Epson manual MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE Basic Operation Pactor, What is Pactor?, Pactor Operation

MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE BASIC OPERATION

PACTOR

In this section of this manual we will talk about PACTOR operation. We will cover basic operation along with an explanation of the commands related to PACTOR, including the new Pactor Mailbox. Before we talk about Basic Operation, let's explain a little about

PACTOR.

NOTE: Pactor operations apply to the Model MFJ-1278Bor MFJ-1278TNC2 only. The MFJ-1278must have the MFJ-56A, B, or C installed to take advantage of the Pactor option.

What is Pactor?

PACTOR is a new form of digital communications. PACTOR was brought about to compensate for the shortcomings in both Packet and Amtor, for HF operation.

PACTOR combines some of the features of both the AMTOR and the HF Packet modes. Pactor retains the short frame sizes and synchronous transmission format of AMTOR. It also allows the data flexibility of which Packet users have grown accustomed to.

The radio used for PACTOR HF operations must be capable of switching between transmit and receive modes in 130 milliseconds. A radio capable of operating in the AMTOR mode will operate well in the PACTOR mode as well.

Now that we have explained a little about PACTOR, let's get into the Basic Operation.

PACTOR Operation

The PACTOR operation section will deal mainly with PACTOR operations. We will briefly explain about the different operating modes and what they will do. We will explain about the new PACTOR mailbox feature and how it works. There are also several operational commands that are related to Pactor operation. These operational commands are explained in Chapter 6 in detail. So without any further delay here we go into PACTOR Operation.

First we need to get the MFJ-1278B to sign-on. To sign-on the MFJ-1278B please perform the following:

1.Verify the power switches to both the computer and the MFJ-1278B are OFF.

2.Connect the MFJ-1278B to both the radio and the computer.

3.Connect the radio to a dummy load.

4.Set the POWER switch on the computer to the ON position, then load the terminal program.