So I bought this packet TNC... What do I do with it?

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - So I bought this packet TNC... What do I do with it?

Posted: 11/21/2014 7:12:04 PM EDT

So at the hamfest last week, I bought a AEA Model PK-232MBX for $5. The thing lights up and everything, but I have no clue what to do with it. Is it worth keeping or should I flip it on eBay?

Posted: 11/21/2014 8:37:01 PM EDT

[#1]

Lighting up and actually working are two different things.

I have one as well but haven't used it in a while. I had been pushing for an ARFCOM packet network but not enough interest. There is some packet activity on 20 meters, 14.105.0 USB, called "Net105".
Do you have an old DOS computer to hook it up and see if it "signs on" to the computer?

Posted: 11/21/2014 8:39:25 PM EDT

[#2]

Quote History

Quoted:
Lighting up and actually working are two different things.

I have one as well but haven't used it in a while. I had been pushing for an ARFCOM packet network but not enough interest. There is some packet activity on 20 meters, 14.105.0 USB, called "Net105".
Do you have an old DOS computer to hook it up and see if it "signs on" to the computer?

View Quote

No DOS computer

Posted: 11/21/2014 8:39:37 PM EDT

[#3]

Quote History

Quoted:
Lighting up and actually working are two different things.

I have one as well but haven't used it in a while. I had been pushing for an ARFCOM packet network but not enough interest. There is some packet activity on 20 meters, 14.105.0 USB, called "Net105".
Do you have an old DOS computer to hook it up and see if it "signs on" to the computer?

View Quote

If he doesn't have a DOS computer he can use a modern one and download Putty.

Posted: 11/21/2014 9:16:30 PM EDT

[#4]

Doorstop...

Posted: 11/21/2014 10:12:58 PM EDT

[#5]

Quote History

Quoted:
Doorstop...

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Hey now!

While the newer digital modes are far superior, I have yet to find software to compare with the AEA in packet mode. I've run quite a few TNC's in my day, MFJ, Kantronics but the AEA is a better unit if you want to run packet.
E- If you can get it to sign on to a computer, it may bring pretty good $$$ on Flea-Bay. I sold one (working) a couple years ago for $80 or 90.

Posted: 11/21/2014 10:43:12 PM EDT

[#6]

I picked up a MFJ TNC-2 at the local ham fest this year. I hooked up the TTL output to an arduino and read local aprs traffic over the arduino serial console output.

Manual : http://www.repeater-builder.com/aea/pk232/pk232mbx-operating-manual.pdf

Pinout of the ext modem connection ( should be TTL level ) is in the schematic in the last part of the manual.

Keep it and play with it. If you get bored with it or just don't care for it, sell it on QTH or ebay.
I'd be interested.

Posted: 11/22/2014 1:54:00 AM EDT

[#7]

Quoted:
So at the hamfest last week, I bought a AEA Model PK-232MBX for $5. The thing lights up and everything, but I have no clue what to do with it. Is it worth keeping or should I flip it on eBay?

View Quote

very nice score.

that thing was worth $299 in 1989 dollars. and that was way back in 1989. just think about what it could be worth now!

ar-jedi

Posted: 11/22/2014 1:10:23 PM EDT

[#8]

Quoted:
So at the hamfest last week, I bought a AEA Model PK-232MBX for $5. The thing lights up and everything, but I have no clue what to do with it. Is it worth keeping or should I flip it on eBay?

View Quote

Did you get any of the manuals? It will run RS 232 at port maximum of 9600 baud. Properly set up it will run VHF & HF packet, FSK, RTTY, AMTOR, and Pactor; plus, if you are near a USCG coastal station, NAVTEX. All you need to run it is a MODEM program at 1200 baud at 8 N 1. In dumb terminal mode. It is one of the best hardware RTTY boxes and will run FSK or AFSK on TX.
73,
Rob

Posted: 11/22/2014 3:54:26 PM EDT

[#9]

Quote History

Quoted:

Did you get any of the manuals? It will run RS 232 at port maximum of 9600 baud. Properly set up it will run VHF & HF packet, FSK, RTTY, AMTOR, and Pactor; plus, if you are near a USCG coastal station, NAVTEX. All you need to run it is a MODEM program at 1200 baud at 8 N 1. In dumb terminal mode. It is one of the best hardware RTTY boxes and will run FSK or AFSK on TX.
73,
Rob

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Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:
So at the hamfest last week, I bought a AEA Model PK-232MBX for $5. The thing lights up and everything, but I have no clue what to do with it. Is it worth keeping or should I flip it on eBay?

Did you get any of the manuals? It will run RS 232 at port maximum of 9600 baud. Properly set up it will run VHF & HF packet, FSK, RTTY, AMTOR, and Pactor; plus, if you are near a USCG coastal station, NAVTEX. All you need to run it is a MODEM program at 1200 baud at 8 N 1. In dumb terminal mode. It is one of the best hardware RTTY boxes and will run FSK or AFSK on TX.
73,
Rob

Cool
I've heard rumors that I can control it with DX Labs too!

Posted: 11/22/2014 4:20:07 PM EDT

[#10]

All the cool kids have them.

Posted: 11/22/2014 4:41:45 PM EDT

[#11]

Quote History

Quoted:
<a href="http://s1166.photobucket.com/user/jnu5/media/20140723_175154_zps9s5bonhv.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i1166.photobucket.com/albums/q610/jnu5/20140723_175154_zps9s5bonhv.jpg</a>

All the cool kids have them.

View Quote

I can't remember, are you running DX labs? And how do you like the TNC?

Posted: 11/22/2014 4:50:37 PM EDT

[#12]

It is awesome. I mostly use it for APRS with my TM-g707 but it is also hooked up to my TS-2000 so flipping the switch will change between the 2 radios.

For APRS it works great. I use xastir and put the TNC into kiss mode. On HF I have only had 1 QSO with it and connected to a couple local 2m BBSs. Just for kicks I tried 9600 baud between it and my TH-d72 and it worked fine.

All off my interaction with it is done through either minicom or gtkterm, both are linux terminals. Nothing fancy but they work.

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - So I bought this packet TNC... What do I do with it?

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