Having owned a FT-847 since 1998, I can.
For 1200-baud packet it merely requires connecting a std TNC (I use a KPC-3+) to the 6-pin mini-Din packet connector (plug available from many Radio Shacks) on the back of the radio. Page-17 in the operators manual shows how. You can also connect 9600-baud audio-output from pin-6. Back in the AO-40 days I used Mix-W2 as a sw modem and connected to pin-6 for audio into the computer soundcard. 38k4 requires some radio modifications to tap wide bw ckts inside the FT-847. I never played with 38k4.
Setting modulation for Packet without a deviation meter is harder (pin-1 on the radio). I use my FT-817 for packet, now. Nice thing is the connector on the radio is pin-compatible with the FT-847, so I could use the same TNC/radio cable. The FT-817 has packet mode available in menu so you can preset your mod levels by mode and by channel.
Note: I may have my new "Lindy's" operational later today. Hooking up the preamp power and T/R relays wiring in the shack. Probably give AO-51 a try for my initial "return" to satellites. I also have my M2-436CP42, LY2345 (1.2-GHz Loop Yagi), 33-inch dish (2.4-GHz Rx), and a M2-2m7 yagi for hard-core satellite work (they also require wiring in the shack to be QRV). All those antennas have T/R relays, preamps and 432, 1268 have amps at the tower. So I am (about to be) ready for P3E!
You can view these on my website: http://www.kl7uw.com/sat.htm
73, Ed - KL7UW
At 10:06 AM 2/2/2010, you wrote:
Hi Mike,
You probably should specify which type of packet you are interested in working; an answer to your question depends on that.
For 1200 baud packet, you can use just about anything, including some software solutions (MixW, for example). Or, one of many MFJ TNCs you find at hamsfest or on eBay.
For 9600 baud packet, you'll need to be more careful in your search. For 38k4, you need to be even MORE selective, as there aren't many.
If you want a TNC that does all three--1200, 9600, and 38k4-- you might consider a KPC-9612+ TNC. Never owned one myself, so I can't comment.
For 9600 and 38k4, my personal choice is the Paccomm Spirit-2 satellite model.
I've never owned or operated the FT-847, so I can't comment on that part of your question, either. But one thing's for sure--38k4 packet requires modification of any radio currently in (or out!) of production (well, except for the Icom PCR-1500/2500).
73,
Mark N8MH
On Tue, Feb 2, 2010 at 1:37 PM, Sean Cavanaugh seanc@unixgeeks.ca wrote:
On 02/02/2010 11:12 AM, Michael Wolthuis wrote:
Can anyone point me to the recommended TNC for adding to an FT-847 for digital satellite work? Are there special modifications needed? What connector does it use on the FT-847?
Thanks, Mike kb8zgl
I can't speak to any specific "recommended TNC", but I've been using my old PacComm Tiny-2 MK2 for years. It uses a 5-pin DIN (think ancient AT-style keyboard connector) and I connected it the packet port on my FT-847 (6-pin mini-din, like the slightly newer PS/2 keyboards) and have copied the ISS using this. The connections were fairly trivial to make following the manuals for the radio and TNC.
Years ago I used the same TNC with my old radio shack HTX-242 to post messages to the BBS on the Mir.
With a different TNC, I could also do 9600, but I don't have that capability at the moment. I'd think most any TNC should work.
-- Sean - VA5LF _______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
-- Mark L. Hammond [N8MH]
Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb