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FlexNet driver documentation
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Description:Driver to control a TNC2 (or compatible) equipped with 6PACK firmware eprom. A KISS driver controlling a TNC2 has it's well-known timing problems. If you have been using KISS, this driver is the matter of choice as it controls TNC2 under PC/FlexNet with precise timing (other users on your channel will be happy for this). Before starting, don't forget to program the file 6PACK.BIN (delivered with this driver) into an eprom and install in your TNC2. COM 1-4 can be adressed simply by the COM port number e.g. '6PACK 1' installs the 6PACK-driver with the default values of the serial port 1, other port adresses and IRQ numbers are optional; addresses and IRQ numbers can be given either decimal or prefixed by '0x' for hexadecimal notation. On PC side, the use of 16550-type UARTS with FIFO-buffer is supported and generally recommended. IMPORTANT: In order to work properly, the baudrate between computer and TNC2 must be at least TWICE the baudrate of the HF communication (e.g. a 9600bd FSK transmission needs at least a baudrate of 19200bd at the serial port). In order to have the right timing to FlexNet, the correct RF baudrate must be set with the 'FSET MODE' command. Description of channel statistics (output of STAT.EXE):
Errors occuring occasionally are no problem but if they happen frequently, the PC should be tuned and/or the serial baudrate be increased, so avoiding a 'hanging' of the RF channel. Decreasing the serial baudrate is not recommended as it reduces the realtime-capabilities of the connected TNCs. Try enhancing the PC with a 16550 compatible UART instead. Controlling several TNCs: The number of channels assigned upon installation of the 6PACK driver should be equal the number of the TNCs in the ring. Nevertheless nothing will happen if these values differ. |