Outpost, KPC-3 Plus, and Packet Radio

A Tutorial

Mac Harper, W1FYM

Table of ContentsObjectives:.................................................................................................................................................1Resetting the KPC-3 Plus...........................................................................................................................3Download and Install Outpost:..................................................................................................................4Using Outpost to configure your KPC-3 Plus............................................................................................4Setting TNC Baud Rate..............................................................................................................................7Setting the TNC Parameters.......................................................................................................................8Locating nodes and BBS stations...............................................................................................................8Keyboard Connect to a BBS......................................................................................................................9Sending a packet message from the Keyboard........................................................................................10Listing with paging...................................................................................................................................11Setting up Outpost....................................................................................................................................11

Select the TNC Comm Port tab. ........................................................................................................13 Send/Receive Settings........................................................................................................................15

Getting your Messages Automatically.....................................................................................................16PBBS message retrieval automatically. ..............................................................................................17BBS Message Retrieval Automatically...............................................................................................18

Nodes and BBSs in the Northeast............................................................................................................19Destinations within the Northeastern States Region:...............................................................................20

Western Massachusetts Region:..........................................................................................................20Connecticut Region:............................................................................................................................20New York – Long Island Region:........................................................................................................20Eastern New York Region:..................................................................................................................21New Jersey Region:.............................................................................................................................21Eastern PA Region:..............................................................................................................................22Florida:................................................................................................................................................22

FBB User Commands..............................................................................................................................23

FBB BBS LIST sub-commands...............................................................................................................24

Objectives:1. You will perform a hardware reset on a Kantronics KPC-3 Plus TNC, which sets

everything to factory defaults.2. You will download and install Outpost Packet Manager on your computer. Outpost is a

program which simplifies packet operations such as connecting to a station and getting mail.

3. You will upgrade Outpost to the latest version, currently Version 2.2.2.

4. Using Outpost in a manual mode, you will set up the TNC's communication with your computer. You will also set up your call and several other parameters.

5. After satisfactory completion of steps 1 to 4, you will set up Outpost for operation.6. Using Outpost in manual mode, you will turn on your radio and listen for available

BBSs, nodes, and other callsigns.7. Still in manual mode (Keyboarding), you will connect to a BBS and leave yourself a

message.8. You will configure Outpost to automatically download that mail.9. After turning on logging, you will tell Outpost to get your mail automatically.

Resetting the KPC-3 PlusThis procedure will clear all settings and initiate a baud-rate scan.Remove the two cover screws and lift the cover from the TNC.Locate the RESET jumper (RST) near the right rear corner of the circuit board cutout.Remove this jumper (it's only on one pin).Turn the power ON using the front panel switch.Place the jumper over both pins for a couple of seconds, then remove it.Turn the power OFF.Replace the jumper over ONE PIN ONLY.Replace the cover and cover screws.

Download and Install Outpost:The website is http://www.outpostpm.org/ You will need to download Outpost v2.2 Install and Outpost v2.2.2 Update.Other files, including help and documentation are available from the same page.Expand (Winzip) and install Outpost 2.2 as with any other Windows program.Expand v2.2.2 Update, and place these files in the same folder, overwriting existing files.Upon completion, the following files will be in the Outpost folder:

Using Outpost to configure your KPC-3 PlusIf you have not yet done so, perform a hardware reset on your KPC-3 Plus.Connect the TNC to a serial port on your computer. The following discussion will assume that you are using COM1, with default baud rate settings 9600, No parity, 8 bits, 1 stop bit.

Start Outpost from Windows: e.g.,STARTPROGRAM FILESOUTPOSTOUTPOST

You will see the Initialization screen with the version you have just installed.

The Station Identification window appears. Enter your callsign and name. You can always return to this screen. Press APPLY and OK.

Setting TNC Baud RateYou are now at the Packet Message Manager Screen.From the menu bar, click TOOLS – INTERACTIVE PACKET – SERIAL/COMM PORT

Turn the TNC on using the front panel switch. Do not turn on your radio yet. Your screen will have a cycling series of garbage as the TNC tries all its baud rates. When you see the message to press * to set the baud rate, you will have only about two seconds to do so. On a full size keyboard, hold down the SHIFT key and get ready to tap the * key. On some systems, you may have to also press ENTER.

Setting the TNC ParametersThe KPC-3 Plus is initially in NEWUSER mode, which does not accept many commands.As you are still talking to the TNC, type: INTFACEThe TNC will respond as in the screen below.

Note: You can type in either lowercase or uppercase. Type the following:

INTFACE TERMINALMYCALL <Your call>MYPBBS <your call dash-1> e.g., W1FYM-1MYNODE <your call dash-2)> e.g., W1FYM-2USERS 4 (This allows you to still get into your TNC when 3 others are using it).CD SOFTWARE (This will allow your TNC to operate, even with squelch open).NUMNODES 4 (This will cause a soft reset)

You are now ready to use your TNC with the radio. Remember, you are still in the Interactive mode within Outpost. Outpost has two windows open: this one and the Packet Message Manager window. Close the Interactive Packet/Serial Port window. If it is left running, even minimized, Outpost will not be able to make automatic connections.

Locating nodes and BBS stations.The easiest way to do this is to turn your radio on and allow it to 'collect' calls. The following frequencies are commonly used for digital modes on VHF.144.99 145.01 145.03 145.05 145.07 145.09You can get a list of stations heard by typing: MHThat list can be emptied by typing MH CLEAR

There is a list of nodes and BBSs in the NorthEast later in this document.Remember that you use the frequency of the nearest node when connecting VIA that node to another node or BBS, even though the other BBS may operate on a different frequency. They are all connected by the BACKBONE. User nodes have a numbered ssid following the basic callsign; e.g., W1EDH-2, W1HAD-4. In the Northeast, BBSes are usually a dash-4.

Keyboard Connect to a BBSLet's say that you can hear W1EDH-4 on 145.090, and that you have never registered there. Furthermore, you wish to choose to use it as your full-service BBS. You only need a very few commands to get your messages or read bulletins.C<space><callsign> Connect L ListR ReadByeHelpHelp <command>

c w1edh-4 C is the short form of CONNECT. Follow with a space and the callsigncmd:*** CONNECTED to W1EDH-4[FBB-7.00i-AB1FHMRX$]W1EDH BBS, Glastonbury.Hello Mac. 983 active messages, last is 27666, last listed is 26710. The system recognizes me because I have logged on before and registered my name and callsign.

Assigned channels:Ch. 1 (NETWORK) : W1FYM-0 - Fri 29/08/08 19:45 via : W1EDH-2 Ch. 8 (NETWORK) : WA1ARC-4 - Fri 29/08/08 19:45

*** Welcome to the W1EDH.CT.USA.NOAM Packet Bulletin Board *** *** at Glastonbury, Hartford County, CT [FN31sr] ***

Sending a packet message from the Keyboard.

(1) W1EDH BBS> This is a prompt from W1EDH. I want to send a messagesp w1fym SP means Send PersonalRouting (from WP) to W1EDH.CT.USA.NOAM From W1EDH White Pages

I previously registered my home BBS.Enter the title for this message to W1FYM : Prompt from W1EDH.Demonstration Mail This is the titleEnter the text for the message, end with Ctrl-Z or /EX on a blank line) : This mail is to demonstrate how Outpost can retrieve mail and place it in your Outpost Inbox.That's all, folks!/ex All alone on the line, this tells the BBS that the message is done.Mid: 27667_W1EDH Size: 113 bytes This is the Message ID. It remains with the

message for its lifespan.

You have 1 new (unread) message(s). This comes up because I sent it to myself.

(1) W1EDH BBS>lm Short for List Mine

Msg# TSLD Dim To @ BBS From Date/Time Title (LC-choice: *)27667 PNL 113 W1FYM W1FYM 0829/1947 Demonstration Mail

You have 1 new (unread) message(s).

(1) W1EDH BBS>bye I'm disconnecting from the BBSYou have been connected 1mn 47s - Computer-time : 1sBye, Mac, and welcome back.*** DISCONNECTEDcmd:

Listing with paging

You do NOT want to list everything. It takes a L-O-N-G time! Paging forces a break every n lines. The command OP toggles paging on and off.OP <n> turn paging on, pausing every n lines.OP 20 pauses the display every 20 lines, awaiting a prompt to

Abort, Continue without paging, or list the next 20 lines.If you do get a long listing and the BBS doesn't recognize your “Abort” or “A” command, do a CTRL-C to get the TNC's attention, then type D to disconnect.A list of FBB commands is found later in this document.

Setting up OutpostSo far, you have been using keyboard commands to communicate with the BBS. Outpost's strength lies in its ability to do most of the keyboarding itself, even automatically, and that's what we're going to do now.Use ALT-TAB to leave the IPSerial with Outpost window, and return to the Outpost Packet Message Manager window.On the menu toolbar, click SETUP.

On the pulldown menu, clidk TNC. The Interface Type tab appears.Click the NEW button. In the Device Name box, enter KPC-3 PLUS. Click the TNC radio button.Enter a description if you wish.

Click APPLY and OK.

Select the TNC Comm Port tab. You may accept the defaults of 9600, n, 8, 1. If you wish to change the baud rate, you will have to re-initialize the TNC afterwards. If it is not already checked, set Flow Control to CTS/RTS. Click on APPLY and OK.On the Outpost Packet Message Manager menu bar, select Setup – Identification.Your callsign and name should be as you had entered them earlier. If not, enter them now.

From the Outpost Packet Message Manager menu bar, select Setup – BBS.

Click NEW, and enter the BBS name with ssid; e.g, w1edh-4Click on the radio button to “Let Outpost determine the BBS and set up the prompts.”On the same screen, select the BBS Path tab. Click the Direct radio button (meaning that you can connect direct to the BBS).

Press OK.

Send/Receive Settings.On the Outpost Packet Message Manager menu bar, select Tools – Send/Receive SettingsReview each tab. DO NOT download and kill any NTS messages unless you are the designated NTS message handler. This can be avoided by leaving all messages on the BBS, located on the Receiving tab.

Save any changes you have made by clicking APPLY and OK.

Getting your Messages Automatically.Switch to the Packet Message Manager screen. Pull down SETUP – BBS and select the BBS you wish to use, using the down-arrow to display all BBSs you have set up. Click OK.On the second menu bar, click on SEND/RECEIVE. The messages retrieved will appear in

your inbox. If you have logging enabled, you can examine the transaction under PROGRAM FILES\OUTPOST\LOGS.

PBBS message retrieval automatically. Messages may be left on an individual's TNC in the mailbox. The following is a log of an automatic connection to K1PL-1, a PBBS (within K1PL's TNC).

===================================================---------------------------------------------------30-Aug 14:30:02: Outpost v2.2.2 c27: TNC Session # 49---------------------------------------------------cmd:DCan't DISCONNECT, A Link state is: DISCONNECTEDcmd:bBEACON EVERY 0 (disabled)cmd:Echo onECHO was ONcmd:my W1FYMcmd:Mon offMONITOR was ONcmd:daytime 080830143003cmd:connect K1PL-1cmd:*** CONNECTED to K1PL-1[KPC3P-9.1-HM$]99168 BYTES AVAILABLE IN 4 BLOCK(S)THERE ARE NO MESSAGESYOU ARE CONNECTED TO K1PL-1 in CROMWELL, CT FN31poENTER COMMAND: B,J,K,L,R,S, or Help >LMENTER COMMAND: B,J,K,L,R,S, or Help >B*** DISCONNECTEDcmd:

BBS Message Retrieval Automatically---------------------------------------------------30-Aug 14:46:19: Outpost v2.2.2 c27: TNC Session # 50---------------------------------------------------

cmd:DCan't DISCONNECT, A Link state is: DISCONNECTEDcmd:bBEACON EVERY 0 (disabled)cmd:Echo onECHO was ONcmd:my W1FYMcmd:Mon offMONITOR was OFFcmd:daytime 080830144619cmd:connect W1EDH-4cmd:*** CONNECTED to W1EDH-4[FBB-7.00i-AB1FHMRX$]W1EDH BBS, Glastonbury.Hello mac. 963 active messages, last is 27687, last listed is 26710.

Assigned channels:Ch. 1 (NETWORK) : W1FYM-0 - Sat 30/08/08 14:48 via : W1EDH-2 Ch. 8 (NETWORK) : K1YON-4 - Sat 30/08/08 14:48 via : W1EDH-2

*** Welcome to the W1EDH.CT.USA.NOAM Packet Bulletin Board *** *** at Glastonbury, Hartford County, CT [FN31sr] ***

You have 1 redundant message(s).Please kill them with KM.

(2) W1EDH BBS>LM

Msg# TSLD Dim To @ BBS From Date/Time Title (LC-choice: *)27667 PYL 113 W1FYM W1FYM 0829/1947 Demonstration Mail(2) W1EDH BBS>BYou have been connected 12s - Computer-time : 0sBye, mac, and welcome back.*** DISCONNECTEDcmd:

Nodes and BBSs in the Northeast.USA Eastnet/FlexNet Network Destinations

In the USA NorthEastern States Region:

In the USA State of Florida:

Rev. 08/13/07

The following list of known destination calls are ax25 packet systems that

*may* be linked to the FlexNet network. Most of these destinations calls are

nodes running PC/FlexNet-Digi or Xnet software. Others are non FlexNet systems

as indicated.

Please note: Calls in this destination call list will *only* be included in

network destination tables if they are currently operational and a route to

them exist.

Destinations within the Northeastern States Region:

Western Massachusetts Region:CALL SSID USER NOTES AREA LOCATIONN1URO 145.01 WMA Springfield. Hampden County, MA

" 1-5 -1 Flexnet Hub -2 DXNet -3 URONode/axMail -4 LinFBB -5 DXSpider

" 6-8 3Net/xnet 145.01 user

" 9-9 3Net/xnet RF 9k6 link to K1YON-2

" 10-10 LinuxXnet

" 11-11 Convers

" 14-14 MFNOS Mail/Gateway/FlexIP router

Connecticut Region:K1YON 2-4 145.07 -4=BBS CT E Hartland, Hartford County, CT

KD1RY 2-4 145.03 -4=BBS-0=HFGate CT Bethel, Fairfield County, CT

N4GAA 441.05 CT West Haven, New Haven County, NY

" 3-3 URONode

" 4-4 LinFBB

" 7-7 X1J4 NetRom Node 441.05 1k2 with link to W1HAD

" 11-11 Convers

" 15-15 LinuxXNet

W1EDH 0-4 145.09 -4=BBS CT Glastonbury, Hartford Cty, CT

W1HAD 0-7 145.05 -4=BBS CT Shelton, Fairfield County, CT

W1WCG 0-0 145.05 -4=BBS-0=HFGate CT North Haven, New Haven Cty, CT

W1WCG 2-5 145.05 -4=BBS-0=HFGate CT North Haven, New Haven Cty, CT

WX1CT 7-14 145.09 CT Bridgeport, Fairfield Cty, CT

New York – Long Island Region:K1IMD 2-8 144.91 BBS=WA2PNU-4 LI Jamesport, Suffolk Cty, NY

K2APL 12-12 145.05 -4=BBS NYC Queens County, NY

KB2VLX 0-4 145.05 -4=BBS NYC East Bronx County, NY

KC2COJ 0-15 145.05 -4=BBS IPGate NYC Far Rockaway, Queens County, NY

CALL SSID USER NOTES AREA LOCATIONN2NEI 0-12 145.07 -4=BBS LI Wainscott, Suffolk Cty, NY

N2NSA 1-1 NetLnks IPGate NYC Far Rockaway, Queens County, NY

N2NSA 9-15 NetLnks BBS=KB2VLX-4 NYC Manhattan, New York Cty, NY

N2RQ 0-7 145.01 -4=BBS NLI East Meadow, Nasssau County, NY

NY2LI 0-7 145.05 LI Yaphank, Suffolk Cty, NY

NY2LI 8-15 147.03 LI Hauppague, Suffolk Cty, NY

WA2GUG 10-10 Telpack node via KC2COJ LI New Hyde Park, Nassau County, NY

WB2CIK 0-14 145.07 BBS=WA2PNU-4 LI West Hills, Suffolk, Cty, NY

WA2FNQ 0-15 145.05 -4=BBS LI Northport, Suffolk, Cty, NY

WA2PNU 0-13 145.99 -4=BBS LI Huntington, Suffolk, Cty, NY

Eastern New York Region:K2PUT 0-4 145.61 -4=BBS ENY Mt Ninham, Carmel, Putnam Cty, NY

KC2CWT 1-1 NetLnks IPGate ENY Mt Ninham, Carmel, Putnam Cty, NY

W2DMC 0-4 145.51 -4=BBS ENY Pomona, Rockland County, NY

WB2QJA 0-8 145.05 -4=BBS ENY White Plains, Westchester Cty, NY

WB2ZII 2-6 145.05 BBS=WB2QJA-4 ENY N Valhalla, Westchester, NY

WB2ZII 9-14 145.09 -1=NOS-14=DXC ENY S Valhalla, Westchester, NY

New Jersey Region:K2UL 0-15 145.07 -4=BBS CNJ Hamilton Square, Mercer Cty, NJ

N2QAE 0-4 145.51 -4=BBS NNJ Schooleys Mtn, Morris County, NJ

NJ2AR 0-14 145.03 -4=BBS CNJ Lakehurst, Ocean County, NJ

W2LI 2-2 145.05 -4=BBS NetRom NNJ Murray Hill, Union County, NJ

W2LV 0-5 144.91 -4=BBS NWJ Culvers Lake, Sussex County, NJ

W2ZQ 0-4 145.05 -4=BBS CNJ W Trenton, Mercer County, NJ

WB2FTX 0-4 NetLnks -4=BBS-0=Pactor NNJ (NNJ NTS) Butler, Morris County, NJ

WB2ONA 1-1 NetLnks IP Gate CNJ East Brunswick, Middlesex Cty, NJ

WA2SNA 0-4 145.01 -4=BBS NNJ Wanaque, Passaic County, NJ

WB2SNN 0-14 145.51 -4=BBS CNJ Sayreville, Middlesex Cty, NJ

Eastern PA Region:K3YTL 0-15 145.05 BBS=WA3LWR-4 EPA Wilkes-Barre, Luzerne Cty, PA

N3ED 0-0 145.01 via WA3LWR-0-14 EPA Clarks Summit Lackawanna, Cty, PA

WA3LWR 0-14 145.01 -4-BBS DXC=N3ED EPA Scranton, Lackawanna, Cty, PA

Florida:CALL SSID USER NOTES AREA LOCATION#

K2BJG 145.09 -4=BBS ECFL Palm Bay, Brevard County, FL

" 1-1 LinFBB

" 2-4 -2 Flexnet 145.09 User -4 BBS

" 5-5 LinuxXnet

" 6-6 DXSpider

" 10-10 MFNOS FlexIP router

" 11-11 Convers

" 12-12 URONode/axMail

KA1VRF 0-4 145.09 -4=BBS ESFL Vero Beach, Indian River Cty, FL

KD4YAL 14-14 LinuxXnet WCFL Clearwater, Pinellas County, FL

KI4URF 145.01 v N4LEM-2 ECFL Cocoa, Brevard County, FL

" 5-5 URONode/axMail

" 6-6 DXSpider

K4NBR 0-4 144.99 -4=BBS ECFL Mims, Brevard County, FL

N4LEM 2-4 145.01 -4=BBS ECFL Cocoa, Brevard County, FL

WA2UPK 2-4 145.07 -4-BBS CFL Orelando, Orange County, FL

-----

On a FlexNet network, each FlexNet node uses regular polling of its linked

neighbors to verify that these links are currently available for network

routing. An autorouter at each FlexNet node exchanges network wide routing

data with its FlexNet node neighbors. Whenever link conditions change

anywhere within the network, routing data is updated network wide very

quickly.

A destination table with current network status info is maintained by each

FlexNet node. It can be displayed by use of the <D>estination command. In

this table all destinations, where the autorouter knows a way to, are shown.

This destination list can usually be found by use of the <A> command on any

FlexNet-Digi node or within the FBB BBS Users directory of an associated bbs.

This list is distributed via the Packet Network whenever it has been updated

with new information. Look for a Bulletin, FLXDST @ NESBBS

This list is maintained by Bob, K2BJG. Please forward: additions,

corrections, etc to: Packet: K2BJG@K2BJG.#ECFL.FL.USA.NOAM

Internet: k2bjg@cfl.rr.com

FBB User Commands

- Type ? [COMMAND] for HELP with a command.Examples: - type ? H for a list of all the most common commands. - type ? O for help on available options (languages, paging etc). (Paging is toggled on/off with the OP command) - Type ? REQDIR or ? REQFIL for help on these servers.Remember to press <Enter> or <Return> after each command (hi).

X toggles your status between EXPERT and NORMAL user.A can be used to abort listings.I shows information about this system.Last used message-number can be repeated with the use of the #-character.Example: R 1235. Next command: K #

List of available commands:A : Abort - Abort listing.B : Bye - Log off the BBS.C : Conference - Access to conference.D : DOS - Access to FBBDOS, or to download a file.F : FBB - Access to the server mode.G : Gateway - Access to the other frequences by 'gateway'.H : Help - Help.I : Info - Information about the system.J : Jheard - List of the last few connected stations.K : Kill - Kill messages.L : List - List messages.M : Make - Copy a message to a file.N : Name - Change your name.NZ: Zip - State your zip-code.NH: homeBBS - Type your home-BBS.O : Option - Select options (paging, language, list/read personal etc).PS: Servers - Show which servers are available in this BBS.

PG: Program - Run (show) certain DOS-programs.R : Read - Read messages.S : Send - Send messages.T : Talk - Talk to SYSOP.U : Upload - Upload a file to the BBS.V : Verbose - Verbose read of messages (like R, but with forwarding headers).W : What - Which files are available.X : Expert - Change between Normal and Expert.Y : Yapp - Transfer binary files with the Yapp transfer protocol.Z : Delete - Delete a file.+ : Append - Only for sysops: Append a file after a message.> : Send text - To send a text to another station connected to the BBS.= : Connect - To connect another station connected to the BBS.! : Info - Short version of the I-command.$ : Forwarded - Only for sysop: Show what BBSs that will receive, or already have received a message.* : Wildcard - Many possibilities, like @,?,#,=,*

For detailed help on each command, type ? [command].

FBB BBS LIST sub-commands

? ListL-command LISTS all messages in the mailbox. L lists all new messages since you last issued a L-command. LA lists messages with A-status LB lists only bulletins. LC for very special listings. See further down.. LD< YYMMDD list all messages received before the specified date. LD> YYMMDD list all messages received after the specified date. LE lists messages that could not be forwarded. LF lists messages that have been forwarded. LH lists held messages. LK lists all killed messages LM lists all messages TO YOU [List Mine]. LN lists all UNREAD messages to you [List New]. LL 10 lists the last 10 messages in the mailbox [List Last]. LP list personal messages. LS [Text] lists messages with [text] in the subject. LT lists NTS Traffic messages LX lists messages with status X. LY lists messages that have been read (status Y) L< [callsign] lists messages FROM [callsign]. L> [callsign] lists messages TO [callsign]. L$ lists bulletins with status $ L@ lists local bulletins with no @BBS-field. L@ [callsign] lists messages @[callsign]. L [message#]- lists ONLY messages with higher number than [messages#]. L [message#]-[message#] lists all messages between these numbers. LU lists all UNREAD messages (status N) to and from you. LR lists messages in revers order, starting with the oldest one. LR can replace L in most contexts (ex: LR 1-100)

Examples:

- To list messages over #325, type L 325-- To list messages from #300 to #350, type L 300-350

PS: Check number of active messages before doing a list-command, to avoid listing every messages in the system. This is easy to check with the V-command.