[WARC] Mobilinkd NucleoTNC and TNC3/TNC4

[Ben Kuhn - KU0HN]

Hey Sam,

Sorry I missed the meeting tonight.

When I built my batch of them, Mobilinkd was out of PCBs and enclosures. The KiCAD files for the PCB and front/back enclosure panels are available on GitHub so I just had a run of 5 of each made--at JLCPCB if I remember right. The KiCAD files are here: https://github.com/mobilinkd/NucleoTNC/tree/master/PCB

The part number for the aluminum enclosure is SZOMK AK-C-C15 (2671100mm)--also found in the Github repo. They are about $10 shipped on AliExpress. When I built mine I got a 5 pack somewhere, but a cursory glance isn't finding any "bulk" options currently.

Regarding M17, I didn't really mention it because Winlink doesn't currently support it, but I have seen some people using the data mode for BBS access and message forwarding. If anyone wants to play let me know and I'll put up a 2 meter port for it at my QTH :-)

73,
Ben - KU0HN

------- Original Message -------
On Thursday, October 19th, 2023 at 9:28 PM, Elisamuel Resto via WARC <warc at w0ne.org> wrote:

> Hello,
>
> Tonight we held a show & tell during the club's monthly meeting where we talked in more detail about the two TNCs that Ben KU0HN showed during his presentation last month: the NucleoTNC[1] and the TNC3[2]/TNC4[3]. We discussed applications of the TNC in APRS, M17, Winlink, and packet.
>
> On the subject of the non-Bluetooth unit, the Mobilinkd NucleoTNC[1], if I where to buy the components from DigiKey[4], those components cost about $34 (w/estimated shipping and tax). The PCB by itself, offered by Mobilinkd[5], is being sold for $7 (w/o shipping or tax). The enclosure, also from Mobilinkd themselves[6], is $20 (w/o shipping and tax). On the enclosure, I do believe there are alternatives, and Ben KU0HN was the one that bought them when I was putting mine together, so I hope he sees this and expands on this.
>
> All in all, this is a pretty capable TNC that does APRS and packet, as well as M17.
>
> While talking about APRS, we discussed that for example during an emergency where communications (internet) would be non-operational you could listen on RF for APRS packets using various programs that vary between OS to see everything your rig hears independently of the internet (aprs-is network[7]). You can use it to send messages to other stations via APRS network as well.
>
> On the subject of packet, you can use it for Winlink as Ben discussed in our last general club meeting, and for general packet use like BBS. I tested the packet node myself a while back to talk to the packet node up there from my QTH (outside) on the west end of Winona with no issue. For what it is, and the low cost in comparison to other similarly featured TNCs, it is remarkably affordable. To connect either the NucleoTNC, the TNC3, or the TNC4, is quite simple... you can buy a ready-made cable[8], or make your own interface to the rig. All you need is a TRRS (3.5mm Tip, Ring, Ring, Sleeve male end) for the TNC end. I built one for the Kenwood TM-261A and for an older Yaesu FT-2600RH.
>
> One curious mode (to me) was M17[9]. M17 is supported by the latest firmware (has been for a while, actually) of the TNC and works reliably as well! For those of you wondering, M17 is a data/voice protocol that is open source[10] and uses an open source audio codec[11] for voice communication. I have played a little with this mode and it seems interesting, but then Ben KU0HN would like to talk to you about NPR[12] (and no, not National Public Radio, but New Packet Radio).
>
> 73,
> -Sam, KF0ACN
>
> [1] http://www.mobilinkd.com/2019/06/24/nucleotnc/
> [2] https://www.eham.net/reviews/view-product?id=15231
> [3] https://store.mobilinkd.com/products/mobilinkd-tnc4
> [4] https://www.digikey.com/short/phmpd4
> [5] https://store.mobilinkd.com/products/nucleotnc-pcb
> [6] https://store.mobilinkd.com/collections/kits/products/nucleotnc-pcb-enclosure
> [7] https://aprs-is.net/
> [8] https://store.mobilinkd.com/collections/tnc-cables
> [9] https://m17project.org/
> [10] https://github.com/M17-Project/M17_education
> [11] https://www.rowetel.com/wordpress/?page_id=452
> [12] https://hackaday.io/project/164092-npr-new-packet-radio
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