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One of the requests that came from the folks over at emergency management was to be able to transfer small spreadsheet files via packet radio.

I suspected there was a solution out there, somewhere, waiting to be found. The one thing Internet is good for is exchanging information and learning sometimes obscure methods.

My shopping list was for a multi O.S. (Windows, Linux, Pi) packet radio terminal program that was dirt simple and could easily transfer binary files.

It turns out I had been using it for a couple of weeks without knowing the program's potential. I'd chose it because it worked with the NinoTNC.

It's called QtTermTCP by John Wiseman G8BPQ the creator of all things "BPQ" since the 1980's. ?

About the only "gotcha" so far, is it's KISS interface. I don't know if it will work with older TNCs in original KISS mode or not.? I have testing to do.

I do know it works excellent with a Raspberry Pi400 keyboard computer and the USB NinoTNC which "talks" via a 2m mobile radio.?

Since the NinoTNC is USB powered from the laptop or Raspberry Pi, it makes a very tidy package.


Out of the box, QtTerm will only connect outwards. Clicking the Listen button and checking the box lets QtTermTCP accept incoming connections AND transfer files via YAPP protocol.

Clicking on YAPP button brings up a pane that asks where you want to store the received files.? Choose or create and choose a folder.

If you are connected to another QtTermTCP station the send file button will be active (not grayed out) and if you click on it it will ask for a file to send.

You chose the file on your computer, click on open and away it goes - at 1200 baud, it's slow by our standards, but will come out a perfect copy at the far end assuming there is a working path.


So far in testing I've sent a 12k file between two stations which took 2.5 minutes. Using 3 stations with WILMAR node as the facilitator a 5k file took 4.5 min.?

The second test was more real world with noise on frequency, multiple hops and??retries due to it.? Nonetheless, the digital copy comes through intact.

This method may or may not be the final solution, but is certainly a step in the right direction.

73
'QBH

The process of finding compatible packet radio hardware and software to transfer digital data files has been fruitful.

The only downside is I was unable to make the KPC-3+ TNCs included in the emergency packet kits work with the QtTermTCP software.
I was in contact with the software author G8BPQ and we narrowed it down to a USB driver incompatibility that came into play when using a USB to serial adapter.

However, the Kantronics units can still be used as temporary vias (think repeater) in the data path that doesn't need a computer, if an emergency required a longer path between ends.?

The good news is I've tested both Raspberry Pi (Linux) and Windows versions of terminal program QtTermTCP (software) with the NinoTNC (hardware) doing file transfer tests over packet radio and they work hand in glove.

There is a pre built NinoTNC surface mount part version going on sale for $70 soon. While I'm sure it will be a winner, I would wait until the 2nd or 3rd batch is offered up.? That way they will have found any bugs and rectified them.
Printed plastic cases are around $10/ea for the originals, I would assume the new cases will be priced similar.

The other upside to the NinoTNC is flexibility. It has 16 different packet speed/modes, switch selected - 4 of which offer higher speed HF modes now legal in the US.
If folks are interested, I'll post some links here as they become available.

73
Mike N0QBH