[Ham-Mac] Getting into Digital with Mac

[Lew Phelps]

I'm fairly newly licensed, and looking to expand my activity in digital 
modes. I'm looking for basic guidance as to means of interface between 
my Mac (15" AL Powerbook G3 and also G4 PowerMac) and my radio(s).  I 
currently own only a 2 meter rig (Yaesu FT-1500), but expect soon to 
acquire either a Yaesu FT-8900 (four-bander 10-6-2-440) or FT-857 (all 
bander).  Or maybe the FT-8900 plus an Elecraft HF transceiver.

My interests at the moment include APRS (including potentially setting 
up a remote weather reporting station using the FT-1500 as the 
communciation link), satellite communication, and, more generally, 
exploration of the various forms of digital communications available 
today. (What a difference from hen I first held a license back in 
1960!)

General questions:
1.  What's the best way to interface my radio to the Mac?  I have 
experimented a bit with MultiMode, but so far have only been able to 
get it to "read" signals from an APRS digipeater.  I'm thinking about 
acquiring a TNC, and looking at the Kamtronics KAM 3+, the MJF unit, 
and also am fascinated by the TNC-X kit. Regarding the latter:  do any 
of the Mac applications available control the TNX-X, and with such 
software, are there any limitations on what it can do? (It operates 
only in the KISS mode, and I am frankly unclear from what I have found 
whether KISS-mode only is a problem or not, with respect to things like 
satellite communication.)

2. From a transceiver standpoint, does anyone have experience with the 
Elecraft Mac interface software that is available? I know that Don 
Agro's MacLogger DX program supports the Elecraft K2.  Does anyone have 
experience with MacK2 by Steve Muncy? Is there any other applicable 
software I should be looking at?

3. If you were in my shoes, what equipment and software would you be 
considering?

Thanks, and 73s


Lew Phelps
K6LMP
Pasadena, CA
Yaesu 1500-FT 2-meter mobile transceiver
General Class