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[KK4GMU]

What is the "best" (defined as easiest to set up and use) hardware TNC that will work well with Winlink and D-star on the Icom IC-7100?

I understand "hardware" TNCs are a lot easier to set up than "software" TNCs.

[W7CSD]

If it were up to me, I'd use a KPC-3 or KPC-3+ TNC. it has all the hardware and all you need and you can start by just connecting up a dumb terminal to communicate with it. But, that said, there are some nice KISS TNCs out there that might also work well for your application. I am using my KPC-3 for both my user TNC into Winlink Express and my hosting TNC using RMS Packet.

Eric, W7CSD

[WA3SKN]

Remember that the hardware TNCs normally took the audio tones from the radio and converted them to serial data.  Basically a modem with a PAD function.  But does your computer have a serial port?
There are a few TNCs that now have a USB port.  But why not just have the computer audio connect directly to the radio audio?  You just have to match audio levels and impedance. And don't forget the supervision.

-Mike.

[KT4WO]

I understand "hardware" TNCs are a lot easier to set up than "software" TNCs.


UZ7HO Sound modem is about a simple as it gets, add his EZTerm
program and your ready to go. UZ7HO and DireWolf soundmodems
decode better alot better in some cases. All for FREE.

[KK4GMU]

The "I am developing..." part of the intro to the software TNC offputted me a bit.

I guess I am looking for something a bit more advanced than smoke signals, but not quite as advanced as experimental cutting-edge software "under development."

So, that brings me to three under-$200 options:

* Mobilinked TNC 3 https://store.mobilinkd.com/products/mobilinkd-tnc3
* MFJ TNC-X Packet Controller (MFJ-1270X) https://mfjenterprises.com/products/mfj-1270x
* Tigertronics SignaLink USB https://shop.tigertronics.com/SignaLink-USB-p-n-SLUSB6PM-SLUSB6PM.htm

I've read the User Manuals for each. 

The Mobilinked appears to be the newest version of the three, having Bluetooth and controlled primary via an Android or similar device.

The MFJ is a newer USB version of the RS-232 version with some other upgrades.

The SignalLink is likely the most ubiquitous. And reviewing the instructions, appears to be the most maturely documented.

For a noob (me), I'm leaning toward the SignaLink for the following reasons:

• Most complete user manual
• Largest user base
• Accessible knobs for adjusting RX and DX without relying on another device for adjustments

I like the "software only" route - cheap!  But a couple local very experienced hams urge me to avoid the "software only" route" that I would've preferred before I knew more. There is something to be said for keeping my multi-purpose (not dedicated to radio) desktop computer from being populated (read: cluttered/encumbered/confused) by other functions that may be difficult to troubleshoot.

If there is any "deal killer" reason to avoid the SignaLink primarily for Winlink-related digital using an IC-7100 on a Windows 10 desktop computer for base station use, I'm all ears.

[KK4GMU]

UZ7HO Sound modem is about a simple as it gets, add his EZTerm
program and your ready to go. UZ7HO and DireWolf soundmodems
decode better alot better in some cases. All for FREE.

Right off the bat,  went to a dozen UXZ7HO web sites, including the author's download site, and nothing downloads.  Even other sites that have download links don't download.

I downloaded the Direwolf app.- no problem.  But c'mon, a 107 page "User Manual"?  How simple can THAT be?

[KK4GMU]

I did finally download and install the UZ7HO soundmodem and integrated it with my IC-7100, Winlink and VARA FM on my Windows 10 desktop.  It took some doing, neutralizing spam blockers, virus protection, and fire wall.  And also making sure the right .dlls are installed.  And filling in the blanks left by some hastily constructed step by missed-a-step instructions, and guessing which versions to use on the UZ7HO website.

Now to figure out what its best uses are.  I spent 4 hours creating a solution to a problem I have not yet been involved with.