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[N4QAD]

Our group purchased at WX3in1 Plus 2.0.  I have it testing with an https://aprs.fi/info/a/N4QAD-1 FTM-400 right now and working great, but it will go into it's permanent location inside of a water tower soon.  I'm not putting that radio in there just to chirp APRS and was wondering what radio has the 6 pin din connection these days?  Don't want to spend over $200 so probably need to buy used.  What would you guys suggest for that application?  Its only job will be running 144.390 for the rest of its life at 20W.

BTW, I am loving the Microsat device so far.  It "seems" to hear more than APRSIS/ce on the same radio/antenna/location.  It isn't for the faint of heart setting up.  It has a LOT of flexibility.  I see that as an asset though.

[WD9EWK]

Our group purchased at WX3in1 Plus 2.0.  I have it testing with an https://aprs.fi/info/a/N4QAD-1 FTM-400 right now and working great, but it will go into it's permanent location inside of a water tower soon.  I'm not putting that radio in there just to chirp APRS and was wondering what radio has the 6 pin din connection these days?  Don't want to spend over $200 so probably need to buy used.

You'll be looking at mobile radios. There may be some 2m-only radios that have the mini-DIN data/packet port, but probably more 2m/70cm mobiles will have it. Even the FT-817s have that port, but not HTs.

Good luck, and 73!

[KENNETH]

While waiting for your answer can i ask a quick question......After working with microsat do you think tnc-x would be an easier to setup digipeater for newbies?

[N4QAD]

I have not messed with TNC-X.
The Microsat manual is really good.  At this point, this is what I would suggest.
If you don't want to get deep, the defaults are on point.

[WD9EWK]

While waiting for your answer can i ask a quick question......After working with microsat do you think tnc-x would be an easier to setup digipeater for newbies?

If the digipeater won't have a computer nearby, the TNC-X probably isn't the best choice. The TNC-X only supports KISS mode, meaning it relies on whatever software is on the computer connected to it for its packet functionality. Some examples of these TNCs that only support KISS mode include:

https://tnc-x.com/
https://www.mfjenterprises.com/Product.php?productid=MFJ-1270X
http://www.mobilinkd.com/

If you're looking to put the digipeater on a water tower, it seems like having a radio and TNC - without a computer - is what you are looking to do.

The Kantronics KPC-3+ is a TNC still in production that has APRS functionality built in, and does not require a computer or phone/tablet running software in order to work as a digipeater. Many older TNCs that have the traditional "cmd:" prompt can be configured to act as a digipeater, without needing a computer.

73!

[NA4IT]

The TNC-X with it's digi board works perfectly fine stand alone. There has been one on the air I built for another ham for 6 years at least.

[KE8DAF]

I have a WX3in1 Plus 2.0 myself. I am using it with an Alinco DR-135 III.
My first Alinco had the built-in TNC and after some investigation I discovered that the WX3in1 required the analog (audio level) signals coming from the DB9 and that the RS-232 would not work. I removed the TNC board and performed a factory reset and it has worked happily ever after. As a side note, my 2nd Alinco did not have the TNC board option installed. Apparently they discontinued it.
Microsat has the cable for the Alinco at http://microsat.com.pl/product_info.php?cPath=43_45&products_id=156
I have a J-Pole in the attic and although the range is limited because of that (and my location) when an APRS tracker comes within range it works fine.
I also have my Davis VP2 feeding data to it. KE8DAF-13
I know that this isn't mini-DIN to mini-DIN, but it works well. The Alinco is $169.95 at DX Engineering. That plus the CAB-43 cable would be well within your $200 budget. You have to order the cable from Poland, I haven't seen it available here in the States.

[N4QAD]

That is the kind of information I am looking for.  Thanks so much.
Nick, N4QAD

[N4QAD]

Found an FT-1500M on eBay for $150. 

Thanks for everybody's input.

Nick