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write your own review of the Kantronics KPC-3 Plus.
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WD4INS
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Rating: 5/5
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Jun 1, 2008 11:06
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They just can't take lightning!
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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These units are great. I've dealt with every firmware version except 9.0, even the older non plus versions and they've all worked great. Used them for straight packet, APRS stations,trackers and dipipeaters without a hitch. The only one that went belly up took a lightning strike but you cant blame Kantronics for that. I've tried MFJ and the Kantronics TNC's blow them in the weeds in all respects. When I need another TNC it will be a Kantronics!
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AE7RS
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Rating: 1/5
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May 19, 2008 21:48
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Ok hardware - lousy support
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Time owned: 6 to 12 months
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Unit put into service about 6 months ago. Hardware works ok, but firmware needs help. Found this on the Kantronics support web page ...
Kantronics has recently become aware of an anomaly in the version 9.0 software for KPC-3+ and KPC-9612+ units. The anomaly is only in APRS DIGI applications. In the APRS DIGI application, UIDUPE, UIDIGI, UIFLOOD, and UITRACE did not provide duplicate checking for APRS packets as originally designed.
Kantronics is offering a new version of the KPC-3+ and KPC-9612+ software, version 9.1, to address the problem. The new version is available for KPC-3+ and KPC-9612+ modems for $40 per unit, plus $5.00 for shipping and handling.
Pretty amazing, they screw up and expect their customers to foot the bill. I sent an email saying I would apply that $45 towards another brand TNC.
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KI6IWX
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Rating: 5/5
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Jan 18, 2008 14:01
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Great Unit
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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Just set this up, and while it looked daunting at first, wasnt bad the more I got into it. The pinouts in the cd manual did not apply to my Yaesu - which has the 6 pin dataport, while the manual shows the old 8 pin connector. A call to Kantronics was immediately picked up and very friendly - not sure where the "New York" attitude came from that a few others reported - my experience was more of an "Aloha" attitude. The engineer gave me the correct pinouts for my radio and we had a nice discussion about serial ports and why the TNC's did not come with a USB connection (The ham market is but a tiny share of sales for these TNC's I learned - the bulk being industrial uses where the DB25 connection dominates.) I did find a DB25 to USB cable that avoids having to deal with a dongle adapter which makes for a clean installation.
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AE4XO
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Rating: 5/5
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Mar 13, 2006 12:41
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Flawless
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I bought my KPC3+ sometime shortly after they came out. I think it is version 8.3. I like the plus model because of the ability to run the GPS on the 9pin connector. great idea so that the PC still be hoocked up when needed. I run mine now on APRS ofcourse and it has been great. Thanks!
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KE4FGW
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Rating: 5/5
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Jun 8, 2005 13:05
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I have 3 of these
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I own three of these KPC3 TNCs. Two of them are the version 8.3 and one is a version 5.1. I've been using one of them in my APRS box for about eight years now. I really enjoy using them. I like the remote operation feature too. I've had no problems out mine. I've used them on mobile and HTs as well. I really like the second com port for the GPS. It stays hooked up all the time.
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AE4XO
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Rating: 5/5
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Oct 18, 2004 18:42
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Have 3 and they are great!
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I have 3 KPC-3+s in service for APRS. I have to say that these are the neatest units that I have ever owned. They do the job, with the WIDEN-N without a hitch! In total I have purchased 6
KPC-3 units, the first was in 1995. That one runs as a tracker and has been flawless. Just my 2 cents!
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K6XR
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Rating: 5/5
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May 8, 2004 10:20
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good tnc
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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Hooked it up and it worked straight-away. Used with varius radio's and various pieces of software. Never a moment's worth of trouble. runs 24/7 on our lan and never misses a beat.
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KF4KNF
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Rating: 2/5
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May 8, 2004 02:46
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Com Problems 24/7
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I purchased this unit over a year ago and was never able to get it working correctly. Recently I began my attempted to make it functional (over an year later). It seems to have com problems with every computer I install it on. The manual is ok but needs to be reorganized because it puts thinks alittle out of order. If you like reading directions in step by step format its great!
I have called Kantronics in the past and had trouble getting through during the designated 4 hrs each day they are free for support. The two times I did get through the support person was not very helpful. He talked to me like I was a moron and was very rude. He also didnt want to help me much since I was using 3rd party software even though it came with the TNC. If you ask me, I would pick another brand and spare yourself the headache. The product seems corrupt and the service... oh wait. Lack of service I should say. Do the ham comunity a favor and dont support this company until they change their stand.
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KF8ZR
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Rating: 5/5
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Aug 8, 2003 12:30
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Great device
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I've enjoyed using these for years. I've got a portable station running on batteries only. I took the first aid baggie that came with my Chevy blazer and took out all the first aid junk and I have a nice sack to put the modem in with the radio on the side and the cables and any extras. Then I can set it up anywhere I go.
Works very nice and has never had any troubles. I connect it to a wizard 770 palmtop for the terminal and an Alinco DJ191T for the radio.
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N3TXU
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Rating: 1/5
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Jun 9, 2003 17:06
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Boycotting Kantronics
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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When I first unboxed the TNC, it was wonderful. The concept is great, the thing will even run off a 9v battery if you're so inclined.
Just as another member posted, this TNC worked great for a few months. I tried everything including spending a great deal of time with Kantronics tech support. The "resolution" to my problem was to buy a new prom for a TNC that is only a few months old.
I was gossly unimpressed with Kantronics idea of support and as a result will not purchase another product from them. I am currently deciding between the Tiny-2 and the MFJ-1270C
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