Hi, i'm new to packet radio. I own an analog Yaesu FTM-3100R VHF which i plan to use on packet radio, maybe set up a packet BBS (bulletin board system). Besides that rig, what else gear do i need to enter the packet arena? I also i'm aware of the raspberry-pi board that can be with a TNC as the TNC-Pi. I may buy one of these, but what else do i need? Does the Yaesu FTM-3100R is a good rig for packet? do i need a cable to connect the TNC-Pi to the Yaesu? Does the cable plug in the mic port or usb port? Maybe a minimal starter kit and steps would be nice from people with experience.

Best ragrds.

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Is it SignaLink supported in Linux? I would like to connect the rig to something that can provide BBS function and maybe some other internet functions if available, like a gateway for emails. As far as i understand, the TNC-Pi has BBS software implemented in the raspberry-pi OS, rigth? The other thing is the cable that sends the PPT, i'm afraid that is not included. The SignaLink is appearently a robust alumimium case, it seems to last several years, i don't know if there is some sort of plastic case for the TNC-Pi. In the case of using SignaLink i would to connect that to an external PC and run BBS software there i guess.

John and Steve, thanks for your comments, the Yaesu FTM-3100R has a mini-USB plug on the back labeled as "DATA" which i think it is used for programming the rig, maybe it can be used for packet as well.

On 21 October 2019 at 15:25 Santiago Roland <cx1dr@...> wrote:

John and Steve, thanks for your comments, the Yaesu FTM-3100R has a mini-USB plug on the back labeled as "DATA" which i think it is used for programming the rig, maybe it can be used for packet as well.

Thanks Nigel, that is good bit of information to know. I think that maybe the TNC-Pi is the way to go, otherwise i have to put a dedicated PC to run BBS soft. Besides the TNC-Pi, what you consider the best or more versatile TNC around? I only know the MFJ ones, TNC-X, SignaLink, Kantronics and AEA TNCs... there are so many.

On 21 October 2019 at 15:46 Santiago Roland <cx1dr@...> wrote:

Thanks Nigel, that is good bit of information to know. I think that maybe the TNC-Pi is the way to go, otherwise i have to put a dedicated PC to run BBS soft. Besides the TNC-Pi, what you consider the best or more versatile TNC around? I only know the MFJ ones, TNC-X, SignaLink, Kantronics and AEA TNCs... there are so many.

Santiago

Is it SignaLink supported in Linux? Yes. It is a soundcard interface with audio isolation and audio derived fast PTT (like VOX). The cable to TXRXr and internal cable adapter header (just links) comes with it if you order the right model number. Link to PC/RPi is USB. The TNC is in software on computer and I use Direwolf and PAT or Winlink Express as the client.

Note I also use RPi and TNC-Pi with PAT, Win PC and TNC-X or KPC3+ with Winlink Express depending on the situation.

I would like to connect the rig to something that can provide BBS function and maybe some other internet functions if available, like a gateway for emails. Take a look at Mark Griffith's . He has done an integration described in a long talk on Youtube. It should help you. Alternatively search for installation info on node switch and BBS BPQ32 for windows or linbpq for linux or RPi. KPC3+ has a node and BBS built in but is expensive.

As far as I understand, the TNC-Pi has BBS software implemented in the raspberry-pi OS, rigth? Not to my knowledge, see answer above for solutions.

The other thing is the cable that sends the PPT, i'm afraid that is not included. SignaLink ordered with right part number yes. TNC-Pi with right cable yes (search for Hammadeparts).

The SignaLink is appearently a robust alumimium case, it seems to last several years. Yes, mine is 6 years old and like new.

i don't know if there is some sort of plastic case for the TNC-Pi. You need to search for a RPi plus 'Hat' case. PiGate site also has a link to one custom designed. Alternatively TNC-X is the equivalent to TNC-Pi in a standalone case.

In the case of using SignaLink i would to connect that to an external PC and run BBS software there i guess. I use either USB connect to either Windows PC running Direwolf, BPQ32 and Winlink Express or PAT or Linux PC or RPi running Direwolf, linbpq and PAT.

Jim VA7OPD

Thanks Ed, Jim and everyone else. Now i know where to start. I'll keep you posted!

73 de CX1DR

开云体育

This is for code upgrade.
from the manual.
?DATA JackUse this jack when updating the firmware. When a new firmware update for the FTM-3100R/E is available, go to the YAESU website to download the programming data and update the FTM-3100R/E to its newest state.

You want a radio with a mini 6-pin din connector on it. Like the alinco radios or yaesu FT8800/8900, Kenwoods.
You want an easy way to get the audio into and out of the radio. You'll have to look at the manuals or go to the candy store to see the hardware.
6 pin mini din makes it east to get packet data in and out of the radio no matter what TNC you use.

David
ka4kkf

开云体育

Santiago,

I don't know if you are already receiving the help that you are looking for, however,? .? . . .

Like many other experienced people on this list, I have spent a fair amount of time assisting local users with making decisions with regard to their best path for getting involved with packet radio.

I highly recommend the raspberry pi with a tnc-pi . . . as this will give a robust packet node with lots of capabilities for a minimal amount of money and a minimal amount of technical know how.

-There are cheaper ways that are more technical

-There are less technical ways that are more expensive

-A pi combined with a TNC-pi will bring a full service system for about $125 USD.

I second option (and there are many other valuable second options) that I would suggest is using the pi with a Timewave PK-96 . . . as this gives lots of options for hosting your own mail box, or using 1200 baud rate or 9600 baud rate and in its KISS mode will be right at home on your raspberry pi running either 1200 or 9600 baud. (This will also run along side the TNC-pi quite well.)

BPQ, created by John Wiseman G8BPQ, (on a raspberry pi, this is call LINBPQ) is a full service BBS with forwarding, Winlink access, APRS capabilites and comes highly recommended.

You will have to make a cable to connect four wires between the radio and the tnc-pi:

1) Audio in

2) Audio out

3) PTT

4) Ground

There were four main websites that helped me get up and running were:

and the last site, which has a great bpq install script for the pi was:

Hopefully, this will help you get things going in the path that you want.

73,

Jeffrey

KJ6BOI

The signalink and many others like it are plug n go on the Pi ..... Bill K6ACJ.

I was never able to get my mic input on the Signalink to work with my Pi. I switched to the PiTNC hat, and that resolved it for me, and made for a neater little package for use in the car.


Sean Bohanan
KL3YC

Thank you all for the replies, given my setup and the fact that i already have a netbook PC motherboard that i recycled into a desktop PC with peripherals and an external monitor, i choose the SignaLink mostly due to the fact that i may use it with this permanent setup and my personal laptop to go in the field, so i see the Pi somewhat inconvenient there. I choose the modular 6-pin mic cable with it so i guess i'll not have problem starting with digimodes. I plan to investigate a bit more on the Raspberry-Pi and maybe later i can include that to my shack.

Hello Santiago,
Welcome to the group. In previous times an antenna, PC (personal computer), transceiver (HF, VHF, or UHF), TNC (terminal node connector, cables to connect the transceiver-TNC-PC together, and software that TNC required to convert the data the PC processed into electrical data the transceiver was able to use for transmitting and receiving. As computers became more powerful to handle more tasks and programmers wrote better code some smart people reasoned they could write software to replace the function of the TNC requiring one less piece of hardware. The software utilized the sound card that most PC's were now using (in the early days, after sound cards were developed, having a sound card in your PC was an option, until it became a standard). You ask many questions that may not be answered here at one query. But, I will try.? In addition to your Yaesu FTM-3100R VHF analog transceiver, trying to answer your first question, presuming you want to use the basic function of communicating and the advanced function of a BBS, you will require a software application (program), a PC (with at least a i486 CPU 16-bit or higher) running Linux/Unix, OS/X, or Windows, and the cabling required for your 3100 and PC to communicate. Be aware that packet in different parts of the world is still very active and thriving, while in the U.S. this is not the case. You might say that APRS is alive an well. APRS is a function of packet radio. The keyboard to keyboard communicating using packet radio is stagnant in the majority of the U.S. (I would really like to see a comeback in this arena).

Regarding the Raspberry Pi family and Coastal ChipWorks TNC-Pi: TNC-X; both require software. The Raspberry Pi requires an OS (operating system) and can be purchased with an SD card that has several versions of Linux for the Raspberry Pi that can be installed, known as the NOOBS SD card. You can even install a version of Windows 10, if you must. Additionally, you require a software application that permits the TNC-X to communicate with the your computer through your transceiver.

Is the Yaesu FTM-3100R a good rig for packet? I don't have an answer for that since I have never used that radio. I think most Amateur Radio transceivers are good rigs for packet radio providing certain requirements are met. My packet station uses a Kenwood TH-215 HT that I purchased new in 1987. It outputs 0.5w/5w. It served me well for base radio, mobile radio, and portable radio. It has been serving me well for packet radio for 31 years.
Yes, you will require a cable to connect the TNC-X to the transceiver. If you can obtain the wiring diagram/schematic you can make your own, or there are places via the Internet where you can purchase the appropriate cabling. For example, hammadeparts dot com there are a couple listed that might apply to your radio ranging from $18 $25 USD. I think the cable for your specific radio plugs into the microphone port requiring a RJ-12 connector on one end of the cable and USB on the end that plugs into the RPi/TNC-X.

A minimal starting kit? Coastal ChipWorks, on vacation until October 29, 2019, has?TNC-Pi 2 (TNC-X for Raspberry Pi B+, Pi 2, and Pi3) wired and tested ($65).??There are other options on the website that I suggest you check.

I hope these answers are helpful to you. Best 73 KB8AMZ

Santiago,
I further suggest that you watch videos from Jason, KM4ACK regarding the Raspberry Pi and setups. I also recommend that you search for Buck Rogers, K4ABT, the CQ PacketRadio Writer/Editor from 1880 to 2012 and download his two .pdf manuals about packet radio from the manualslib web page. Enjoy, de KB8AMZ?

Whew! Do you have a web page explaining all that???
I was into packet when it was invented, but now I'm 79 and " y'all went and changed it all while I was gone" working long hours.?
I have the TNC9K. (Pi or standalone) that I'm trying to get going. Winlink only for starters. It's a cute kit for $50 including case IF I get it going. ?
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73, Bo W4GHV since '54