Posted: 12/18/2015 2:03:04 PM EDT
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Ok the 12v computer thread has me thinking up a solution to my problem, Digipeters are far and few between in my area, I want to get one up and running to use some of the features on my FT-1XD Fusion radio mainly the APRS. Lack of digipeters is not getting my APRS packets out there. I have a Kenwood 271 in my "shack" I have a laptop or two running around but wouldn't be against getting a Pi to run the needed stuff. But what would be simplest way to achieve just the digipeter problem? Or is there more I am not seeing or understanding?
Is it this: TinyTrak4 and cables needed for a 271 to "talk" to said tinytrak Or a Pi with the TNC-Pi Thanks for any help here. |
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Adding infrastructure to the APRS network is always interesting: lots going on, plenty of standards to adhere to, and use of serial ports and dumb terminals like it's still 1998! Only half in jest...
First issue: no matter which hardware/software/radio combo you go with, is figuring out what routing standards are in play in your area. Out here it's WideN-n set up for two hops. A quick sampling of WI digipeaters and it looks like folks are running W3, WIn. I'd recommend you reach out to the clubs and individuals hosting digipeaters closest to you and see what's up. Specifically, what are the recommended digipeater routing paths, and what are the mobile/portable paths. I used to be real big on the Pi/TNC-Pi. I then spent months fighting an interference and levels problem on two separate TNC-Pis, so I'm pretty much done with them. So, for your "Digipeater Only" scenario, I would prefer a TinyTrak4 wired to your -271, set once and left alone. Pencil in some difficulties with programming the TT4 if you don't have a computer with a hardware serial port. Adapters are out there, and they'll work OK for packet radio stuff. Just know that the picture starts to change once you also decide you want a Digi/iGate combo. |
| Thanks, I left the Igate out for "simplicity" haha ok so I have some more research to look at before deciding to purchase equipment, I have a Panasonic Toughbook with serial port that is my "radio" computer just because it is a "tough book" and the serial port for programming /\/\ radios |
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For digipeat only an old school TNC would suffice. PK88, MFJ1270/1274 etc.
ETA -- "TinyTrak4 can act as a smart APRS digipeater supporting WIDEn-N, callsign substitution, and dupe checking" After reading from the TT website I'm not sure if an old school TNC would support this. |
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The TT4 is going to be the easier solution.
Nothing against the TNC-Pi (I have a couple to play with) but if I were going to use a Pi, I'd probably go with some other simple TNC on the end of a USB serial adapter rather than something that can only be used with a Pi. Argent Data has some simple TNCs that can do it as well, if you can stand the wait times (hopefully they're better than they were.) |