Epson MFJ-1278B manual

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Table of contents for the manual

  • Page 1

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE TABLE OF CONTENTS Table of Contents INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................... 1 COMPUTER INTERFACING ...................................................................................... 4 MFJ Starter Packs ............................................[...]

  • Page 2

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE TABLE OF CONTENTS FSK CONNECTION ..................................................................................................... 29 GETTING STARTED .................................................................................................. 30 First Steps .............................................................[...]

  • Page 3

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE TABLE OF CONTENTS CONNECT ............................................................................................................. 56 SPEEDup/S PEEDdown ......................................................................................... 56 AUTOMATIC ON - LINE COMPRESSION ..............................................[...]

  • Page 4

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE TABLE OF CONTENTS Summary of AMTOR Contact Sequence ............................................................... 90 NAVTEX OPERATION ............................................................................................... 91 Navtex Stations and Frequencies ..............................................................[...]

  • Page 5

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE TABLE OF CONTENTS Packet Timing ................................................................................................... 125 Radio Baud Rate ............................................................................................... 126 Special Protocol Timing .....................................................[...]

  • Page 6

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE TABLE OF CONTENTS Link Status Messages ............................................................................................. 302 MFJ - 1278B SPECIFICATIONS ................................................................................... 305 GENERAL DESCRIPTION .........................................................[...]

  • Page 7

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE TABLE OF CONTENTS Comprehensive Alignment Procedure .................................................................... 340 Set Modulator Tones Using Built - in Calibration Software ............................... 340 Demodulator Center Frequency A lignment ...................................................... 341 Tuning Indi[...]

  • Page 8

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE TABLE OF CONTENTS[...]

  • Page 9

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION Welcome to the exciting world of Amateur Digital Communications. By choosing the MFJ - 1278B, you have chosen the most versatile and powerful Multi - mode Data Controller manufactured for the Amateur Radio Service. The MFJ - 1278B interfaces your radio with any personal computer that has an RS - 232 or[...]

  • Page 10

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE INTRODUCTION The new "packet collision prevention" features -- Prioritized Acknowledgments and Slottime are installed. This new technology helps prevent many packet collisions inherent in the current packet protocol. The EPROM containing the MFJ - 1278B firmware, previously 512K bits, has been expanded to 1 Megabits g[...]

  • Page 11

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE INTRODUCTION Items supplied with MFJ - 1278B/MFJ - 1278BT package 1. One MFJ - 1278B or MFJ - 1278BT Multi - Mode Data Controller 2. One AC adapter power supply for 110V AC. 240V AC adapter supplied for MFJ - 1278BX (export model for country which operate on 220 - 240V AC). 3. Two open end radio port cables with 5 - pin DIN mal[...]

  • Page 12

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE COMPUTER INTERFACING COMPUTER INTERFACING You are now ready to connect your MFJ - 1278B to your station's computer or terminal . Throughout this manual we will use the term "computer" to refer to the computer or terminal you use to communicate with your MFJ - 1278B. The MFJ - 1278B communicates with your computer[...]

  • Page 13

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE COMPUTER INTERFACING Computer Interface with MFJ Starter Pack If you are using one of the MFJ Starter Packs, you should use the cable provided to connect the MFJ - 1278B to your computer. Follow the instruction manual provided with the Starter Pack to operate the terminal program and to connect the M FJ - 1278B to your computer[...]

  • Page 14

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE COMPUTER INTERFACING Many computers require a serial port adapter card . These cards incorporate the circuitry necessary to add an RS - 232C port to the computer. Some popular models in this category are the Apple II series, the IBM Personal Compute r , many Radio Shack computers, and the Sanyo MBC - 55X series. If you have one[...]

  • Page 15

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE COMPUTER INTERFACING Commodore C64, C128 and VIC - 20 The MFJ - 1278B has a built - in TTL- level port for interfacing with the Commodore C64, C128 or the VIC - 20 computers. You do not need a RS - 232C converter to interface with the MFJ - 1278B. An optional Starter Pack for the C - 64, C - 128 or the VIC - 20 is available fro[...]

  • Page 16

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE COMPUTER INTERFACING Radio Shack Color Computer The Color Computer series (except for the Micro Colo r Computer) uses a 4 - pin DIN - style connector for its serial port. If you wish to construct your own cable, the information in Figure 2 - 2 will be helpful. All necessary parts should be available from Radio Shack dealers. Co[...]

  • Page 17

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE COMPUTER INTERFACING If your computer is configured as DCE, you will have to wire pin 2 of your MFJ - 1278B to pin 3 of the computer RS - 232C connector. Then wire pin 2 of the computer's RS - 232C connector to pin 3 of your MFJ - 1278B. Please note that pin 7 of the computer's RS - 232C connector will still connect t[...]

  • Page 18

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE COMPUTER INTERFACING TERMINAL SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS Any software package that enables your computer to act as an ASCII terminal with an ordinary telephone modem should work with your MFJ - 1278B. If you have a program that you have used successfully with a telephone modem and that you are fami liar with, use that program to com[...]

  • Page 19

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE COMPUTER INTERFACING Commodore C64, C128 and VIC - 20 The optional Starter Pack for the C - 64, C - 128 and VIC- 20 is available from MFJ Enterprises, Inc. or from any dealer of MFJ products. Included in the Starter Pack is a cable to connect the MFJ - 1278B TTL port to the user I/O port on the Commodore computer. Also included[...]

  • Page 20

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE COMPUTER INTERFACING Radio Shack Color Computer There are several term inal programs available for the Color Computer. You will probably want to use a commercial program (rather than writing your own) since the Color Compu ter has a "software UART" that is difficult to program in BASIC. Some of the terminal programs a[...]

  • Page 21

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE COMPUTER INTERFACING Pin 3 Receive Data The Receive Data pin is an output line from the MFJ - 1278B on which the attached device receives data. The attached device is generally a computer or data terminal. Pin 4 Request To Send The Request To Send pin is an input line to the MFJ - 1278B on which the attached device requests cle[...]

  • Page 22

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE COMPUTER INTERFACING time the MFJ - 1278B signs on you will not need t o press the return key to execute the Autobaud routine. In setting AUTOBAUD to OFF, you should remember that if you change the terminal program baud rate is changed, then MFJ - 1278B will no longer be able to match the new baud rate. You must change the baud[...]

  • Page 23

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE COMPUTER INTERFACING VERIFYING SERIAL PORT OPERATION Now that you have a terminal program and the connecting cable for attaching the MFJ - 1278B to your computer, you are ready to verify that the MFJ - 1278B will communicate with your computer. 1. Turn on your computer. Load and run the terminal program. 2. Set the parameter of[...]

  • Page 24

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE COMPUTER INTERFACING The MFJ - 1278B has a parallel printer port in which to attach a parallel printer. The parallel printer port is located on the left - hand side of the MFJ- 1278B. The prin ter port can be used to make hard copies of either text or graphics. Printer Port Connection The printer port is configured as a Centron[...]

  • Page 25

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE COMPUTER INTERFACING Printer Consideration The MFJ - 1278B printer port will work with any printer that is compatible with EPSON or IBM graphics. Printers that are not EPSON or IBM graphics compatible can not be used to print FAX or SSTV pictures. In addition to being able to print such as weather FAX, FAX and SSTV pictures, th[...]

  • Page 26

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE RADIO INTERFACING RADIO INTERFACING C omputer interfacing, covered in the previous chapter, is only half the interfacing task. The other half is connecting your MFJ - 1278B to your radios. MFJ - 1278B Radio Ports Interfacing the MFJ - 1278B to your radios involves connecting the following signals at Radio Port 1 and Radio Port [...]

  • Page 27

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE RADIO INTERFACING RADIO PORTS CONNECTION The MFJ - 1278B gives the user two (2) radio ports. This allows for both FM and HF operation from either radio po rt. Since the radio ports are independent of each other, the user is not restricted to FM or HF operations. The radio ports on the MFJ - 1278B allow an FM radio and an HF rad[...]

  • Page 28

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE RADIO INTERFACING HANDHELD RADIO CONNECTION Some HTs key the transmitter by drawing a small amount of current from the microphone input pin (see Fig. 3 - 3 below). Radios with this type of special keying circuit are ICOM - 2AT (tm) and Yaesu FT - x09, FT - x3, FT - 727 (tm) and others. Appendix A at the end of this instruction [...]

  • Page 29

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE RADIO INTERFACING RADIO INTERFACING METHODS The MFJ - 1278B allows radio c onnection without any modifications to the radio or any signal balancing devices in the cables. There are two types interfacing methods presented in this chapter. Method 1: Direct Connection to Microphone and Speaker For Method 1, shown in Fig. 3 - 5, th[...]

  • Page 30

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE RADIO INTERFACING 3. With the MFJ - 1278B keying the transmitter and transmitting the higher of the two tones, adjust the transmit audio level as follows. With a small flat - tipped screwdriver, adjust trimpot located on the left side of them MFJ - 1278B (R157 for radio 1 or R158 for radio 2) while you listen to the monitoring [...]

  • Page 31

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE RADIO INTERFACING The bandwidth of the receiver audio will have an effect on modem sensitivity to false DCD. Some receivers produce wideband audio that will NOT produce any false DCD activity regardless of the threshold control setting. In this case, set the DCD threshold control to its maximum clockwise rotation. This will not[...]

  • Page 32

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE RADIO INTERFACING Fig. 3 - 7 External Interface Box If you built the external interface box as in Fig.3 - 7, then follow this procedure to adjust R(s). 1. Install JMP J on the MFJ - 1278B PC board. 2. Temporarily solder a variable resistor in place of R(s) Fig. 3 - 7. The maximum value of this resistor can be determined by exp [...]

  • Page 33

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE RADIO INTERFACING Transmit Audio Level Adjustment for Interface Method II 1. Turn on the MFJ - 1278B and computer and start your terminal program. Enter the modem calibration proced ure by typing CALIBRA Press the K key to k ey the transmitter, then tap the space bar until the higher of the two tones is heard. Pressing the K ke[...]

  • Page 34

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE RADIO INTERFACING Receiver Audio Setting The modem in your MFJ - 1278B is equipped with an advanced phase coherence type data carrier detection (DCD). A threshold control and a sensitive tuning indicator is also provided. Together these can be used to set the correct receive audio level for the modem. These can also be used to [...]

  • Page 35

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE RADIO INTERFACING MONITOR SPEAKER CONNECTION The MFJ - 1278B has a built audio amplifier to provide audio for an external monitor speaker. A Monitor speaker such as the MFJ - 280, can be can be connected to the SPEAKER jack on the MFJ - 1278B. The MFJ - 1278B requires only one speaker for RADIO 1 and RADIO 2. The MFJ - 1278B wi[...]

  • Page 36

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE RADIO INTERFACING CW INSTALLATION The MFJ - 1278B user can send and receive CW by using your computer keyboard. However, the MFJ - 1278B expands CW operating fun by allowing you to connect an iambic paddle to the KEY input jack of the MFJ - 1278B. This feature allows you to use the MFJ - 1278B as a CW memory keyer. So now the u[...]

  • Page 37

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE RADIO INTERFACING FSK CONNECTION If your HF radio permits FSK operation, an FSK output is provided. The FSK output is at pin 8 of the TTL port on the rear panel of the MFJ - 1278B. Only two lines (Pin - 8 FSK and Pin - 3 ground) are needed in making the FSK connection to your radio. Use the 8 - pin IDC connector supplied with y[...]

  • Page 38

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE BASIC OPERATION GETTING STARTED This chapter will guide you through the basic operation on all the modes that the MFJ - 1278B is capable of performing. It contains the basic information required to operate PACKET, PACTOR, RTTY, ASCII, CW, AMTOR, NAVTEX, FAX, SSTV and CW Memory Keyer. Note : In this section you w ill see this sy[...]

  • Page 39

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE BASIC OPERATION followed by a carriage return. Now let's try entering your callsign using one of the basic commands, MYCALL , by typing from the cmd command prompt: MYCALL K5FLU followed by a carriage return. The MFJ - 1278B will respond with: MYCALL was NOCALL cmd: followed by the the system command mode prompt, cmd: . Of[...]

  • Page 40

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE BASIC OPERATION Parity and Word Length If you are using one of the optional MFJ Starter Packs, then you should follow the instructions given by the terminal program documentation with the starter pack. If y ou are not using one of the MFJ starter packs, then you should use the following instructions to set the parity and word l[...]

  • Page 41

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE BASIC OPERATION New Lines and Line Wrapping If everything displayed appears to be double - spaced, your computer is adding an extra linefeed (<LF>) whenever it displays a carriage return (<ENTER>). Set AUTOLF OFF to keep the MFJ - 1278B from also adding an <LF>. If you change equipment you may have to set AUTO[...]

  • Page 42

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE BASIC OPERATION THE MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE MODEM The MFJ - 1278B modem has five sets of pre - set modem components. These modem components allow the MFJ- 1278B to operate efficiently in its various modes of operation. These modes of operation include VHF and HF Packet, PACTOR, AMTOR, VHF RTTY, HF RTTY, VHF ASCII, HF ASCII, CW, Mo[...]

  • Page 43

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE BASIC OPERATION OPERATIONAL MODES Verifying Operation Status Upon init ial power up, the MFJ - 1278B defaults to VHF Packet mode. The radio baud rate defaults to 1200 baud. Radio port 1 is the default radio connection. You can verify the operating status of the MFJ - 1278B at any time by using the command MODE after the display[...]

  • Page 44

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE BASIC OPERATION On the CW, MCW and Memory Keyer operation modes, instead of selecting a baud rate you will select CW sending speed by entering a number from 5 thru 99. If you do not select a speed, the MFJ - 1278B will use the last speed selected. The default value is 20 WPM. MODE CODE OPERATION MODE DEFAULT BAU D RATE SELECTAB[...]

  • Page 45

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE BASIC OPERATION Loading the Memory Buffers The ten memory buffers are empty when the MFJ - 1278B is first initialized. To load the memory buffers the user can invoke the BUF command. To load the memory buffers, please note the example below for loading buffer 1. The MFJ- 1278B must be in COMMAND mode: BUF1 The QTH here is Stark[...]

  • Page 46

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE BASIC OPERATION Memory Repeat and Buffer Repeat Time Of the ten memory buffers provided by the MFJ - 1278B, memory buffer 0 has a repeat function. The user can enable the repeat function, moreover specify a time interval. The BUFTIME specifies the time interval between repeats of memory buffer 0. Values from 0 to 65,535 are sui[...]

  • Page 47

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE BASIC OPERATION Note : If BUFTIME is a non - zero value, MFJ - 1278B will automatically release the PTT line and revert to the receive mode between repeats. This allows you to monitor the frequency for any replies to your message. If the MFJ - 1278B is not interrupted during the pre - set delay time, it will continually repeat [...]

  • Page 48

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE BASIC OPERATION PACKET OPERATION VHF Packet If you are not familiar with packet operation, then you can learn quite a bit about it with the MFJ - 1278B without transmitting anything. For your first experiments, the MFJ - 1278B will be "talking to itself," allowing you to become familiar with it before you go on the ai[...]

  • Page 49

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE BASIC OPERATION The <ENTER> causes your message to be put into a packet, or "packetized," and transmitted. (We explain in the next cha pter how you can use a different character to send packets.) The underlined text is a message that the MFJ - 1278B received in a packet and displayed. Whenever you are in Convers[...]

  • Page 50

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE BASIC OPERATION Be sure to remove the jumper from JMP10 after you complete this "Connecting and Disconnecting Exercise". Digipeating You may wish to have a QSO with another packet station that is beyond your direct radio range. If a third packet station is on the air and both you and the station you want to talk to ar[...]

  • Page 51

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE BASIC OPERATION Unsuccessful Connections Sometimes you will initiate a connect sequence that can't be completed. The station may not be on the air, or it may not be within range of your station. You may have even mis - typed the other call sign. If the MFJ - 1278B does not get a response to its first connect packet, it wil[...]

  • Page 52

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE BASIC OPERATION Since you are not connected to another station your packets are sent to the address "CQ," i.e., anyone. The packet you sent was "heard" by the MFJ - 1278B and displayed, along with the sending station and the destination. If you also want to see any intermediate digipeater stations being used[...]

  • Page 53

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE BASIC OPERATION Your First Packet QSO Although there are still a number of features you should be familiar with, you are probably eager to get on - the - air and try out your new MFJ - 1278B. Arrange to have another packet operator get on the air to help you get started. Make sure that your friend will be close enough to ensure[...]

  • Page 54

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE BASIC OPERATION Exchange several messages to get a feel for t his new mode. If you monitor the radio transmit indicators and listen to the speaker audio from the two rigs, you will have a better idea of what is happening. Your radio will be inactive most of the time, even while you are actually typing. When you come to the end [...]

  • Page 55

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE BASIC OPERATION Monitoring on the Air This is a good time to try out the MFJ - 1278B's monitor functions. While you and your friend are separately connected, type <CTRL - C> cmd: MONITOR ON cmd: MCON ON cmd: CONVERS You will be able to see both your "conversation" and your friend's conversa tion. Also [...]

  • Page 56

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE BASIC OPERATION If you make several mistakes in a line, or if you change your mind, you may want to cancel the whole line rather than rubbing out the characters one at a time. You can cancel the line by typing <CTRL - X>. The MFJ - 1278B will display a <BACKSLASH> followed by a <ENTER>. If you are in Command M[...]

  • Page 57

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE BASIC OPERATION BASIC HF PACKET OPERATION The requirements for optimum performance with a typical HF or OSCAR 10 path are very different compared to local VHF FM environment. Lower signal to noise ratios require lower baud rates, noise spikes and fades require shorter packet lengths, and a higher rate of false carr ier detects [...]

  • Page 58

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE BASIC OPERATION If you cannot contact anyone using another frequency, call CQ on one of the above mentioned frequencies. If you do make a contact with someone, then QSY immediately after establishing contact! Be careful on 20 meters especially that you don't operate +/ - 2KHz around 14.100 MHz (you will cause interference [...]

  • Page 59

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE BASIC OPERATION PACTOR In this section of this manual we will talk about PACTOR operation. We will cover basic operation along with an explanation of the commands related to PACTOR , including the new Pactor Mailbox . Before we talk about Basic Operation, let's explain a little about PACTOR . NOTE: Pactor operations apply [...]

  • Page 60

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE BASIC OPERATION Now that we have the MFJ - 1278B signed - on to the computer, let's put it into the PACTOR mode. To put the MFJ - 1278B into PACTOR mode, please type the following: MODE PT <ENTER> The MFJ - 1278B will respond with: [MFJ PACTOR $2c - 1022 free] p_cmd: At the above prompt, you are in the PACTOR mode. A[...]

  • Page 61

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE BASIC OPERATION PACTOR ARQ For ARQ operation you will need to know the other person's callsign. Normally you can get the other person's call by monitoring the channel for connect requests or other ARQ contacts. To establish contact with another station, you must be at the p_cmd: prompt. To initiate a connect sequence,[...]

  • Page 62

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE BASIC OPERATION inf ormation how the CON and STA leds react to incoming signals please refer to the chart on Page 30 of this chapter.. Monitoring AMTOR ARQ requests AMTOR ARQ requests monitored while the MFJ - 1278B in PACTOR mode. If the controller detects your selcall in an AMTOR ARQ request packet, the controller will switch[...]

  • Page 63

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE BASIC OPERATION As indicated in the preceding paragraph, the usual terminal/radio/modem parms are available. As in Packet, Pactor also contains COMMAND and CONVERSE modes. Please note that switching between them is modeled on the "NEWMODE ON" procedures in packet. The MFJ - 1278B is in COMMAND mode, if the p_cmd: prom[...]

  • Page 64

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE BASIC OPERATION To prevent Uncontrolled Disconnects, we ar e unable to listen to all kinds of third party Pactor transmissions for (WAIT x Cycle_Time) seconds after receiving the other side's last disconnect. This includes all unproto and connected packets, along with connect requests. The actual cycle time is 1.25 or 1.4 [...]

  • Page 65

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE BASIC OPERATION AMTOR selective callsign in the "a_cmd:" MYSELCAL parameter. Furthermore, you must have the appropriate sideband, usually, LSB selected because un like PACTOR, AMTOR is polarity dependent. Amtor Detection in Pactor The MFJ - 1278B's Pactor continuously monitors the channel for Pactor packets, and [...]

  • Page 66

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE BASIC OPERATION PACTOR MAILBOX The MFJ - 1278B now includes a new feature called a PACTOR MAILBOX . In this section we will cover basic operation of the new Pactor Mailbox, and the operative commands. The Pactor Mailbox includes the basic commands of the Packet mailbox. The Pactor Mailbox is very simple and easy to use. Any ama[...]

  • Page 67

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE BASIC OPERATION 1. From the cmd: prompt please type the following: MODE PT <ENTER> the MFJ - 1278B will respond with: [MFJ PACTOR $2c - 1022 free] followed by the p_cmd: prompt on the next line. The $2c is the checksum of MFJ's Pactor release. You will probably notice a slight delay in obtaining the p_cmd: prompt. Th[...]

  • Page 68

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE BASIC OPERATION The MFJ - 1278B will respond with the standard cmd: prompt. From the cmd: prompt type: SYSOP <ENTER> Your MFJ - 1278B will resp ond with: |K[MFJ - 2.1 - IH$] Mailbox ready n free Mailbox (B, E, H(elp), J, K, L,M, R, S, T)> You are now in the Packet mailbox, as the SYSOP. All of the above command are ava[...]

  • Page 69

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE BASIC OPERATION K ill Allows the remote user to kill messages that are addressed specifically to the user. If the message is not addressed to the user, then the mailbox will respond with "not yo urs" , and present the user with the mailbox prompt. K ill ## Allows the remote user kill a message in a particular slot, nn[...]

  • Page 70

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE BASIC OPERATION If the above conditions are met then all the remote user must type: K <ENTER>, followed by a changeover characters, CTRL - Y. This will go out to Mailbox, then the messages with the message flags set to Y with all of the proper callsigns will be killed. The Mailbox will respond back to the remote user with[...]

  • Page 71

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE BASIC OPERATION R ead This command lets you read messages addressed to you. When you list the messages in the mailbox you notice an N flag next to the messages which you have not read. Once you read those messages the N flag will change to a Y flag. This is an indicator to both you and the SYSOP that the messages have been read[...]

  • Page 72

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE BASIC OPERATION 1. First a remote must establish a connection to your Mailbox, via your Pactor callsign. 2. If your Pactor Mailbox is ON , then it will answer back with the Pactor Mailbox prompt: Mailbox Ready n free de callsign (H(elp), K, L, R, S)> The n free is the amount of RAM spac e available for messages. The n will b[...]

  • Page 73

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE BASIC OPERATION 4. There are two (2) different ways the remote user can kill messages. The first is give in the example below: a. To kill a message in a particular slot, the remote user would type: K## <ENTER> Where the ## is the message number the remote user wants to kill. The Pactor Mailbox will respond with: Message #[...]

  • Page 74

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE BASIC OPERATION The Mailbox will respond with a list of currently used slots in the following format: Slot:## t m To: From: Subject: Where Slot## column is the number of the slot that the messages are in. The number of message slots present in the standard 32K Mailbox is 99. The lower case t is the Type Flag block. The lower ca[...]

  • Page 75

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE BASIC OPERATION is proper Pactor etiquette. If you access your Mailbox via the SYsop command, then you must issue a CTRL - C to exit the Mailbox and return to command mode. The SYSOP mode is accessed through the Packet mailbox, as mentioned earlier in this section. The command prompt will indicate the stream you are on. The com[...]

  • Page 76

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE BASIC OPERATION CW OPERATION The MFJ - 1278B provides many unique features in the CW mode that are not found in other multi - mode controllers. The MFJ - 1278B can key your CW transceiver in the CW mode of operation. The MFJ - 1278B can accommo date either positive (direct) or negative (grid block) keying voltages. The MFJ - 12[...]

  • Page 77

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE BASIC OPERATION Receiving CW The MFJ - 1278B receives international Morse Code from 1 to 99 WPM. Reception of alphabetic and numeric characters, including the puncuations and prosigns listed in Table 4 - 4. From command mode, put the MFJ - 1278B in the CW Mode by typing: MODE CW,xx <ENTER> , where "xx" is the CW[...]

  • Page 78

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE BASIC OPERATION If the AUTOTRAC command is OFF, then before the MFJ - 1278B can copy the tuned - in CW signal, it must be manually locked to the speed of the received signal. To manually lock the MFJ - 1278B to the incoming signal, type a CTRL - U . The MFJ - 1278B will respond with " locking... ". The MFJ - 1278B wil[...]

  • Page 79

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE BASIC OPERATION If CWSE ndch is left at the default setting of 255 or $FF, the MFJ - 1278B will transmit all characters immediately when typed. The requirement for pressing the < ENTER > is eliminated. Note : If you are using a terminal program such as " PROCOMM " for IBM PC and compatibles that buffers the tran[...]

  • Page 80

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE BASIC OPERATION Tuning your Radio The MFJ - 1278B lets you tune your radio with the TUNE command. The TUNE command is issued from the command mode. The user can use the TUNE command in any of the MFJ- 1278B operating modes. The TUNE command activates the PTT line for 30 seconds. After 30 seconds MFJ - 1278B will automatically r[...]

  • Page 81

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE BASIC OPERATION Setting Up the for Code Practice You can monitor the random code sent by the MFJ- 1278B without a radio connected. In order to monitor the random code, attach a small speaker to the "SPEAKER" jack, located on the back panel of the MFJ - 1278B Note : If a radio is connected and you do not wish to transm[...]

  • Page 82

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE BASIC OPERATION CW CONTEST MEMORY KEYER OPERATION For CW enthusiasts who like to use a key paddle to send CW, the MFJ - 1278B provides an input for an iambic key paddle. See CW KEY PADDLE INSTALLATION in chapter 3 in this MFJ- 1278B manual for installation of your iambic key paddle. Sending CW with External Key Paddle The MFJ -[...]

  • Page 83

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE BASIC OPERATION MODULATED CW OPERATION The MFJ - 1278B allows the transmission of CW code practice over a VHF FM radio. To send code practice over a VHF FM radio, the user would use the Modulated CW mode, or MCW. When using the Modulated CW, the MFJ - 1278B will key the PTT line of the Radio port and send a keyed audio tone to [...]

  • Page 84

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE BASIC OPERATION BAUDOT RTTY & ASCII OPERATION The use r can configure the MFJ - 1278B RTTY/ASCII modems to copy several shifts, including 170, 425, and 850 Hz shifts. The user can use the MODE command to configure the RTTY/ASCII modems for the different shifts. The MFJ - 1278B will transmit and receive RTTY and ASCII at spe[...]

  • Page 85

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE BASIC OPERATION If you do not specify a baud rate for the RTTY or ASCII modes, the MFJ - 1278B selects the default baud rates. The default baud rates for the RTTY and ASCII modes are 45 and 110 baud respectively. You can select a desired speed by typing the baud rate after the two character code. For example, to enter 110 baud [...]

  • Page 86

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE BASIC OPERATION Note: If the MFJ - 127 8B is not in transmit mode (i.e. in receive mode), then in order to initiate transmission from a buffer, you must type CONTROL - T twice then enter a number for the buffer. You can tell if the MFJ - 1278B is in transmit mode, by observing the PTT LED on the front panel. If PTT LED is lit, [...]

  • Page 87

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE BASIC OPERATION To enter the converse mode type: K This will take the MFJ - 1278B out of the command mode and into converse mode. When the MFJ - 1278B enters converse mode, the STA will illuminate. Also after entry into converse mode the MFJ - 1278B is in receive mode. You can enter transmit mode by typing CONTROL - T. To re - [...]

  • Page 88

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE BASIC OPERATION AUTOMATIC SIGNAL ANALYSIS The Automatic Signal Analysis or ASA , feature installed in the MFJ - 1278B firmware can analyze received signals such as RTTY, ASCII, AMTOR mode b and HF Packet. ASA will tell you the speed, data bits, and if the signal is inverted. ASA automatically switches the MFJ - 1278B to the cor[...]

  • Page 89

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE BASIC OPERATION In the case of analyzing a 300 baud signal, the MFJ - 1278B will prompt the user that the signal could be PACKET. If this occurs then the user can enter the following command from the cmd: prompt: OK P acket <ENTER> The MFJ - 1278B will switch to the 300 baud HF packet mode. If the user just issues the OK [...]

  • Page 90

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE BASIC OPERATION MFJ - 1278B will enter converse mode and begin to display text normally. If another RTTY or ASCII signal from another station is received, RBIT must be reset to copy that signal by following the same procedure as described above. RBIT can be set to normal (no inversion) by setting it to "RBIT 0". Note [...]

  • Page 91

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE BASIC OPERATION Once you have set your operating mode, the user must press the K key and a <ENTER> in order to enter RECEIVE mode. The MARS operator is now ready to receive MARS traffic. The operator must then tune the VFO on the radio so the tuning indicator on the MFJ - 1278 is centered on the bar graph display. The rec[...]

  • Page 92

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE BASIC OPERATION MARSMODE 1 - QSO Mode In the MARS Q SO mode the Transmit translations are as follows: 1. All carriage returns are converted to CR/CR/LF , or to LF only if preceding character was also CR. 2. "NNNN" is sent as "NNNN" followed by 12 LTRS 3. Characters are translated as follows: Key Press Trans.[...]

  • Page 93

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE BASIC OPERATION AMTOR OPERATION AMTOR, AM ateur T eletype O ver R adio), an error correcting protocol suite, is fully supported by the MFJ- 1278B. Two modes are available with AMTOR. These are mode A and mode B. From command mode, AMTOR modeB is entered by typing: MODE AM <ENTER> Note that the MFJ - 1278B displays an &quo[...]

  • Page 94

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE BASIC OPERATION Examples are: Amateur callsign is N2WX; Amtor MYSELCAL is NNWX Amateur callsign is WB2SPE; Amtor MYSELCAL is WSPE AMTOR depends on everyone having a unique selective call. If you find there is already a station using the same call that you would use then you may need to base your ID upon the call district that y[...]

  • Page 95

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE BASIC OPERATION Monitoring Mode A, "ARQ" The LISTEN command is useful for monitoring other people's ARQ con tacts. To use, tune in a Mode A signal and type LISTEN . Both the CON and STA leds will light until the station is synchronized, at which time the MFJ - 1278B will start to receive. Since the monitoring of [...]

  • Page 96

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE BASIC OPERATION AMTOR Status LED Indicators The CON and STA LEDs have special meanings in the AMTOR modes. STA OFF CON OFF This led combination indicates that Mode B is unlocked, and in STANDBY mode. Standby mode is where the MFJ - 1278B is ready to respond to Mode A or B "FEC" Amtor signals. The MFJ - 1278B will also[...]

  • Page 97

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE BASIC OPERATION in idle mode. If you can hear both sides, you can hear the alternate chirps as they are in sync with each other. If you operate Mode B or Mode S, then you should have no problems with AMTOR. These are the broadcast modes and are almost identical to teletype in the way you make contacts. The whole purpose behind [...]

  • Page 98

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE BASIC OPERATION You can obtain hardcopy printouts from the bulit - in printer port of the MFJ - 1278B. Hardcopy printouts are done with the same printer that you used in the other modes of operation. To make hardcopy printouts type the following at the a_cmd: command prompt: PRINT ON <ENTER> to activate the built - in pri[...]

  • Page 99

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE BASIC OPERATION NAVTEX OPERATION Navtex is a new direct printing service operating on 518 KHz. NAVTEX stands for Navigational Telex . Navtex broadcasts urgent weather, navigational and other informat ion that is intended for ships. Navtex Stations and Frequencies Navtex Stations currently cover most coastal areas of Europe and [...]

  • Page 100

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE BASIC OPERATION letter identifies the type of message. Refer to the following explanation of the NAVMSG command for the different types of messages that are identified by this second letter. The NAVMSG and NAVSTN commands allow you to choose both the types of messages you receive and the stations you receive. The other command [...]

  • Page 101

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE BASIC OPERATION The types of Navtex messages currently are: A. Navigational warnings B. Storm Warnings C. Reports of Ice D. Search/Rescue Information E. Weather forecasts F. Pilot Service Messages G. DECCA System H. LORAN - C I. Omega Systems J. SATNAV Systems K thru - Z are not in use at this time. They are reserved for future[...]

  • Page 102

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE BASIC OPERATION FAX OPERATION The MFJ - 1278B provides an independent multi - gray level modem to transmit and receive FAX with up to 16 levels of gray. The FAX modes supported by the MFJ - 1278B are listed in Table 4 - 6. These FAX modes include Weather FAX , FAXMODE 3 and Wire Photographs , FAXMODE 1. These 16 gray level FAX [...]

  • Page 103

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE BASIC OPERATION FAX Formats The MFJ - 1278B lets you rec eive and transmit FAX. The FAX modulator and demodulator of the MFJ - 1278B are pre - set at the factory to allow FAX operations without any recalibration. Recalibration is not needed under normal conditions. The MFJ - 1278B will support FAX formats listed in Table 4 - 6.[...]

  • Page 104

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE BASIC OPERATION FAX Frequency FAX transmitting stations are usually found on the HF bands. Weather FAX stations are generally upper sideband. Some of these stations maintain a regular schedule. Table 4 - 7 lists the frequencies of some FAX stations. Service Band Frequency (KHz) Weather USB 3,357.00 4,268.00 4,975.00 6,946.00 10[...]

  • Page 105

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE BASIC OPERATION Receiving FAX From command mode, the MFJ - 1278B can be set to FAX mod e by typing: MODE FX < ENTER > Select the desired FAX mode by typing: FAXMODE n <ENTER> where n is the FAX format as indicated by the FAX Format Table 4 - 6. For HF weather FAX, select FAXMODE 3. The default FAX mode for MFJ - 127[...]

  • Page 106

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE BASIC OPERATION After selecting the desired FAX mode, type K to leave command mode and enter the CONVERSE mode. Once in CONVERSE mode the MFJ - 1278B is in standby - receive mode. This means that the MFJ - 1278B is listening to the radio for the distinctive "tic - tic" that indicates the synchronization period at the [...]

  • Page 107

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE BASIC OPERATION Display FAX Picture on Computer Screen & Save it to Disk The MFJ - 1278B firmware does not support printing to your computer screen or allow you to save FAX pictures in disk files. Printing of fax pictures to your computer screen, and s aving pictures to disk are a function of the computer software. Any good[...]

  • Page 108

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE BASIC OPERATION The number of graphics characters, "nnn", following a FAX frame header, depends on the FAXMODE. See horizontal density under the FAXMODE command for more information. Multi - level FAX Picture Raw Data Format In FAX mode the MFJ - 1278B can provide data thru the RS - 232 port in raw data format. With s[...]

  • Page 109

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE BASIC OPERATION After unbiasing : bit # 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 data x x a a a b b b x = don't care a,b = first and second pixel groups Coding: If, prior to unbiasing, the value of the data byte is an ASCII p, q, or r, then the received byte is a sync byte. Otherwise, the received byte contains actual display information as descri[...]

  • Page 110

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE BASIC OPERATION The FAX format is changeable by using the FAXMODE command. The MFJ - 1278B supports receive or transmit of all FAX formats listed in Table 4 - 6 in both transmit and receive. In 2 level FAX, pictures saved under one format may NOT be transmitted under a different format. For instance, you can NOT receive and sav[...]

  • Page 111

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE BASIC OPERATION The command PIXTONES is used to set the multi - gray levels FAX and SSTV pictures being transmitted. The current PIXTONES is set to 16 gray levels. PIXTONES defines the gray levels of the SSTV and FAX transmitted by the MFJ - 1278B. To achieve this you must use a terminal program which supports the multi - gray [...]

  • Page 112

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE BASIC OPERATION PIXTONES Values (HEX) FAX/SSTV Transmit Tones (Hz) $86 1100 (sync) $8E 1200 (sync) $92 1300 (sync) $AC 1500 (sync) $9D 1550 $AD 1600 $B0 1650 $B2 1700 $B6 1750 $B5 1800 $B3 1850 $B8 1900 $BC 1950 $BA 2000 $BE 2050 $B9 2100 $BD 2150 $BB 2200 $BF 2250 Table 4 - 8 : FAX/SSTV Multi - Gray PIXTONES Creating FAX Pictu[...]

  • Page 113

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE BASIC OPERATION SLOW SCAN TELEVISION OPERATION The MFJ - 1278B opens up a whole new world of digital communications, Slow Scan Television or SSTV. T he MFJ - 1278B lets you receive black and white SSTV pictures with the built - in printer port in 4 levels of gray. However, with additional software for your computer, it can rece[...]

  • Page 114

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE BASIC OPERATION SSTV Formats The MFJ - 1278B provides a dedicated multi - gray le vel modem for SSTV operation. The modulator and demodulator frequencies of the MFJ - 1278B are pre - set at the factory to allow SSTV operation without any recalibration. The MFJ - 1278B supports all SSTV formats listed in Table 4 - 9. TVMODE (n) [...]

  • Page 115

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE BASIC OPERATION Receiving SSTV P ictures Note that if you are using one of the special terminal programs that supports color or multi - gray levels SSTV operation, you should follow the instructions given in its operating instruction manual to receive and transmit SSTV. The SSTV operation procedure given in this instruction app[...]

  • Page 116

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE BASIC OPERATION After entering the SSTV mode and you have properly selected the correct TV format, type: K to leave command mode and enter the CONVERSE mode . Once in CONVERSE mode the MFJ - 1278B is in standby - receive mode. This means that the MFJ - 1278B is listening to the radio for the synchronization signal at the beginn[...]

  • Page 117

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE BASIC OPERATION TVBreaks are arranged in the following format: White gray Black area area area $ss,$aa,$bb,$cc,$dd,$ee,$ff,$gg,$h h,$ii,$jj,$kk,$ll,$mm,$nn $ss is the Sync value. The default TVBreak value is: $80, $46, $47, $48, $4C, $4F, $52, $54, $59, $5C, $5E, $60, $63, $67, $69 The RXBright command has been updated to suppo[...]

  • Page 118

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE BASIC OPERATION Pixtones command serves the same function as the TVBreak command, but in transmitting of SSTV and FAX pictures. Printing SSTV Pictures to the Screen The MFJ - 1278B does not support printing graphics to the computer screen without specific terminal software designed for your particular computer. MFJ offers an op[...]

  • Page 119

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE BASIC OPERATION Coding: If, prior to unbiasing, the value of the data byte is an ASCII p, q, or r, then the received byte is a sync byte. Otherwise, the received byte contains actual display information as described above. The color level of each pixel contain in the data byte is given below: 000 001 110 111 white lightest grey[...]

  • Page 120

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE BASIC OPERATION The PIXTONES command defines the gray levels of the SSTV and FAX picture being transmitted by the MFJ - 1278B. To transmit an SSTV picture, you must use a terminal program such as MFJ - 1289 that supports the multi - gray levels SSTV and FAX transmitting. PIXTONES values for SSTV mode is the same as in the FAX m[...]

  • Page 121

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE BASIC OPERATION MFJ - 1292 "Picture Perfect" Video Digi tizer for the IBM and compatible computers allows you to digitized a picture with a Camcorder or video camera. The digitized picture is stored to disk and it can be converted to any of the SSTV formats supported the MFJ - 1278B. Converted SSTV picture can be tran[...]

  • Page 122

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE ADVANCED OPERATION ADVANCED PACKET OPERATION This chapter describes some other aspects of Packet operation that you will not need to be concerned with for everyday conversational operation. You will want to consult this chapter if you are using your station for special applications such as a Packet Personal Mailbox, Bulletin Bo[...]

  • Page 123

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE ADVANCED OPERATION So $1B in hexidecimal notation is equal to 27 in standard decimal notation. Table 5 - 1 presents a list of ASCII character codes that are available in most computer manuals. A table of ASCII codes for control characters follows: Dec Hex Control Mnemonic Dec Hex Control Mnemonic 0 $00 <CTRL - @> NUL 16 $[...]

  • Page 124

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE ADVANCED OPERATION stored in the system EPROM. The bbRAM memory stores most of the parameter values in a permanent, but easily changed form. The following commands set special characters that are active in Command Mode. Please refer to the discussions of the special character commands in Chapter 6 for details on the operation o[...]

  • Page 125

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE ADVANCED OPERATION The timing of the automatic entry into data - transfer mode depends on whether you or the other station initiated the connection. If you receive a connect request that your MFJ - 1278B accepts, then you will enter data - transfer mode, when your MFJ - 1278B sends the connect acknowledgment (ACK) and displays [...]

  • Page 126

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE ADVANCED OPERATION The following commands set special characters which are active in Converse Mode. Refer to the discussions of these commands for details on the operation of the characters in Converse Mode. CANLINE Cancel current line CANPAC Cancel current packet COMMAND Command Mode entry DELETE Character deletion MFILTER Cha[...]

  • Page 127

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE ADVANCED OPERATION The display characteristics of the MFJ - 1278B are also modified in Transparent Mode. Data is sent to the computer exactly as it is received over the radio, including all 8 bits of each byte received. Features such as auto - linefeed insertion and screen wrap are disabl ed, and echoing of input characters is [...]

  • Page 128

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE ADVANCED OPERATION A computer file transfer program may be unable to process data fast enough to keep up with output from the MFJ - 1278B. In order to be sure of reading every character, a computer must respond to inter rupts from its I/O devices. Some simple programs may poll the input register for new data. If the polling is [...]

  • Page 129

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE ADVANCED OPERATION Hardware Flow Control Hardware flow control is less likely to depend on the programming of a particular communications program. DTR and CTS are normally used for flow control signals in Transparent Mode. The command XFLOW OFF enables hardware flow control in Converse Mode and Command Mode. Your computer may r[...]

  • Page 130

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE ADVANCED OPERATION The MFJ - 1278B can send an automatic identification packet every 9 - 1/2 minutes when your station is operating as a digipeater. You can enable this feature with the command HID ON . An ID packet is displayed as follows by a monitoring station: W3IWI - 3>ID:W3IWI/R You can request a final identification a[...]

  • Page 131

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE ADVANCED OPERATION You can have your station periodically send an automatic message by enabling "beacons." A beacon can be used to make general - interest announcements, provide packets for other stations to use to test their ability to receive, or announce the presence of a bulletin- board operation. The beacon messa[...]

  • Page 132

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE ADVANCED OPERATION Commands Affecting Protocol This section describes some of the commands that affect the operation of the packet protocol. Details of the protocol are given in Chapter 9. The MFJ - 1278B implements AX.25 Level 2 protocol, a set of rules for formatting messages to other TNCs. The version of AX.25 Level 2 protoc[...]

  • Page 133

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE ADVANCED OPERATION 1278B will assume is required for the repeater to drop. If the MFJ - 1278B has detected channel activity recently enough that the repeater transmitter should still be on, it will wait only the TXDELAY time before sending data, ra ther than adding an AXDELAY time as well. The commands TXDELAY , AXDELAY , and A[...]

  • Page 134

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE ADVANCED OPERATION The wait time is set by the command DWAIT , which s pecifies 40 ms intervals. If no digipeating is being done by anyone in the local area, this parameter can be set to 0, but in any event it should be set to the same value by all members of a local packet group. In order to avoid unnecessary packet retries, t[...]

  • Page 135

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE ADVANCED OPERATION signals up to 9600 baud, but an external modem is required for operation above 1200 baud. An optional 2400 bps PSK modem board is available from MFJ Enterprises, Inc. This 2400 bps PSK modem board can be installed inside the MFJ- 1278B. Radio data rate of 2400/9600 is selectable with software command by the M[...]

  • Page 136

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE ADVANCED OPERATION If you want to monitor stations selectively, you can set up a list of up to eight callsigns with the command LCALLS . The callsigns in this list are regarded as "buddies," i.e., the only stations you want to listen to if BUDLIST is ON . Otherwise, the stations in the list will be ignored, and all ot[...]

  • Page 137

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE ADVANCED OPERATION Multiple connection capability is a very powerful addition to the MFJ - 1278B. It is very useful for traffic net operation, multi - user bulletin boards, path checking and so forth. Multiple connection operation is not the same as multi - way operation. With multiple connect, you may establish several point -[...]

  • Page 138

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE ADVANCED OPERATION If all this seems a bit confusing, don't worry, it is! The only way to really understand multiple connect operation is to try it! Tested and on - the - air, Once you have gained confidence in "normal" packet operation, try setting USERS 2 and get a couple of friends to connect to you. Play with[...]

  • Page 139

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE ADVANCED OPERATION Setting Up your Easy - Mail Mailbox The MFJ Easy - Mail Mailbox can now be operated independently from the standard packet operation. There are certain commands which need to be set. These will be explained later in this instruction. NOTE: Whenever <CR> is found in this instruction this means to press t[...]

  • Page 140

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE ADVANCED OPERATION Your MFJ - 1278B will respond with: |K[MFJ - 2.1a - IH$] Mailbox re ady n free Mailbox (B, E, H(elp), J, K, L, M, R, S, T)> First of all lets find out what the n free is for. The n free is a "Bytes Free" indicator. This applies only to the Mailbox. This is a great feature, because all users will [...]

  • Page 141

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE ADVANCED OPERATION Flag: The message Flag is now very important. All of flags can be set via the S (send) or E (edit) commands. This flag will either be an N or a Y. This will appear in the flag block closest to To: block in the message header. There are different types of flags are as follows: N **Messag es with this flag set [...]

  • Page 142

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE ADVANCED OPERATION K## Allows you kill the message in slot nn, where nn is a particular slot number. Remote users may only kill messages that are addressed only to them or originated by them. The local and remote SYSOP can kill any messages, depending on the set ting of the new command REMsysop. Please refer to the REMsysop for[...]

  • Page 143

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE ADVANCED OPERATION R This command lets you read messages addressed to you. When you list the messages in the mailbox you notice an N flag next to the messages which you have not read. Once you read those messages the N flag will change to a Y flag. This is an indicator to both yo u and the SYSOP that the messages have been read[...]

  • Page 144

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE ADVANCED OPERATION Mailbox Operation This section will depict the use of th e Easy Mail ™ mailbox from a remote users point of view. We will discuss the different prompts and messages given by Easy Mail ™ and what they mean. So without any further delay, lets get started. 1. The remote user must first establish a connection[...]

  • Page 145

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE ADVANCED OPERATION The Mailbox will respond with: Send msg; Control - Z or /EX to end: _ The remote user will then enter the message at the cursor prompt. If you are using a 512K or 128K Mailbox then users can upload disk files into the Mailbox. The 32K version has the same capability, but with 32K RAM capacity. At the end of t[...]

  • Page 146

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE ADVANCED OPERATION B. You can perform a Global Kill on a group of messages which are under the same callsign. To perform this two (2) conditions must be met: i. All messages must have been read and the message flag must be a Y. ii. The callsign contained in the MYMcall must be the same as the callsign in the MYcall command. If [...]

  • Page 147

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE ADVANCED OPERATION 6. Anyone who accesses the Mailbox can read messages or that are addressed to him/her. Also a message that is a addressed to ALL, such as bulletins can be read by anyone. Messages can be read by two (2) different methods. Below are the two methods: A. This method will allow the remote user, local or remote SY[...]

  • Page 148

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE ADVANCED OPERATION This is the only way the remote users can access your Mailbox. If you stay in the SYS op mode, then when a user tries to connect to your Mailbox he will a message like this: ***CALLSIGN Busy Disconnected The SYSOP will receive a message like the example below when he is in the SYSOP mode and someone tries a c[...]

  • Page 149

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE ADVANCED OPERATION The command used to forward a message is FO . All forwards must be done in the strea m cmd:mode. This command is by pressing a CTRL - C while in the SYSOP mode. Below is a typical example as to how to use the FO command: FO CALLSIGN <CR> Where CALLSIGN is the callsign of the destination mailbox. This ca[...]

  • Page 150

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE ADVANCED OPERATION The Mailbox has the capability to be remotely controlled. A callsign can be specified by the SYSOP for this purpose. This would be useful in the case where the SYSOP is out in the field. It would allow him to control the mailbox, and do most of the local SYSOP's duties, such as killing messages, reading,[...]

  • Page 151

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE ADVANCED OPERATION You have new mail! This is basically the same as the You have mail! message, but this indicates that new mail has been added to the mailbox since the last time it w as accessed. ?EH This message occurs when a command issued to the Easy Mail mailbox is not understood. This could be an out of range slot number,[...]

  • Page 152

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE ADVANCED OPERATION Slotting and Acknowledgment Priority The addition of the SLOTTING AND ACKNOWLEDGMENT PRIORITY feature makes the MFJ - 1278B more efficient on packet frequency channels. The MFJ - 1278B achieves this greater efficiency by preventing or minimizing packet collisions on busy packet channels. Use of the optional S[...]

  • Page 153

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE ADVANCED OPERATION Once the FRACK timer times out, even if the ACK finally makes it through before the MFJ - 1278B sends the retry, the MFJ - 1278B sends the original packet anyway. This obviously wastes much time that could be better used clearing the channel of some of the legitimate offered load. It is this feature of the cu[...]

  • Page 154

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE ADVANCED OPERATION Enforcing a channel access delay for all stations on the channel for whom the packet that caused the queue was not intended (& who therefore aren't goin g to ACK it) allows even ACKs from hidden terminals to get back to the expecting station. This clears that traffic from the offered load list. If th[...]

  • Page 155

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE ADVANCED OPERATION Some HTs and every Azden PCS - 2000s that I have ever seen are incapable of operating in a LAN which is using a 300 millisecond setting for this parameter. Most HF linear mode radios are MUCH faster than VHF FM radio. A reasonable setting for HF work is 120 milliseconds (DEAdtime set to 12). This should work [...]

  • Page 156

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE ADVANCED OPERATION The actual value used will depend on the a verage number of queued up stations there are on the channel during busy periods. ACKWAIT (not directly user settable) This timer actually consists of the sum of the 2 user settable parameters ACKTime and DEAdtime. It represents the time the queued up TNC will wait b[...]

  • Page 157

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE ADVANCED OPERATION Initial Parameter Settings Summary The settings for use at 1200 baud o n a VHF FM channel are: ACK prior ON SL ots 3 DEA dtime 33 ACKT ime 13 RESP time 0 If you require a nonzero value for this parameter in order to prevent ACKing individual packets in a MAXframe greater than 1 blast, your DCD circuit is not [...]

  • Page 158

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE ADVANCED OPERATION While these settings seem extremely long, they will assure that the stations NOT using the new protocol always get a shot at slot #1. With these settings, the users of the NEW protocol will occasionally capture the channel. Settings of 43 for 1200 baud and 64 for 300 baud could be used to assure that stations[...]

  • Page 159

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE ADVANCED OPERATION Pa cket Picture Transfer The MFJ - 1278B gives you the unique ability to transmit and receive Packet Pictures. Unlike the binary file transfer ability common to all packet controllers that lets you transmit and receive picture files, MFJ - 1278B lets you transmit and receive actual packet pictures directly . [...]

  • Page 160

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE ADVANCED OPERATION DETAILED HF PACKET OPERATION Here we will go into further detail on the HF Packet mode of operation. We will discuss modem center frequency, HF tuning indicator, etc. So without any further delay lets get into HF Packet operation. Radio Setup for HF Packet Operation Setting up your Radio interface will follow[...]

  • Page 161

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE ADVANCED OPERATION NOTE: Regardless of the type of modem, whether or not the modem has audio filtering built in, 300 baud AFSK modem performance on a High Frequency linear mode (SSB as opposed to NBFM) radio channel will NOT be optimum UNLESS a filter of approximately 500 Hz bandwidth is used in the radio IF strip. There are tw[...]

  • Page 162

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE ADVANCED OPERATION If the HF radio is to be dedicated to packet use, the 500 Hz filter can be installed in place of the SSB filter. This is possible on ANY radio designed for SSB and CW use. It is important to use lower sideband rather than upper sideband if you are going to use a CW filter in the radio for packet operations. T[...]

  • Page 163

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE ADVANCED OPERATION If your radio has no provision for IF shift, you will have to determine the center frequency of the audio which is passed through the filter and realign the modem to the center frequency of the filtered audio. If you are lucky, this may turn out not t o be necessary. The tuning indicator and DCD LED can be us[...]

  • Page 164

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE ADVANCED OPERATION 5. Many of the sta tions on HF packet have no tuning indicator at all and many others have an indicator that is only marginally useful. Unlike VHF FM operation, frequency error between transmitter and receiver cause frequency errors in the modem tones. This is the reason that a good tuning indicator is absolu[...]

  • Page 165

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE ADVANCED OPERATION The adjustment is very easy to perform. Simply tune the radio to a channel which has only noise (no signals whatsoever), then adjust the threshold control so that the DCD LED just flickers occasionally. Set it so that the DCD duty cycle is between 10 and 20 percent. DO NOT set the threshold control so that th[...]

  • Page 166

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE ADVANCED OPERATION 4. Rapidly type a string of 15 to 20 carriage returns <CR>. This will cause the MFJ - 1278B to send a continuous string of unconnected information (UI) frames. Since this will be a relatively long burst of packet transmission, the potential receiving station will have plenty of time to tune your signal [...]

  • Page 167

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE ADVANCED OPERATION The above method of calling CQ is NOT appropriate for use on one of the crowded calling frequencies. There, everyone is already tuned more or less to the same frequency. To call CQ on one of the calling frequencies do the following: 1. Find the "center" of the channel by tuning the radio so that the[...]

  • Page 168

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE ADVANCED OPERATION Here are a few sim ple suggestions for operating HF packet that should help to get you started. 1. Do NOT try to hold a QSO on one of the calling frequencies. Use the calling frequency only to establish contact and then MOVE OFF TO A CLEAR FREQUENCY to carry on the QSO. Remember to be aware of the frequencies[...]

  • Page 169

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE ADVANCED OPERATION 6. Restrict your use of beacon transmissions as much as possible. If you MUST use a beacon, keep it short and keep the repetition rate as low as possible. More than once a minute is definitely too frequent. once or twice in 10 minutes is more polite. Do not allow your beacons to continue if you are not in att[...]

  • Page 170

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE ADVANCED OPERATION Once the operating parameters have been selected, set KISS ON and then issue a RESTART command. The CON and STA LEDs will blink on and off three times to indicate that the MFJ - 1278B has entered the KISS mode. Now you may call up a TCP/IP, or another host program that can use KISS or "SLIP". If you[...]

  • Page 171

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE OPERATIONAL COMMANDS COMMAND PREFACE This chapter serves as a complete reference to all the MFJ - 1278B operational commands. These commands control the many variable values, that affect the MFJ - 1278B's operation, as well as causing it to perform specific functions, such as connecting to another station to start a QSO. Y[...]

  • Page 172

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE OPERATIONAL COMMANDS This reminds you of what you have done, and indicates that the value has been successfully changed. If you type something the MFJ- 1278B can't understand you will get an error message. If you type an unrecognized command, you will see the message ?EH . If you get a command name correct, but the argumen[...]

  • Page 173

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE OPERATIONAL COMMANDS Parameters There are several types of parameters. Some parameters can have one of only two values, such as ON and OF F or E VERY and A FTER , known as KEYWORDS . If a param eter must be one of two values, the choices are separated by a forward slash, / . You may use Y ES instead of ON and N O instead of OFF[...]

  • Page 174

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE OPERATIONAL COMMANDS means that the command CONNECT requires a callsign argument, call1 . You may optionally include the keyword VIA , followed by a list of one to eight callsign s, call2 through call9 . The callsign s in the list, if included, must be separated by commas (as shown), or by blank spaces. An acceptable command mi[...]

  • Page 175

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE OPERATIONAL COMMANDS COMMAND EXPLANATION 8 BITCONV ON/OF F Mode: Packet Default: OFF Parameters: ON The high - order bit is not stripped in Converse Mode. OFF The high - order bit is stripped in Converse Mode. This command enables transmission of 8 - bit data in Converse Mode. If 8BIT CONV is OFF , the high - order bit (bit 7) [...]

  • Page 176

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE OPERATIONAL COMMANDS 16L EVELS ON/OF F Mode: FAX/SSTV Default:ON Parameters: ON The MFJ - 1278B will t ransmit and receive FAX and SSTV in 16 gray levels. OFF The MFJ - 1278B will transmit and receive FAX and SSTV in 8 or 4 gray levels depending on how the MULTIFAX and 8LEVELS commands are set. In FAX and SSTV modes, if 16L EVE[...]

  • Page 177

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE OPERATIONAL COMMANDS AC KPRIORITY ON/OF F Mode: Packet Default: ON ACKPRIORITY permits an acknowledging TNC to transmit without regard to the slotting delay. Turning ACKPRIOR iyty ON to enable prioritized acknowledgement. If ACKprior is turned off and SLots (see SL ots) is set to 0, the modified AX.25 protocol is effectively di[...]

  • Page 178

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE OPERATIONAL COMMANDS AL TCALL ssss Mode: AMTOR Default: blank Parameter: ssss Designates a four letter SELCALL for use in Mode A Amtor The SELCALL used in the ALTCALL command is the alternate SELCALL for Mode A Amtor operations. ALTCALL is used to set up an alternate SELCALL that the MFJ - 1278B responds to in mode A. Whether t[...]

  • Page 179

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE OPERATIONAL COMMANDS AN SWRQRA ON/OF F Mode: Packet Default: ON Parameter: ON MFJ - 1278B r esponds to non - digipeated UI frames addressed to QRA, within 1 to 16 seconds, with an empty ID packet. OFF Disables MFJ - 1278B 's ping - response function. QRA ("Who are you") pinging is supported by the MFJ - 1278B. A [...]

  • Page 180

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE OPERATIONAL COMMANDS The ARQ command initiates a Mode A "ARQ" link. ssss is the SELCAL of the station you wish to link with. When ARQ is first issued, the MFJ - 1278B begins to key the transmitter in attempt to establish the link, to the specified SELCALL. Both the CON and STA LEDs immediately light to indicate the &a[...]

  • Page 181

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE OPERATIONAL COMMANDS ASP ECT n Mode: FAX Default: 3 Parameter: n = 2 thru 8 ASPECT is used to establish a reasonable aspect ratio between horizontal and vertical presentation of 2 - Level or 8 - Level FAX graphics. The ASPECT command does not apply to 16 Level FAX graphics. It is necessary to have an ASPECT control because the [...]

  • Page 182

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE OPERATIONAL COMMANDS AUTOB AUD ON/OFF Mode: All Default: ON Parameter: ON Tells the MFJ - 1278B to set itself to the users terminal baudrate OFF Tells the MFJ - 1278B to remember the last terminal baudrate it last set itself to. When the AUTOBAUD command is ON , the MFJ - 1278B will attempt to synchronize with the user's t[...]

  • Page 183

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE OPERATIONAL COMMANDS AU TOLF ON/OF F Mode: Packet Default: ON Parameters: ON A linefeed character (<LF>) is sent to the terminal after each carriage return character (<CR>). OFF A <LF> is not sent to the terminal after each <CR>. AUTOLF controls the display of carriage return characters received in packe[...]

  • Page 184

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE OPERATIONAL COMMANDS AUTOT RAC ON/OFF Mode: CW Default:ON Parameters: ON Allows automatic speed tracking of incoming CW signals. OFF Automatic speed trackin g of incoming CW signals is disabled. When AUTOT RAC is set ON, the MFJ - 1278B attempts to continually track the speed of all incoming CW signals as the speed changes, of [...]

  • Page 185

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE OPERATIONAL COMMANDS A X25L2V2 ON/OF F Mode: Packet Default: ON Parameters: ON The MFJ - 1278B will use AX.25 Level 2 Version 2.0 protocol. OFF The MFJ - 1278B will use AX.25 Level 2 Version 1.0 protocol. Some implementations of the earlier version of AX.25 protocol (e.g., TAPR's TNC 1) will not properly digipeat version 2[...]

  • Page 186

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE OPERATIONAL COMMANDS AXH ANG n Mode: Packet Default: 0 Parameters: n 0 - 20, specifying the voice repeater hang time in 100 ms intervals. This value can be u sed to increase channel efficiency when an audio repeater with a hang time greater than 100 ms is used. For a repeater with a long hang time, it is not necessary to wait f[...]

  • Page 187

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE OPERATIONAL COMMANDS B EACON E VERY| A FTER n Mode: Packet Default: EVERY 0 Parameters: n 0 - 250, specifying beacon timing in 10 second intervals. A value of 0 disables the beacon. EVERY Send beacon at regular intervals. AFTER Send beacon once after the specified time interval with no packet activity. This command enables the [...]

  • Page 188

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE OPERATIONAL COMMANDS BK ONDEL ON/OF F Mode: Packet Default: ON Parameters: ON The sequence <BACKSPACE> <SPACE> <BACKSPACE> is echoed when a character is deleted from the input line. OFF The <BACKSLASH> character ( ) is echoed when a character is deleted. This command determines the way the display is u[...]

  • Page 189

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE OPERATIONAL COMMANDS BLP ON/OFF Mode: Packet Default: OFF Parameters: ON Puts the MFJ - 1278B into Host Mode OFF Takes the MFJ - 1278B out of Host Mode Setting the BLP command to ON, puts the MFJ - 1278B into Host Mode. After you turn BLP ON and enter transparent mode the host code will run. Once BLP is ON, subsequent RESTARTS [...]

  • Page 190

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE OPERATIONAL COMMANDS BT EXT text Mode: Packet Default: "" Parameters: tex t Any combination of characters, numbersand spaces, up to a maximum length of 128 characters. BTEXT specifies the content of the data portion of a beacon packet. The default text is an empty string, i.e., no message. Beacon packets are discussed[...]

  • Page 191

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE OPERATIONAL COMMANDS BUF n Mode: CW/RTTY/ASCII Default: empty Parameter: n = 0 thru 9 Allows you to load up to ten buffers for use in the CW/RTTY/ASCII modes. Maximum buffer text for each buffer is 120 characters. Note that when loading buffer text, there is no space between the word "BUF" and the buffer number select[...]

  • Page 192

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE OPERATIONAL COMMANDS BW NL ON/OFF Mode: AMTOR Default: OFF BWNL controls whether the MFJ - 1278B in mode B FEC waits for you to send a newline character ( <CR> ) before it starts transmitting the data. If BWNL is OFF then every character you transmit in mode B will be sent as soon as possible. If BWNL is ON , the MFJ - 12[...]

  • Page 193

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE OPERATIONAL COMMANDS CALS ET n Mode: All Default: NONE Parameters: n 0 - 65535, specifying the count setting for use by the calibration routine. The number to be specified by CALSET is determined by the frequency f to be calibrated as follows. n = (525,000 / f ) + 1 (modulator tones) n = (262,5 00 / f ) + 1 (demodulator tones) [...]

  • Page 194

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE OPERATIONAL COMMANDS CANP AC n Mode: Packet Default: $19 Parameters: n 0 - $7F, specifying an ASCII character string code. CANPAC is used to change the cancel - packet inp ut editing command character. The parameter n is the ASCII code for the character you want to type in order to cancel an input packet. You can enter the code[...]

  • Page 195

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE OPERATIONAL COMMANDS CB ELL ON/OFF Mode: Packet Default: OFF Parameters: ON Connect bell enabled OFF Connect bell disabled This command is used to co ntrol whether an ASCII $O7 or CTRL - G (BELL) character is sent as part of the connected message. When set ON, the bell character immediately preceeds the asterisk portion of the [...]

  • Page 196

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE OPERATIONAL COMMANDS CC ITT ON/OFF Mode: RTTY Default: ON The CCITT parameter selects either an internationally recognized character set (CCITT) or the "U.S. T TY" standard. The latter is used by many older, surplus mechanical teletypes that have been taken out of commercial service and placed into amateur use. This p[...]

  • Page 197

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE OPERATIONAL COMMANDS CH ECK n Mode: Packet Default: 30 Parameters: n 0 - 250, specifying the check time in 10 second intervals. A value of 0 disables this feature. This command sets a connection timeout. If a link connection exists between the MFJ- 1278B and another station, and the other station "disappears," your MF[...]

  • Page 198

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE OPERATIONAL COMMANDS Parameter: nnn Where the nnn variable equals 0 <=n<=255 The CHOChar command is used to designate the Pactor changeover character. This character initiates a control direction change in the Pactor signal. This character can be varied from 0 to 255 decimal, for computers which may not support the defaul[...]

  • Page 199

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE OPERATIONAL COMMANDS CM DTIME n Mode: Packet Default: 1 Parameters: n 0 - 250, specifying Transparent Mode timeout value in 1 second intervals. If n is zero, the only exit from Transparent Mode is to send a BREAK signal or interrupt power to the MFJ - 1278B. This command sets the Transparent Mode timeout value. In order to allo[...]

  • Page 200

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE OPERATIONAL COMMANDS CONP ERM ON/OF F Mode: Packet Default: OFF Parameters: ON The current connection on the current stream will not be allowed to enter the disconnected state. OFF The current stream may be connected to and discon nected from other stations. This command, when switched ON , forces the MFJ - 1278B to always ma i[...]

  • Page 201

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE OPERATIONAL COMMANDS CMS G ON/OF F Mode: Packet Default: OFF Parameters: ON A text message is sent as the first packet after a connection is established. OFF The text message is not sent. CMSG enables automatic sending of the message set by CTEXT whenever your MFJ - 1278B accepts a connect request from another TNC. For example,[...]

  • Page 202

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE OPERATIONAL COMMANDS COM MAND n Mode: All Default: $03 Parameters: n 0 - $7F, specifying an ASCII character code. This command is used to change the Command Mode entry character. You can enter the code in either hex or decimal. Command Mode is entered from Converse Mode when this character is typed. If you type the Command Mode[...]

  • Page 203

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE OPERATIONAL COMMANDS CONM ODE C ONVERS/ T RANS Mode: Packet Default: CONVERS Parameters: CONVERS Sets automatic entry to Converse Mode when a connection is established. TRANS Sets automatic entry to Transparent Mode when a connection is established. CONMODE controls which mode the MFJ - 1278B will be placed in after a connectio[...]

  • Page 204

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE OPERATIONAL COMMANDS C ONNECT call1 [ V ia call2[,call3...,call9]] Mode: Packet Immediate Command Parameters: call1 Callsign of TNC to be connected to. call2 Optional callsign of MFJ - 1278B to be digipeated through. As many as eight digipeat addresses can be specified. The part of the command line in brackets, VIA call2[, call[...]

  • Page 205

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE OPERATIONAL COMMANDS CONO K ON/OF F Mode: Packet Default: ON Parameters: ON Connect requests from other TNCs will be accepted. OFF C onnect requests from other TNCs will be rejected. This command determines the action taken by the MFJ - 1278B when a connect request for it is received though the radio. If CONOK is ON , the reque[...]

  • Page 206

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE OPERATIONAL COMMANDS CONS TAMP ON/OF F Mode: Packet Default: O FF Parameters: ON Connect and disconnect status messages are time stamped. OFF Connect status messages are not time stamped. This command enables time stamping of *** CONNECTED status messages. The date and time information is then available for use by Bulletin Boar[...]

  • Page 207

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE OPERATIONAL COMMANDS CP ACTIME ON/OF F Mode: Packet Default: OFF Parameters: ON Packet timeout is used in Converse Mode. OFF Packet timeout is not used in Converse Mode. This command enables the periodi c automatic sending of packets in Converse Mode. This feature may be used for computer communications, such as Bulletin Board [...]

  • Page 208

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE OPERATIONAL COMMANDS CT EXT text Mode: Packet Default: "" Parameters: text Any combination of characters and spaces, up to a maximum length of 120 characters . CTEXT specifies the text of the packet to be sent after a connection is made, if CMSG is ON . The default text is an empty string, i.e., no message. You can se[...]

  • Page 209

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE OPERATIONAL COMMANDS CW CALL ssss Mode: Amtor Default: blank Where "ssss" are 15 characters sent as CW when you issue t he ID character. The "ssss" text is sent following the QRA ("The name of my station is ______") signal. CW idmode nn: 0<=nn<=255 Mode: Pactor Default 0 Should CW identificat[...]

  • Page 210

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE OPERATIONAL COMMANDS CWSE NDCH nnn Mode: CW Default:$FF Parameter: nnn = $00 to $FF; specifying the CW xmit character. This controls when the MFJ - 1278B transmits the pending text in the CW buffer. It is only effective for CW and MCW modes. If this is left at the default of 000, the characters to be transmitted are left buffer[...]

  • Page 211

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE OPERATIONAL COMMANDS DA YTIME date&time Mode: Packet No default Parameters: date&time Current date and time to set. This command allows you to set the current date and time for the MFJ - 1278B. The format for entering the date&time is yymmddhhmm where yy is the last two digits of the year, mm is the two- digit month[...]

  • Page 212

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE OPERATIONAL COMMANDS DAYU SA ON/OF F Mode: Packet Default: ON Parameters: ON Date is displayed in the format mm/dd/yy . OFF Date is displayed in the format dd - mm - yy . This command determines the format for the MFJ- 1278B's display of the date. If DAYUSA is ON , the standard U.S. format is used; if DAYUSA is OFF , the s[...]

  • Page 213

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE OPERATIONAL COMMANDS DEA DTIME nnn Mode: Packet Default: 33 Parameter: nnn 0 thru 250 in 10ms. The DEADTIME parameter selects the basic time interval used by the slotting procedures. A delay of length = (random multiple of DEADTIME) will be applied to the all outgoing packets that are not acknowledgmented. DEADTIME must be set [...]

  • Page 214

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE OPERATIONAL COMMANDS DEL ETE ON/OF F Mode: Packet Default: OFF Parameters: ON The delete character input editing character is <DELETE> ($7F). OFF The delete character input editing character is <BACKSPACE> ($08). This command is used to change the input editing command for character deletion. When this character is [...]

  • Page 215

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE OPERATIONAL COMMANDS DIG IPEAT ON/OF F Mode: Packet Default: ON Parameters: ON The MFJ - 1278B will digipeat packets if requested. OFF The MFJ - 1278B will not digipeat packets. When this parameter is ON , any packet received that has your TNC's callsign (including SSID) in the digipeat list of its address field will be re[...]

  • Page 216

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE OPERATIONAL COMMANDS DISP LAY [class] Mode: All Immediate Command Parameters: class Optional parameter - class identifier, one of the following: A SYNC Displays asynchronous port parameters C HARACTE Displays special characters I D Displays ID parameters L INK Displays link parameters M ONITOR Displays monitor para meters T IMI[...]

  • Page 217

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE OPERATIONAL COMMANDS BBFAILED: Counts number of times bbRAM checksum was in err or. DIGISENT: Each frame digipeated by the MFJ - 1278B causes the counter to increase. HOVRERR: Increases when HDLC receiver is not serviced rapidly enough and data is lost. This counter should never increment at any supported data rate. HUNDRERR In[...]

  • Page 218

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE OPERATIONAL COMMANDS RXERRORS: Increments each time a received frame is thrown out due to it being too short, suffering overrun(s), or it having a bad CRC. Latter occurs only when CRC checking is enabled (i.e. HGARBAGE is OFF). This counter will often increment in the presence of noise. RXLENERR: RXLENERR counts the number of t[...]

  • Page 219

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE OPERATIONAL COMMANDS DISPLAY is an immediate command, and with no class parame ter will cause all control parameters and their current values to be displayed. Sub - groups of related parameters can be displayed by specifying the optional parameter - class. Individual parameters can be displayed by entering the parameter name wi[...]

  • Page 220

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE OPERATIONAL COMMANDS EA S ON/OF F Mode: CW/RTTY/ASCII Default: OFF Parameter: ON Enables Real Time echoing of out - going CW, RTTY, and ASCII text OFF Disables Real Time echoing of out - going CW, RTTY, and ASCII text E CHO - A S S ENT is basically the same as the EAS in AMTOR, but is a separate command from AMTOR. This command[...]

  • Page 221

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE OPERATIONAL COMMANDS EC ho ON/OFF Mode: Pactor Default ON Parameter: ON Characters received from the computer or terminal are echoed by the MFJ - 1278B. OFF Characters are not echoed. The EC ho command in Pactor performs the same function as in Packet mode, except that echoing is deferred when EAA is ON as described above. EP S[...]

  • Page 222

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE OPERATIONAL COMMANDS ES CAPE ON/OFF Mode: Packet Default: OFF Parameters: ON The <ESCAPE> character ($1B) is output as "$" ($24). OFF The <ESCAPE> character is output as <ESCAPE> ($1B). This command specifies the character which will be output when an <ESCAPE> character is to be sent to the ter[...]

  • Page 223

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE OPERATIONAL COMMANDS FAR NSWOR ON/OFF Mode: CW Default: ON Parameters: ON Enables the FARNSWORTH special spacing. OFF Disables the FARNSWORTH special spacing. Many find training for CW tests with a FARNSWORTH method of code generation more valuable because it teaches letter recognition at a speed fast enough to avoid the common[...]

  • Page 224

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE OPERATIONAL COMMANDS FAXN EG ON/OFF Mode: FAX Default: OFF Parameters: ON Reverses the FAX image on screen..i.e. black to white OFF Disables FAX image reversal. Normal operation. Setting FAXNEG ON causes the MFJ - 1278B to invert the screen image. This means the white areas of the FAX pictures will be black, and the black areas[...]

  • Page 225

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE OPERATIONAL COMMANDS F LOW ON/OFF Mode: Packet Default: ON Parameters: ON Type - in flow control is active. OFF Type - in flow control is disabled. When type - in flow control is enabled, any character entered from the terminal will halt output to the terminal until: (1) a packet is forced (in Converse Mode); (2) a line is comp[...]

  • Page 226

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE OPERATIONAL COMMANDS Parameters: n 1 - 15, specifying frame acknowledgment time- out in 1 second inter vals. After transmitting a packet requiring acknowledgment, the MFJ - 1278B will wait for the specified frame acknowledgment timeout before incrementing the retry counter and sending the frame again. If the packet address incl[...]

  • Page 227

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE OPERATIONAL COMMANDS GRAPHLF ON|OFF Mode: FAX/SSTV Default: OFF Parameters: ON Graphics line - feed issued before carriage return. OFF Graphics lin - feed not issued b efore carriage return. For FAX and SSTV receive modes, the GRAPHLF setting determines whether the MFJ - 1278B will issue a line feed (ASCII value 10 decimal) cha[...]

  • Page 228

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE OPERATIONAL COMMANDS HEAL LED ON/OFF Mode: Packet Default: OFF Parameters: ON Th e MFJ - 1278B will "dither" the CON and STA LEDs. OFF The MFJ - 1278B will control the CON and STA LEDs in normally. This command allows the user to redefine the functions of the two CPU controllable LEDs (i.e. the STAtus and CONnect LEDs[...]

  • Page 229

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE OPERATIONAL COMMANDS I D Mode: Packet Immediate Command ID is an immediate command. It will send a special identification packet. ID can be used to force a final identification packet to be sent as a digipeater station is being taken off the air. The identification packet will be sent only if the digipeater has transmitted sinc[...]

  • Page 230

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE OPERATIONAL COMMANDS KIL ONFWD ON/OFF Mode: Mailbox Default: OFF Parameters: ON Messages forwarded out of Mailbox will be killed after a forwarding process is complete. OFF Default; Messages forwarded out of the Mailbox are not killed after a forwarding process is completed. The setting of KILONFWD determines whether or not the[...]

  • Page 231

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE OPERATIONAL COMMANDS Lc callsign Mode: Pactor Immediate Command Initiates an ARQ link to the specified callsign using extend ed LONGPATH timing to support long txdelays or long skip paths . This type is generally used when the destination is over 40,000 Km away, where the standard C onnect command timing will not work. LCA LLS [...]

  • Page 232

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE OPERATIONAL COMMANDS Parameters: ON The MFJ - 1278B will translate the character immediately following the STREAMSWITCH character to upper case before processing it. OFF The MFJ - 1278B will process the character immediately following the STREAMSWITCH character as it is entered. When operating multi - connect, the user must ent[...]

  • Page 233

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE OPERATIONAL COMMANDS LF ADD ON | OF F Mode: ASCII/Packet Default: OFF When LFADD is ON and the ASCII or Packet mode is selec ted, MFJ - 1278 will append an ASCII line feed character, $0A, to the transmission immediately after a carriage return is sent. LFADD should usually be switched OFF as the vast majority of TNCs (including[...]

  • Page 234

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE OPERATIONAL COMMANDS LI STEN Mode: AMTOR Immediate Command LISTEN is used to begin monitoring someone else's Mode A connection. You'll need to enter LISTEN to tell the MFJ - 1278B to start synchronizing to the desired signal. LISTEN ing to Mode A connections can be irritating if conditions are poor because there is no[...]

  • Page 235

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE OPERATIONAL COMMANDS MAILBOX ON/OFF Mode: Packet Default: ON Parameters: ON Brings the Packet mailbox on - line. OFF Takes the Packet mailbox off - line. When the MAILBOX command is set to ON , all of the mailbox functions are active. Note that the MAILBOX is a single - user device; therefore, if you wish to use the MAILBOX it [...]

  • Page 236

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE OPERATIONAL COMMANDS B Logout: Initiates a disconnect sequence from the mailbox. E dit This allows you to Edit the message headers for a Forwarding or Reverse Forwarding process. J This function when initiated responds with the TNC's MHeard list. This list will contain the eleven most recently heard stations. M This will l[...]

  • Page 237

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE OPERATIONAL COMMANDS MARS MODE n Mode: RTTY/ASCII Default: 0 n n=0 to 3 if n =0, MARS QSO mode The MARsmode command provides two levels of MARS compatibility. Minimal translation is provided by "QSO" mode. In the QSO mode, the MFJ - 1278 assumes the user is manually sending and receiving. Maximum translation is provid[...]

  • Page 238

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE OPERATIONAL COMMANDS MA TCH ON/OFF Mode: AMTOR Default: ON MATCH is used for selectively monitoring portions of Mode B FEC tran smissions. If MATCH is ON, the MFJ - 1278B will not start printing a Mode B signal until the string set in MBEGIN is matched. Likewise, the search for the terminating string in the MEND parameter begin[...]

  • Page 239

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE OPERATIONAL COMMANDS MAXS um nn Mode: Pactor Default: 30 Parameters: nnn : 5<=nnn<=120 MAXSum specifies the number of cycles of error - laden information packets received that are accumu lated in the Digital Memory ARQ sum buffer for reconstruction. When MAXSUM consecutive information receive errors occur, on the next rec[...]

  • Page 240

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE OPERATIONAL COMMANDS MCOM ON/OFF Mode: Packet Default: OFF Parameters: ON Connect, disconnect, UA, and DM frames are monitored. OFF Only information frames are monitored. This command enables monitoring of connect and disconnect frame s when MONITOR is ON . When MCOM is OFF , only I frames (packets containing user information) [...]

  • Page 241

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE OPERATIONAL COMMANDS MCT EXT text Mode: Mailbox Default: " " Text : Any combination of characters and spaces, up to 120 characters in length. The MCT EXT command works like CTEXT except that MCTEXT is sent only when the mailbox MYMcall is connected to. There is no express equivalent to the CMSG ON/OFF command. If MCTe[...]

  • Page 242

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE OPERATIONAL COMMANDS MHC LEAR Mode: Packet Immediate Command MHC LEAR is an immediate command. It causes the list of stations heard to be cleared. You can use this command in conjunction with MH EARD to keep track of the stations on the air over a given period of time, such as an evening or a week. Clear the list of stations he[...]

  • Page 243

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE OPERATIONAL COMMANDS Parameter: ON Enables pri nting Non - Printable Characters. OFF Discards all Packets containing Non - Printable Characters. The setting of the MNONP RINT parameter determines whether monitored packets containing non - printable characters (i.e., characters other than ASCII CR, LF, BEL , and not between $20 [...]

  • Page 244

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE OPERATIONAL COMMANDS MR PT ON/OFF Mode: Packet Default: ON Parameters: ON Display the stations in the digipeat path for monitored packets. OFF Display only the source and destination stat ions for monitored packets. This command affects the way monitored packets are displayed. If MRPT is OFF , only the originating station and t[...]

  • Page 245

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE OPERATIONAL COMMANDS MS TAMP ON/OFF Mode: Packet Default: OFF Parameters: ON Monitored frames are time stamped. OFF Monitored frames ar e not time stamped. The MSTAMP command enables time stamping of monitored packets. The date and time information is then available for use for automatic logging of packet activity or other comp[...]

  • Page 246

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE OPERATIONAL COMMANDS MULTI FAX ON/OFF Mode: FAX Default: OFF Parameters: ON MFJ - 1278B is set to transmit and rec eive FAX picture in raw data format. OFF MFJ - 1278B is set to transmit and receive FAX picture in 2 levels format. When MULTIFAX is turned ON , MFJ - 1278B is set to transmit and receive multi - level FAX pictures[...]

  • Page 247

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE OPERATIONAL COMMANDS MY call callsign Mode: Pactor Default: MFJPACTR The MYCALL command is the same as the MYCALL command used in the Packet mode. The MYCALL command can take callsigns up to 8 characters in length. The call sign used must be at least 4 characters in length. MYA LIAS call[ - n] Mode: Packet Default: <blank>[...]

  • Page 248

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE OPERATIONAL COMMANDS MYHI ERAD Text Mode: Mailbox Default: " " Text Any combination of characters and spaces, up to 60 characters in length. You may use this parameter to generate a customized "@:" portion of the tagline your TNC will insert in forwarded messages. If MYHIERAD is blank, the default @ portion [...]

  • Page 249

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE OPERATIONAL COMMANDS NAVT EX ON/OFF Mode: Navtex Default:OFF Parameters: ON Navtex receive mode is enabled. OFF Navtex receive mode is disabled. NAVTEX is an immediate command. The NAVTEX command must be issued under the " a_cmd: " Amtor command prompt. Under the "a_c md:" command prompt, type NAVTEX or the [...]

  • Page 250

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE OPERATIONAL COMMANDS NAVM SG Mode: Navtex Default: ALL The NAVMSG command works like the NAVSTN command with the ALL parameter used to exclude all, or to specify the type of messages to receive. The types of Navtex messages currently are: A : Navigational warnings B : Storm Warnings C : Reports of Ice D : Search/Rescue Informat[...]

  • Page 251

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE OPERATIONAL COMMANDS NO 200 ON/OFF Mode: Pactor Default: OFF Parameters: ON Inhibits 200 baud operation in Pactor mode. OFF Allows 200 baud operation in Pactor mode. The NO200 command controls whether 200 baud links are to be discourage d. The TNC accomplishes this in two ways: 1. Speedups are inhibited. 2. Incoming connect req[...]

  • Page 252

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE OPERATIONAL COMMANDS NODEP ATH text string Mode: Mailbox Default:" " Parameters: text string ; specifying node connect string Enter the command the TNC will command the node connected by the NODEFORW command to link with the receiving BBS. Example: cmd: NODEPATH C KB4VOL cmd: NODEFORW PSL5 This sequ ence first connect[...]

  • Page 253

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE OPERATIONAL COMMANDS Parameters: ON <NULL> characters are sent to the terminal following <LF> characters. OFF <NULL> characters are not sent to the terminal following <LF> characters. This command causes tran smission of <NULL> characters (ASCII code $00), producing an effective delay following any[...]

  • Page 254

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE OPERATIONAL COMMANDS OM LC ON/OFF Mode: AMTOR Default: OFF Parameters: ON Character convert to lower case enabled OFF Character convert to lower case disabled. O utput M ap to L ower C ase (OMLC) when ON instructs the MFJ - 1278B to convert all letter characters, except those echoed, to their lower case equivalent. P ACLEN n Mo[...]

  • Page 255

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE OPERATIONAL COMMANDS Parameters: n 0 - 3, selecting a parity opti on from the table below. This command sets the word parity mode for the terminal or computer data transfer according to the following table: n Value Parity 0 no parity 1 odd parity 2 no parity 3 even parity The parity bit, if present, is automatically stripped on[...]

  • Page 256

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE OPERATIONAL COMMANDS Parameters: nnn : 0<=nn<=255 The Pactor PASS command is the same as the PASS command in the other modes. The PASS command does not work for ^Y Changeover. PASSA LL ON/OFF Mode: Packet Default: OFF Parameters: ON The MFJ - 1278B will accept packets with invalid CRCs. OFF The MFJ - 1278B will only accep[...]

  • Page 257

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE OPERATIONAL COMMANDS PIX TONES n Mode: FAX/SSTV Default: (see below) Parameters: n = $aa,$bb,$cc,.........$mm,$nn,$ss The PIXTONES are arranged in the following format: White Lt gray Dark gray Black area area area area $aa, $bb, $cc, $dd, $ee, $ff, $gg, $hh, $ii, $jj, $kk, $ll, $mm, $nn, $ss Syn _________| The default PIX tones[...]

  • Page 258

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE OPERATIONAL COMMANDS The PIXTONES values are in Hexidecmal format. If the picture transmitted does not seem to have the right contrast, try reseting the PIXTONES values. The HEX values that represent the PIXTONES for the pictures to be transmitted are listed in Table below: PIXTONES Values (In HEX) FAX/SSTV TransmitTones (Hz) $[...]

  • Page 259

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE OPERATIONAL COMMANDS PKT PIX ON/OFF Mode: Packet Immediate Command PKTPIX is an immediate command that provides a method for t he MFJ - 1278B, to print packet pictures, and other graphics format data transmitted by another station in the VHF packet mode. The user must be connected to another station, with a printer connected to[...]

  • Page 260

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE OPERATIONAL COMMANDS PRINTG RA ON/OFF Mode: FAX/SSTV Default: ON For FAX and SS TV modes, the setting of PRINTGRA determines what the MFJ - 1278B does with demodulated graphics. In Multi - Level FAX mode when MULTIFAX command is turned ON , the setting PRINTGRA , ON or OFF , will not be useful. Under 2 level FAX/SSTV format, wh[...]

  • Page 261

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE OPERATIONAL COMMANDS The P RO fmars command causes the MFJ - 1278B to set itself up for MARS operations. The MFJ - 1278B sets the following parameters for MARS operation: AUTOLF OFF CCITT OFF DIDDLE OFF LFADDALT OFF LFIGNORE OFF MARSMODE $01 UNSHIFT OFF RXLFNOCR ON PT Over nnn: 0<=nn<=255 Mode: Pactor Default: $19 Paramet[...]

  • Page 262

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE OPERATIONAL COMMANDS QRT Mode: AMTOR Immediate Command The QRT command is an immediate command is used to: 1. End a mode A "ARQ" connection When the contact is completed and you are ready to break the link, issue QRT to break it and return the MFJ - 1278B to standby/receive mode. 2. Stop a broadcast in mode B (FEC ) a[...]

  • Page 263

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE OPERATIONAL COMMANDS RB ITMASK $xx Mode: RTTY/ASCII Default: 0 Parameters: $xx 0 - $7F, specifying the bit inversion during receiving. The RBITMASK command controls the bit inversion process applied to the received ASCII and RTTY characters. Bit inversion is a simple mean s of encryption. RBITMASK should be selected to match th[...]

  • Page 264

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE OPERATIONAL COMMANDS RED ISPLA n Mode: All Default: $12 Parameters: n 0 - $7F, specifying an ASCII character code. This command is used to change th e redisplay - line input editing character. The parameter n is the ASCII code for the character you want to type in order to redisplay the current input line. You can enter the cod[...]

  • Page 265

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE OPERATIONAL COMMANDS RESTART Mode: All RESTART is an immediate command. It re- initializes the MFJ - 1278B using the commands previously set by the user, and stored in bbRAM. The effect of this command is the same as turning the MFJ - 1278B OFF then ON again. RESTART does not cause a reset of the parameters in bbRAM. See also t[...]

  • Page 266

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE OPERATIONAL COMMANDS RET ries nnn: 0<=nn<=255 Mode: Pactor Default: 80 Parameters: nnn ; specifying the number of times a packet is transmitted before disconnect The number of error cycles that the MFJ - 1278B will tolerate before unilaterally terminating the link. (Also see WAITDISC) RE TRY n Mode: Packet Default: 10 Par[...]

  • Page 267

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE OPERATIONAL COMMANDS RFE ON/OFF Mode: AMTOR Default: OFF Parameters: ON Continous retries mode enabled OFF Continous retries mode disables. RFE is the R etry F or E ver parameter. When the RFE comma nd is ON, a Mode A call will continue until either a successful link is established, or the "QRT" or "R" comma[...]

  • Page 268

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE OPERATIONAL COMMANDS RXB LOCK ON/OFF Mode: Packet Default: OFF Parameters: ON The MFJ - 1278B will send data to the terminal in RXBLOCK format. OFF The MFJ - 1278B will send data to the terminal in standard format. The RXBLOCK command is designed for automated operations, such as packet bulletin board stations. It is intended t[...]

  • Page 269

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE OPERATIONAL COMMANDS RXBR IGHT n Mode: FAX/SSTV Default: 4 Parameter: n 0 - 9; specifying a certain set of TVBreak points The RXBRIGHT command is used to select a certain set of TVB reak values for use with the SSTV and Multi - Level FAX modes. The TVB reak sets within the RXBRIGHT command control the brightness and contrast of[...]

  • Page 270

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE OPERATIONAL COMMANDS RXCAL Mode: All Immediate Command RXCAL is an immediate command. When invoked, the MFJ - 1278B generates test signals (based on CALSET -- see below) that are used by the internal tuning software to align the demodulator components. To use the RXCAL feature, 1. Align the modulator components as described in [...]

  • Page 271

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE OPERATIONAL COMMANDS CALSET Adjustment & Location Map This is a map of the physical locations of the adjustment potentiometers on the MFJ - 1278B circuit board. They are shown as the y appear when looking down on top of the board with the board oriented so that the rear panel connectors are to the left. Information in the b[...]

  • Page 272

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE OPERATIONAL COMMANDS RVF ALWAY ON/OFF Mode: Mailbox Default: ON Parameters: ON Initiates forwards and reverse forwards of all forwardable messages. OFF Mailbox ig nores Forward and NODEforw commands. The setting of RVFALWAY (s) controls whether the TNC will initiate forward events, via the FORWARD and NODEFORW commands in the a[...]

  • Page 273

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE OPERATIONAL COMMANDS Parameters: n 0 - $7F, specifying an ASCII character code. This command selects the character that will force a packet to be sent in Converse Mode. The parameter n is the ASCII code for the character you want to type in order to force your input to be packetized and queued for transmission. You can enter th[...]

  • Page 274

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE OPERATIONAL COMMANDS SET UP Mode: ALL Default: see table below All possible baud rates and modem configurations are displayedon the SETUP menu. The selected baud rates and modem configurations are also sho wn. Anytime the MFJ - 1278B default values are loaded the baud rate and modem default profile is loaded as well. The defaul[...]

  • Page 275

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE OPERATIONAL COMMANDS SL OTS nnn Mode: Packet Default: 3 Parameter: nnn 0 - 127, specified the number of sides on the slot time dice. The SLOTS parameter determines how ma ny sides are on the slot time dice. SLOTS represents an n+1 sided dice the TNC "throws" before transmitting. The SLOTS command allows any number of [...]

  • Page 276

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE OPERATIONAL COMMANDS SR XALL ON/OFF Mode: AMTOR Default: ON The MFJ - 1278B will print all receivable mode S transmissions when SRXALL is on. Taking advantage of the ability to receive an addressed mode S transmission requires SRXALL ON and a match between the address being sent and your MYSELCAL. If SR XALL is OFF and MYSELCAL[...]

  • Page 277

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE OPERATIONAL COMMANDS STOP n Mode: All Default: $13 Parameters: n 0 - $7F, specifying an ASCII character code. The STOP command selects th e User Stop character , which is used to stop output from the MFJ - 1278B to the terminal. You can enter the code in either hex or decimal. This is the character you will type to halt the MFJ[...]

  • Page 278

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE OPERATIONAL COMMANDS STREAMC A ON/OFF Mode: Packet Default: OFF Parameters: ON Callsign of other station displayed. OFF Callsign of other station not displayed. This command is used to enable the display of the connected - to station after the stream identif ier. This is particularly useful when operating with multiple connecti[...]

  • Page 279

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE OPERATIONAL COMMANDS STREAMD B ON|OFF Mode: Packet Default: OFF Parameters: ON Double all received STREAMSW itch characters. OFF Do not "double" received STREAMSW itch characters. This command is used to display received STREAMSW itch ch aracters by "doubling" them. The example below illustrates this action.[...]

  • Page 280

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE OPERATIONAL COMMANDS When the MAILBOX is ON , the Sys tem Op erator can access t he mailbox by typing the immediate command, SYSOP . All commands are available to the SYSOP . When the SYSOP has completed operating the MAILBOX , he must return to command mode with "Control - C" (or the current COMMAND character) to all[...]

  • Page 281

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE OPERATIONAL COMMANDS TRACE ON/OFF Mode: Packet Default: OFF Parameters: ON Trace mode is enabled. OFF Trace mode is disabled. This command is used to enable the protocol debugging function. When the TRACE command is ON , all received frames will be displayed in their entirety, including all header information. In normal operati[...]

  • Page 282

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE OPERATIONAL COMMANDS T RANS Mode: Packet Immediate Command This i s an immediate command. It causes the MFJ - 1278B to exit from Command Mode into Transparent Mode. The current link state is not affected. Transparent Mode is primarily useful for computer communications. In this mode, the "human interface" features suc[...]

  • Page 283

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE OPERATIONAL COMMANDS TRI ES n Mode: Pa cket Default: NONE Parameters: n = 0 - 15, specifying the current RETRY level on the currently selected input stream. This command is used to retrieve or force the count of " tries " on the currently selected input stream. When used with no argument: 1. If the MFJ - 1278B has an [...]

  • Page 284

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE OPERATIONAL COMMANDS TVB REAKS n Mode: SSTV Default: (see below) Parameters: n = $aa,$bb,$cc,$dd,........,$kk,$ll,$mm,$nn,$ss TVB reaks are arranged in the following format: * White * gray * Black * * area * area * area * $ss, $aa, $bb, $cc, $dd, $ee, $ff, $gg, $hh, $ii, $jj, $kk, $ll, $mm, $nn |___ Sync The default TVBreak val[...]

  • Page 285

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE OPERATIONAL COMMANDS TVM ODE n Mode: SSTV Immediate Command Parameter: n = 1 to 5; specifying a SSTV picture format The TVMODE command selects the formats under the SSTV mode for the MFJ - 1278B. When the built - in printer port is used to receive SSTV, the MFJ - 1278B supports all SSTV formats listed in table below. TVMODE(n) [...]

  • Page 286

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE OPERATIONAL COMMANDS TVX ON/OFF Mode: SSTV Default: OFF Parameters: ON Multi - level SSTV raw data is sent to the terminal without presetting the SSTV format. OFF Multi - level SSTV raw data is sent to the terminal in format set by the TVMODE command TVX command sets the format that the MFJ - 1278B sends the SSTV pictures to th[...]

  • Page 287

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE OPERATIONAL COMMANDS TXD elay n Mode: Pactor Default: 2 (60ms) Parameters: n = Actual Delay Time equals n + 10ms * 5ms Similar to AMTOR's DELAY and packe t's TXDELAY . The actual delay yielded is equal to (10ms + (TXDELAY * 5ms ) ). If the combined TXDELAYs of both stations involved in the link exceeds about 180ms, th[...]

  • Page 288

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE OPERATIONAL COMMANDS TXDI DDLE ON/OFF Mode: Packet Default: OFF Parameters: ON The MFJ - 1278B uses the efficent square wave TXDIDLE routine. OFF The MFJ - 1278B uses flags during TXDELAY period. TXDIDDLE determines whether or not the MFJ - 1278B uses a highly efficient square wave signal in place of flags during the transmitte[...]

  • Page 289

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE OPERATIONAL COMMANDS TXF LOW ON/OFF Mode: All Default: OFF Parameters: ON Software flow control can be enabled for the MFJ - 1278B in Transparent Mod e. OFF Software flow control is disabled for the MFJ - 1278B in Transparent Mode. If TXFLOW is ON , the setting of XFLOW is used to determine the type of flow control used in Tran[...]

  • Page 290

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE OPERATIONAL COMMANDS TXU IFRAME ON/OFF Mode: Packet Default: ON TXUIFRAME is used to tell the MFJ- 1278B what to do with unconnected information left in its buffers. When this parameter is ON, all unconnected data are transmitted as "UI" (unconnected) frames. The TXUIFRAME command should be OFF for bulletin - board st[...]

  • Page 291

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE OPERATIONAL COMMANDS UNS HIFT ON/OFF Mode: RTTY Default: ON In Baudot RTTY receive mode only, UNSHIFT ON forces the receiver shift to the LTRS case whenever the Baudot SPACE character is received. This helps in many situations in reducing garbling when conditions are not good. Some stations, part icularly those transmitting wea[...]

  • Page 292

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE OPERATIONAL COMMANDS VI STICKS nnnn Mode: SSTV Default:0 Parameters: nnnn 0<nnnn<65535 The VI sticks parameter specifies the number of pixels to send at the beginning of a SSTV picture that will use the alternate VISTONES modem configuration list. After VISTICKS pixels are sent, remaining picture data use the PIXTONES lis[...]

  • Page 293

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE OPERATIONAL COMMANDS WA itdisc nn Mode: Pactor Default: 20 Parameters: nn = 10<=nn<=255 The WAITDISC command determines the number of cycles the MFJ - 1278B waits to reply to the other T NC, that having requested a disconnect, fails to hear our disconnect acknowledgement. WD MODE ON/OFF Mode: AMTOR Default: OFF WDMODE, wo[...]

  • Page 294

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE OPERATIONAL COMMANDS Parameters: ON XON/XOFF flow control is enabled. OFF XON/XOFF flow control is disabled and hardware flow control is enabled. If XFLOW is ON , the computer or terminal is assumed to respond to the MFJ - 1278B Restart and Stop characters set by XON and XOFF . If XFLOW is OFF , the MFJ - 1278B will communicate[...]

  • Page 295

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE OPERATIONAL COMMANDS XOff nn Mode: Pactor Default: ^S Parameters: nn = 0 <= nn <= 25 This command determines the Flow Control STOP character. The Pactor XOFF co mmand is the same as the XOFF command in the standard MFJ - 1278B command set. For further information on the XOFF command please refer to the explanation of the [...]

  • Page 296

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE SYSTEM MESSAGES MFJ-1278B SYSTEM MESSAGES This chapter describes the messages your MFJ - 1278B may produce and the circumstances under which they can appear. PACKET MESSAGES *:J bbRAM:LOAD WITH DEFAULTS MFJ Enterprises, Inc. Model MFJ - 1278B AX.25 Level 2 Version 2.0 RELEASE X.X.X - DATE - 32K RAM Checksum XXX cmd: This is the[...]

  • Page 297

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE SYSTEM MESSAGES too many packets outstanding This message would appear in response to a CONVERS or TRANS command, under special circumstances. If you have previously entered pac ket data, filling the outgoing buffer in Converse Mode or Transparent Mode and then returned to Command Mode. You will be allowed to enter one of these[...]

  • Page 298

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE SYSTEM MESSAGES Not found This message occurs when one attempts to read or kill a non - existent message from an empty slot. For example if the user issues the command R 30 to read the message in message slot 30, and there is no message in message slot 30. None found A parameterless Kill or Read command. The NONE FOUND messag e[...]

  • Page 299

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE SYSTEM MESSAGES ?not enough You did not give enough arguments for a command that expects several parameters. For example the command to initiate a beacon every 10 seconds is B E 1 . If you issue the command B E the MFJ - 1278B gives this message. The MFJ - 1278B knows there is supposed to be another argument. ?not while connect[...]

  • Page 300

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE SYSTEM MESSAGES Link Status Messages These messages inform you of the status of AX.25 connections your MFJ - 1278B may be involved in. You can always interrogate the link status by giving the CONNECT command without parameters. If you attempt a connection when your MFJ - 1278B is not in the disconnected state, the MFJ - 1278B w[...]

  • Page 301

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE SYSTEM MESSAGES *** CONNECTED to: call1 [VIA call2[,call3...,call9]] This message appears when the MFJ - 1278B goes from the "disconnected" or "connect in progress" s tate to the connected state. The connection may be a result of a CONNECT command you issued, or of a connect request packet received from anot[...]

  • Page 302

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE SYSTEM MESSAGES FRMR rcvd: This message is followed by a display of the FRMR packet received in the trace display format. This format is explained in the TRACE command entry. This message will not appear if your MFJ - 1278B is in Transparent Mode. ***LINKOUTOFORDER, possible dataloss[opt.daytime stamp]: This message indicates f[...]

  • Page 303

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE HARDWARE HARDWARE This chap ter details the specifications and the functional description of the MFJ- 1278B hardware design. MFJ-1278B SPECIFICATIONS Processor CMOS Z -80A Clocks Processor master clock input frequency: 4.9152 MHz User Port Clock: Switch selectable at 16x baud rate. Memory All memory in industry - standard JEDEC[...]

  • Page 304

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE HARDWARE bbRAM Non- volatile storage of all important operating parameters is accomplished by using a battery backed - up system for the entire 32K byte s of system RAM and all mailbox RAM. Protocol AX.25 Level 2 is supported. Pre- Version 2.0 support is compatible with earlier TAPR TNCs running 3.x software. Full support of Ve[...]

  • Page 305

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE HARDWARE Other integrated circuits are used for functions including clock oscillator, baud - rate generator, memory - space decoder, power supply and voltage inverter, clock recovery, transmit watch - dog timer and modem. Refer to the schematic diagram while reading the following circuit descriptions. DETAILED CIRCUIT DESCRIPTI[...]

  • Page 306

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE HARDWARE Inverter U10e buffers the radio port "16x" baud - rate signal in case it is routed, via modem disconnect J4 pins 11 and 12, to an external modem. If this buffer were not included, reflections from the distant termination might cause counter U1 to generate count errors. Counter U4b provides a properly scaled c[...]

  • Page 307

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE HARDWARE Watch - dog Timer Inverters U7c, U7d, U7e, and Q10 and Q20 provide a "watch - dog" timer on the transmit key line to ensure that the transmitter does not rem ain keyed for more than about 30 seconds should the TNC fails. This allows you to leave a station (such as a remote digipeater) on - the - air and unatt[...]

  • Page 308

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE HARDWARE Transistors Q5 and Q6 are used to isolate the battery from the +5 volt line when main power is available. R33 protects the lithium battery from overload conditions and provides a convenient means of monitoring battery current drain when the TNC is switched off. JMP5 provides a means of disc onne cting the negative side[...]

  • Page 309

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE HARDWARE Some serial I/O ports do not implement CTS, DTR and DSR handshaking. If these pins are not connected at the terminal end, they will be pulled up (and thus asserted) by resistors at the MFJ - 1278B end. However, a non - standard serial connector may use some pins for other purposes, such as supplying power to a peripher[...]

  • Page 310

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE HARDWARE JUMPER FUNCTIONS The following table lists the function of each jumper on the MFJ - 1278B. For normal operation a shorting jumper must be placed on the following connectors: JMP 5; JMP 8; JMP 9 pins 2,3; JMP 13; JMP 14 pins 1,2; JMP 16 pins 1,3 and pins 2,4; JMP 18 pins 1,2; JMP 19 outside pair (one top,one bottom); JM[...]

  • Page 311

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE HARDWARE Table 8 - 1 : Jumper Function (Cont.) Jumper # Position Function JMP16 Pin 1 & 2 Without multi - gray levels Pin 1 & 3 (default) With multi - gray levels Pin 2 & 4 (default) With multi - gray levels JMP17 Pin1 & 2 2400 baud ext. modem clock Pin 2 & 3 (default) 9600 baud ext. modem clock JMP18 Pin 1 [...]

  • Page 312

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE HARDWARE Table 8 - 1 : Jumper Function (Cont.) Jumper # Position Function JMPB ON (default) On board transmit low tone OFF Out board transmit low tone JMPC ON Enable external DCD OFF (default) Disable external DCD JMPD NOT used JMPE*** ON (default) Disable Lo w Tone RTTY Demod OFF Enable Low Tone RTTY Demod JMPF*** ON (default)[...]

  • Page 313

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE HARDWARE NOTE: * When JMP23 is shorted, it will RESET the MFJ - 1278B. This means that all parameters will be reset to the default values. This is the same as removing the bbRAM battery except it is much quicker. ** MFJ offers an optional Real - time clock module (MFJ - 43) that can be installed on the MFJ - 1278B mother board.[...]

  • Page 314

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE HARDWARE TTL INTERFACE PORT PIN FUNCTION,J5 The MFJ - 1278B provides the user with a TTL level I/O port, J5. The TTL level I/O port, J5 is compatible with computers and terminals that do not support RS - 232C serial voltage levels, such as the Commodore C64 and C128 computers. Voltage levels of 0 and 5 VDC are available at J5. [...]

  • Page 315

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE HARDWARE MULTI-LEVEL INTERFACE CONNECTOR,J13 The MFJ - 1278B provides the user with the ca pability to perform Multi - Level FAX operations as well as Color SSTV work. Multi - Level FAX and Color SSTV operations are accomplished through the addition of a Multi - Level Interface. The Multi - Level Interface controls both transmi[...]

  • Page 316

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE HARDWARE MODEM DISCONNECT HEADER, J4 The modem disconnect header, J4, on the MFJ- 1278B PC board is provided for using an external modem with the MFJ- 1278B. This allows use of higher - speed modems, such as 9600 baud, or more sophisticated, higher - performance modems for OSCAR or other uses. The following information is prima[...]

  • Page 317

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE HARDWARE Pin 5 SIO RTS Output This signal is used for transmitter activation. The SIO will pull this output low when the MFJ - 1278B wants to transmit; otherwise it will remain high. This pin is normally jumpered to pin 6 when the on - board modem is used. Pin 6 Transmitter Key Input This signal is an input to the on - board mo[...]

  • Page 318

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE HARDWARE Pin 13 Receive Clock Input This pin is tied to the SIO receive clock input pin. It expects a clock at the desired data rate (1200 Hz for 1200 baud), of the proper phase relationship to the received data. This pin is normally jumpered to pin 14 when the on - board modem is used. Pin 14 Receive Clock Output This pin is t[...]

  • Page 319

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE TROUBLESHOOTING TROUBLESHOOTING WARNING: Never remove or insert an IC with power on ! Your MFJ - 1278B is a very complex piece of electronic equipment. Servicing must be approached in a logical manner. The best preparation for troubleshooting is to study the detailed hardware description in Chapter 7. While it is not possible t[...]

  • Page 320

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE TROUBLESHOOTING Step 1: Power Supply The first thing to check in any malfunction is the power supply. Check the power supply levels at the outputs of the voltage regulators, Q2 and Q3 as well as the output of the inverter (U2). Are they clo se to their nominal values? Do all the ICs in the suspected area have the proper voltage[...]

  • Page 321

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE TROUBLESHOOTING Step 4: Cabling Problems Inspect the interconnection cabling. Does it work on another TNC? Has the radio and/or terminal been successfully used on packet with this or another TNC? Are all the connections tight? Has the cable frayed or broken? SPECIFIC SYMPTOMS While the steps described above may seem obvious, ca[...]

  • Page 322

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE TROUBLESHOOTING Verify that there is activity on the control bus READ and WRITE lines, the 3 CHIP - ENABLE lines on the memories (U23 - 25, pins 20), the IOREQ line on U21 pin 36, and the INT line on pin 16. Each of these lines should show activity, and if any line is quiet this is a sign of trouble. Logic lines that show no ac[...]

  • Page 323

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE TROUBLESHOOTING Symptom: Uncopyable transmitted or received packets If no one seems able to decode your packet transmissions, it is often the c ase that your transmitter is being overdriven. The solution is to reduce the drive level via trimpots R157 and R158. Note that direct connection to typical microphone inputs requires R1[...]

  • Page 324

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE TROUBLESHOOTING Symptom: The MFJ - 1278B appears to be signing on but only gibberish is printed on the terminal e This indicates that some combination of the data rate (baud rate), parity option, or number of start and stop bits are not set the same at the MFJ - 1278B and at the terminal. If possible, set your terminal to 1200 [...]

  • Page 325

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE PACKET RADIO PROTOCOL PACKET RADIO PROTOCOL EXPLANATION OF PROTOCOL The intention of this chapter is to give the user an overview of the packet protocol used to transmit data by the TAPR software. The MFJ - 1278B employs the genuine TAPR TNC 2 packet software. We give references to more detailed information required by those wi[...]

  • Page 326

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE PACKET RADIO PROTOCOL Level two accomplishes this task by partitioning data to be transferred by level one into individual frames, each with its own error detection field and frame identification fields. The MFJ - 1278B supports two versions of a level - two layer, AX.25 version 1.0 and AX.25 version 2.0. Each of these protocol[...]

  • Page 327

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE PACKET RADIO PROTOCOL The communications chip recognizes the opening and closing flags and passes the address , control , and data fields , including PID to the software. The FCS field is a F rame C heck S equence computed by the transmitting chip and sent with the fram e. The receiving chip recomputes the FCS based on the data[...]

  • Page 328

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE PACKET RADIO PROTOCOL provided by the TRACE command. Some texts, includ ing the AX.25 protocol specification, list the bits in the order in which they are transmitted, which is low order bit first. The AX.25 protocol presents the control bytes in hexadecimal with "x" used to indicate four bits that depend on the ackno[...]

  • Page 329

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE PACKET RADIO PROTOCOL RNR The RNR frame is used when the buffer space on the receiving side is full. REJ Used to request retransmission of frames starting from "x". Missed frames are detected by receiving a frame number different from that expected. DM Sent in response to any frame received other than a connect reques[...]

  • Page 330

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE PACKET RADIO PROTOCOL CHANNEL USE AND TIMING FUNCTIONS The following discussions mention timing parameters which are set by various commands. These timing functions are also discussed in Chapter 5. An important part of any packet radio protocol is the means by which many stations make efficient use of an RF channel, achieving m[...]

  • Page 331

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE PACKET RADIO PROTOCOL through the same digipeaters to the originating station. Since the digipeated packets are not acknowledged to the digipeater, an unsuccessful transmission must be retried from scr atch by the originating station. In order to help alleviate the congestion of the frequency that tends to result when digipeate[...]

  • Page 332

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE APPENDIX A RADIO HOOKUP RADIO HOOKUP Table: A - 1 HOOKUP FOR SPECIFIC RADIOS MFGS. OR RADIOS CONNECTOR TYPE MIC. AUDIO To pin 1 of 1278B PTT To Pin 3 of 1278B RX. AUDIO To pin 4 of 1278B GROUND To pin 2 of 1278B KENWOOD 4 pin Pin 1 Pin 2 Speaker Pin 3,4 5 pin Pin 1 Pin 2 Speaker Pin 4,5 6 pin Pin 1 Pin 2 Speaker Pin 6 8 Pin Pin[...]

  • Page 333

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE APPENDIX A RADIO HOOKUP Table A - 1.2 Other Radio Connections MFGS. OR RADIOS CONNECTOR TYPE MIC. AUDIO To pin 1 of 1278B PTT To Pin 3 of 1278B RX. AUDIO To pin 4 of 1278B GROUND To pin 2 of 1278B ALINCO DR - 110T 8 - Pin Pin 1 Pin 2 Speaker Pin 7 DR - 119T 8 - Pin Pin 1 Pin 2 Speaker Pins 7,8 DR - 570T 8 - Pin Pin 1 Pin 2 Spea[...]

  • Page 334

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE APPENDIX B MODEM CALIBRATION MODEM CALIBRATION The MFJ - 1278B Modem is factory calibrated to operate all the operational modes it is capable of. If it becomes necessary to re - calibrate the MFJ - 1278B modem, please follow the following procedure: MODULATOR/DEMODULATOR FREQUENCY CALIBRATION Here we present you with two (2) Mo[...]

  • Page 335

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE APPENDIX B MODEM CALIBRATION 7. Adjust R77 for 2200Hz +/ - 2Hz . Press the SPACE BAR . 8. Adjust R105 for 2295Hz +/ - 2Hz . Press the SPACE BAR . 9. Adjust R106 for 2125Hz +/ - 2Hz . Press the SPACE BAR . 10. Adjust R122 for 2125Hz +/ - 2Hz . Press the SPACE BAR . NOTE : If recalibrating the VB modem for Low Tone RTTY , then re[...]

  • Page 336

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE APPENDIX B MODEM CALIBRATION 15. Press the SPACE BAR , the MFJ - 1 278B will display: Multilevel demod: 307 {154}KHz. 1550 Hz: 106 {53} At this time there will be some numbers scrolling on the computer screen. The numbers on the screen will vary from 103 to 110. 16. Press the SPACE BAR , the MFJ - 1278B will display: 2250 Hz: 7[...]

  • Page 337

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE APPENDIX B MODEM CALIBRATION NOTE : If recalibrating the VB modem for Low Tone RTTY , then remove the jumpers from JMP E, F, G, and H and tune R114 until the 10th LED from the left is lit. 26. Press the SPACE BAR . The MFJ - 1278B will display the CMD: prompt. This indicates the completion of the MFJ - 1278B MODULATOR and DEMOD[...]

  • Page 338

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE APPENDIX B MODEM CALIBRATION Comprehensive Alignment Procedure It is important that the tuning indicator alignment be optimized for the 300 baud 200 Hz shift HF packet modem. It will indicate correctly for all other modes when aligned for the HF packet modem. As described elsewhere in this manual, the exact configuration of you[...]

  • Page 339

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE APPENDIX B MODEM CALIBRATION 8. Adjust R106 carefully until both the " CON " and " STA " LEDs on the front panel of the TNC are lit. One of the leds may filcker slightly. This is normal. 9. Type a " Q ". This exits the MFJ - 1278B from calibrate mode to command mode. 10. Type CALSET n <CR>&qu[...]

  • Page 340

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE APPENDIX B MODEM CALIBRATION 5. Command the MFJ - 1278B to do a demodulator calibration by typing "RXCAL <CR>". 6. CAREFULLY adjust R113 until the DCD LED on the front panel is fully illuminated. NOTE : The threshold control on the MFJ - 1278B must be set to a position which will allow the DCD circuit to functio[...]

  • Page 341

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE APPENDIX B MODEM CALIBRATION 3. Command the calibration routine to send 50 percent duty cycle square wave data from the modulator by typing " RXCAL " <CR>. 4. While observing the LEDs in the tuning indicator, adjust R212 in the tuning indicator area so that either the 10th or 11th led from the left (or both) are[...]

  • Page 342

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE APPENDIX B MODEM CALIBRATION MFJ - 1278B Adjustment Location Map This is a map of the physical locations of the adjustment potentiometers on the MFJ - 1278B circuit board. They are shown as they appear when looking down on top of the board with the board oriented so that the rear panel connectors are to the left. Information in[...]

  • Page 343

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE APPENDIX B MODEM CALIBRATION Calset Values for Various Mod ulator Tone Frequencies Tone CALSET # Adjust Modem / Remarks 2125 247 R106 HF Packet & RTTY Fc = 2200 Hz 2295 229 R105 170 Hz shift 1300 404 R78 Packet / Fc = 1700 Hz, 800 Hz shift. CCITT V.23 std., preferable for HF 1200 baud, works well on VHF FM too. 2100 250 R77[...]

  • Page 344

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE APPENDIX B MODEM CALIBRATION CW MODEM TUNE-UP PROCEDURE The CW modem in the MFJ - 1278B is fundamentally di fferent from the other modems. It is NOT an AFSK modem. It sends and receives only 1 tone. For this reason, it requires a different alignment procedure than the others. NOTE : If the Modulator and Demodulator are not EXAC[...]

  • Page 345

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE APPENDIX B MODEM CALIBRATION Detailed CW Demodulator Alignment Procedure 1. Determine the required Fc for the demodulator. If the radio has a narrow filter for CW, one of the 2 methods presented on Pages 19 and 20 in the appendix of this manual should be used to determine the filter center frequency. This frequency should be us[...]

  • Page 346

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE APPENDIX B MODEM CALIBRATION b. Place a scope probe on the top pin of JMP10, the pin furthest from Q14). The oscilloscope will be used to indicate when the square wave that will appear at this point during the adjustment procedure approaches 50 percent duty cycle. c. Command the TNC into calibrate mode by typing "CAL <C[...]

  • Page 347

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE APPENDIX B MODEM CALIBRATION NOTE : If you have a square wave on the scope face but the tuning indicator is not near center, you are on a false setting. Adjust R115 so that the tuning indicator is near center and THEN set the square wave duty cycle. 4. If MCW transceive operation with another station is desir ed, do the above p[...]

  • Page 348

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE APPENDIX C AUDIO OUTPUT AUDIO OUTPUT CALIBRATION The transmit audio output levels of MFJ - 1278B Radio Port 1 and Radio Port 2 both are factory set to 250 mV. You may find it necessary to set the output levels differently to match your radio specifications, then you should follow the procedure given in this appendix. Note that [...]

  • Page 349

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE APPENDIX C AUDIO OUTPUT 8. Move the probe to J9 pin 4, RX audio. The signal should be approximately 1 V p - p. 9. Press the space bar and again measure the peak to peak voltage at J9 pin 4. The audio level should not change. Both mark and space audio should be at the same level. 10. Type: Q the cmd: prompt will appear on the co[...]

  • Page 350

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE APPENDIX D HF RADIO HF RADIO ALIGNMENT If you have determined that it is necessary to realign the MFJ - 1278B modem center frequency to your radio filter center frequency, one of the following 2 methods should be used to make the radio filter center frequency (Fc) determination. Both methods require access to a frequency counte[...]

  • Page 351

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE APPENDIX D HF RADIO SECOND METHOD: FILTER SKIRT AVERAGE FREQUENCY 1. Set the receiver to LSB mode with the 500 Hz filter selected. 2. Make sure the radio's IF shift control, if one is present, is in its proper position (centered or on detente). 3. Using either a signal generator or a stable, relatively strong carrier from [...]

  • Page 352

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE APPENDIX E CONVERTING TO TNC-2 CONVERTING THE MFJ-1278B TO "LIKE-TNC 2" With a simple modification as described in this section, APPENDIX E, the user can easily convert the MFJ - 1278B to a "like TNC 2" controller. Once converted, the MFJ - 1278B can run programs such as NET/ROM ™ , THE NET ™ and other s[...]

  • Page 353

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE APPENDIX E CONVERTING TO TNC-2 3. Construct Header U28 by connecting pins 2, 5, 6, 12, 15 and 19 to ground pin 10. Connect pins 9 and 16 to +5 Volts at pin 20. See Figure E - 2 below. Fig. E - 2 : Header U28 4. Remove U27 on the MFJ - 1278B PC board and replace it with Header U27. 5. Remove U28 on the MFJ - 1278B PC board and r[...]

  • Page 354

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE APPENDIX F 2400 BPS PACKET MFJ-1278B 2400 BPS PACKET If your MFJ - 1278B does not have the 2400 bps packet capability, then the user can easily install the proper hardware. The user can purchase the optional MFJ - 2400 BPS modem, and is easily installed. Installation is simple, because your MFJ - 1278B is equipped with all the [...]

  • Page 355

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE APPENDIX F 2400 BPS PACKET 2400 BPS Receive Audio Setting The MFJ 2400 modem employs automatic gain control (AGC) for its receive audio. The receive audio level is pre - set for proper 2400 operation, and no adjustment is necessary in most cases. If you set the receive au dio of your radio properly for 1200 operation, then in m[...]

  • Page 356

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE APPENDIX G: JUMPER FUNCTIONS JUMPER FUNCTIONS AND LOCATIONS The MFJ - 1278B mother board has many jumper connectors. Each jumper connector has a special function. The Jumper Function chart, Table G- 1 in this appendix, will help in identifying each jumper function. Figure G - 1 will help in locating the jumper connectors easily[...]

  • Page 357

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE APPENDIX G: JUMPER FUNCTIONS Table G - 1 : Jumper Function (Cont.) Jumper # Position Function JMP18 Pin 1 & 2 (default) Enable 19.2K baud termial Disable 300 baud terminal Pin 2 & 3 Enable 300 baud termial Disable 19.2K baud terminal JMP19 Outside pair (default) Enable 32K mailbox RAM Middle pair Enable 128K mailbox RAM[...]

  • Page 358

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE APPENDIX G: JUMPER FUNCTIONS Table G - 1 : Jumper Function (Cont.) JMPF*** ON (default) Disable Low Tone RTTY Demod OFF Enable Low Tone RTTY Demod JMPG*** ON (default) Disable Low Tone RTTY Mod OFF Enable Low Tone RTTY Mod JMPH*** ON (default) Disable L ow Tone RTTY Mod OFF Enable Low Tone RTTY Mod JMPJ ON TX audio has flat res[...]

  • Page 359

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE APPENDIX G: JUMPER FUNCTIONS Fig. G - 1 : Jumper Connector Location[...]

  • Page 360

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE APPENDIX H COMMAND SUMMARY COMMAND SUMMARY Command Paramete r Default Mode Function Page 8 BITCONV ON|OFF off Packet Enables transmission of 8 - bit data in converse mode 6 - 5 8L EVELS ON|OFF off FAX/SSTV Enables MFJ - 1278B to operate 8 gray levels in FAX and SSTV modes. 6 - 5 16L EVELS ON|OFF on FAX/SSTV Set MFJ - 1278B to t[...]

  • Page 361

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE APPENDIX H COMMAND SUMMARY Command Paramete r Default Mode Function Page BK ONDEL ON|OFF on Packet Determines the way the screen is updated when a character is deleted in the command mode. 6 - 19 BLP ON|OFF on Packet Allows Host Mode operation 6 - 20 BT EXT text blank Packet Specifies the text of the beacon packet. 6 - 21 BU DL[...]

  • Page 362

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE APPENDIX H COMMAND SUMMARY Command Paramete r Default Mode Function Page CONP ERM ON|OFF off Packet Allows a connection to become permanent. 6 - 32 CMS G ON|OFF off Packet Enable a message to be transmitted whenever there is a connection made. 6 - 33 CMSG DISC ON|OFF off Packet Controls whether the MFJ - 1278B will initiate a d[...]

  • Page 363

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE APPENDIX H COMMAND SUMMARY Command Paramete r Default Mode Function Page DEA DTIME nnn 33(330Ms) Packet Determines the basic time interval used by the slotting procedure. 6 - 46 DE LAY nn 20 (20Ms) AMTOR Sets the delay between keying the transmitter and tra nsmitting AMTOR. 6 - 46 DEL ETE ON|OFF off Packet Changes the input edi[...]

  • Page 364

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE APPENDIX H COMMAND SUMMARY Command Paramete r Default Mode Function Page FE C -- I - command AMTOR Initiates the broadcasting of Mode B forward error correcting mode. 6 - 58 FI RMRNR ON|OFF on Packet Controls the handling of busy states by MFJ - 1278. 6 - 58 F LOW ON|OFF on Packet Sets type - in flow control to the terminal. 6 [...]

  • Page 365

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE APPENDIX H COMMAND SUMMARY Command Paramete r Default Mode Function Page LFADDA LT ON|OFF on RTTY Enables the MFJ - 1278B to go to the next line when a <CR> character is received in RTTY mode. 6 - 67 LFI GNORE ON|OFF off Packet Line feeds are ignored except in transparent mode. 6 - 68 LI STEN -- I - command AMTOR Used to [...]

  • Page 366

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE APPENDIX H COMMAND SUMMARY Command Paramete r Default Mode Function Page MR PT ON|OFF on Packet Affects the way monitored packets are displayed. 6 - 80 MSP EED nn 20 CW Sets the operational speed which the MFJ - 1278B will use for CW. 6 - 80 MS TAMP ON|OFF off Packet Enables the time stamping of monitored packets. 6 - 81 MT IME[...]

  • Page 367

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE APPENDIX H COMMAND SUMMARY Command Paramete r Default Mode Function Page PAC TIME n10 Packet Determines the length of time between transmit and receive. 6 - 92 PAR ITY n 0 Packet Sets the parity mode for terminal or computer data transfer. 6 - 92 PAS S n $16 (^V) Packet Selects the ASCII character used for the "pass" [...]

  • Page 368

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE APPENDIX H COMMAND SUMMARY Command Paramete r Default Mode Function Page RET ries nnn I - command Pactor Specifies number of error packet cycles. 6 - 104 RET RY n 10 Packet Allows retransmission of frames that are not acknowledged. 6 - 104 REVF LIM call - n blank M - Packet Callsigns of BBS to enable reverse - forwards. 6 - 105[...]

  • Page 369

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE APPENDIX H COMMAND SUMMARY Command Paramete r Default Mode Function Page STR EAMSW n $7C (|) Packet Selects the character used by both the MFJ - 1278B and the user to select a new "stream". 6 - 118 SY SOP -- I - command Packet Enables the MAILBOX systems operator to enter in messages to the BBS system/bbs. 6 - 118 TI [...]

  • Page 370

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE APPENDIX H COMMAND SUMMARY Command Paramete r Default Mode Function Page TXUI FRAME ON|OFF on Packet Used to tell the MFJ - 1278B what to do with the unconnected information left in its buffer. 6 - 129 U1 Unproto -- I - command Pactor Initiates a 100 baud unproto connect. 6 - 129 U2 Unproto -- I - command Pactor Initiates a 200[...]

  • Page 371

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE APPENDIX I PARTS LIST MFJ-1278B/1278BT PARTS LIST MFJ P/N Descrpition Component ID RESISTORS, 1/4 WATT, 5% 100 - 0002 10 OHM R128, R150 100 - 0003 100 OHM **R14, **R15, R17, R18 R19, R59 100 - 0004 200 OHM R60, R126 100 - 0009 470 OHM R4, R97, R53, R34, R35 100 - 0056 680 OHM R211 100 - 0010 1 K R8, R36, R46, R47, R48 R11, R33,[...]

  • Page 372

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE APPENDIX I PARTS LIST R27, R37, R42 R72, R43 R20, R31, R64, R65, R133 R147 R155, R40, R41 100 - 0060 180 K R154 100 - 0033 200 K R205 100 - 0073 470 K R203, R204 100 - 0063 750 K R95 100 - 0040 1 M R83 RESISTORS, 1/8 WATT, 1% 102 - 5301 301 K R129 102 - 0057 182 K R102 102 - 5229 229 K R118* 102 - 4392 39.2 K R116, R1 41 102 - [...]

  • Page 373

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE APPENDIX I PARTS LIST MFJ P/N Descrpition Component ID TRIMPOTS, BOURNS OR EQUAL 108 - 6014 10 K, BOURNS 3299W - 1 - 103 R79, R113, R114 108 - 7005 20 K, BOURNS 3299W - 1 - 203 R77, R78, R106, R105, 108 - 7006 50 K, BOURNS 3299W - 1 - 503 R115, R138, R139, R122 108 - 7008 25 K, BOURS 3299W - 1 - 253 R119 108 - 7001 1 K, BOURNS [...]

  • Page 374

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE APPENDIX I PARTS LIST MFJ P/N Descrpition Component ID 201 - 1210 .1 UF, Z5U, 20% C1, C4, C11, C32, C21, C23 C9, C13, C14, C25, C26 C15, C17, C27, C28, C29 C30, C49, C50, C37, C38 C40, C41, C78, C43, C46 C48, C63, C66, C202, C205 C206, C208, C209, C91* C70*, C92*, C94*, C95* R93*, C33* CAPACITORS: MYLAR, 50V/100V 201 - 0018 .01[...]

  • Page 375

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE APPENDIX I PARTS LIST MFJ P/N Descrpition Component ID CAPACITOR: OTHER TYPES 203 - 8010 1 UF, 16 V, RADIAL C20 TANTALUM TYPE 204 - 0060 60 PF, TRIMMER C47 (2 LEADS, .20" SPACING) IC SOCKETS: LOW PROFILE 625 - 0184 8 - PIN SOCKET U8 625 - 0031 14 - PIN SOCKET U2, U3, U4, U7, U9, U10 U11, U13, U14, U20, U30 U31, U37, U41, U[...]

  • Page 376

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE APPENDIX I PARTS LIST MFJ P/N Descrpition Component ID 312 - 2512 27C1001, CMOS EPROM, U23 100 NS OR BETTER, (ERASABLE TYPE ONLY, DO NOT USE FUJUTSE TYPE) 312 - 2081 27C64, CMOS EPROM, U6 200 NS OR BETTER, PROGRAM WITH "STATE" 1.09 (ONE - TIME PROM, OK TO USE) 312 - 0075 43256LP - 10, 32K STATIC RAM, U24, U25 100 NS O[...]

  • Page 377

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE APPENDIX I PARTS LIST MFJ P/N Descrpition Component I D 310 - 3138 74HC138, 3 - to - 8 LINE DECODER U29#, U12# 310 - 0054 4053B, TRIPLE 2 - CH U26, U35, U36 CMOS ANALOG SWITCH 310 - 0053 4052B, DIFFERENTIAL U32, U33, U34 4 - CH CMOS ANALOG SWITCH 310 - 0040 4066, QUAD CMOS SWITCH U30, U31 310 - 3021 74HCT21, DUAL 4 - INPUT AND [...]

  • Page 378

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE APPENDIX I PARTS LIST MFJ P/N Descrpition Component ID 305 - 0001 2N3904, G ENERAL PURPOSE NPN Q9, Q1, Q2, Q4, Q6, Q7 Q22, Q15, Q13,Q14, Q16 Q19 305 - 0002 2N3906, GENERAL PURPOSE PNP Q8, Q5, Q12, Q21, Q23 305 - 2006 MPS -A92 Q18 VOLTAGE REGULATOR 307 - 2006 7805CT, TO - 220, +5 VOLTS Q3 CONNECTORS 612 - 1010 10 - PIN, .1 CENTE[...]

  • Page 379

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE APPENDIX I PARTS LIST MFJ P/N Descrpition Component ID 601 - 6021 2.0 MM PIN, COAXIAL JACK, P1 PC MOUNT, MALE 601 - 5003 3.5 MM, MINIATURE PC P2, P3, P11# MOUNT JACK, STEREO 600 - 0011 RCA PHONO JACK, RIGHT J11 ANGLE PCB MOUNT 612 - 4001 2 - POSITIONS, PUSH - ON JUMPER JMP5, JMP8, JMP 9 (2) MOLEX 15 - 38 - 1024 OR EQUAL JMP13, [...]

  • Page 380

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE APPENDIX I PARTS LIST MFJ P/N Descrpition Component ID 715 - 8082 6 - 32 x .5" Hex or round Aluminum spacer threaded with 6 - 32 threaded on both ends. To be installed on mother board. Use mounting hole next to C201 and C203. 700 - 3063 6 - 32 x .25" machine screw. For installing above spacer. 705 - 1617 MOUNTING NUT [...]

  • Page 381

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE APPENDIX I PARTS LIST MFJ P/N Descrpition Component ID 806 - 0210 - 1278 CABINET COVER. NOTE : MASK OUT PAINT ON THE INSIDE OF THE TOP CHASSIS PIECE. THIS IS TO INSURE GOOD CONTACT WITH CHASSIS REDUCE EMI. 770 - 1162 STICK - ON RUBBER FEET 781 - 2110 FCC STICKER, INSTALL UNDER CHASSIS 781 - 1118 SERIAL NO. STICKER. INSTALL ONE [...]

  • Page 382

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE APPENDIX I PARTS LIST MFJ P/N Descrpition Component ID 205 - 1210 .1 UF, Z5U, 20% C209 MONOLITHIC CAPACITOR 625 - 0182 18 - PIN IC SOCKET U204, U205 625 - 0291 20 - PIN IC SOCKET U202, U203 311 - 1056 LM3914N, BAR GRAPH DISPLAY U204, U205 DRIVER 320 - 2010 MV57164, 10 SEG. BAR GRAPH. U202, U203 DISPLAY, RED, GI OR LTA - 1000P O[...]

  • Page 383

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE APPENDIX I PARTS LIST MFJ P/N Descrpition Component ID Capacitor: Monolithic Ceramic 205 - 1210 .1 UF, Z 5U, 20% C301, C304 Capacitor: Electrolytic 203 - 0012 10 uf, 16V, Radial C302, C303 IC Sockets 625 - 0031 14 - pin Socket U301, U302 625 - 0030 16 - pin Socket U305, U306 625 - 0291 20 - pin Socket U303, U304 IC's 310 -[...]

  • Page 384

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE APPENDIX I PARTS LIST MFJ P/N Descrpition Component ID BOM for 2400 Baud Modem PC Assembly: P/N: 50 - 2400B - 1 (For 1278T only) RESISTOR, 1/4 WATT, 5% 100 - 0009 470 OHM R5 100 - 0065 620 OHM R48 100 - 0010 1 K R49 100 - 0012 2.2 K R29 100 - 0046 2.7 K R19 100 - 0014 4.7 K R3, R50 100 - 0015 7.5 K R43 100 - 0050 8.2 K R41 100 [...]

  • Page 385

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE APPENDIX I PARTS LIST MFJ P/N Descrpition Component ID 100 - 0042 1.8 M R53 100 - 0087 3.9 M R52 RESISTOR, 1/8 WATT, 1% 102 - 0037 9.09 K R21, R22 102 - 0038 9.53 K R12, R15 RESISTOR, NETWORK, SINGLE - ON - LINE, ISOLATED 107 - 6104 100 K RP2 RESISTOR, TRIM POT, SINGLE TURN, MINIATURE, HORZONTAL 104 - 4008 1 M R38 CAPACITORS: D[...]

  • Page 386

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE APPENDIX I PARTS LIST MFJ P/N Descrpition Component ID DIODES: 300 - 0003 1N4148 D1, D4 300 - 8001 1N34A D6 TRANSISTORS: 305 - 0001 2N3904 T2, T5, T6 305 - 0003 2N5088 T1 305 - 6005 VN10KM T3 IC'S 311 - 2049 XR2123ACP, PSK MODEM IC7 311 - 0001 741CN, SINGLE OP - AMP IC10 311 - 2069 MF10CCN, DUAL ACTIVE FILTER IC3, IC4 310 [...]

  • Page 387

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE APPENDIX I PARTS LIST MFJ P/N Descrpition Component ID 625 - 0292 28 PIN MISCELLANEOUS: 405 - 0095 CRYSTAL, HC18/U, 4.608 MHZ Y1 612 - 1021 .1 CENTER, RIGHT ANGLE, JMP 14B 5 POS. HEADER 612 - 3210 .1 CENTER, TOP ENTRY,10 POS CN1 DUAL ROW SOCKET CONNECTOR 612 - 0033 .1 CENTER, 3 POS. HEADER CN 6 612 - 4001 2 - POS. SHORTING JUME[...]

  • Page 388

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE MANUAL INDEX Manual Index * *.ix Identification packet, callsign text, 254 < <CR>, inserting in text strings, 265 <LF>, followed by <NULL>, 262 3 300 baud operation, demodulator DCD filter, 319 9 9600 baud operation, 135, 328 A Acknowledgment, 45 ACKNOWLEDGMENT PRIORITY, 153 Acknowledgment, digipeated packe[...]

  • Page 389

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE MANUAL INDEX Automatic operations, transmit operation, 128, 305 AUTOTRAC, 72 AWLEN, 278 Awlen, 34 AX.25 Level 2 protocol, 187, 337 B Baud rate, Radio, 124 Baud rate, Serial port, 124 Baud rate, serial port, 17 , 315, 321, 336 Baud rate, switch, 317 Baud - rate generator, 317 bbRAM, 118, 316 bbRAM loaded with defaults, 308 bbRAM[...]

  • Page 390

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE MANUAL INDEX Clock, NRZ to NRZI encoder, 318 Clock, speed selection, 317 Collision, avoidance, 231, 275, 343 Collision, detection, 343 Command abbreviations, 173 Command Defaults, 173 Command list, format, 173 Command Mode, 32 Command Mode entry character, Transparent Mode, 203 Command Mode, <NULL> transmission, 262 Comma[...]

  • Page 391

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE MANUAL INDEX Commands, AUTOLF, 185 Commands, AUtolf, 185 Commands, AUTOTRAC, 186 Commands, AWLEN, 176, 187 Commands, AX25L2V2, 187, 201 Commands, AXDELAY, 52, 188 Commands, AXHANG, 52, 188 commands, basic, 32 Commands, BBSMSGS, 189 Commands, BEACON, 193 Commands, BEACON EVERY/AFTER, 190 commands, BKONDEL, 49 Commands, BLP, 192 [...]

  • Page 392

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE MANUAL INDEX Commands, CWIDMODE, 214 Commands, CWSENDCH, 215 Commands, CWSPEEDM, 215 Commands, DAYTIME, 210, 216, 249, 253, 310 Commands, DAYUSA, 210, 217, 253 Commands, DDisc, 217 Commands, DEADTIME, 218 Commands, DEFLTDLC, 219 Commands, DELAY, 218 Commands, DELETE, 219 commands, DELETE, 49 Commands, DIDDLE, 219 Commands, DIGI[...]

  • Page 393

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE MANUAL INDEX Commands, ID, 234, 235 Commands, Id, 234 Commands, IDTIME, 235 Commands, K (Converse), 235 Commands, KILONFWD, 235 Commands, KISS, 236 Commands, LC, 237 Commands, LCALLS, 194, 237 Commands, LCSTREAM, 238 Commands, LEDmode, 239 Commands, LFADD, 239 Commands, LFadd, 239 Commands, LFADDALT, 239 Commands, LFIGNORE, 240[...]

  • Page 394

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE MANUAL INDEX Commands, MYcall, 255 Commands, MYDLCNUM, 255 Commands, MYHIERAD, 256 Commands, MYMCALL, 256 Commands, MYSELCAL, 256 Commands, NAVMSG, 258 Commands, NAVSTN, 257 Commands, NAVTEX, 257 Commands, NEWMODE, 207, 259 Commands, NODEFORW, 260 Commands, NODEPATH, 261 Commands, NOMODE, 261 Commands, NUCR, 262 Com mands, NULF[...]

  • Page 395

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE MANUAL INDEX Commands, RVFALWAY, 282 Commands, RXBLOCK, 278 Commands, RXBRIGHT, 279 Commands, RXCAL, 280 Commands, RXINVERT, 282 Commands, SCREENLN, 282 Commands, SELCALL, 283 Commands, SENDPAC, 283 Commands, SERIALNO, 283 Commands, SETUP, 284 Commands, SFNL, 284 Commands, SLOTS, 285 Commands, SOLF, 285 Commands, SRXALL, 286 Co[...]

  • Page 396

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE MANUAL INDEX Commands, UNPROTO, 190 Commands, UNSHIFT, 302 Commands, URepeats, 302 Commands, USERS, 302 Commands, VISBREAK, 303 Commands, VISTICKS, 303 Commands, VISTONES, 303 Commands, WAitdisc, 304 Commands, WDMODE, 304 Commands, WEIGHT, 304 Commands, WRU, 305 Commands, XFLOW, 305 Commands, XMITOK, 305 Commands, XOff, 306 Com[...]

  • Page 397

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE MANUAL INDEX Converse Mode, entry from Command Mode, 119, 210, 259, 309 Converse Mode, escape to Command Mode, 43, 206 Converse Mode, flow control to computer, 306, 307 Converse Mode, line cancellation, 197 Converse Mode, packet cancellation, 198 Converse Mode, send - packet character, 283 Converse Mode, special characters, 122[...]

  • Page 398

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE MANUAL INDEX Diodes, incorrect installation, 332 DIP header, U15, 319 DISC frames, 342 DISC frames, monitored, 247 Disconnect, acknowledged by UA frames, 342 Disconnect, after exceeding re4ry count, 276 Disconnect, causes, 312 Disconnect, in progress, 312 Disconnect, initiating a request, 220 Disconnect, message, 313 Disc onnec[...]

  • Page 399

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE MANUAL INDEX F FARnswor, 73, 75 FARNSWORTH CW, 75 FCS , HDLC field, 338 Fig. 2 - 1. Serial port wiring for Apple Macintosh., 6 Fig. 2 - 2. Serial port wiring for Radio Shack, 9 Fig. 2 - 3. Serial port wiring with jumpers for, 10 File Transfer, 8 - bit data, 122, 187 File transfer, ASCII, 187 File transfer, binary files, 122, [...]

  • Page 400

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE MANUAL INDEX I I frames, 340 IBM PCjr, 8 IBM PCjr, serial port interfacing, 8 IBM PCjr, terminal program, 12 IBM Personal Computer, 6 Identification packets, 234 Identification, automatic, 128 Identification, station, 127 iming, frame - acknowledge time for digipeated packets, 132 Input Editing, character deletion, 49 Input edi[...]

  • Page 401

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE MANUAL INDEX L LED normal power - up display, 333 Line Spacing, packet text, 130 Line wrapping, 35, 282 Link status messages, 312 Logic lines, troubleshooting, 334 Lower case characters, translation to upper case, 238 M Macintosh, serial port interfacing, 6 Macintosh, terminal program, 11 memory buffers, 38 memory buffers , cha[...]

  • Page 402

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE MANUAL INDEX Monitoring, selected stations, 137 Monitoring, time stamping, 253 Monitoring, while connected, 46, 247 MSPeed, 73 Multiple packets, for 1200 baud, 134 N NEC 8201, serial port interfacing, 9 NEC 8201, terminal program, 13 New lines, 35 Noise, cause of retransmissions, 45 NORMAL CW, 75 NRZ to NRZI encoder, 318 NRZ to[...]

  • Page 403

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE MANUAL INDEX Power supply, troubleshooting, 332 Power - on reset, 319 Power - on reset, LED display, 333 Protocol, 337 Protocol errors, result in FRMR frames, 342 Protocol, AX.25 Level 2, 316, 337 Protocol, compatibility, 316 Protocol, control byte format, 340 Protocol, data link layer, 337 Protocol, debugging function, 292 Pro[...]

  • Page 404

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE MANUAL INDEX RS - 232C, 4 RS - 232C signals, Clear To Send, 15, 125 RS - 232C signals, Data Carrier Detect, 15 RS - 232C signals, Data Set Ready, 15 RS - 232C signals, Data Terminal Ready, 125 RS - 232C signals, Frame Ground, 13 RS - 232C signals, Request to Send, 15 RS - 232C signals, Signal Ground, 15 RS - 232C signals, Trans[...]

  • Page 405

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE MANUAL INDEX signal lock, 72 SLOTTING, 153 Software UART, Color Computer, 13 Special Characters, 117 Special characters, Converse Mode, 122 Special characters, Transparent Mode, 122 special input characters, 49 Specifications, 315 State machine, 318 Station identification, 234 Station identification, callsign text, 254 Station [...]

  • Page 406

    MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE MANUAL INDEX Timing, Transparent Mode escape, 203 TNC 1, AX.25 Level 2 version, 187 TNC 1, AXHANG parameter, 188 TNC 1, Command Mode entry and exit, 259 TNC 1 , protocol compatibility, 339 TNC 1, TXDELAY parameter, 297 TNC Restart character, 300, 305 Transmit keying, troubleshooting, 334 Transmit, inhibiting, 128, 305 Transmit,[...]