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PACTOR Operation
PACTOR operation is possible in two modes. The first mode, normally referred to as ARQ mode, is
a "connected" or linked mode where two stations are in conversation with each other. Complete er-
ror checking occurs in this mode and the receiving station will request retransmission of any data
frames containing errors. The KAM Plus uses memory ARQ in this mode to improve reception.
The second mode of operation transmits data in an unconnected (or un-linked) state, allowing sev-
eral stations to copy the transmission. This is referred to as the FEC mode and is the mode used
for calling CQ or other broadcast transmissions. Receiving stations do not use memory ARQ to
copy FEC transmissions; therefore, a frame must be copied without any errors in order to be
printed. You may miss complete frames when receiving FEC broadcasts.
Monitoring PACTOR
To operate PACTOR mode with your KAM Plus, you must first have the command prompt (cmd:).
Type PACTOR and press return. This places, your KAM Plus in the PACTOR Standby Mode and the
message <PACTOR STANDBY> is displayed on your terminal. NOTE: Since the MONITOR com-
mand is ON by Default, your KAM Plus will now monitor any PACTOR FEC or ARQ transmissions.
Calling CQ or Transmitting FEC
To call CQ, place your KAM Plus in the PACTOR Standby mode by giving the PACTOR command
from the command prompt (cmd:) and pressing return. To begin transmitting, type [Ctrl-C][T].
This keys your transmitter, the bargraph on the KAM Plus will go dark, and the HF transmit LED will
light. Type in your CQ message and then type [Ctrl-C][E]. Your KAM Plus will return to the Standby
Mode after all of the data has been transmitted and will respond automatically if another station
attempts to link to you. A typical PACTOR CQ might be:
CQ CQ CQ de WK5M WK5M WK5M
CQ CQ CQ de WK5M WK5M WK5M
CQ CQ CQ de WK5M WK5M WK5M KKK
Connecting to another station
Suppose you see someone call CQ and you want to call that station. First, return to the Command
mode by typing [Ctrl-C][X]. Your KAM Plus sends the cmd: prompt to your terminal. Next, type
PACTOR
xxxxxxxx
(where
xxxxxxxx
is the callsign of the station you want to call) and then press
return. Your KAM Plus now attempts to connect to the other station by keying your transmitter and
sending the link request. When the other station has properly acknowledged the request, your
KAM Plus sends the message <LINKED TO XXXXXXXX> to your terminal. Since you started the
connection (link), you are the Information Sending Station (ISS) and may begin typing your mes-
sage. When you have finished your part of the conversation and want to receive from the other
station, type [Ctrl-C][E]. This causes the KAM Plus to send a request for the other station to begin
transmitting data (a changeover). You become the Information Receiving Station (IRS) and the
other station's message will appear on your screen.
When you have completely finished your conversation, one of the two stations must "break the
link" or disconnect. Your KAM Plus allows you to issue the disconnect command when you are
either the IRS or the ISS. To disconnect, type [Ctrl-C][D]. If you are the IRS, the KAM Plus will first
perform a changeover and then perform the disconnect sequence. You may leave the PACTOR
Standby Mode by typing [Ctrl-C][X].
NOTE:
If the station to which you are trying to connect is a long distance away, you may need to
use the PACTOR's long-path option when you attempt to connect. Normally this will only be re-
quired if the station is more than about 5500 miles away from you. To connect long-path on
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