Outpost Packet Manager Operation
(a.k.a. Packet with no commands!)
Outpost is packet radio made simple. It was created to resemble an email client to send and receive packet messages. Outpost is capable of sending ICS-213 forms to other packet users. Packet radio usually consists of a variety of commands from a command prompt. Outpost provides a user interface that is a window that is controlled with mouse clicks. There is no need to know or understand any of the command prompt commands. Outpost is not capable of sending attachments, keyboard-to-keyboard conversations. Therse are better utilized with a terminal program like Putty.
*** These instructions have been tested and work with a Kantronics KPC3+ in a matter of minutes. ***
*** This instructions have been found to work with a SignaLink (using AGWPE to connect to W6BA) however, exact Sound TX and Sound RX as well as delay settings must be found on the SignaLink***
This page will walk the user through the operation of Outpost. In general, packet is easiest with a Terminal Node Controler that is plugged into a 9 pin serial adapter on a computer. A prolific 2303 USB-Serial Adapter will work provided the correct driver is used.
Outpost is also easy to use with a SignaLink or other sound card. Outpost is also compatible with a variety of KISS TNCs. There is also a means to check mail via the internet. Instructions for all of these methods are listed below:
User Setup:
1. Start Outpost from the start menu. The first page will set up the user. Enter the callsign and the name of the user. Also choose to see this page on each startup (blue circle)
Users may be required to run this program as an administrator with the latest operating systems. (Right click on the program and choose: Run as Administrator)
2. Select 'Setup' from the tool bar, then TNC from the drop down menu.
Operating Outpost with a KPC3+:
3. The popular Kantronics KPC3+ is a default option when choosing a TNC. When complete, Click 'OK'.
If using a KPC3+, skip down to #6 to configure a BBS.
Operating Outpost with a SignaLink:
4. To run Outpost from a KISS TNC or SignaLink or other sound card, first configure and start AGWPE.
Instructions for setting up and configuring AGWPE can be found: Here. Then select Setup from the tool bar and TNC from the drop down menu. Select: 'New' as is circled in red below.
5. Click AGW Packet Engine, as shown in red circle. Then enter the description that appeals to you as shown in blue. Last, click the 'OK' button that is in the purple circle.
6. Next configure the Bulletin Board System (BBS) to be used. Select 'Setup' from the tool bar, and BBS from the dropdown menu.
7. Select 'New" to configure a new BBS to be accessed.
8. Define a Bulletin Board System to be used. The connect name must be configured correctly. Also, select the TNC to be used, as shown in the blue circle. Then Click 'OK'.
W6BA-1 will access a BBS on Paxton on 145.050, 1200 baud.
Or for a SignaLink- Choose the SIGNALINK for the TNC.
Some BBS may require a password in order to gain access. If so, go to the station Identification set up screen and select: "BBS UAC"
9. Next, the program needs to know which passwords to use to intereact with the selected BBS. In the toolbar, select Setup, and then Click on: Identification. IN the Station Identification pop-up box choose the BBS UAC Tab (Circled in Brown)
To start a new BBS, click on: New, Circled in Black. Choose the BBS name from the drop down box of previously configured BBS's. (Circled in Red). Then Enter the User Logon Name. (Circled in Blue) Enter the BBS password for that particular BBS. (Circled in Blue) When complete, click on: OK. (Circled in Brown)
For the KJ6BOI BBS, users will only need a password when accessing via the internet/telnet. Users using a radio and TNC will not need to use a password, only a username.
10. Some usrs may want to access multiple BBS's or access the Winlink System. Winlink Users must utilize a password to access the Winlink Mail System via telnet. A second BBS UAC profile must be set up, similar to the first. To start a second UAC for Winlink, First set up the BBS for Winlink via Telnet. Then, click on: New, Circled in Black. Choose the BBS name from the drop down box of previously configured BBS's. (Circled in Red). Then Enter the User callsign in lowercase letters. (Circled in Blue) Enter the BBS password to access the winlink that is: CMSTELNET (Circled in Purple). Next, that user's personalized Winlink Password will need to be entered. (circled in Green). When complete, click on: OK. (Circled in Brown)
11. A new message can now be started by clicking the 'New' button in the upper left corner of the page as shown in red.
12. A new window will appear. Enter the BBS to be used as shown in red. Then enter the callsign (or email address) to whom the mail is being sent (blue circle). When the message is complete, Click the 'Send' button in the purple circle. This will send the message to the Outbox. There are options to send the message immediately, if desired.
At this point the TNC or SoundCard must be connected to the radio and the radio must be on the BBS frequency. (W6BA-1 is on 145.050)
13. To send the message, Click on the Out Tray (red) to see your message. Then Click the Send/Receive Button (blue) to send the mail on its way.
14. Outpost can also send email through the Winlink system. More information about the Winlink system can be found Here.
15. These are the basics. As you navigate the menus, there are lots of options. Multiple BBS can be accessed. Also automatic polling will check and pop messages every few minutes, if desired. Also ICS Messages can be sent if desired.