Reference
  TNC Settings

FNpack can generate three kinds of messages: formal, scratchpad, and broadcast messages. Formal and scratchpad messages are discussed here, broadcast messages are discussed in a separate section.

Formal Messages

Formal messages use message templates, such as the ARRL radiogram, which have prescribed fields that are to be filled-in to compose the message. To begin composing a formal message press the Formal button on the main screen. Doing so will display the 'compose message' window with the formal message template shown in the lower part of the window.

Enter a brief subject. The subject will help you and the destination station identify this message in the future. Then click, or tab, to each field to be filled-in and type the desired information.

You may request that certain actions be taken when this message reaches its destination. These actions include printing the message, sounding an audible alert, requesting that the destination station operator confirm that the message has been received, and disconnecting after message transfer is complete. To request these actions, click the appropriate checkbox at the top of the window.

Clicking on the Done button indicates that you have finished composing the message. It does not cause the message to be sent. The next step in sending a message is to connect to the desired destination.

The printing, alerting, confirming, and disconnect actions are sent to the destination station in a header which is affixed to the message. These actions can only be fulfilled if the destination station is also using FNpack software.

The disconnect action enables very efficient use of the radio channel because it terminates connections as soon as a message is successfully transmitted. However, this action can only be done when sending messages directly to a destination station. It should NOT be used when sending messages to a bulletin board.

In the sample message shown here, the Number, Station of origin, Time filed, and Date fields have been filled-in automatically. This feature is called 'autofill.' Autofill may be selected if desired by using the Setup/Operating Preferences menu item on the main screen.

Selection of the template used for Formal messages is discussed in the Operating Preferences section.

Scratchpad Messages

Scratchpad messages are informal messages that do not use templates. To begin composing a scratchpad message click the Scratchpad button. The behavior of scratchpad messages is similar to formal messages except that no message template is used.