Packet Setup

This menu is used to set up the parameters for your chosen packet TNC. Winlink Express uses a host mode driver for AEA/Timewave and Kantronics model TNCs and a native KISS mode driver that is compatible with most KISS enabled and KISS only TNCs for all others. The driver also works with the limited TNC built into some radios. This includes radios such as TM-D700, TM-D710, TS-2000, TM-V71, DR-135T, and DR-435T. There is also support for "KISS over TCP", as used by some Soindcard Packet programs, such as UZ7HO Soundmodem and Direwolf.

TNC Connection

TNC Type Select the TNC Type. If your TNC is not listed try the generic TAPR TNC2. Most TNCs use the same basic command set as the original TAPR TNC2. If you are using a KISS-only TNC select TNC-X. For KISS over TCP, select KISS. To use the second port on a dual port KISS TNC select "KISS Port 2"

Packet TNC Model When using an AEA/Timewave TNC or a Kantronics TNC select the model used. If Type of KISS is selected you can select ACKMODE to enable the XKISS/BPQKISS Ackmode option or NORMAL to use standard KISS..

Serial COM port  Select the serial port to use. If Type of KISS is selected you can select TCP instead of a serial port. The TNC should be listenng on IP address 127.0.0.1, Port 8100.

Serial Port Baud  Set the baud rate for the connection between the computer and the TNC. This is NOT the baud rate the TNC uses over the air.

AutoConnect Frequency  Allows the User to define whether the packet session will automatically connect to the selected gateway or peer-to-peer station, and if so, how often. Available settings are: Disabled, 15 Minutes, 30 Minutes, or 60 Minutes.

TNC Parameters

These parameters set the performance of the packet channel. If not familiar with these leave the default values which should work well for most radios and networks:

Over-the-air Data Rate Set the desired Packet data rate 1200/9600 baud. Not all TNCs or VHF/UHF radios will support 9600 baud on-air data rate.

TX Delay (Milliseconds) Set the desired delay some radios require larger values. The default is 300 milliseconds.

Maximum Packet Length 128 is a good starting value. Higher numbers will give more throughput on good channels.

Max Frames This determines the max number of outstanding frames 1-7. The default is 4. A higher number will give more throughput on lightly used channels. A lower number may work better for very heavily used channels.

Persistence This is used to set the persistence value. The default is 64

Slot time Used to set the slot time (milliseconds/10). The default is 30 (300 milliseconds).

Maximum Retries Sets the maximum number of packet retries. The default is 10.