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So what's a good TNC for APRS use with but mosty without a laptop connected to the setup for mobile use? Using an FT-8900R.

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I taste copper.
Comments, views, opinions - and trails of destruction - are my own.

If I understand the question correctly, you're looking for a TNC that has APRS stuff in it, and that can be used with or without a laptop.

The easiest way to go for that is the Kantronics KPC-3 Plus (NOT the normal KPC-3...there is a difference).

The 3+ will operate as a stand-alone tracker (once it's configured correctly). It will also accept a computer connection, and allow for you to use some kind of APRS software through the TNC.

That's the short answer....

Brad.

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Whatever.....

I was looking at the KPC-3+ or the KPC-9612+. Not sure if I need the additional ports of the KPC-9612+ or the added buad rate. Don't I need the 4800 buad to run a GPS through it?

Basicly I want to run APRS no matter what. Other times, I'd like to have a laptop in the car to have a keybaord and send messages.

_________________
I taste copper.
Comments, views, opinions - and trails of destruction - are my own.

For VHF 1200 Baud APRS under the conditions you describe, the KPC-3+ is the way to go. It will do the stand-alone tracker task, and it will accept a computer "on-the-fly" through the 25 pin serial port on the back. The GPS data goes into the port that the radio is hooked into (a 2nd serial port - a feature the plain KPC-3 does not have).

The GPS data stream feeds into the TNC in either case. It's default is 4800 baud, and the TNC will accept the data at that rate.

About the only 9600 baud APRS activity is on UHF (440.875). It's a small network, but the activity is light. Stuff on UHF is gated to VHF via K7OFT's home station in the U District. In that case, a 9612 would work (or, the Kenwood D7 or D700 radios).

You should probably start with the KPC-3+ first. It's a cheaper way to get into it. You can always add or upgrade your equipment later, if you feel the need to.

Brad/N7JGX
Whidbey Island, WA.

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Whatever.....