A number of digital modes from CW to Pactor II, Clover and PSK31 using sound cards are used by amateur radio operators on all the frequencies available to them. The setup includes a computer or terminal, a Terminal Node Controller (TNC) for packet or a Multimode Data Controller for all digital modes in addition to the radio gear. Hardwiring the TNC to the radio can, on occaision, be rather complex.
Buck Rogers, K4ABT and Gloria Medcalf, KA5ZTX maintain excellent sites that provide information on how to connect a TNC to a number of radios. Both Buck and Gloria have excellent reviews of packet and other digital operations that are highly recommended. Additional information about other digital modes is available on NB6Z's Digital Pages.My station uses a DSP-2232 for HF, VHF and UHF digital operations. The DSP-2232 is connected via Port 1 to my TS-690S using the ACC2 port. Ports 1 and 2 are also used for digital satellite operations while port 2 is used for V/UHF digital operation. An elaborate switching system is used to enable multiple use of each radio port of the DSP-2232. This system allows operation on HF, VHF, UHF as well as gateway operation between amateur bands when the DSP-2232 is not being used for satellite operations. If interested in the details, please get in touch with me.
My PK-232MBX is used for backup and TCPIP operations on V/UHF. It is connected to the
microphone input of the IC-275 or IC-475 using a MFJ 1272 data/voice switch.
last edited 22 November 2002 by VY2DCS