Step-by-step: Difference between revisions
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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. | 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 | # Build or buy a NinoTNC (about $45 in parts) | ||
#* Buy the [https://www.etsy.com/listing/901535414/n9600a4-circuit-board-and-cpu-kit-for?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=ninotnc&ref=sr_gallery-1-2&bes=1&sts=1&organic_search_click=1 PCB on Etsy], and [[NinoTNC components|necessary components]]. Then follow these [http://tarpn.net/t/nino-tnc/n9600a/n9600a4/n9600a4-assembly.html detailed construction steps]. | #* Buy the [https://www.etsy.com/listing/901535414/n9600a4-circuit-board-and-cpu-kit-for?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=ninotnc&ref=sr_gallery-1-2&bes=1&sts=1&organic_search_click=1 PCB on Etsy], and [[NinoTNC components|necessary components]]. Then follow these [http://tarpn.net/t/nino-tnc/n9600a/n9600a4/n9600a4-assembly.html detailed construction steps]. | ||
#* Or ask if you can buy an assembled NinoTNC from an [[Community|existing TARPN member]], who often have spares. | #* Or ask if you can buy an assembled NinoTNC from an [[Community|existing TARPN member]], who often have spares. | ||
# Acquire an appropriate VHF or UHF radio | # 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 [http://tarpn.net/t/builder/builders_wiring_tk_to_tnc_pi.html 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. | #* Any VHF/UHF radio can be used so long as you can buy or make an audio/PTT connection cable for it (see this [http://tarpn.net/t/builder/builders_wiring_tk_to_tnc_pi.html 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. | #* Most TARPN members buy inexpensive used commercial radios by reprogramming them for ham radio frequencies. | ||
Revision as of 23:58, 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 $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.
- 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):
- 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 or homebrew j-pole.
- The full TARPN site has many more antenna ideas.
