Getting Started with the PK-88
Congratulations and thank you for your purchase of the AEA PK-88 Packet Data Controller. The fol-
lowing is intended to help get you started and "on the air" with the PK-88 quickly and easily.
The PK-88 operating Manual is filled with complete information on all commands and operating
modes. This doesn't mean you have to read it cover to cover before using your PK-88. Most of the
information you will need to connect your computer or terminal and radio to the PK-88 can be
found in Chapter 2 of the PK-88 Operating Manual.
If you are using one of our programs such as PC-Pakratt or PK-FAX for the IBM-PC and compati-
bles, COM-PAKRATT for the Commodore 64 and 128 or MacRATT for the Macintosh, then you
should start with the Installation section of the Program manual. After you have the program in-
stalled and running on your computer, then Chapter 2 of the PK-88 Operating Manual will describe
how to connect the PK-88 to your computer and transceiver.
AEA's programs such as PC-Pakratt simplify the way you enter commands to the PK-88. This
means that some of the sections of the PK-88 Manual that tell you to enter a command in a certain
manner will not apply. When using one of our programs on your computer, sections 2.5, 2.6 and
2.7 of the manual can be skipped.
In general, if you are using one of AEA's programs such as PC-Pakratt, PK-FAX, COM-PAKRATT, or
MacRATT, the manual that comes with the program should answer most questions. The PK-88 Op-
erating Manual should only be needed as a reference when specific Hardware or Command infor-
mation is sought.
On the other hand, if you are using a Dedicated Terminal or Terminal Program on your computer,
you should carefully follow the set-up procedure outlined in all of Chapter 2 of the PK-88 Operating
Manual. Sections 2.11 and 2.12 of the Manual describe how to connect the PK-88 to several differ-
ent kinds of computers which may be especially helpful.
You will not need any of this information to get your PK-88 up and running, but you may want to
skim through the Addendum for the latest information on the PK-88 operating firmware.
NOTE TO PC-Pakratt USERS:
In order to run the PK-88 with PC-Pakratt, your PC-Pakratt disk must contain a file
PCPAKRA87.CFG. Contact AEA at 206-775-7373 if you have any questions.