D-RATS.

You may now use an analog radio and TNC in KISS mode with D-RATS.  A D-Star 
radio is not required. 

I have tested D-RATS operation using the Kenwood TM-D710A with its internal TNC
in KISS mode.   Connection from radio to computer is plug and play with the Kenwood
PG-5H accessory cable set.  D-RATS with analog radio/TNC has also been tested
with an AEA Timewave PK-232/PSK TNC and a Kantronics KPC-3+ TNC.  

What does this allow you do do:

-- Operate D-RATS via RF.

Not interested, stop reading here.  

How to do it with the Kenwood TM-D710A:

-- Using the data cable that comes in the PG-5H accessory cable set,
    connect one end to the COM port on the back of the control head
    of the Kenwood TM-D710A, and the other end to your computer's 
    serial port or to a serial/USB adapter.  

-- Set the TM-D710A internal TNC to do Packet.   The Packet12
    icon will light up on the display.  

-- Using a Packet terminal program put the TNC in KISS mode by
    entering the command KISS ON.  The TM-D710A will respond
    with "Was Off."

-- Enter the command RESTART.  The STA and CON icons on the
    TM-D710A display will flash and then stop;  The TNC is now in KISS mode.
    Exit your Packet terminal program.

-- Configure your D-RATS program, in PREFERENCES/RADIO ADD,  by adding a new
    port definition: Name is whatever you want to call the new port, Type is TNC, Com Port
    is the COM port on your computer where the radio/TNC is connected, and
    Baud Rate is 9600. In  D-RATS Add and then enable this port.

-- Done.  

Operating it:

--  Put radio frequency on 145.75, Start D-RATS and type something in the 
    Chat text box at the bottom of the screen.  

--  If you're close enough to me and running enough power, you will hit my D-RATS
     ratflector/repeater/proxy and any other D-RATS analog radio/TNC stations 
     in range on the frequency as well.   My "repeater" will repeat your Packets
     on 145.65 via a D-Star radio and any D-RATS stations equipped with D-Star
     radios will receive you and can then join the conversation also.  Any direct 
     connect stations to my ratflector can also join in the conversation, plus 
     any stations on public ratflector ref.d-rats.com 9001.   

-- Internet down?  You lose my ratflector and any direct connect stations, 
    and you lose the public ratflector, but you can still D-RATS with any D-RATS
    RF stations in range and this includes chatting, E-mail, forms E-mail, file
    transfers, and all the other D-RATS functions.     

-- Going to Dayton this week?  There will be a D-Star/D-RATS forum there.

73
KB3ONM