REVIEW QUIZ ANSWERS

Introduction to Packet Radio Part 19.

How did you do on the review quiz in the previous part of this series? If you haven't taken it, you might want to read part 18 and take the quiz now before reading any further.

Here are the correct answers and the series part numbers where you can read more about the subject:

1 - Answer C is correct. The three TNC modes of communication are Command, Converse and Transparent. Command mode is for communicating with the TNC. Converse mode is for normal QSOs, connects to a BBS or mailbox, etc. and Transparent mode is used for binary file transfer. (Part 2,Part 3,Part 14)

2 - The UNPROTO command is used for setting the transmit path for both beacons and CQs. (Part 3and Part 13)

3 - The CHECK command is used for setting a timeout value in your TNC. If set to a value other than zero, the TNC will attempt to recover a connection after a certain specified time if nothing is received from the other station. This command is used in combination with the AX25L2V2 command. (Part 13)

4 - The MCON command (Monitor while CONnected) is used to monitor other traffic on the frequency while you're connected to another station. (Part 3)

5 - When monitoring, the asterick indicates the station that you actually heard the packet from. The MRPT command must be ON for the monitor display to show digipeaters.
(Part 2and Part 3)

6 - The packet node network improves communications because packets are acknowledged between your station to the first node, and then node to node to the destination. A packet doesn't have to reach the destination before an ack is returned.
(Part 4, Part 10and Part 11)

7 - When using the node network (no matter who you're connected to) you disconnect by going to command mode on your TNC and entering a D, just like at other times. The fact that you're using several nodes or are connected to a distant station makes no difference. The network will take care of disconnecting all stations and links.
(Part 4, Part 10and Part 11)

8 - N6ZYX-2 would appear as N6ZYX-13 if he connects to you using a node. The nodes change the SSID using the formula 15-N. (Part 10)

9 - The two most probable causes for a packet not to get through are collisions with other packets on the frequency and noise due to weak signals. (Part 15)

10 - BBS commands:
a. To receive a list of messages: enter L

b. To download a file in the General (G) directory called FCCEXAMS.92, you'd enter DG FCCEXAMS.92 or D GENERAL FCCEXAMS.92 depending on the software at the BBS you're using.

c. To enter a private message to Jim, WA6DDM: SP WA6DDM @ N6CKS.CA (The "@ N6CKS" would not be needed if you were using the N6CKS BBS.)

d. To read message 7134 with headers: RH 7134

e. To find out what stations were heard on port B of the BBS, you'd enter JB
(Part 5, Part 6, Part 7and Part 8)

11 - If you wanted to send an NTS message to Tom Smith, 123 Main Street, in Keene, NH 03431, you would enter the following at the BBS prompt } ST 03431 @ NTSNH
(Part 6and Part 12)

12 - A message with a STATUS of BF means that the message is a bulletin and that it has been forwarded to all stations that are supposed to receive it from the BBS you're using. (Part 8)

13 - Answer D is correct. The date/time shown on a message when it's listed is the time the message was received at the BBS you're using. Please note that this date and time is shown in whatever time the BBS your using is set to. It could be local time or zulu time (UTC, GMT). Most BBSs are now set to zulu time, but a few still use local time. When you read a message, you're then able to read the date and time that the message was written from the header. (Part 8)

14-To find the call of the HOME BBS of your friends, use the White Pages Directory. If the BBS you're using has the WP feature enabled, you'll find the I command (or Q command on some systems) to be useful, otherwise send an inquiry to WP. (Part 9)

15-The maximum value for MAXFRAME is 7. MAXFRAME is the number of packets transmitted by your TNC contiguously, and the number of unacknowledged packets the TNC can have outstanding. You decrease MAXFRAME when the conditions are poor. Your TNC will send fewer packets at one time, so there will be less information to collide with other packets on the frequency and less chance of information being wiped out by noise. (Part 14)

There is no passing grade on the quiz. It was designed for you to check your general packet knowledge, and you'll have to be your own judge of that. I hope you did well on it!


Click here for Part 20

Return to the TOP
Return to the Table of Contents