Step-by-step

From TARPN Wiki
Revision as of 23:38, 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 ~$40 in parts)
  2. 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):
  3. Buy a Raspberry Pi
    • The site rpilocator shows which online stores have them in stock.
    • Any full-size model will work just fine except "Pi 1 Model B rev 1".
    • Avoid Zero and Compute Module versions, which are more complicated to use and may not be compatible.
    • You can see the full list of supported models.