Epson MFJ-1278B FEC Unproto operation, Mode PT Enter, MFJ Pactor $2c-1022 free pcmd, U1 Enter

MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE BASIC OPERATION

Now that we have the MFJ-1278B signed-on to the computer, let's put it into the PACTOR mode.

To put the MFJ-1278B into PACTOR mode, please type the following:

MODE PT <ENTER>

The MFJ-1278B will respond with:

[MFJ PACTOR $2c-1022 free] p_cmd:

At the above prompt, you are in the PACTOR mode. Any commands entered such as TXDELAY or ECHO, will only affect the PACTOR mode. Many of the commands of PACTOR have the same name as the general commands but DO NOT share the same parameters. At the p_cmd: prompt, you can monitor AMTOR ARQ requests to your SELCALL, PACTOR ARQ requests, and PACTOR FEC.

Enter your call in the MYCALL parameter (up to 8 characters). The format of the MYCALL command is as follows:

MYCALL n <ENTER>

where n is your amateur callsign up to 8 characters.

FEC Unproto operation

There are two FEC modes, 100 baud and 200 baud. Properly tune the radio before entering either of the FEC modes. The reason for this is as soon as you initiate an FEC unproto mode the radio will start transmitting immediately. To initiate 100 baud FEC, please type the following from the p_cmd: prompt:

U1 <ENTER>

The cursor will go to the next line. At this point start typing whatever you want. You normally issue your CQ's in FEC mode. Someone will see your FEC mode CQ's and probably try to "connect" with you.

To terminate an unproto session type a CTRL-C followed by the letter D and the <ENTER> key. This is done after sending CQ or when terminating a Pactor contact. If the standard D command does not work, then use the DD command to terminate the unproto session.

The situations in which the two FEC modes are different. Generally, the U1 or 100 Baud FEC mode is for use in normal HF band conditions, while the U2 or 200 Baud FEC mode is for use in clear HF band conditions. Your transmitter must be capable of transmitting 100% duty cycle. Because when transmitting PACTOR FEC, you are ALWAYS transmitting a signal- just like RTTY.