Manager


Manager - NA4M
Manager Notes

Reviews For: AEA PK-232

Category: Packet TNCs & Digital Multi-mode Controllers

eMail Subscription

Registered users are allowed to subscribe to specific review topics and receive eMail notifications when new reviews are posted.
Review Summary For : AEA PK-232
Reviews: 7MSRP: 549.95
Description:
Muti-mode TNC, 300, 600, 1200, 2400, 4800 and 9600 baud
Product is not in production
More Info: http:/www.timewave.com
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
24.573.7
VE1QET Rating: 2023-03-05
Thrift store find become main part of station Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I was in a local thrift shop browsing around and the box caught my eye. Price tage on it was 5 dollars, Wether it works or not the price was right. I had zero experience with this old equipment and basically had to crash course on how to interface thi to modern radios and comptuters as wella as learn packet (which I always wanted to try but never gotten around to). A few attempts of cableing adn reading.. adn I got it working. Ive been using it ever since (purchased in 2021 not 2023). I use it for basic packet, and as an APRS digipeater). IThe unit itself has never let me down, As far as people saying its not easy to configure and use, its really not that bad if you are used to computers and have been around them. Its no harder than setting up any other older hardware and configuring. Yes they have built in modes that are not used anymore but there are still cool features like mosre code decoding, weaterh fax, mator aand pactor. I love my pk-232. I am sure it will outlast me as the build quality is superior. Just be careful with them as they are very legacy and you cannot buy replacement eeprom firmware for them as far as I know. I highly recommend them if you can find one.
AK2O Rating: 2022-12-27
Good product Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Originally, I got into packet to identify RFI from the usual “ham” that puts something up at a busy communications site without coordination, communication to others or protection equipment, yada, yada. It turned into a mild interest of the hobby for our local Club in Spokane. It’s a good product as I’ve had one at my station for decades. The OEM software is good and if you don’t have that most any comm. program for DOS works fine, too. The paper manual is very good, too.
W2DAB Rating: 2016-06-29
Old work horse stands steady Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
I revived one of these old packet modems with just a little work and a lot of help from the tech guy at Timewave. As old as these are, you can still get cables for them and with some soldering I was able to hook mine up to an FT-2900 and now I check in to a local PBBS in Long Island.
The model I have has an internal battery soldered to the board, eventually I will get around to replacing it but I am very happy with this old model. For 20. on eBay and about 15 more on cables and it works just as well as modems costing hundreds more.
G3EJS Rating: 2013-01-31
OK performer, expensive to support Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I have had mine for more than 12 years now, the last few years spent in a box in the garage.
Always been an OK performer, didn't get used that much as I had a Kam which can do more and is easier to use.
Got it out a couple of weeks ago, and realised I couldn't find the software.

Looked on Timewave's website, it seems that I have to buy software!
Even a simple rom upgrade looks around $50.

Maybe they would do better by giving good service for old models, than trying to squeeze the last cent out of us. I've now abandoned ideas of getting a newer one.

Not worth the ten pounds they go for on ebay.

I know there is other software, firstly I don't have time to play with it and see what works, and secondly the paid for software is ludicrously expensive, costing many times the value of the unit itself.

All I want is the basic software like it came with, surely that should not be charged for, after all any 232 must have came with it, and they were never cloned in the east!!!
SWL377 Rating: 2007-01-27
OK, but PK 900 better Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I liked my PK 232 MBX until I bought a PK 900. The 900 is a waaaay better unit. That cheap used swap meet PK 232 isnt so much of a bargain after you have to pay for upgrades and PK 900s are available used for about the same total amount. I have used a stock MFJ 1278 (poor), a PK 232 MBX (OK) and a PK 900 (incredible). I am no longer tempted by non MBX PK 232s at the swap meets for $35.
KB3ING Rating: 2004-02-23
Old.. but still a great product Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I bought a PK-232 on ebay about a week ago, got all the cables I would need, and fired it up. I was amazed that a box that was probably about 15 years old still worked, and even more amazed to find that the box is still supported by Timewave. It does a great job with packet, and RTTY, and even does a fair job decoding CW. I called Timewave today to get the MBX upgrade and the new firmware. This box was certianly a buy on ebay for $50... and the ability to upgrade after all these years makes this an A+ product.
KB3CAX Rating: 2000-04-15
Good performance, but rough around the edges Time Owned: unknown months.
I've been using my PK-232MBX on RTTY, PacTOR, and Packet whenever the mood strikes for about a year now. The "fit and finish" of this unit leaves some to be desired, as does the poorly written manual. The tuning indicator is too small for easy tuning. On the plus side, however, performance is good, there is lots of free software available, and FSK mode is included. So, if you're a casual operator like me, or need a TNC for PacketCluster or back-up, then the 232 is a good choice.