Epson Multi-mode Data Controller MFJ-1278B - Manual (Page 137)

MFJ-1278B MULTI-MODE ADVANCED OPERATION
Multiple connection capability is a very powerful addition to the MFJ-1278B. It is very
useful for traffic net operation, multi-user bulletin boards, path checking and so forth.
Multiple connection operation is not the same as multi-way operation. With multiple
connect, you may establish several point-to-point "links" with various stations. Multi-way,
which is not available, would enable multiple stations to be simultaneously interconnected to
each other, with each station seeing all data passed from any station in the group, error free.
Multiple connection operation is another step on the road to proper networking, and
networking should eventually allow multi-way operation.
Setting the MFJ-1278B to Normal Operation
The MFJ-1278B defaults the multi-connection-related commands to the following
parameters:
CONPERM
OFF
STREAMCAll OFF
STREAMDouBLe OFF
STREAMSWitch |
USERS 1
This sets up the MFJ-1278B to act just like a "normal" TNC does, that does not support
multiple connections. The key to obtaining this traditional operation is to set USERS 1.
How do I Invoke Multi-Connect?
If USERS is not 1, you are telling the MFJ-1278B to allow multiple connections to your
stations from other stations. In addition, TRANSPARENT mode will operate differently, in
that incoming data will be prefixed with the current STREAMSWitch character and
identifier (such as "|A"). Thus, truly transparent operation is not possible with this software
release supporting multiple-connections.
The STREAMSWitch character, defaulted to "|", should be set to a character you won't
normally use. Note that this character may be set to a hex value between $0 and $FF. This
may allow you to use 8-bit characters (AWLEN 8) if your terminal or computer is capable of
generating such "characters." This could help prevent confusion in interpreting incoming
data from other stations if they happen to send data that includes your selected
STREAMSWitch character.
Although not fool proof, enabling STREAMDBL may also help in sorting out
STREAMSWitch characters included in the received data from a valid stream switch
generated by the MFJ-1278B.