ACardenas.ES@Xerox.ARPA (10/25/85)
This is a dear john letter... Re: "Kantronix in Mexico..."
Dear John:
I have a Kantronics Packet Controler and mine works just fine... and
right out of the box! It's performance has been simply flawless.
Please note the manual supplied is a USERS manual, NOT a
TECHNICAL/SERVICE manual. The manual is complete with full detailed
descriptions of commands and control. It's internal memory can be
pre-set so the controler powers-up in the opreators favorite modes or
ready-state.
I DID have to remove the front cover once (two screws, phillips) to
reset a pin jumper to agree with my C-64 format... it was set for
RS232 from the factory. With all of the software/firmware theft/copy
efforts; I can hardly fault Kantronics for not providing more
specifics on internal operations. If a technical manual is offered from
Kantronics, the data you seek may be there.
The fact that you wasted several hours during a critical emergency net
time only shows how important it is to be prepaired! Participate in
RACES {or some other emergency net/effort} and assure yourself that
the equipment you intend to depend on is in top shape and tested.
The syndrome was "...we couldn't get it to receive anything."; perhaps
the problem was a shorted audio mini-jack? Dead/inop AC outlet/power
supply? Not enough receive level/audio? Incomplete/inop software? I
try the EXTERNAL fixes BEFORE I drag out the scope, schematics and
soldering iron! In other words, If it ain't broken, don't fix it!
Besides, I beleive I have a one year warranty on mine.
Other dear readers:
I think the Kantronics is one of the finest new adventures in the
amature spectrum! A special sale price of $219 makes it well within
the budgets of most hams. A low cost/used VIC-20 (Commodore)
(aprox.$50), a TV and tranceiver! Even if you are NOT a
'computer-type' or can type just 10 WPM! A line or two (of type) is
typed first , you see it before you send it, then the send command...
It almost appears that you can type 60WPM! It's been super to see
Las Vegas to LA/San Diego/SF/Arizona traffic and hamming every day!
Very soon the 'network' will be international!
Respectfully,
Tony Cardenas
WA6IGJ
QA Auditor
6085 Project.ES