Re: [amsat-bb] Query About Sound Card TNC

[Sil - ZL2CIA <zl2cia@xxxxxxxxx>]

At 13:25 2/10/02 +1000, you wrote:

>Hello Amsat BB,
>
>Can someone please tell me about the existence of software that when loaded
>into these modern computers, will cause a TNC function for working with
>satellites? Would it be good enough for the 9600 baud pacsat satellites? say
>working with UO-22. (and the 1200 bd microsats too). This presumes that the
>sound card is very modern. All you would need then is a sound card interface
>to the radio for the digital comms side of it.
>
>Richard Atkinson, VK4ZA.

Hi Richard,

I've used a couple such programs with some success (although I think my 
hardware TNC works a little better on the Rx side). So far I've only worked 
1200 baud satellites and the ISS, so I can only answer part of your question..

The AGW Packet Engine from George Rossopulos (SV2AGW) works well, and has a 
built in "soundcard" TNC. The only external hardware you need is a 
resistive network to drop the level of the signal sent from the sound card 
into your radio, and a little circuitry to switch the PTT line on your rig. 
I'm happy to send you a drawing of the one I built if you like (it's 
probably more complicated than it needs to be because I wanted isolated the 
radio from the computer).

You'll also need a front-end program to let you type you messages, send 
beacons, etc. I've used both Roger Barker's (G4IDE) UIView and Guy Roels' 
(ON1DHT) UISS. I find UISS easier for satellite work.

The AGW Packet Engine has provision for 9600 b/s, although I have to admit 
I've never tried it.

The website for the packet engine is http://www.elcom.gr/sv2agw
UIView can be found at http://www.ui-view.com
UISS is at  http://users.skynet.be/on1dht

Good luck - mail me if I can help.

Sil - ZL2CIA (ex PA3HIL)

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