Although our preference is to use RMS Express as soon as we sign on, sometimes, things don’t quite work out, so we need to troubleshoot. Simple Terminal can simplify troubleshooting, particularly on initial setup. Also, in extreme circumstance, it can provide plain text messaging through the packet system.
– Wiring
The wiring strategy varies with the age of the TNC. Older models require a USB/DB9 adapter ($50?) to match your computer USB port to the DB25 port on the TNC. cable.
(When buying an adapter, you need to ensure that it is ‘FTDI USB to DB-9’ compatible, as some other styles will not work.).
Modern TNC’s use a cable that already has an USB connection, which plugs into an USB port on your computer.
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– Locating Simple Terminal
So where is Simple Terminal? On recent editions of Winlink Express it is not obvious. It is buried with all the other files that make Winlink Express. So…
1 – Display the ‘C::’ drive of your computer
2 – From the list, select the ‘RMS Express’ file folder
3 – Select the ‘RMS Simple Terminal.exe’ file
4 – Simple Terminal will start with a double click
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– Simple Terminal ‘talks’ to the TNC?
If you are really fortunate, Simple Terminal will ‘talk’ to the TNC.
Test this with…
1 – Verify that the cable(s) and TNC power supply are connected
2 – Start the Simple Terminal application
3 – Depress the TNC power switch ( green LED on? )
If all goes well the TNC will print out the ‘sign on’ message ending with…
Cmd: on a separate line
4 -Type in the lowest window DISPLAY followed by the Enter key
Again, if all went well you will see a list of ‘commands’ scroll down the screen. Your TNC is communicating with your computer.
However, if things don’t work out you will need to adjust ‘SETUP,’
and try the process again
– SETUP menu
Under SETUP, the usual concern is that terminal needs to be assigned to the correct USB port. You may need to try several and once found, note the USB port that works!
For a RS-232 Serial Port the settings are…
– Port (varies)
– Baud Rate 9600
– Data Bits 8
– Stop Bits 1
– Parity None
– Handshake Both
– Write Timeout 1000
Should you be using a soundcard modem with TCP/IP, the Port is 127.0.0.1:8100.
At this point you should try the procedure shown at ‘Simple Terminal ‘talks’ to the TNC’ listed above
If things are still not working, it is time to consult the local computer Guru!
– TNC to RADIO connection
Your computer is communicating with the TNC, but now we need to turn our attention to the connection between the TNC and RADIO. Here one can provide a little advice beyond; check the manual that came with your particular transceiver to view the connections required.
– INTERACTING with Simple Terminal
This is well demonstrated in a file located at …
– Final Comments
At this point you should be using Simple Terminal to send and receive simple messages over the packet system.
Now you can work on using the full capablility of the Winlink system by reviewing the articles in..
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