Pages: [1]   Go Down

Author Topic: Winlink with IC-1700: Is a TNC really needed?  (Read 147 times)

KK4GMU

  • Member
  • Posts: 366
Winlink with IC-1700: Is a TNC really needed?
« on: January 30, 2022, 06:46:30 PM »

I've been getting mixed signals/opinions about whether a TNC (either hardware like SignaLink/Rigblaster/Kantronics, etc. or software like UZ7HO) is necessary when using the Icom IC-7100 with Winlink Express when used primarily for emergency comms.

Or, is a TNC only required for "some modes" of Winlink?  Which ones? Of course, not needed for Telnet Winlink, which is just an internet interface - that's the little I know of this question.

If a TNC is needed for some modes, I'm guessing it does NOT need its own sound card since the IC-7100 has one built in.  Or is there an advantage to an external one with the TNC?

I've installed UZ7HO but I haven't gotten it to send anything yet.  Wonder what might me more user friendly?
Logged
IC-7100, RSPdx, AT-D878UVII-Plus HT, TGIF Spot

LA9XNA

  • Member
  • Posts: 428
Re: Winlink with IC-1700: Is a TNC really needed?
« Reply #1 on: January 30, 2022, 10:28:08 PM »

I beleve you can just use the USB in the back to connect to your TRX.
The USB got CI-V and soundcard codec and with the correct software you can do almost all modes depending on what software you are using.

Logged

AC2EU

  • Member
  • Posts: 2793
    • McVey Electronics
Re: Winlink with IC-1700: Is a TNC really needed?
« Reply #2 on: January 31, 2022, 07:16:01 AM »

I've been getting mixed signals/opinions about whether a TNC (either hardware like SignaLink/Rigblaster/Kantronics, etc. or software like UZ7HO) is necessary when using the Icom IC-7100 with Winlink Express when used primarily for emergency comms.

Or, is a TNC only required for "some modes" of Winlink?  Which ones? Of course, not needed for Telnet Winlink, which is just an internet interface - that's the little I know of this question.

If a TNC is needed for some modes, I'm guessing it does NOT need its own sound card since the IC-7100 has one built in.  Or is there an advantage to an external one with the TNC?

I've installed UZ7HO but I haven't gotten it to send anything yet.  Wonder what might me more user friendly?

What does it say in the IC-1700 manual?

K7AAT

  • Member
  • Posts: 407
Re: Winlink with IC-1700: Is a TNC really needed?
« Reply #3 on: January 31, 2022, 11:06:27 AM »

You are mixing apples and oranges.   A 'TNC'  is a Terminal Node Controller and used for AX.25 Packet only.  .  .   such as Packet WinLink.  Kantronics was one of the main manufacturers of TNCs. .    Also,  there is software that will work instead of a TNC  hardware unit ...   such as the UZ7HO program.     The other devices you mention are  Sound Card Interfaces .. the SignaLink,  Rigblaster,  and others.   These are not designed for packet radio,  but for most other amateur digital modes.   If your radio already has a sound card in it like my IC-7300 does,  you do not need an interface for most digital programs.  Just connect your computer ( with the appropriate USB Driver for your radio already installed)  to your radio with a USB cable.  Then you can work most WinLink HF modes,   ARDOP,  VARA HF,  etc.
Logged

W1VT

  • Member
  • Posts: 6071
Re: Winlink with IC-1700: Is a TNC really needed?
« Reply #4 on: January 31, 2022, 11:50:06 AM »

TNCs were needed when folks used slow computers that were only usable as dumb terminals and not a whole lot else.
These days computers are fast enough to modulate and demodulate signals while checking see if you are in a 50,000 contact log database.

Zak W1VT
Logged
Pages: [1]   Go Up