Step-by-step

From TARPN Wiki
Revision as of 00:12, 29 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 (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), 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.
  9. Install TARPN using the automated script.
  10. Find another ham to connect your node to (your "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.
    • Build 2 nodes for experimentation purposes, and link between your own two nodes.
  11. Configure your NinoTNC to match your neighbor's node.