swmopacket.org

(This page originally existed by accident.  AGWPE was misspelled as AWGPE.  I have noticed there are some other pages on the net that also have it misspelled as AWGPE.  I have corrected the misspelling on this site and created a new page with the correct spelling.  Here is the content of the original page with AWGPE corrected to AGWPE.)

The intelligence of the Packet Radio system is handled with a hardware or software approach.  The software approach uses your computers existing hardware (sound card and a separate interface) with corresponding software to decode the data.  The hardware approach is provided with a TNC (or Terminal Node Controller).  The Mutimode Controller is basically a TNC designed to decode additional modes.  While I recommend the use of a TNC, it’s really up to you and your configuration skills.

AGWPE is a free software program that can be used with its addition packet module to allow your computers sound card to encode and decode the data.  This setup would then replace a hardware TNC. Some have had great luck with it.  I have not.  I still plan to play around with it sometime but I have had much better luck with TNC’s. You can download and get additional information about AGWPE by clicking here.  (NOTE: I have used AGWPE quite a bit and really like it. I think is great for laptop use. It can be a bit tricky to setup but I find it works quite well. 73, KCØNCQ)  If you don’t currently own a TNC and but you do own, or can built a sound card to radio interface, I would suggest you try the AGWPE.

If you don’t own a sound card interface you should be able to find a used TNC for about the same money as a new sound card interface.  Remember that there are a lot of used TNC’s sitting in closets collecting dust.  I have purchased an MFJ for $55, a Kam for $50, a KPC 3 for $40 and a KPC 3+ for $110.  And if it makes a difference, get a Kantronics product.  I say this because most of the packet users around here use Kantronics.  The other brands work fine but you will probably be able to get a little more local support if you stick with Kantronics.

If money is not a big factor consider the Kantronics KPC 3+ for about $200.  Remember however that it is VHF only.  For about $400 you can get a new Kam XL with will do VHF and HF Packet as will as RTTY, Pactor and a few other modes.

And if you feel real spendy, you can get the Mercedes of TNC’s and go with the SCS brand that runs from the mid $800’s to about $1200.

Back to reality, most users do not need the latest and greatest.  Any used TNC is good repair should do you fine.  And if you have a radio with in internal TNC use it.  I have been using the Tasco TNC included in the D700 and TS 2000 for about a year now.  It is not as feature rich a an external unit but it gets the job done in most cases.  The Alinco DR 135 can be modified with a Tasco TNC.  If you have the 135 with the Tasco chip in it us it.  If your thinking about buying it new, I would suggest you go with the KPC+ instead.