Step-by-step

These are the high level steps to build your very own 1-port TARPN node. Some steps link out to a more detailed guide, since this page is your one-stop overview.

1. Build or buy a NinoTNC (about $45 in parts)
   • Buy the PCB on Etsy, and necessary components. Then follow these detailed construction steps.
   • Or ask if you can buy an assembled NinoTNC from an existing TARPN member, who often have spares.
2. Acquire an appropriate VHF or UHF radio (about $50 used)
   • Any VHF/UHF radio can be used so long as you can buy or make an audio/PTT connection cable for it (see this homebrew Kenwood cable). Even a basic Baofeng UV-5R can be used with a homemade cable, though it's limited to 5 watts. The radio suggestions below are higher power.
   • Most TARPN members buy inexpensive used commercial radios by reprogramming them for ham radio frequencies.
   • Here are eBay searches for some popular models known to work well with TARPN (fast PTT switching speed):
     • Kenwood TK760H, Kenwood TK762H, Kenwood TK805d, Kenwood TK862G TK862H TK862HG, Vertex FTL-1011 (6 meter), Tait TM8105.
3. Buy a Raspberry Pi (about $40)
   • The site rpilocator shows which online stores have them in stock.
   • Most full-size models are compatible with TARPN.
   • Avoid: "Pi 1 Model B rev 1", "Zero", and "Compute Module (CM)" versions.
   • You can see the full list of supported models.
4. Buy a 16GB SD card for the Raspberry Pi, here's an example SD card on Amazon (about $10)
   • If you have a larger one you can use it, but TARPN doesn't require more space than 16GB.
5. Only if you don't have one in your shack, buy a 13.8v power supply (about $150 new, less used)
   • For example MFJ-4230MV or the DM-330MVT.
   • If you're using an HT, you may not need a power supply so long as you have an AC adapter that allows transmit (some only allow receive).
6. You'll need an appropriate antenna for your radio (e.g. 2m antenna for a 2m radio), and coax to attach it.
   • You can use any external antenna you want, don't use use a "rubby ducky" antenna on an HT or you will get very little range.
   • Popular antennas with TARPN members are the Comet GP-15 (triband omni for 6m, 2m, and 70cm), Diamond Antenna A144S5 (yagi for 2m), or even a homebrew groundplane or homebrew j-pole.
   • The full TARPN site has many more antenna ideas.
7. Assemble your node as shown in the wiring diagram.
8. Install Raspberry Pi OS on your Raspberry Pi. Here's a video demo.
   • If you're more familiar with Windows, Mac, or graphical Linux, use the "with desktop" OS image. You'll either need to connect a monitor, keyboard, and mouse to your Raspberry Pi to maintain your TARPN node, or use remote access like VNC.
   • If you're familiar with the Linux console, you can use the "lite" OS image, and set up SSH access. This does not require a monitor or keyboard, and will save system resources.
   • On first boot, configure your Raspberry Pi to connect to your home internet connection (e.g. wifi or ethernet).
9. Find another ham to connect your node's first port to (your first "neighbor"). A few ideas:
   • If you're near an existing TARPN network, there may be someone nearby who would like to link to you. Contact the community to ask!
   • Otherwise, try linking with a friend or ham club member.
   • Or you can build 2 nodes for experimentation purposes, and link between your own two nodes.
10. Install TARPN software on your Raspberry Pi using the automated script.
11. Configure your chat server to link to your neighbor's chat server.
12. Configure your NinoTNC to match your neighbor's node.
13. Decide on a frequency, tune your radio to it, and start up your node!