Using the ASUS WL-500gP as a APRS digi
Very recently I have purchased a Bosch KF-166 single frequency VHF transcaiver which has been modified as a 144.800 MHz transceiver by the previous owner. He removed the tone control unit and did some other mods so that it really only transmits on the APRS frequency. The TRX PWR is 6 watts.
Since my old TNC2S was practically out of use for 15 years, this is a great opportunity to recycle it and turn it into a controller for APRS.
The APRS manager software will then run on my ASUS WL-500GP. There is the fabulous APRS4R project from Karlsruhe, which I want to give a try. Here are some important sources of information:
Eventually, I want to implement something similar as in this article:
Perhaps I will set up the planned APRS digi at DB0MHB, since the Münchshofener Berg has excellent propagation conditions, being 530 meters high. But this is still an open question, given the fact that my friends don't have a single ampere-hour to spare.
1 Soldering connections between the TNC2S and the KF-166
The main task was to solder a working connection between the TNC2S and the Bosch KF-166. I just unmounted the microphone handle and connected the cable to the TNC plug.
2 Re-activating my TNC2S
Initially, the TNC2S didn't work. I found the reason: The EEPROM was loose. After sticking it in again, it worked fine. The KF-166 also proved well-configured, because I received lots of APRS signals right away. I controlled the PTT and the modulator connection by listening to it with my other VHF rig.
