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ZL3AI > APRDIG 18.03.03 16:22l 182 Lines 6302 Bytes #999 (0) @ WW
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Subj: TAPR Digest, Mar 15, 3/3
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From: ZL3AI@ZL3VML.#80.NZL.OC
To : APRDIG@WW
Subject: Re: KPC3 (Not+)
From: "Ev Tupis (W2EV)" <w2ev@arrl.net>
Date: Sat, 15 Mar 2003 20:39:58 -0500
X-Message-Number: 14
"K.Paul Boggs" wrote:
>
>Have a good older unit with 5.1, Anyone
>have a later chip, maybe kept after a
>upgrade.
Hi Paul,
As long as it is KISS and has the CD SOFT command intact (which the 5.1 ROM
does), it is all you need to run APRS from home, using UI-View on a Windows
computer. UI-View has all of the functionality of the 8.3 (!) Kantronics ROM
built-in to the software.
On the other hand...if you are looking to establish a stand-alone Digi...there
is nothing like the Kantronics KPC3 with ROM 8.2. :o)
Regards,
Ev, W2EV
--
What's cool in Amateur Radio?
http://www.BEACONet.org or join the on-line community by
sending a blank eMail to: BEACONet-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
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Subject: Re: KPC3 (Not+)
From: KC7ZRU - Tate <kc7zru@arrl.net>
Date: Sat, 15 Mar 2003 19:30:37 -0700
X-Message-Number: 15
Ev,
Did ya forget UIDIGI plopped into any ol TNC2 or clone???? <g>
73
Ev Tupis (W2EV) wrote:
>On the other hand...if you are looking to establish a stand-alone Digi...there
>is nothing like the Kantronics KPC3 with ROM 8.2. :o)
>
>Regards,
>Ev, W2EV
--
"The Dungeon" online at http://go.to/kc7zru
Casper, WY | CARC Repeater
DN62tt | 146.940-
http://www.trib.com/~carc
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Subject: Re: KPC3 (Not+)
From: "Ev Tupis (W2EV)" <w2ev@arrl.net>
Date: Sat, 15 Mar 2003 21:44:29 -0500
X-Message-Number: 16
Hi Tate,
I still view UI-Digi as "second best" to the KPC3. This is only personal
preference based on the KPC3's ability to do open squelch carrier detect
(allowing the digipeater to be able to decode weaker signals than otherwise
possible).
Of course...I may not be up to date on UI-Digi...does is do open squelch?
Ev
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Subject: Re: KPC3 (Not+)
From: Mark Cheavens <egroups@cheavens.com>
Date: Sat, 15 Mar 2003 21:37:47 -0600
X-Message-Number: 17
That depends if it has a DCD board in it!
There are many things that the UIDigi code does that the KPC-3 code can't
do. (Like prevent loops when users are using Relay and/or Wide instead of
just WideN-N.
In side by side tests the KPC will decode data SLIGHTLY better than a
Paccomm TNC-2. MFJ's are horrible and should be used by I-gates and
stations that only care about decoding data from fixed stations.
The BEST solution is a KPC-3 in host mode using Digi-Ned....But then you
have to allocate an old door stop of a computer.....
Mark Cheavens
KC5EVE
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Subject: Re: KPC3 (Not+)
From: KC7ZRU - Tate <kc7zru@arrl.net>
Date: Sat, 15 Mar 2003 21:13:50 -0700
X-Message-Number: 18
Mmmm, good point.
I was thinking more of the less than perfect implimentation of the
WIDEn-n in the KPC3. Tell ya the truth I don't remember all the details
on what's less than perfect in the KPC3+ - someone else'll have to
dredge that one up again.
I really don't know if UIDIGI will do open-squelch or not. And yea -
you're correct. Running open squelch on a KPC3+ is a *very* nice bonus!
73
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Subject: Re: KPC3 (Not+)
From: "Tim Cunningham" <tim_cunningham@mindspring.com>
Date: Sat, 15 Mar 2003 22:17:53 -0600
X-Message-Number: 19
So if my UIDIG's all run open squelch as they do, then are you saying
there is no edge ;-)
UIDIGI does not have a software DCD, it relies on the hardware DCD
implementation which can be modified for open squelch very easily. No,
it is nothing like the KPC software DCD.
UIDIGI has the edge on the KPC3 as far as total APRS support in
firmware. Trust me, I see some KPC's within earshot duplicating
packets that they have already digipeated. UIDIGI has its faults as
well, but they seem to get fixed.
The KPC3 on the other hand has a much better software data detection
system. Does it really matter, I doubt it unless you are trying to run
a TNC on a voice repeater and use the DCD to mute the audio line
to prevent the packet data going to the output of the repeater. In this
case, the KPC wins hands down. I tried to use a Paccomm Tiny-II MK2
with the optional DCD board installed for a MIC-E system on a local
repeater and it failed miserably falsing on voice frequently. So frequent,
that the Tiny-II was never put in that service because of the false muting
of the voice repeater output. The optional DCD board for the Tiny-II was
a big disappointment on a voice channel. The story is a little different on
a data channel.
There is a simple modification for TNC2 clones that will allow them to
operate open squelch. Every TNC2 we have in service as a digipeater in
North Alabama runs open squelch with the modification and they work
very well. Does it false sometimes? Yes, but the impact on the network is
not noticeable on a data network or at least not measurably noticeable
to the casual observer.
Do I own some KPC units? Sure, but I still prefer the UIDIGI EPROM
plugged in a proven TNC2 clone for the APRS support.
If I needed a TNC for a low power budget, I would certainly go for the
KPC over the TNC2 clone any day, no questions asked. If I were relying
on solar power that site would have a KPC to take advantage of the much
lower power requirements.
UIDIGI is supporting an APRS digipeater and a weather station at a
site near Fort Payne, AL at W4OZK-7. This was my first attempt at
adding the weather station to a UIDIGI system and it worked very well
and it was very simple to set up. Just plug the weather station into the
serial port on the TNC and enable the function and the time interval.
When comparing hardware, it is not an apples comparison. The newer
KPC3's and 9612's are certainly far more up to date on the design side
of the equation. The TNC2 clones have been around for quite some time
and I still find and buy the cheap under the $xx limit frequently. They are
great if you are on a budget.
Tim - N8DEU
Huntsville, Alabama
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