TRAINING
Amateur Radio Data Communications (aka: Digital Communications) can play a vital role in providing critical back-up information exchange for our Served Agencies.

In order to help ARES TEAM members become proficient in this exciting mode of communication, CT ARES – Region 2 is running two sequential Data Communications Workshops (Feb. 23 & March 23) that build upon each other.
This is a great way to learn and experience a mode of communications you've probably never seen, but is so vital to our mission.

DETAILS
Topic: Data Communications Workshop 1: Classic Packet Radio
Date: February 23
Time: 8:30 am – 11:30 am
Place: Guilford Fire Dept. (I-95, Exit 58)

Participants will come equipped with:
(1) HT, or Mobile radio (+ p/s)
(1) Kantronics TNC (KPC 3+, or KPC 3)
(1) Laptop Computer (Windows)
(1) Connecting cables (HT to TNC & Computer to TNC)
(1) Extension Cord
(1) Power Strip
Contact me ([email protected]) with any equipment questions.

This session (2/23/13) will have 4 parts:
- Understanding the basic concepts of packet radio.
- Wiring your equipment together
- Setting-up your TNC /Computer.
- Operating: Sending and Receiving exercises
Additionally, we will have weekly On-The-Air sessions scheduled during the last week of February and throughout March to practice and build confidence with what we have learned.

People have been calling me about what equipment and cables to get and where.

We recommend the Kantronics KPC-3+ or KPC-3 (no plus)
These TNCs meet the specific mission criteria for CT ARES.
The two chief ones are:
- Near Out of the box "Plug and Play".
- Enhanced Digipeat Capability (KA-NODE feature)

Unfortunately, the less expensive Sound Card Interfaces (SCI) do not meet our needs.

Description:
www.kantronics.com/products/kpc3.html
Available at: Ham Radio Outlet:
Cost $200
www.hamradio.com/detail.cfm?pid=H0-000229
However, on the Used Market, the KPC-3 (no plus) is a great bargain.
- Prices range: $40 -$ 85.

Good News:
A friend of mine can get the last upgrade chips for the KPC- 3 (before the KPC-3+ release) and get your KPC-3 within a few upgrades of the current TNC for about $10.

CABLES to Purchase (or make yourself)
- Radio to TNC
www.byonics.com
Byonics Cable Guide:
www.byonics.com/cables/Byonics%20Radio%2...%20Cable%20Chart.pdf
- get the Anderson Powerpole version (these can be coiled up and ignored .

- Computer to TNC (2 cables attached to each other)
ATTACHED to:

REVISED: (2/25/13)
Less expensive knock-offs may not work/or work well.
USB to DB9 Serial Adapter – IOGEAR: GUC232A ($20 +/-).
www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812107906

AND a...
- DB9 (female) to DB25 (male) Serial Cable (NOT A "null" cable).