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I'm interested in starting to use packet radio. I only have a 2m/440 radio right now and a computer. What other equipment would I need to get to connect the radio to the computer? How do I start making contacts? |
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I've got a situation very similar to kc0olq, and here's what I've found out so far. (I haven't gotten on the air with packet yet, but this is how I'm planning to do so.) FYI, my radio is a handheld Yaesu VX-3R. First you need a TNC, either hardware or software. (A TNC is very similar to a 1980's-vintage 300/1200 modem.) I've heard good things about the Kantronics KPC-3 that Jerry mentioned, except for complaints about the price ($150-200). The TNC-X is a $48 kit which may work for you. (That's what I'm planning to use if I'm not able to find a used TNC.) Second you need to connect your TNC to your radio. This connection handles received audio, transmitted audio, and PTT. It's completely dependent on your radio's speaker/mic connector and the TNC's connector. You can probably build this yourself pretty easily. If you're using a handheld (as I will be), you will need a power source (other than the HH battery). You need to disable most/all of the battery-saving features of the radio when doing packet, because the TNC needs to hear every bit of the transmitted packet in order to decode it properly. Finally, you may need an external/remote antenna. To check this, grab your radio and fire up the computer you plan on using for packet. (Don't forget the monitor, too!) If you can get on the air while sitting at the computer, you may not need to worry about the antenna. Unfortunately, my monitor generates a lot of RFI, so I need an external antenna. I'm going to be mounting a 300 ohm slim-jim on the roof this weekend to accomplish this. (Hence my question about ABS or PVC pipe.) I hope this is enough to get you (and me!) on the air. 73 de N3JIM |
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What you have now could certainly be enough to get you started in operating packet. Of course this depends if you have a way to interface your transceiver to your PC soundcard. Most packet users I know use a software program called WinPack. There is a software packet engine called AGWPE which handles the function of a hardware TNC. You can also certainly go the route of purchasing a TNC. The Kantronics KPC-3 is a popular TNC and one I own and use. The setup can be a little daunting the first time. But like many things, there is a ton of information available on the internet to help. One site I can certainly recommend as I've used it to learn more about packet is http://frupac.net/packet/index.shtml From this website you can download WinPack and AGWPE. You'll also find tutorials on packet radio. If you do go the route of a hardware TNC, you can also download configuration files which when modified can get you up and operating quickly. It is my experience that I've had better luck since purchasing and moving to the Kantronics KPC-3 TNC versus the software packet engine AGWPE. I believe both serve a valid purpose in the hobby, but I'm certainly glad I went the direction of the Kantronics. Just my opinion and two cents worth of advice. I see you are located just North of me. I'm in Denver (in the DTC area). There is a lot of packet activity in the area. My packet station is not always on the air...but I'm working to try to get it up full-time. 73, Jerry kd0bik Host of The Practical Amateur Radio Podcast |
