New release of PacTerm and PKTerm

Creative Services Software, Inc. (CSS) will debut a new release of the company's TNC software at the Dayton Amateur Radio Association's Hamvention,® which gets underway today at the Hara Arena.

Version 3.76.02 of both PacTerm (for Timewave/AEA TNCs) and PKTerm (for Kantronics TNCs) expands the number of radio transceivers that may be PC-operated through a terminal node controller (TNC), adds flexibility to TNC operation, further automates setup, startup and shutdown procedures, expands support to 2000 Hz in MT 63 mode, and increases file transfer capabilities.

CSS Expands Support for ICOM, Yaesu Transceivers

PacTerm/PKTerm now supports the new ICOM 7700 and four new Yaesu radios, adding the FT-450, FT-950, FT-2000, FT-DX 9000 models. The expanded radio compatibility is in addition to the 66 radios already supported, providing many times greater compatibility than other TNC software solutions.

In addition to new radio support, PKTerm also now supports the new Timewave DSP-232+ TNC. The plug-and-play DSP-232 is Timewave's newest multimode data controller designed around a high-speed digital signal processor. Digital signal processing combined with memory ARQ, true DCD, and hardware HDLC provide advanced signal filtering, modem performance and flexibility.

PacTerm/PKTerm Now Offer Expanded Multitasking Power

PacTerm and PKTerm are already the only available TNC software offering true 32-bit multitasking capability, allowing operators to control radio transmissions and run logging programs, call book programs and any Windows application simultaneously. PacTerm/PKTerm also continues to support dual TNCs, allowing radio amateurs to work in HF and packet modes simultaneously as well as two single port TNCs on different com ports.

“Multitasking is taken for granted in a Windows environment, but many radio amateurs may not realize that most TNC software products were written before 32-bit multitasking was a standard. PacTerm and PKTerm are the only software solutions of their kind that don't restrict the user's ability to work in other applications at the same time.” said Rick Ruhl, CSS president. “The ability to work in HF and packet modes at the same time gives operators a real advantage in contesting. It's like turbo-charging the sport of radio. And that's not to mention the personal productivity to be gained from keeping an eye on email and other applications while operating radios.”

New Startup and Shutdown Commands Support Continuous Packet BBS Operation

PacTerm/PKTerm Version 3.76.02 adds support for multiple start-up and shut-down commands, allowing Hams to operate Packet, AMTOR and Pactor bulletin board systems from the TNC, even when the software and your computer are shut down.

TNC Wizard Further Automates Set-Up

In addition to the new and enhanced capabilities of PacTerm and PKTerm, CSS' TNC Wizard has been enhanced to automate soundcard mode setup for the user. The TNC Wizard, included with PacTerm and PKTerm, automatically locates a computer's serial ports and baud rate, making TNC emulation easier to set up and ensures more error-free operation.

File Sharing, Transmission Modes Improved

PacTerm and PKTerm also now support an unlimited buffer for ASCII file transfers, an important enhancement for MARSGRAMS in particular. In addition, MT-63 mode has been updated to support the 2000 Hz spectrum.

PacTerm and PKTerm will be available for purchase in Booth 108-109 at Hamvention. Existing customers who are current maintenance subscribers may download the new release at no charge from the CSS Website, or may pick up an upgrade CD at Hamvention.

PacTerm and PKTerm retail for $99 and are available for purchase online at www.cssincorp.com, at many ham radio retailers and through several amateur radio equipment catalogs