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Current Version 26-Jul-99 is 1.3v4
RDCP/Mac is a communications software package to interface your Macintosh to models of Kantronics TNCs. Designed with a focus on the amateur HF digital operator, full functionality is available for amateur VHF AX.25 packet. While directed to the amateur operator, RDCP/Mac contains features of interest to users of the commercial versions of Kantronics' products.
RDCP/Mac uses the Kantronics HOST mode allowing simultaneous connections on VHF packet and the HF digital modes when using the KAM.
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Check the Compatibility and Feature table to determine the edition most suited for your system and needs. It will continue to be available for users using System versions older than 7.5 and/or for the 68k Macs. RDCP/Mac, Version 2 is here RDCP+Mac, Version 2 for MacOS X and Mac Classic OS is here |
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1.3v4 is the last planned release of the 1.x versions. Development is now concentrated in the 2.x series. |
Many thanks to development testers:
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It is recommended that new users of RDCP/Mac consider downloading one of the Version 2 Editions. |
Greg, n0qds, has established an RDCP/Mac mail list and this is your invitation to join the group. A low volume list so your mailboxes should not be filled.
To subscribe send an email to:
rdcp-request@n0qds.org
and in the body of the message include the word "subscribe" (without the quotes). Anything else will be ignored.
The newer Macintosh (Blue & White) G3 models and the iMac do not contain a serial port which is required to use RDCP/Mac and Kantronics' TNCs. Some method must be supplied to provide a serial data connection. This can be accomplished by obtaining a USB to Serial adapter or another product which will provide a Macintosh type serial port.
There are several products available, but the most popular appears to be the Keyspan USB Serial Adapter, model USA-28. This adapter is available from "MacWarehouse", order number DAD1577 for about $80.00 (US).
MacWarehouse - 1-800-255-6227 or on the web <http://warehouse.com>
Another adapter is the "entrega" model - MacWarehouse order DAD1606 - $60.00 (US).
For the B&W G3, a new product worth investigating is the "Steath Serial Port". Information available at <http://www.geethree.com/index.html>. Price about $50.00 (US).
We have NOT tested RDCP/Mac using any adapter, but have not received reports of any problems or incompatibility.
To assist in your decision regarding a USB<->Serial adapter or another product, RDCP/Mac uses the Apple/Macintosh Communications Toolbox. There are NO proprietary serial drivers or code, so any adapter that advertises or requires "100% Comm Toolbox" compatibility or "savvy" should function.
For the latest information on USB-serial adapters check this MacInTouch location.
Also check this Griffin Technology site for information on the "iPort" adapter which fits into the "mezzanine" or "Perch" slot of your iMac.
A link to information on the Keyspan USB<>Serial adapter.
Shareware fees and details here.
This is a release version and does not expire. The trial run code is not functional.
A discussion of HOST mode here.
New User and New TNC? - First time configuration hints here.
We invite and need reports regarding problems and/or suggestions.
If you have not installed RDCP/Mac you will need the Full Download.
If you are upgrading, you will need the Upgrade Download.
If you have a slow speed connection or only need certain components, check the Component Download Section.
If you are currently using an older version of RDCP/Mac, you only need to download this file.
This download contains:
The download will expand into a folder named "RDCP 1.3v4 Upgrade". Open the folder and copy the 4 items into the folder containing your existing RDCP/Mac application.
Download
the RDCP/Mac 1.3v4 upgrade here. This version runs on the 68k and
the PowerMacs.
Download size is about 1,649k.
This is the full package. If you have NOT used RDCP/Mac, you will need this download.
Contains Documentation, all necessary support files and the helper files.
Download
RDCP/Mac 1.3v4 here. This version runs on the 68k and the
PowerMacs.
Download size is about 1,764k.
If you have problems with the Winternet server, please
e-mail us and we will
reply with the software.
We have received requests to provide both 68k and PPC specific applications in order to reduce the time spent downloading. Pick and choose your needs.
68k - 1.3v4 Application and Read Me files. Size about 582k. 68k version - Download here.
PPC - 1.3v4 Application and Read Me files. Size about 774k. PPC (PowerMac) version - Download here.
FAT - (Runs on all supported Macs) 1.3v4 Application and Read Me files. Size about 1258k. FAT version - Download here.
RDCP Documentation. New documentation for RDCP/Mac. Requires frame capable HTML browser. This download does contain the "New User and New TNC" pages. Size about 392k. RDCP Documentation - Download here.
RDCP Files. Contains sample Brags, TNC Settings files, User Items. If you are currently using a previous version of RDCP/Mac, you do not need this. Size about 36k RDCP/Files - Download here.
Helper Files. Contains sample FileMaker 4.0/3.0 and 2.x logging databases, an AppleScript to transfer the built-in logging file to Clarisworks/AppleWorks (5.0) and a sample Clarisworks/AppleWorks logging database. Size about 20k Helper files - Download here.
System Items. Contains various files that may need to be installed in the System folder. This is not needed if you are using a previous version of RDCP/Mac. Size about 60k. System Items - Download here.
Black Cat Systems also has a CD available that contains RDCP/Mac and other applications.
Shareware pricing and policies
Shareware fee for the "regular" RDCP/Mac - $15.00 US for Version
1.x. (Commercial and Amateur)
Expected shareware fee for the "lite" RDCP-/Mac - $10.00 US for
Version 1.x. (Commercial and Amateur)
No decisions regarding RDCP+/Mac.
Registered uses will receive registration codes for the edition being registered plus any "lower" editions.
Registrations will be issued to a call sign. A single call may use as many copies as needed.
For amateur usage and multiple call locations such as family members AT THE SAME LOCATION (QTH) - each additional call $5.00 US up to a total of 5 additional. Above 5, each additional $2.00 US.
Commercial users - contact us for additional details.
Future versions - All 1.x versions of the same edition will use the same registration code. Higher versions (2.x and up) will have a discount for users who have registered previous versions.
You may just copy the RDCP/Mac application into the folder containing your existing version. This version DOES have additional information in the preferences and you may want to make a copy of your existing preferences before running this new version. This will enable you to rename that copy back to "RDCP/Mac Prefs". That file is contained in the folder "RDCP Files" in the folder containing your RDCP/Mac application.
The Services file in versions 1.3v4 and 1.3v3 is not compatible with the file in versions previous to 1.3v2.
After starting RDCP/Mac for the first time after installation, and entering your call sign and updating the registration (optional) - a warning may appear that indicates your Service Book is not compatable. After closing this warning, the Service Book will be displayed. Just close that window and the Service Book will be updated.
Your existing Service Book will be copied and renamed "Services (Old)". It is located in the Mail Folder of your RDCP/Mac installation.
After starting RDCP/Mac for the first time after installation, and entering your call sign and updating the registration (optional) - OPEN AND THEN CLOSE THE "MAIL BROWSER" WINDOW. This will modify any existing mail index file to a version compatible with this version of RDCP/Mac. Your old "Mail Index" will be saved and renamed "Mail Index (Old)" after the Mail Browser is opened and closed. If you need to return to an older version of RDCP/Mac, you can rename the "Mail Index (Old)" file to "Mail Index".
A warning dialog will be displayed when the application is started if the Mail Index file is not compatible.
You may also need to modify some entries in your "Service Providers". Any existing entries defined as a "Default" type which are actually Kantronics PBBS's, change to the "Kantronics" type. This will not change the types in any mail waiting to be sent. You may open those messages in the Mail Browser, change the type and push the "Queue" button.