1. main@nw-digital-radio.groups.io
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Re: 2m rig Update

John D Hays - K7VE
 

Start XASTIR  and go into interfaces, then configure an AGW or KISS over TCP connection. You can also configure a GPSD interface to localhost for position reports from the integrated GPS.


On Fri, May 24, 2019, 14:34 Steve McGrane <temporarilyoffline@...> wrote:
IT WORKS!  (so far)
Untitled.png
With my makeshift TM-281 cable I was able to receive an APRS message sent from my potatofeng using the APRS-K2 cable plugged into my android.

Next I have to send a message from my 281 and receive it on my droid.

Then I'll be able to start working on Xastir.  Anybody got any docs for getting Xastir to work with DRAWS?
Re: 2m rig Update

Basil Gunn
 

Steve McGrane <temporarilyoffline@...> writes:

IT WORKS! (so far)
Nice work Steve.

[image: Untitled.png]
With my makeshift TM-281 cable I was able to receive an APRS message sent
from my potatofeng using the APRS-K2 cable plugged into my android.

Next I have to send a message from my 281 and receive it on my droid.

Then I'll be able to start working on Xastir. Anybody got any docs for
getting Xastir to work with DRAWS?
The lastest version is installed on the DRAWS Beta image
Xastir V2.1.1

This points to some notes I made to get Xastir working.

https://github.com/nwdigitalradio/n7nix/tree/master/xastir

/Basil
Re: Good 2m rig?

John D Hays - K7VE
 

Al,

A very reasonable question.  The mini DIN-6 configuration is the amateur radio version of an analog radio interface.  It contains key signals.  PTT (to radio), COR (from Radio), AF Audio Out (from Radio), Modulator In (to Radio), Discriminator Out (from radio), and a common ground.   It was standardized for interconnection of external modems (including TNCs), as you say, decades ago.

It was adopted for the DRAWS™ HAT so that a straight through cable with male mini DIN-6 plugs would make an easy radio interface for the audio/modem + PTT/COR connection.  If a radio has the same signals but on a different connector then a cable must be made or purchased with proper wiring.

This generation of connection did not include radio control (beyond PTT).

While the mini-DIN 6 comes very close to a standard, not so for rig control with each manufacturer implementing their own version of CAT/CI-V  some use serial ports, some USB ports, some other data jack.

To build a general interface, NW Digital Radio took what would reach the most radios.  USB connections for rig control (and audio if the radio supports it) plus 2 mini DIN-6 connections for audio and COR/PTT.   I personally prefer the hardware PTT of the GPIO connection through the mini DIN-6, when the application supports it, vs CAT control of an unknown baud rate and interface.  Many VHF/UHF radios don't even have rig control and simply use the mini DIN-6.



On Fri, May 24, 2019 at 2:16 PM Al Szymanski via Groups.Io <aszy=mac.com@groups.io> wrote:
Not so much as a reply , but a genuine question.
Why do so many of you want a DIN-6 port? Technology-wise, it's almost 50 years old. It's huge. If you could , wouldn't you rather have a 2-Meter rig with a Mini-USB, Micro-USB or ( yuck ) USB-C ? Is it the throughput? Is it because "It's what all my cables are already" ?
My perspective is that it's an issue to connect any HT to a computer and have it behave nicely. 1) gotta have the right USB to whatever is offered as a data/mic/speaker port. 2) depending on the OS , you gotta have / find the drivers for this unique cable so that the computer will recognize it and 3) now that the radio and computer "CAN" talk to each other, can it communicate? Was that 9600 baud or 14400? Is there a CRC?
Our cellphones do this with nearly no effort - why can't manufacturers?
Al
K7AOZ
 
John D. Hays
Kingston, WA
K7VE

 
2m rig Update

Steve McGrane <temporarilyoffline@...>
 

IT WORKS!  (so far)
Untitled.png
With my makeshift TM-281 cable I was able to receive an APRS message sent from my potatofeng using the APRS-K2 cable plugged into my android.

Next I have to send a message from my 281 and receive it on my droid.

Then I'll be able to start working on Xastir.  Anybody got any docs for getting Xastir to work with DRAWS?
Re: Good 2m rig?

Basil Gunn
 

Not so much as a reply , but a genuine question.
Why do so many of you want a DIN-6 port? Technology-wise, it's almost
50 years old. It's huge.
Compared to what? DB-15, DB-9? not really.

If you could , wouldn't you rather have a 2-Meter rig with a Mini-USB,
Micro-USB or ( yuck ) USB-C ?
Nope. I would rather have a mDin6 to mDin6 cable that goes from my DRAWS
Hat to the radio. Cheap cable and supported by many radios.

Is it the throughput?
Nope

Is it because "It's what all my cables are already" ?
Nope

My perspective is that it's an issue to connect any HT to a computer
and have it behave nicely.
Granted an HT is a different cable.
For me HT is a novelty and mobilinkd with APRSdroid does a good job there.

1) gotta have the right USB to whatever is offered as a data/mic/speaker
port.
2) depending on the OS , you gotta have / find the drivers for this
unique cable so that the computer will recognize it and
3) now that the radio and computer "CAN" talk to each other, can it communicate? Was that 9600 baud or 14400? Is there a CRC?
Our cellphones do this with nearly no effort - why can't manufacturers?
Al
K7AOZ
Re: Good 2m rig?

Steve McGrane <temporarilyoffline@...>
 

> Why do so many of you want a DIN-6 port? ...

I totally agree with you. I don't really "want" a din-6, but the DRAWS uses it (because the radios use it), so that's what I "need".

USB has done a fantastic job of becoming ubiquitous though...  but even then, my FT-891 doesn't supply audio over the USB port, so I need the data port.  At least this DIN-6 port is somewhat "standard".  I have 2 radios with DIN-13 ports that don't match at all, and might actually fry something if cross connected.  YUCK!

I've been on the "bleeding" edge of tech for many years now and I'm always amazed at how far behind HAM really is.


On Fri, May 24, 2019 at 4:16 PM Al Szymanski via Groups.Io <aszy=mac.com@groups.io> wrote:
Not so much as a reply , but a genuine question.
Why do so many of you want a DIN-6 port? Technology-wise, it's almost 50 years old. It's huge. If you could , wouldn't you rather have a 2-Meter rig with a Mini-USB, Micro-USB or ( yuck ) USB-C ? Is it the throughput? Is it because "It's what all my cables are already" ?
My perspective is that it's an issue to connect any HT to a computer and have it behave nicely. 1) gotta have the right USB to whatever is offered as a data/mic/speaker port. 2) depending on the OS , you gotta have / find the drivers for this unique cable so that the computer will recognize it and 3) now that the radio and computer "CAN" talk to each other, can it communicate? Was that 9600 baud or 14400? Is there a CRC?
Our cellphones do this with nearly no effort - why can't manufacturers?
Al
K7AOZ

Re: Good 2m rig?

k6acj
 

Yaesu FT817/818, FT7800, 8800 and 8900 are all excellent portable, mobile, fixed station data radios at 1200 and 9600 baud and the DATA DIN connector is the same for all of them.  9600 takes a very good radio so don’t go by the advertisements alone as some just don’t work very well.  I use the 817 and 9800 and have helped others with each model, no trouble and easy to setup.  Bill k6acj RACES, Aprs and Winlink.  


On May 24, 2019, at 7:23 AM, Steve McGrane <temporarilyoffline@...> wrote:

Is there a list of known compatible (or at least community aware working) radios?
My FT-891 is working fine on the HF side of things (should be back any day now) and I'm working on my TM-281, but I'm flying blind creating an interface cable and hoping for the best. 

Last night I spent a bit of time looking for a 2m radio with a data connector (really hoping to find one with a useful DIN-6 connector already).  But as you know the people that make and sell radios have never once tried to buy one and their websites are just "lovely".
Callum does a better job explaining it than I do:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8KfbOXc6OU8
What I would love to see is a list of radios side by side with features and a set of useful filter check boxes to narrow down the array of choices.  Similar to my missive above:  "Show me all 2m capable radios with a data port"
<20190524_092107.jpg>
Re: Good 2m rig?

Al Szymanski <aszy@...>
 

Not so much as a reply , but a genuine question.
Why do so many of you want a DIN-6 port? Technology-wise, it's almost 50 years old. It's huge. If you could , wouldn't you rather have a 2-Meter rig with a Mini-USB, Micro-USB or ( yuck ) USB-C ? Is it the throughput? Is it because "It's what all my cables are already" ?
My perspective is that it's an issue to connect any HT to a computer and have it behave nicely. 1) gotta have the right USB to whatever is offered as a data/mic/speaker port. 2) depending on the OS , you gotta have / find the drivers for this unique cable so that the computer will recognize it and 3) now that the radio and computer "CAN" talk to each other, can it communicate? Was that 9600 baud or 14400? Is there a CRC?
Our cellphones do this with nearly no effort - why can't manufacturers?
Al
K7AOZ
Re: Good 2m rig?

Basil Gunn
 

I use an Alinco DR-235 MkIII for 220 packets and it's just ok. It is not
supported by Hamlib for rig ctrl & doesn't use a mDin6 connector for
data (DB9). I use 3 TM-V71a's for packet & they are great.

Although the TM-TM71a isn't listed in Hamlib rigctl -l it works ok if
you specify a TM-D710 as the rig ID. So another plus for the Kenwood.

If you haven't used rig ctrl on a vhf/uhf radio check out:
https://github.com/n7nix/auto-rmsgw-find
It automatically finds & tests all RMS Gateways on 2M/440,
runs on a Raspberry Pi with DRAWS or UDRC II and paclink-unix.
It is fairly TNC independent unless you want to programmatically change
between 1200 & 9600 baud packet

/Basil


John D Hays - K7VE <@john_hays> writes:

The Alincos are fine, but if you want true discriminator output (say for
GMSK) a mod should be applied.

https://www.k6jm.com/hs-alinco-mods.htm

On Fri, May 24, 2019 at 11:28 AM Keith Williamson <hkwilliamson@...>
wrote:

I've had good luck with the Alinco DR135's. They're only $165 but are 2m
only. You do have to deal with the DB-9 data port.

I've used them for APRS digipeating and as AllstarLink simplex nodes.

I am tempted to get a TM-V71A based on what I'm reading here though. Seems
like the best fit for fldigi on RPi/DRAWS/DigiLink stack.

Keith
KF7DRV

On Fri, May 24, 2019 at 10:30 AM Keating Floyd <kc4hsi@...> wrote:

I'll pile in positively on Ham Made Parts <https://hammadeparts.com/>
(no affiliation, just a happy customer.)

Nice and easy to deal with.

73,

Keating
KC4HSI

On Fri, May 24, 2019 at 1:13 PM John D Hays - K7VE <@john_hays> wrote:

I believe Ham Made Parts have a cable for this.

On Fri, May 24, 2019 at 10:01 AM Steve, N9VW <steve@...>
wrote:

Bill,
You missed one vendor, Bridgecom. They make a series of single band
radios that have a 15 pin connector for interfacing. These are
resonably
priced ($240) units. I will be setting one up for evaluation with the
DRAWS unit in the coming weeks.

73 de Steve, N9VW

On 5/24/2019 9:53 AM, Bill Vodall wrote:
Is there a list of known compatible (or at least community aware
working) radios?
Here's a start of list where I was attempting to organize our options.

https://groups.io/g/nwaprs/wiki/Radios-for-Packet

Oh if only we had a modern Kantronics D4-10 with agile frequency
control..

Until then, the V71 is the winner for VHF/UHF.

Bill





--
John D. Hays
Kingston, WA
K7VE
Re: Good 2m rig?

John D Hays - K7VE
 

The Alincos are fine, but if you want true discriminator output (say for GMSK) a mod should be applied.

https://www.k6jm.com/hs-alinco-mods.htm


On Fri, May 24, 2019 at 11:28 AM Keith Williamson <hkwilliamson@...> wrote:
I've had good luck with the Alinco DR135's. They're only $165 but are 2m only.  You do have to deal with the DB-9 data port. 

I've used them for APRS digipeating and as AllstarLink simplex nodes. 

I am tempted to get a TM-V71A based on what I'm reading here though. Seems like the best fit for fldigi on RPi/DRAWS/DigiLink stack. 

Keith
KF7DRV

On Fri, May 24, 2019 at 10:30 AM Keating Floyd <kc4hsi@...> wrote:
I'll pile in positively on Ham Made Parts (no affiliation, just a happy customer.)

Nice and easy to deal with.

73,

Keating
KC4HSI

On Fri, May 24, 2019 at 1:13 PM John D Hays - K7VE <john@...> wrote:
I believe Ham Made Parts have a cable for this.

On Fri, May 24, 2019 at 10:01 AM Steve, N9VW <steve@...> wrote:
Bill,
You missed one vendor, Bridgecom. They make a series of single band
radios that have a 15 pin connector for interfacing. These are resonably
priced ($240) units. I will be setting one up for evaluation with the
DRAWS unit in the coming weeks.

73 de Steve, N9VW

On 5/24/2019 9:53 AM, Bill Vodall wrote:
>> Is there a list of known compatible (or at least community aware working) radios?
> Here's a start of list where I was attempting to organize our options.
>
>    https://groups.io/g/nwaprs/wiki/Radios-for-Packet
>
> Oh if only we had a modern Kantronics D4-10 with agile frequency control..
>
> Until then, the V71 is the winner for VHF/UHF.
>
> Bill
>
>
>






--
John D. Hays
Kingston, WA
K7VE

 



--
John D. Hays
Kingston, WA
K7VE

 
Re: Good 2m rig?

Keith Williamson
 

I've had good luck with the Alinco DR135's. They're only $165 but are 2m only.  You do have to deal with the DB-9 data port. 

I've used them for APRS digipeating and as AllstarLink simplex nodes. 

I am tempted to get a TM-V71A based on what I'm reading here though. Seems like the best fit for fldigi on RPi/DRAWS/DigiLink stack. 

Keith
KF7DRV

On Fri, May 24, 2019 at 10:30 AM Keating Floyd <kc4hsi@...> wrote:
I'll pile in positively on Ham Made Parts (no affiliation, just a happy customer.)

Nice and easy to deal with.

73,

Keating
KC4HSI

On Fri, May 24, 2019 at 1:13 PM John D Hays - K7VE <john@...> wrote:
I believe Ham Made Parts have a cable for this.

On Fri, May 24, 2019 at 10:01 AM Steve, N9VW <steve@...> wrote:
Bill,
You missed one vendor, Bridgecom. They make a series of single band
radios that have a 15 pin connector for interfacing. These are resonably
priced ($240) units. I will be setting one up for evaluation with the
DRAWS unit in the coming weeks.

73 de Steve, N9VW

On 5/24/2019 9:53 AM, Bill Vodall wrote:
>> Is there a list of known compatible (or at least community aware working) radios?
> Here's a start of list where I was attempting to organize our options.
>
>    https://groups.io/g/nwaprs/wiki/Radios-for-Packet
>
> Oh if only we had a modern Kantronics D4-10 with agile frequency control..
>
> Until then, the V71 is the winner for VHF/UHF.
>
> Bill
>
>
>






--
John D. Hays
Kingston, WA
K7VE

 
Re: Good 2m rig?

Bill Vodall
 

https://groups.io/g/nwaprs/wiki/Radios-for-Packet
You missed one vendor,
Thanks everyone - updates and corrections have been applied.
Re: Good 2m rig?

Keating Floyd
 

I'll pile in positively on Ham Made Parts (no affiliation, just a happy customer.)

Nice and easy to deal with.

73,

Keating
KC4HSI

On Fri, May 24, 2019 at 1:13 PM John D Hays - K7VE <john@...> wrote:
I believe Ham Made Parts have a cable for this.

On Fri, May 24, 2019 at 10:01 AM Steve, N9VW <steve@...> wrote:
Bill,
You missed one vendor, Bridgecom. They make a series of single band
radios that have a 15 pin connector for interfacing. These are resonably
priced ($240) units. I will be setting one up for evaluation with the
DRAWS unit in the coming weeks.

73 de Steve, N9VW

On 5/24/2019 9:53 AM, Bill Vodall wrote:
>> Is there a list of known compatible (or at least community aware working) radios?
> Here's a start of list where I was attempting to organize our options.
>
>    https://groups.io/g/nwaprs/wiki/Radios-for-Packet
>
> Oh if only we had a modern Kantronics D4-10 with agile frequency control..
>
> Until then, the V71 is the winner for VHF/UHF.
>
> Bill
>
>
>






--
John D. Hays
Kingston, WA
K7VE

 
Re: Good 2m rig?

John D Hays - K7VE
 

I believe Ham Made Parts have a cable for this.

On Fri, May 24, 2019 at 10:01 AM Steve, N9VW <steve@...> wrote:
Bill,
You missed one vendor, Bridgecom. They make a series of single band
radios that have a 15 pin connector for interfacing. These are resonably
priced ($240) units. I will be setting one up for evaluation with the
DRAWS unit in the coming weeks.

73 de Steve, N9VW

On 5/24/2019 9:53 AM, Bill Vodall wrote:
>> Is there a list of known compatible (or at least community aware working) radios?
> Here's a start of list where I was attempting to organize our options.
>
>    https://groups.io/g/nwaprs/wiki/Radios-for-Packet
>
> Oh if only we had a modern Kantronics D4-10 with agile frequency control..
>
> Until then, the V71 is the winner for VHF/UHF.
>
> Bill
>
>
>






--
John D. Hays
Kingston, WA
K7VE

 
Re: Good 2m rig?

John D Hays - K7VE
 

Hi Bill,

W7TUT is not making cables currently -- unless that has changed recently, but Les at Ham Made Parts will make cables.

Add Icom ID-880H for 1200/9600 baud with DIN-6 port.
Add Yaesu FTM-100DR for 1200/9600 and CAT control with adapter cable  https://www.manualslib.com/manual/996654/Yaesu-Ftm-100dr.html?page=108


On Fri, May 24, 2019 at 9:53 AM Bill Vodall <wa7nwp@...> wrote:
> Is there a list of known compatible (or at least community aware working) radios?

Here's a start of list where I was attempting to organize our options.

  https://groups.io/g/nwaprs/wiki/Radios-for-Packet

Oh if only we had a modern Kantronics D4-10 with agile frequency control..

Until then, the V71 is the winner for VHF/UHF.

Bill





--
John D. Hays
Kingston, WA
K7VE

 
Re: Good 2m rig?

Steve, N9VW
 

Bill,
You missed one vendor, Bridgecom. They make a series of single band radios that have a 15 pin connector for interfacing. These are resonably priced ($240) units. I will be setting one up for evaluation with the DRAWS unit in the coming weeks.

73 de Steve, N9VW

On 5/24/2019 9:53 AM, Bill Vodall wrote:
Is there a list of known compatible (or at least community aware working) radios?
Here's a start of list where I was attempting to organize our options.

https://groups.io/g/nwaprs/wiki/Radios-for-Packet

Oh if only we had a modern Kantronics D4-10 with agile frequency control..

Until then, the V71 is the winner for VHF/UHF.

Bill
Re: Good 2m rig?

Bill Vodall
 

Is there a list of known compatible (or at least community aware working) radios?
Here's a start of list where I was attempting to organize our options.

https://groups.io/g/nwaprs/wiki/Radios-for-Packet

Oh if only we had a modern Kantronics D4-10 with agile frequency control..

Until then, the V71 is the winner for VHF/UHF.

Bill
Re: Good 2m rig?

Mike Besemer - WM4B
 

TM-V71 & FTM-100D.

 

I think there was a way to bring COS out of the TM-271, but that option disappeared on the -281.

 

I agree… for the extra $5 it would cost to add a dataport, I wish all the manufacturers would get on-board and start putting one on their entry level radios.

 

73 and good luck,

 

Mike

WM4B

 

 

From: main@nw-digital-radio.groups.io [mailto:main@nw-digital-radio.groups.io] On Behalf Of Steve McGrane
Sent: Friday, May 24, 2019 10:23 AM
To: main@nw-digital-radio.groups.io
Subject: [nw-digital-radio] Good 2m rig?

 

Is there a list of known compatible (or at least community aware working) radios?
My FT-891 is working fine on the HF side of things (should be back any day now) and I'm working on my TM-281, but I'm flying blind creating an interface cable and hoping for the best. 

Last night I spent a bit of time looking for a 2m radio with a data connector (really hoping to find one with a useful DIN-6 connector already).  But as you know the people that make and sell radios have never once tried to buy one and their websites are just "lovely".
Callum does a better job explaining it than I do:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8KfbOXc6OU8
What I would love to see is a list of radios side by side with features and a set of useful filter check boxes to narrow down the array of choices.  Similar to my missive above:  "Show me all 2m capable radios with a data port"
Re: Good 2m rig?

Steve Stroh
 

I second Basil’s recommendation of the Kenwood TM-V71A. It’s a slight waste to have simultaneous dual band features with the data interface only to be able to work with one band or the other. Think of the dual band feature as being able to experiment with the two different bands. 

You’re not wrong. All of these radios are decades-old designs. We’ve had some promising starts at state of this decade data radios, even software defined, but none that have carried through to even a real beta test. 

Someone is going to get a clue that such a product is needed and would be profitable. Perhaps a Chinese vendor - they just need to be provided with a reference design to copy. 

On Fri, May 24, 2019 at 08:24 Steve McGrane <temporarilyoffline@...> wrote:
I hadn't even gotten into philosophy yet... but I totally get what you're saying.

Right now I have no brand loyalty as I'm not yet an OM in this hobby.  I've got Alinco, Kenwood, Yaesu, Elecraft, PotatoFeng and some kitbashed radios laying around here... so far I'm not overly impressed with any of them because they all appear to have been made decades ago when features were never used and could be buried in a horrible menu system.

I really do just want to know what 2m radio has a Din6 plug on it that is "compatible" (which you did answer).

My inner OM is getting frustrated at the near impossibility of finding a list of radios that have a nearly 50 year old feature... I mean I'm really looking for compatibility with a 1200baud modem spec from the late 70s???  in 2019. (APRS interface)

On Fri, May 24, 2019 at 10:17 AM Basil Gunn <basil@...> wrote:

Steve,
I know you think you asked a technical question but I believe it is more
philosophical. I am interested in other replies, however, I really like my
Kenwood TM-V71a. It has a mDin6 connector for data and a mDin8 connector
for rig control & is well supported by people that make decent cables. I
use 3 of them in my shack setup and one in my truck. There are other
models from Kenwood based on the TM-V71a that have APRS & digital voice
functionality but I'm more interested in using the RPi for that so I
just want a solid radio that is easy to use without those add-on
features and supports 1200 baud/9600 baud packet.

The philosophical part goes like this:
There are two kinds of people in the world, those that drive Fords & the
those that drive Chevys. There is no changing each of their
minds. Similarly there are 3 Kinds of hams those that like iCom, Fujitsu
or Kenwood. I suppose there is a forth category those that like the
Chinese brands but I haven't seen any with mDin6 data connectors.

You can spend some/all your time & look at feature comparisons & specs
and end up with either a Ford or a Chevy but I prefer a Toyota. Which
ever radio you choose I am sure it will serve you well. Let us know
which one you choose and your criteria for choosing it.

BTW the Kenwood TM-V71a is a dual band 2M/440 radio that supports 9600
baud packet.

/Basil N7NIX

Steve McGrane <temporarilyoffline@...> writes:

> Is there a list of known compatible (or at least community aware working)
> radios?
> My FT-891 is working fine on the HF side of things (should be back any day
> now) and I'm working on my TM-281, but I'm flying blind creating an
> interface cable and hoping for the best.
>
> Last night I spent a bit of time looking for a 2m radio with a data
> connector (really hoping to find one with a useful DIN-6 connector
> already).  But as you know the people that make and sell radios have never
> once tried to buy one and their websites are just "lovely".
> Callum does a better job explaining it than I do:
> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8KfbOXc6OU8
> What I would love to see is a list of radios side by side with features and
> a set of useful filter check boxes to narrow down the array of choices.
> Similar to my missive above:  "Show me all 2m capable radios with a data
> port"



--
Steve Stroh (personal / general): stevestroh@...
Re: Good 2m rig?

Steve McGrane <temporarilyoffline@...>
 

I hadn't even gotten into philosophy yet... but I totally get what you're saying.

Right now I have no brand loyalty as I'm not yet an OM in this hobby.  I've got Alinco, Kenwood, Yaesu, Elecraft, PotatoFeng and some kitbashed radios laying around here... so far I'm not overly impressed with any of them because they all appear to have been made decades ago when features were never used and could be buried in a horrible menu system.

I really do just want to know what 2m radio has a Din6 plug on it that is "compatible" (which you did answer).

My inner OM is getting frustrated at the near impossibility of finding a list of radios that have a nearly 50 year old feature... I mean I'm really looking for compatibility with a 1200baud modem spec from the late 70s???  in 2019. (APRS interface)


On Fri, May 24, 2019 at 10:17 AM Basil Gunn <basil@...> wrote:

Steve,
I know you think you asked a technical question but I believe it is more
philosophical. I am interested in other replies, however, I really like my
Kenwood TM-V71a. It has a mDin6 connector for data and a mDin8 connector
for rig control & is well supported by people that make decent cables. I
use 3 of them in my shack setup and one in my truck. There are other
models from Kenwood based on the TM-V71a that have APRS & digital voice
functionality but I'm more interested in using the RPi for that so I
just want a solid radio that is easy to use without those add-on
features and supports 1200 baud/9600 baud packet.

The philosophical part goes like this:
There are two kinds of people in the world, those that drive Fords & the
those that drive Chevys. There is no changing each of their
minds. Similarly there are 3 Kinds of hams those that like iCom, Fujitsu
or Kenwood. I suppose there is a forth category those that like the
Chinese brands but I haven't seen any with mDin6 data connectors.

You can spend some/all your time & look at feature comparisons & specs
and end up with either a Ford or a Chevy but I prefer a Toyota. Which
ever radio you choose I am sure it will serve you well. Let us know
which one you choose and your criteria for choosing it.

BTW the Kenwood TM-V71a is a dual band 2M/440 radio that supports 9600
baud packet.

/Basil N7NIX

Steve McGrane <temporarilyoffline@...> writes:

> Is there a list of known compatible (or at least community aware working)
> radios?
> My FT-891 is working fine on the HF side of things (should be back any day
> now) and I'm working on my TM-281, but I'm flying blind creating an
> interface cable and hoping for the best.
>
> Last night I spent a bit of time looking for a 2m radio with a data
> connector (really hoping to find one with a useful DIN-6 connector
> already).  But as you know the people that make and sell radios have never
> once tried to buy one and their websites are just "lovely".
> Callum does a better job explaining it than I do:
> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8KfbOXc6OU8
> What I would love to see is a list of radios side by side with features and
> a set of useful filter check boxes to narrow down the array of choices.
> Similar to my missive above:  "Show me all 2m capable radios with a data
> port"