Software Review: KaGOLD/PkGOLD
High Performance Packet Software

My introduction to early versions of this software came nearly 3 three years ago when fellow Clear Lake Amateur Radio Club member and packeteer, Sid Martin, N5VOO began using it and extolling its spectacular attributes. I had already gone through the gamut of communications software, shareware, freeware, and manufacturer-provided TNC programs, all of which provided a usable interface between computer and TNC, and some of which made the hardware interface more transparent and user-tolerant. While N5VOO's arguments for use of GOLD software were compelling, the primitive computer platform that I have dedicated for packet made me cautious of its ability to run such a high-level program. However, Sid persisted in his quest to convert me to his faith and several months ago provided me with an evaluation copy of KaGOLD. With significant trepidation, I loaded the software on my meager system and without problem it sprang to life and worked flawlessly. I did in fact spend less time getting it going than with most other packet programs I've used.

The software has numerous useful features, some of which are innovative and proprietary while others are vast improvements over existing features found in other programs. First of all, the software is written to the hardware with which its use is intended. There are versions specifically for Kantronics TNCs including a version for Kantronics TNCs with version 7.1 or later EPROMs (KPC-2, KPC-3, KPC-4, KPC-9612, KAM and KAM-Plus) while a separate version is available for the Kantronics Data Engine called KaGOLD/DE. The various TNCs manufactured by AEA require for the most part separate versions of the software: PkGOLD for PK-88, PCB-88, PK-232, PK-232MX; DSP-GOLD for the DSP-1232 or DSP-2232; and PkGOLD/900 for the PK-900. Besides supporting VHF/UHF packet radio, the software supports the many operating modes of multimode controllers including MORSE, BAUDOT (RTTY), ASCII, AMTOR, PACTOR, and G-TOR. Thus it truly is a complete amateur radio digital mode software package. However, the extra features do not in any way impede using it for simple VHF/UHF packet with Kantronics or AEA TNCs. An extremely nice feature of the program is the consistency of the user interface so that once you know the program you can easily go to any other operator's system and find that it virtually works the same regardless of whether it is an AEA or a Kantronics-based platform.

Computer requirements for running the software are minimal. Any IBM compatible PC, XT, AT, or PS2 (i.e. 8088, 8086, 80286, 80386, 80486, or Pentium) with a minimum of 450K of free RAM, one serial port with interrupts enabled, any monitor type (monochrome, CGA, EGA, VGA, S-VGA, LCD etc), and DOS 3.0 or greater is all that is required. While a hard drive is not required for a minimal setup, most users will want to install the program on one for ease of use and speed of operation. Just a few megabytes are required for a full setup. I use the program on an accelerated 8088 running a 10 MHz 80286 chip, 640K RAM, a 40 Mbyte hard disk, and a monochrome monitor and it operates extremely well and fast. The program is designed for DOS but works equally well in a DOS window running under Windows, Desqview or OS/2 because it is "multitasking aware". Specific installation instructions are provided for these operating system environments including suggested enhancements to the SYSTEM.INI file of Windows.

As for the features of the program that set it apart and far ahead of all others, there are many:

Multi-Connect Handling.

This is where the program really excels. You can ignore the TNC parlance of which stream or channel a connect is on. Multiple connects are allowed (set by the MAXUSERS parameter), you can easily switch between these multiple sessions with a single keystroke (F4). As text from another connected station arrives, the software signals you that the session needs attention and prompts you with the specific keystroke to use to switch there. It also saves any of the current text you may have been typing when you switch to another session and you can simply continue once you return. It is possible to have users downloading files, to be downloading a file yourself, to be carrying on several QSOs, to have one or more conferences going, and to check your mailbox -- all at the same time. All the different sessions are managed automatically by the software.

Dynamic Allocation of Scroll-Back Buffers.

The user does not have to set the number of lines for the scroll-back buffers, these are allocated dynamically by the program to enable use of all available memory (conventional, extended, expanded). This results in huge scroll-back buffers which I find incredibly useful.

Word Wrap.

Entered text can be automatically wrapped by choice. I particularly enjoy this feature as you can type and not watch the screen.

Text Processing.

QSO text is automatically saved at the end of the QSO to the "Previous Sessions" screen (accessed by F3). All previous sessions, QSOs, Conferences, Mailbox text, etc. are moved to this single huge scrollback buffer area. Thus you may scrollback to previous sessions, print the buffer text, or save it all to a disk file for a complete record of QSOs, Conferences, etc. You can also manipulate the text in various sessions via the text menu (F5). This allows you to cut and paste text between sessions, to and from the mailbox, from a session QSO to a conference, etc. A simple text editor is also built-in to allow ASCII file generation or modification. It is simple, fast and even includes word wrap.

Command Files.

These are batch-like files of commands that you can create and can be made accessible to remote users of your system. These can set TNC parameters, start file transfers, send messages and even initiate connects. And if you have the appropriate files or databases, you can also set up a radio modifications file server or a callbook server using a command file.

Brag Files.

These are specialized ANSI graphics files that can be sent during QSOs to increase the liveliness of your keyboard sessions. Many are provided and a special program to generate your own is also included.

Conference Bridge.

This feature works only in packet mode (UHF/VHF or HF) and allows several connected stations to converse with each other even though they are connected only to your station. With dual port operation you can conference between ports (cross-band conference) so that a DX station can converse with local users. You can even add another conference to a conference to create a "conference of conferences". On dual port Kantronics 9612 TNCs you can have a conference that includes connects from both the 1200 and 9600 Baud ports (cross-speed conference).

Autorecognition.

Other GOLD users are instantly recognized when they connect and additional features such as the GOLD file transfer protocol are available. For all users a file can be maintained of their name and QTH and this info will automatically be placed in the connect string.

Callbook Support.

Support is provided for Buckmaster, QRZ, AMSOFT, and SAM callsign databases. Using a command file you can set up your station as a Callbook server allowing other stations to connect and request callbook information. If you use this feature, all connecting stations are first looked-up in the callbook and there name, QTH, etc can be inserted into the connect string.

File Transfers.

The software allows transmission and receipt of both ASCII and binary files. The GOLD file transfer is a proprietary file transmission protocol that is fast and reliable. It also supports binary file transfer with non-GOLD users via the YAPP or YAPP-C (Yet Another Packet Program) protocol. With GOLD protocol or YAPP-C file transfers aborted transmissions are automatically restarted at the abort point much like the twisted pair Zmodem protocol.

Shell-to-DOS.

The program allows you to shell to the OS level and stores relevant data from memory either to expanded memory or to disk so that you can return to the same screen. Incoming data is held in a buffer during the shell session and then printed to screen upon return to the program.

ANSI Graphics.

The program is optimized for transmission and receipt of ANSI graphics (color or B&W), it can even send and receive ANSI graphics at the same time.

Macro Strings.

These are text strings that are saved and can be sent with single keystrokes. You can put a description of your station, your life story, a humorous event, or anything else you want to put here for future use during QSOs.

Quick Connects.

This is an unique and very powerful feature of the program. It removes the tedious chore of entering multiple connect requests through various nodes in order to connect to your destination station. To create a quick-connect entry you simply enter the commands in the order that you would issue them at the command line separated by the "|" character and from that point forward you can send the sequence with a single keystroke.

User Manual.

The 128 page user manual (including an index) is excellent and contains helpful examples for new users. There is a general section on packet that is worthwhile reading even for veteran packeteers. A quick reference section is included which is quite useful.

Although I probably haven't covered every feature here, it should now be obvious that the program is quite sophisticated. Fortunately for the user, the program is quite easy to learn. Test-drive copies of the program are available on the Internet and Compuserve. The cost of the full program is $79.95 or with both the pactor and GTOR options $99.95. It can only be ordered directly from the developer. Telephone (949) 496-6639 or you can order via modem (up to 14.4 Kbaud) at (949) 497-5860. Support is provided by voice telephone, fax, mail, telephone BBS or via the Internet -- gold@interflex.com. Latest versions: AEA - 9.03; Kantronics - 9.04. A version for the myriad of TNC 2 compatible controllers is under development and will be released soon!

Happy packeting de KJ5MX!