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Reviews For: TNC-X

Category: Packet TNCs & Digital Multi-mode Controllers

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Review Summary For : TNC-X
Reviews: 32MSRP: $45.00 + $25 for USB
Description:
TNC Kit with optional USB interface; 1200 baud; KISS Mode- Use with terminal software such as Pr4Win
Product is in production
More Info: http://www.tnc-x.com/
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
00324.7
N5ALE Rating: 2004-09-14
Great product Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I built one of these to replace an MFJ 1276 I was using in kiss mode on a telpac node. It decodes and transmits much better than the MFJ, and is much faster on data throughput. I tested it with both Flexnet32 on kiss mode and Agwpe on TNC2 mode and both work very well. I liked it so much that I ordered two more to install at different stations that I use. I recommend this as a very inexpensive alterative to sound card modes and to using a more expensive TNC in kiss mode . If John would consider programing in a digi mode this would be a great emergency digi node station[Radio,digi_tnc,12volt car battery, antenna] as well as a great kiss interface.
N4PLK Rating: 2004-06-20
Portable, expandable and inexpensive Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Having experienced Baycom-type packet modems which run off computer power, but only work with DOS programs, I was glad to see that John Hansen W2FS invented a PIC-based KISS mode TNC that can be used with Windows software. It comes in kit form at a very reasonable price and is, in my opinion, very easy to put together. Instructions are very straight-forward and the PC board is high quality. The optional USB adapter plugs into an IC holder on the main board and allows the TNC to run directly off computer power. This brings to mind portable possibilities with a laptop, such as APRS and Emergency Service work. Drivers for the USB adapter are available on John's site and make the TNC appear as a new COM Port on your PC which remains dedicated for use by the TNC. There is an 8-pin header on the TNC board which will allow future "daughterboards" to be designed and clipped onto the main board. I am hoping someone will come up with modules which allow: (1) the TNC to be a standalone NODE or DIGIPEATER (2) attachment of GPS for APRS (3) attachment of a mailbox. I use the TNC with Pr4Win, a German-authored terminal program for KISS mode TNCs. The program comes with a 10-year free license and can be downloaded from http://www.bb-consulting.de/projects/pr4win/. But it will also work with WinAPRS and UI-View, popular APRS programs. All in all, a very slick system with many potential uses.