Your AEA PK-88 Packet Controller is the connection between your computer and radio. The PK-88 performs all the 'magic' of establishing data and text communications between your station, as well as many other communication facilities equipped for digital communications. With packet radio you'll have a 'private channel' while sharing a frequency with other packet stations; you'll be able to 'read the mail' from other packet stations, log on to computer-based 'bulletin board' or 'mailbox' systems, handle message traffic - in short, you're now equipped to enjoy the advantages of digital communications and error-correcting radio techniques in your ham shack. Your new AEA PK-88 is the heart of your digital radio station. The PK-88's system software is derived from the original TAPR TNC; it presents many of the advanced features of that design, coupled with significant enhancements based on the experience gained by thousands of TAPR-equipped amateur packet stations worldwide. Your AEA PK-88 Packet Controller is the connection between your computer and radio. The PK-88 performs all the 'magic' of establishing data and text communications between your station, as well as many other communication facilities equipped for digital communications. The Model PK-88 is an asynchronous PAD (Packet Assembler/Disassembler) or data controller that includes a built-in modem for packet radio operation. The PK-88 hardware HDLC system converts serial, asynchronous, ASCII data to the internationally accepted AX.25 packet radio protocol via an EIA standard RS-232 serial port. In addition, a Host mode, raw HDLC and KISS ('Keep It Simple, Stupid') TNC protocols are available for applications other than AX-25 protocols.