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 or KAM-XL.

Users of previous versions - either 1.x or the 2.x betas and pre-releases:

Several command key shortcuts have been changed in this version in order to provide logical command key access to the LED bargraph on the KAM-XL in PSK31 mode.

The documentation has a matrix of all the command key assignments and changes relative to previous versions.

Current 1.x registered users. We are "grandfathering" all current 1.x registered users into this and some future releases of version 2.x. Your current registeration number will register this version and will remove the expiration date limitation.

Since this policy may change in the future, we encourage all 1.x users to send us an email containing your call sign and a notation to return a 2.x registration code.

If you haven't registered and use the software -> Registration is now possible from the registration page!

This page will indicate a registration of 1.3v4, but you will receive a code for both 1.3v4 and 2.x.

This version does not support the mail services using the FBB version 2 protocol (WinLink 2000), but does contain a basic mailer which will send mail to Internet addresses, with CCs, using TNOS/JNOS services.

It is now anticipated that FBB version 2 mail support will only be available in the Plus edition of RDCP/Mac.

The schedule for any version with WinLink 2000 capability depends on time required by other business obligations.

Features of RDCP/Mac V2 include:

• Operates in HOST mode - (What is HOST mode?)
• Multi-Threaded
• Auto save receive windows
• Brags
• User Items (such as CQ, etc.)
• Connection Book
• File Transmission
• Save/print transmit and receive windows
• Create files for later transmission
• Startup/Shutdown TNC configuration scripts
• YAPP Binary file exchange
• Remote TNC Access and Control.
• F Key shortcuts
• Help and Documentation available from the Macintosh Menu Bar Help Menu.
• Mailer - compose mail messages. Send mail to Internet using TNOS/JNOS services. Send to other services.
  • Mail message files may be opened and saved as a text file.
  • Support for multiple CC:s (up to 10) for JNOS/TNOS services.
  • Automated send of single or multiple mail to Kantronics' PBBS mailboxes.
  • Address Book.
  • Mail Browser.
• Modes supported
  • Packet
  • CW
  • RTTY
  • ASCII
  • AmTOR
  • PacTOR
  • G-TOR (and TOR)
  • FEC
  • Monitor AmTOR
  • Monitor PacTOR
  • Monitor G-TOR
  • NAVTEX
  • PSK31
• Logging using
  • FileMaker® 6.0, 5.5, 5.0, 4.x, 3.x and 2.x
    • Network logging available with FileMaker®
    • Sample logging databases supplied for FileMaker® 2.x, 3.x, 4.x and 5/6.x.
  • AppleWorks® 6 (Sample logging database supplied)
  • Text File
  • Some automation of logging possible.
• Call Sign Lookup Databases
  • QRZ® CDROM
  • Mac Ham
• Supports
  • KAM
  • KAM Plus
  • KAM-XL
  • KAM '98
  • KPC-1
  • KPC-2
  • KPC-3
  • KPC-3 Plus
  • KPC-4
  • KPC-2400
  • KPC-9612
  • KPC-9612 Plus
  • KWM-1200
  • KWM-9612

System Requirements

• PPC or 68k (68020 processor or greater) Macintosh computer.
  • iMac and other G3/G4 users - information here!
• System 7.5 or greater.
• Apple Serial Tool (supplied)
• TTYFont and VT102 Font (supplied)
• 3.0 meg free memory above system requirements
  • Additional memory required if using a "helper" application such as FileMaker®
• About 3 meg hard disk space
• Hardware handshaking cable to your Kantronics TNC
• Color monitor recommended

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).

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.

Certain features of RDCP/Mac Version 2, will not be available until the software is registered. If you are a current 1.x registered user, your registration code will unlock these features.

Download the current version (2.x) of RDCP/Mac for PPC here. This version runs only on the PowerMacs.
Download size is about 3,105k.

Download the current version (2.x) of RDCP/Mac for 68k Macs here.
Download size is about 2,865k.

Registration information

This application is free but registration is required to access all features. Email for a registration code and we will supply ASAP. Please include your call and the version used.

JavaScript must be enabled to display this email address.