INFORMATION SUPER SKYWAY
Time wave AEA has been researching and developing wire less digital communication devices for 19 years,
providing digital operators with the most reliable and powerful equipment available. The performance of the
PK-96 shows Time wave's commitment to quality. The PK-96 is a plug-in and go 9600/1200 bps TNC loaded with
exciting features. Time wave AEA engineered the PK-96 to allow people to easily step up to 9600 bps. This was
accomplished by employing proven TNC hardware, utilizing Time wave AEA's powerful command set, and including
convenient features not found in other TNCs.
VERSATILITY IN MODEMS
The 9600/1200 bps PK-96 comes with 1200 bps AFSK tone signaling, as well as 9600 bps K9NG and G3RUH
compatible direct frequency modulation, making it a truly high performance data controller. There is even a
modem disconnect header for installing other modems. The PK-96 not only makes an excellent terrestrial data
controller, it can also be used for high-speed data links between packet systems. In addition to the modems,
we have included separate TX pots for 1200 bps and 9600 bps on the back panel, plus an external reset to
return the TNC to factory defaults.
DATA CARRIER DETECT DCD
The PK-96 has a true DCD state machine for open squelch operation which allows communication even when your
contact's signal is weak.
HARDWARE HDLC:
The PK-96 utilizes an HDLC hardware controller for accurate protocol conversion at 9600 bps. The HDLC chip
acts as a co-processor, helping the PK-96 send and receive more data in a shorter amount of time.
FULL FEATURED MAIL DROP
In addition to the speed, the PK-96 comes standard with 18K (32K RAM) of battery-backed MailDrop memory which
is easily expandable to 100K (128K RAM). The MailDrop controls 3rd party traffic, mail forwarding, and
reverse forwarding to your local BBS. There are also commands allowing you to choose who may or may not
connect to the PK-96.
GATEWAY AS A NODE
The Gateway firmware acts as a full service node. Three users can use your PK-96 as a Gateway, you can
communicate with another station, someone can be leaving you a message in your mailbox, and others can
digipeat through your TNC-all at once. Gateway also lets you identify TCP/IP, TheNet, and NETROM stations. As
with MailDrop, you have control of which call signs can use your Gateway. Gateway has two heard lists: one
for stations heard and one for nodes heard.
THENET COMPATIBLE
Now network node builders can add a 9600 bps port to their TheNet network node with no hassles. Dave Roberts,
G8KBB, has written a special TheNet X-1J firmware version specifically designed for the PK-96. This special
firmware is only available from Timewave.
SOFTWARE INCLUDED
Timewave's PC PakRatt Lite is now included with every PK-96 a $50 value. What we include is better than what
other manufacturers sell. This DOS-based, menu-driven software will make operating the PK-96 easy, plus it
has added features such as on-screen help, macro key facility, and much more! Also included is the GPS
mapping program APRS developed by Bob Bruninga, WB4APR. APRS allows you to see on computerized maps where
other APRS users are-even track them when mobile.
GPS FIRMWARE
The PK-96 includes GPS compatible firmware. The PK-96 is fully compatible with Bob Bruninga's Automatic
Packet Reporting System APRS software. A shareware version is even included with your purchase of a PK-96.
Remote GPS programming features add power to your TNC. The firmware allows remote programming of GPS
commands. This is very handy when the TNC is installed in a vehicle-you don't need to take the unit out to
change commands. The firmware also allows remote polling, so you don't have to wait for the TNC to
transmit-you can force it from a remote location. Some GPS connected receivers can even be remotely
programmed via the PK-96.
The firmware also allows the TNC's time and date to be set from the GPS satellite. A radio control head
button can be configured to send GPS information with the touch of a finger. Two NMEA strings (the data
containing location information) can be programmed into the TNC. New GPS receivers give all the information
you need in one string: latitude, longitude, course, and speed. We included the second string parsing ability
in case where you own an old GPS receiver which doesn't have all the information in one string.
GPS CONFIGURATIONS:
1. STAND ALONE TRACKING
This is where you connect a GPS receiver and a radio to your PK-96 in your vehicle. The position information
received from the GPS receiver is beaconed via packet radio so others can track you.
2. HARDWARE SINGLE PORT MODE
This is where you use the optional AEA APRS Adapter Cable (shown below) to connect the GPS receiver and the
TNC to one serial port on the computer. The application is the same as Dual Port Mode, however a computer
serial port is saved. Laptop computer users will appreciate this because most only have one port. You can
take this set up mobile and see on the computer screen where you are heading and where other users are
heading too.
3. APRS DUAL PORT MODE
This is where you connect the TNC and the GPS receiver to separate serial ports on your home computer.
Running APRS software, you can receive position information from other users and actually see them on your
computerized map.
4. ULTIMETER II STAND ALONE WEATHER STATION
Ultimeter II is a home weather station kit available from Peet Bros. You can set up the weather station,
connect it to your TNC, and transmit weather information to others in your area. Weather nets can be
established with help from friends. All the position and weather information can be seen from the APRS maps.
You can really get creative with this set up. You can use the Ultimeter II or Ultimeter 500, 800, 2000
temperature gauge in your home freezer and remotely access this information to see if your freezer is on,
making sure meat doesn't go bad. Imagination is the limit. |