LESSON #3 - Installing and configuring the Winpack Program

(Windows 95, 98, 2000, XP)

ESTIMATED TIME REQUIRED - 15-20 minutes.

INFORMATION:

Winpack is a general purpose packet program that you will use to do basic testing of TNCs and local packet networks. It has a lot of power for those who want to do more with packet radio in general, such as keyboard chat (hams invented that in the early 80s!), BBS browsing, file transfers, etc. However, this type of packet activity has all but disappeared in the USA since internet e-mail became common. For this course, we will configure Winpack for use with a TNC in cmd: (native) mode and for use with Paclink AGW for those computers running Win2000 or XP. Lessons in this course will not cover configurations for or other applications of Winpack - of which there are many. If you have a favorite terminal program you may use it for our purposes, but you will need a terminal program that is AGW PE compliant such as Winpack if you are running Win2000 or XP.

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS:

Computer running Win95, 98, 2000 or XP operating system.

Working COM port (1 through 8) if - when - a TNC is available.

Winpack wpsfx680.exe (or two floppy disks for install.)

OPERATOR REQUIREMENTS:

Completion of Lesson #2 - All programs downloaded from the internet and saved to local computer.

INSTALLING WINPACK

1. Run wpsfx680.exe (or SETUP.exe from #1 floppy.) START/RUN - browse to wpsfx680.exe or just double click on wpsfx680.exe

2. Take all defaults - otherwise you are on your own for later problems.

This should install in c:/winpack and require minimal intervention on your part. It is not part of the c:/program files system on Windows 2000/XP.

3. When the program group comes up make a shortcut and place Winpack V6.8 on the desktop. If this is not obvious, go to c:/winpack and make a shortcut for packet.exe to the desktop. (NOTE: Several hams have reported this program not running from a desktop shortcut - but this has not been a common occurrence.)

CONFIGURING WINPACK

NOTE: Winpack has a "nag meter" that appears unless you have paid for a registered copy. Just say OK in the window if needed and move on. Otherwise, the program is full-featured. The author is now a SK, but his friends continue with the website and will accept a registration payment that I believe goes to a cancer research cause. Refer to the website for details http://www.winpack.org.uk/

1. Start Winpack from the desktop shortcut/icon or from c:/winpack/packet.exe

2. Across the top row click on OPTIONS/Personal BBS Info

3. The only field that is a MUST is the callsign field. Be certain the callsign you want to use on packet as a keyboarder is in that field. Click OKAY

4. OPTIONS /Comms Setup - This is where you configure for the TNC if you have one:

4a. Baud Rate - This is the serial port speed between the computer and the TNC.

4b. Data Bits 8; Stop Bits - 1; Parity NONE

4c. Com Port - This is the serial or comport number being used by the TNC.

NOTE: If you need a comport number greater than 4, successive right clicks

on the field "Com 4" will reveal comports 5 through 8 and return to 4.

4d. HOST MODE - (bottom right corner) Use the pull-down menu to observe the choices. For now leave this on NONE for cmd:(Native) mode. Click OKAY.

5. Across the top click on ACTIONS - Click on Auto BBS Disable and leave it with a check mark in front.

Winpack is now installed for keyboard use once a TNC/Radio are installed and the OPTIONS/Com Setup menu is configured for the comport.

REPORT:

Send an e-mail to the list (reply all):

Subject: Lesson #3

Provide:

Call

OS

Did you try to configure for a TNC?

If so- what type?

If so - were you successful?

Do you have an e-mail address @winlink.org?

If so what is it?

If you do not have an e-mail address @winlink.org you will develop one in a subsequent lesson.

For the following only yes or no:

Did you try to configure for a TNC?

Were you successful?

• * *

Go right on to Lesson #4

Thanks for your interest in this activity.

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