Packet KPC-3+ GPS help needed

[wb4sqi]

Playing around with APRS using a couple of Chinese radios (Radtels) has whetted my appetite to dive deeper into APRS and back into packet radio.

Many years ago I used packet a lot in Bristol, VA, had a digi and bbs for a while, Kantronics KPC-3 was the device I recall using then.

Now I have acquired a NOS KPC-3 + with GPS and am trying to get reacquainted with this tnc. The only means of communication with the tnc is with Putty, which works fine at the command level. So far I have been able to enter mycall and get the help commands which enabled me to move from newuser to advanced command functions. I have the manual so am able to step through all the commands with no issues. No need for the GPS at this point but maybe a nice feature to have in the future.

Is there a Windows program with GUI for this device? If not I can still slog through using the command line. Will I be able to receive and decode beacons on 145.390 with my station as-is? Is UIView something I need to consider and if so, will it work with Putty?

I have a Radio Shack HTX-252 that I will connect to the tnc when I believe I am ready to step up and go live. Need to get an antenna outside which is extremely difficult in a condo. Initially I plan to monitor for a few days to insure the tnc and software are working toward my expectations.

Thanks in advance for any tips and advice.

 

[aprswatcher]

Putty will work for the commands.
The APRS national frequency is 144.39.
There is a bunch of APRS software out there, some very old and the authors have either become SK or moved on.
APRSPoint is one of the newer ones, Direwolf, APRSIS32.
Search for APRS software.
You don’t need a gps hooked up for a home station, just find your coordinates and enter them in the software.
Good Luck!
73, Rex

 

[wb4sqi]

Thanks Rex, I am monitoring 144.39 with my HTX-252. I'll check out the software you mentioned. I see my 1 watt igate beacons.Have a lot of catching up to do. Not sure what the characters are in front of the beacon text.

 

[aprswatcher]

You can look for your beacon on the internet: APRS.fi. Insert your callsign, if other stations are hearing your beacon
correctly it will show up on APRS.fi.
Not sure what the characters are either. Find an APRS software and try it out.
73, Rex

 

[wb4sqi]

You can look for your beacon on the internet: APRS.fi. Insert your callsign, if other stations are hearing your beacon
correctly it will show up on APRS.fi.
Not sure what the characters are either. Find an APRS software and try it out.
73, Rex

I see my igate beacon on APRS.fi with no issues. It is a separate device from China. Being antenna limited is a problem that I will resolve soon. The KPC-3+ is just monitoring at this point. The software you recommended looks pretty nice, I will try them over the next few days.

Thanks,
Nick

 

[aprswatcher]

For an external antenna try a jpole antenna from N9TAX on eBay. They are portable, roll up type antenna. I have several, they work very well.
You will probably be able to hide it real easy.
They make one specifically for 2M but should work well with any radio. Just specify the proper connector to the radio.
73, Rex

 

[wb4sqi]

I have that antenna inside some PVC pipe which will blend well with white trim on our condo. Used in in FL a couple of winters ago.

 

[redbeard]

The characters are probably compressed data.