[SMCARA] TNC Question

Mon Feb 10 11:30:10 EST 2014

I am not sure, but I feel certain it will.  Check with Ray Brown to be certain. 

73 DE KG3BOZ

-------- Original message --------
From: ken.mcneely at yahoo.com 
Date:02/10/2014  11:18  (GMT-05:00) 
To: "Clarke, Tom   AIR4.0P NATOPS" <frederic.clarke at navy.mil>,smcara at mailman.qth.net,Carlos Velazquez <cvela90 at hotmail.com> 
Subject: Re: [SMCARA] TNC Question 

Will Signalink work with winlink?

Sent from my Verizon Wireless 4G LTE Smartphone

<div>-------- Original message --------</div><div>From: "Clarke, Tom   AIR4.0P NATOPS" <frederic.clarke at navy.mil> </div><div>Date:02/10/2014  10:06  (GMT-05:00) </div><div>To: smcara at mailman.qth.net,Carlos Velazquez <cvela90 at hotmail.com> </div><div>Subject: Re: [SMCARA] TNC Question </div><div>
</div>HI Carlos,

If you are interested in all the digital modes, I would go for one of the sound card interfaces, such as the SignaLink SL-USB.  There are others, but my experience has been with the SL-USB.  I find that the interface with the built-in sound card works a bit better than the audio only interfaces such as the ones from West Mountain Radio, RigBlaster, RASCAL, or many others (Google is your friend). SL-USB takes its power from the USB port, so no external PS is needed (nice! Fewer wires around the shack.).

The SL uses USB to the computer and simple mic and speaker audio from the rig.  You can make up your own audio cables or buy the appropriate one from SignaLink.  There are jumpers internal to the SL-USB that configure it for your radio.  If you change radios later, it is trivial to open it up and reconfigure for the new radio. I understand there is an interface with sound card offered by KJ4NVQ that is inexpensive. I have not tried this one. West Mountain Radio offers interfaces with SC built in also.

The simple interfaces require mic and speaker audio, plus PTT to the rig and output mic and speaker audio to the sound card inputs on the computer.  VOX can be used for PTT or some interfaces utilize a serial port connection to the computer and output the PTT to the radio. There are inexpensive kits available if you like to melt solder. Or cobble up your own with a couple of isolation transformers, a couple of caps and resistors.  Plans are on the net.

A TNC is something of a "one trick pony", in that it is typically limited to packet only.  For a dedicated packet link such as APRS or WinLink any TNC will work. The best one is probably the Kantronics KPC-3+ which supports the new APRS Paradigm.  The AEA PK-232 is also good and can be configured to do PACTOR and mailbox operations. The newer PK-232s also have built-in sound card and audio interfaces. John Hansen (www. Coastalchip.com or tnc-x.com) makes a nice TNC kit.

There were many TNCs available back in the heyday of packet.  With the advent of bulletin boards and subsequently the internet, everyone abandoned 1200 baud for "hi speed"! 1200 baud still works fine for APRS and limited WinLink. Used TNCs come and go at hamfests and on eBay.

Typical new prices:

SL-USB          Under $ 100
KJ4NVQ          $ 52
Rigblaster              $ 60 (interface only) to $ 200 (sound card built in) They have a whole range of items in that range.
KPC-3+          $ 179
PK-232C         $ 600
Hansen          Under $100

Used prices are all over the place!  I have seen used legacy PK-232 (no sound card) for $30-50.

The SL-USB seems to be the item of choice around here.  Some of the other SL-USB users can pipe up as well as those with any other suggestions!

73 de Tom/W4OKW

P.S. I have used the SL-USB with my 817 and it works well.

-----Original Message-----
From: smcara-bounces at mailman.qth.net [mailto:smcara-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Carlos
Sent: Saturday, February 08, 2014 11:27 PM
To: smcara at mailman.qth.net
Subject: [SMCARA] TNC Question

Any recommendation on a TNC? It will be used with an FT-817nd and prefer portable. Can go 12V if too much of a compromise on number of modes supported.  Since I still don't know much about all the modes available, looking for flexibility.

Carlos
/AG  :-D
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