[FARC] ARRL Packet Article

[Kirk Talbott]

Interesting article on Packet entitled "The Amateur Amateur: Packet Part II" on the ARRL web site.   The article discusses a problem with using the internal TNC in an Alinco DR-135 radio and Winlink 2000.  The author, Gary Hoffman, relates that this TNC is a Tasco, which is the same TNC in my Kenwood TS-2000.  I thought I was the only one who had one.

I can tell prospective Airmail/Winlink 2000 users that the Tasco Radio Modem TNC in the Kenwood TS-2000 indeed will not work with Airmail software used in conjunction with Winlink 2000.  Airmail is compatible with a fixed number of TNC's and that is that.  The problem is not Winlink 2000, it is Airmail.

Addtionally the author of the article mentioned purchasing a Kantronics KPC-3+ TNC as the savior for his Winlink 2000 use efforts.  Prospective Airmail/Winlink 2000 users should note, yes, the Kantronics KPC-3+ TNC will work with Airmail if you configure AIRMAIL to use a KAM98 TNC.  The KPC-3+ is not on the list of compatible TNC's for Airmail, but if you tell Airmail it is a KAM98 it will work fine.

Although the author does not mention using Airmail software specifically with Winlink 2000 I am assuming this is the problem.  The Tasco TNC in my Kenwood TS-2000 will work to send E-mail to Winlink 2000 Packet nodes when used in conjunction with Windows HyperTerminal and done manually with Packet commands.  Generally though the Tasco internal TNC is very limited with no PBBS mail or Packet node capability.  

If you want to avoid headaches with base station Packet and Packet applications, avoid the internal TNC concept and purchase a good standalone TNC with plenty of capabilities.