KPETERSEN@SIMTEL20.ARPA (10/19/85)
From: Bob Clements <clements@bbnccq.ARPA>
This message announces the posting of version 1.0 of the WA8DED
firmware for the TAPR TNC-1. It is being posted on SIMTEL20 on the
ARPANET. Some Usenet guru will have to carry on from there for the
usenet folks.
Version 0.91 was posted there previously. Version 1.0 has a few
additional features, mostly in the monitoring area, and a few bug
fixes.
The new files are available from SIMTEL20 as:
Filename Type Bytes CRC
Directory MICRO:<CPM.PACKET>
TNCDED10.DOC.1 ASCII 34730 3A91H
TNCDED10.HEX.1 ASCII 46093 0F18H
TNCDED10.MSG.1 ASCII 4022 85C3H
This firmware runs on the TAPR TNC-1 and its clones, the AEA and the
Heath HD-4040 TNCs. It is NOT an upgrade of the TAPR code. It is a
completely new implementation of the AX.25 protocol, both the current
version 2.0 and the older 1.x version supported by the normal TAPR
code. It also supports up to four simultaneously open connections on
one TNC. And it has a "host friendly" mode, which is intended to
simplify the interfacing of the TNC to a Bulletin Board or other
computer system. It has noticeably fewer protocol bugs than the TAPR
code, and a much more informative Monitor mode.
The command interface is NOT the same as the TAPR TNC code. It is
therefore not just an improvement for your TNC, but a complete change
of the interface. So you might not want it if you (or your computer)
are used to the standard interface.
The files being posted are: This message, TNCDED10.MSG; The
documentation file, TNCDED10.DOC; and the binary of the code itself,
in Intel Hex format, in TNCDED10.HEX.
The code occupies two 2764 EPROMs (actually about 1.2 EPROMs - plenty
of space left in the second one). The EPROMs reside at C000 and E000
of the TNC, sockets U11 and U12 respectively. If you need to
manipulate this file with a CP/M DDT, remember to use an offset with
the I command so that you don't overwrite your DDT, BDOS and BIOS. Put
C000 through DFFF into the EPROM for U11, and put E000 through FFFF
into the EPROM for U12.
The code and documentation are copyrighted 1985 by Ronald Raikes,
WA8DED. They are submitted with his permission for non-commercial use
by individual Radio Amateurs. All other rights reserved by Ronald
Raikes.
The program is written in 6809 assembler. The source code is not being
posted, but is available from Ron by sending him an 8" SSSD CP/M
format disk in a reusable mailer with return postage. Enclose a
letter agreeing to the above personal use restriction. To ease the
load on Ron, I will also make copies under the same ground rules.
You can reach Ron by packet through the forwarding mailbox network.
Address him as WA8DED @ KD6SQ. He is not on ARPANET or Usenet. His
US mail address is:
Ronald Raikes, WA8DED
9211 Pico Vista Road
Downey, CA 90240
If you want to mail me a disk, as offered above, I'm good in the
callbook.
73,
Bob, K1BC
ARPANET: clements@bbn
Usenet: {ihnp4, decvax, linus}!bbncca!clements
Amateur Packet Radio BBS net: K1BC @ K1BC, via W0RLI
[Political statement: Boycott the TNC-2 until a maintenance release
of TNC-1 comes out!]
[Usual disclaimers and trademark notices]
The following message ported from the WA6OSA Packet Mailbox:
*** Message from WA6OSA to ALL entered Thursday 01-Aug-85 at 8:45 PM
*** Subject: ++NEW IMPROVED++ WA8DED FIRMWARE FEATURES
Version 0.9 of the WA8DED firmware for the TAPR TNC-1 compatables is
now available. It is written in 6809 assembly language and is
contained in two 2764 EPROMs. Some of its outstanding features are:
1. Up to four simultaneous connects (plus unproto).
2. Easy to read 'monitor' frame information in unproto mode.
3. Simple 'On Screen' Calibration.
4. Digipeats version 2 protocol.
5. Meaningful channel status display (separate status for each channel).
6. Supports modem baud rates up to 9600 baud.
7. New-Improved Host Mode (for computer interface).
8. Display of link state and number of free buffers.
9. XON-XOFF flow control
10.Auto-Unattended/Beacon Mode.
Version 1.0 should be available around the first of September and is
contained in two 2764 EPROMS. The W6IXU mailbox is currently using a
beta version 0.9 of the WA8DED firmware.