Step-by-step: Difference between revisions
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#* For example [https://mfjenterprises.com/products/mfj-4230mv MFJ-4230MV] or the [https://www.dxengineering.com/parts/alo-dm-330mvt|Alinco DM-330MVT]. | #* For example [https://mfjenterprises.com/products/mfj-4230mv MFJ-4230MV] or the [https://www.dxengineering.com/parts/alo-dm-330mvt|Alinco 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). | #* 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). | ||
# 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), [https://www.dxengineering.com/parts/dmn-a144s5|Diamond Antenna A144S5] (yagi for 2m), or even a [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=blTsPISfhgE&ab_channel=TheSmokinApe homebrew groundplane] antenna or [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cid6yycOfqA&ab_channel=Mike-M0MSN homebrew j-pole]. | |||
Revision as of 23:53, 28 April 2023
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.
- Build or buy a NinoTNC (about ~$40 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.
- Acquire an appropriate VHF or UHF radio
- 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):
- Buy a Raspberry Pi
- 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.
- Buy a 16GB SD card for the Raspberry Pi (here's an example SD card on Amazon).
- If you have a larger one you can use it, but TARPN doesn't require more space than 16GB.
- If needed for your radio, buy a 13.8v power supply (hams often already have one in their shack).
- 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).
- 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), Antenna A144S5 (yagi for 2m), or even a homebrew groundplane antenna or homebrew j-pole.
