Packet Radio Setup Part I
By David Fleming -- KG6SQU
Putting Together a Packet Radio System - Introduction
Connecting up packet radio for emergency work in its most basic form is no more complicated than the diagram below. There are two connections to the TNC; one to the radio and one to the laptop. Everything is battery powered so there is no dependancy on having to plug into a wall socket or have an electrical generator. One can use the car battery for power, or simply operate off the independent batteries in each unit.
Below I am showing the TNC I am using (the Kantronics KPC3+) from both the front and the back. The two DB connectors I show in the diagram above can be seen on the back, plus a plug-in point for external power. There are many other TNCs, but I am just showing the one I have myself.
The KPC3+ manual is available for download here.
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As a mentioned above, two cables are needed. One for the radio and one for the computer.
The one for the computer can be bought at any place that sells computer stuff... Best Buy, Fry's, Electronic City, Circuit City, etc. It is called a modem cable. Make sure it is DB25 to DB9. The small connector is attached to the serial port (that has the same number of pins) on either front or back of the computer.
Belkin 6 Ft. Pro Series DB9 Female/DB25 Male AT Serial Modem Cable (as an example)
The one for the radio has to be for the specific radio you are using. Every instruction manual I have seen so far (ICOM, Kenwood, and Yaesu) shows how to wire up the connector, and it is easy. I have made one for each of my radios. It can also usually (but not always) be bought at the Ham Radio Outlet (or any other place that sells ham equipment) if making the cable makes you nervous.
click to enlarge
This is what the side of the cable that goes to the TNC will look like. The other side will be what ever is appropriate for the particular radio.
The Details
The particulars for making the computer and radio connections and getting started can be gotten from the TNC manual or by clicking the following link for a brief summary:
Our BEARS Packet Radio Information .. if you want to connect
| Call = KG6VGG | PBBS = KG6VGG-1 backup PBBS = KG6SQU-1 |
| Home BBS = K6VE-5 | Home Node = K6VE-10 |
What is Packet Radio and How is it Used?
This is a great tutorial I found on the internet! I e-mailed Larry to tell him so."Introduction to Packet Radio" by Larry Kenney, WB9LOZ
David Fleming is the BEARS' packet radio sysop and the contact for issues relating to packet radio!
For more Packet Radio information and/or help contact David Fleming at the following e-mail: BEARS-Packet@BurbankCDV.org