MB7NRG – Packet Node – Rugby Amateur Transmitting Society [RATS]

Following successful kit builds and interest in AX.25, this node was built using TARPN to enable local chat and BBS functions. It is intended to link with other nodes.

Deployed on Saturday 17th February 2024. Using Raspberry Pi 3B+, NinoTNC and FM1100 radio.

Output Frequency	144.950MHz
Input Frequency	144.950MHz
Split	None
CTCSS	None
Mode	FM / AX.25 1200baud
Location	IO92jj
Keeper	Ian M0IJS

Over time, more services & features are being added to this node. It’s common to find a group of operators using the node during club meetings on Saturday afternoons – linking onward and chatting locally. We’ve even seen stations QSY to MB7NRG chat when batteries have depleted on HTs being used to access GB3ME. All good fun.

Club members have built NinoTNCs. More kits are available now. Shout if you’d like one.

Radios being used to access this node include the following

Philips FM1100
Motorola GM340
Wouxun KG-UVD1
Kenwood TH-D72, TH-D75
Quansheng UV-K5(8)
Yaesu FT-817, FT-897
Icom IC-7100, IC-9700
Tait T2030 Series 1

Client Software

Many are using QtTermTCP from John G8BPQ. In KISS mode with a NinoTNC they have built as a kit from RATS. The best software versions appear to be from the links below. At March 2024 the released Windows package (QtTermTCP 0.0.0.59) works ok but misses the first character off callsigns within strings at the monitor window. Doesn’t seem to break things but is annoying.

Windows 0.0.0.73 Beta 23/11/2023

Raspberry Pi pre-compiled binary

Further Information

Online Amateur Radio Community Wiki

Useful commands for systems running G8BPQ Node

TARPN – Terrestrial Amateur Radio Packet Network

AX.25 Protocol Reference (v2.2, July 1998) TAPR

Packet TNC kit builds

Members have been building the popular NinoTNC from kits assembled by Ian M0IJS. Reach out if you want one. Build instructions can be found here. These use the dsPIC33EP512 microcontroller which people are programming in-situ using the latest MPLAB IPE together with PICkit^tm In-circuit Debugger.

Radio Interfacing

A collection of different interface cables have also been built by members. If you need any assistance, it’s likely someone in the club has built the thing you’re considering!