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

Normal TNC protocol is commonly called AX.25. The most common speed for satellite AX.25 is 1200 baud. Occasionally 9600 baud.

A quick look at the Amsat page list 6 satellites currently running ax.25 Castor, Stars, KKS-1, Oscar-66, Oscar-65, and ISS. There may be more, that was just a quick look.

I have had great luck with Kantronics, KPC-3 and KPC-9612. I even installed a KPC-9612 on board the Russian space station Mir. http://www.marexmg.org/marexmirweb/fileshtml/pmsupgrade.html

The KPC-9612 was also used in PC-Sat1 http://www.aprs.org/pcsat.html

ISS does have packet, unfortunately the software loaded in December 2003 enabled the criss-cross radio mode on the TM-D700. This mode caused a significant performance hit and has rendered Packet Mail virtually useless. And causes the Digi-repeater mode to have a 1-2 second delay and other issues.

http://www.marexmg.org/fileshtml/ISSPacketD700.html

WF1F www.marexmg.org

--- On Tue, 2/2/10, Sean Cavanaugh <seanc@unixgeeks..ca> wrote:

From: Sean Cavanaugh seanc@unixgeeks.ca Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Recommended TNC To: amsat-bb@amsat.org Date: Tuesday, February 2, 2010, 1:37 PM 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

Hi Folks,

Please note that the dates for our Colloquium in 2010 are Sat 31 Jul/ Sun 1 Aug, with a 'foregathering' on Fri 30 Jul afternoon/evening.

This next event for us will be our 25th Colloquium, so please expect some special events, and also news/info on FUNcube.

If you would like to contribute a presentation (or anything else for that matter!) please contact our programme manager, Dave Johnson at dave.johnson@blackpepper.co.uk

73 Jim G3WGM Hon Sec AMSAT-UK