Although it was early this year, WB6MLC and I compared Kantronics and MFJ hardware TNCs to a software TNC, namely AGWPE interfaced to WinAPRS for HF APRS Packet mode. There are advantages to each.
AGWPE Advantage (HF Ops only here): Low cost and easy to implement. Runs on modest Pentiums. Should be tried by all interested parties. Interfaces via TCP/IP to UIVIEW16/32 for true APRS and Text Messaging. Interfaces via TCP/IP to Winaprs (terminal mode and some functions go away) for true APRS and text messaging. Interfaces via TCP/IP to the AGWPE Terminal program for conventional use. Fewer wires and cables for RF to sneak into (HF ops) Hears pretty good Utilizes the PC for digital signal display Requires a PC / Radio sound interface like a RigBlaster or SignaLink. Hardware TNC on HF Ops: Hears very well Traditional PC terminal program Immune to PC problems for the most part Give some users fits with COM problems (education) Utilizes the receivers band pass filters Open to RFI issues under HF high power (HF ops) MultiPSK Some might think this program has a weird user interface but the modes do work and it does hear very well. Sorry, no TCP/IP interface but we should ask for one since the feature is fantastic in the other programs. Why am I mentioning a TCP/IP interface? Well it is very cool. The AGWPE or PSKSRV software acts as a signal processing server much like the file server in your biz office. The software talks through the tcp/ip address and port localhost:3131 or :8000 to a client side program on the same or remote PC. Thats how we link to UIVIEW or WinAPRS. However the advantage of a TCP/IP interface does not stop there, the client side software can run over the wireless laptop in another room giving a degree of portable use. Also, in at least one case, multiple PCs can be connected to the signal processing server, I suppose for contesting but it is something a bunch of folks have to try. So, which way to go? A very good multi mode TNC is expensive while a software front end is not. Plus, hams being rather curious experimentors, gives more punch for the money while we try to discover all the strange nuances and extra connectivity. Last, it supports the independent software developer who is hiding in a dark corner dying on over doses of pizza and greasy cheeseburgers while pounding out some great code. If you still love hardware TNCs, thats Ok, but do try the software to help support these guys. Sorry, no fancy gear to make engineering spec tests, just experience. In all cases a Creative Labs Sound Blaster 16 card was utilized or a IBM ThinkPak 600E was utilized. Tests were validated on at least two different PCs locally. bill K6ACJ ------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~--> Get fast access to your favorite Yahoo! Groups. Make Yahoo! your home page http://us.click.yahoo.com/dpRU5A/wUILAA/yQLSAA/ELTolB/TM --------------------------------------------------------------------~-> The K3UK DIGITAL MODES SPOTTING CLUSTER AT telnet://208.15.25.196/ More info at http:///www.obriensweb.com Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/digitalradio/ <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
