Step-by-step

From TARPN Wiki
Revision as of 23:58, 28 April 2023 by KV4P (talk | contribs)

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)
  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):
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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).
  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), Antenna A144S5 (yagi for 2m), or even a homebrew groundplane or homebrew j-pole.
    • The full TARPN site has many more antenna ideas.