Select Other Pages Here a) GPS antenns and receivers a2) GPS antenna information b) GPS to TNC data cables c) TNC GPS Data interconnect d) TNC-interconnect cables e) Radio-interconnect cables h) Power Splitter Harness i) Mag-mount antennas o) Cable and Wiring Overview -) Baker-to-Vegas HQ Page
The TNC-to-Radio interconnect is an important impediment to reliability. While adding the extra connectors to the chain will increase the possibility for problems, it does reduce the number of "custom cables" that we would have to stock to interface the variety of radios and TNCs that are donated. It also allows for easier troubleshooting, should a problem occur.
We are encouraging all of the Hams that we work with to make the cables needed to connect their equipment according with this specification. The reasoning is that this will make their equipment easier to use in an emergency. (And, if everyone makes cables for their own gear, no single group will need to manufacture a collection of cables 'just in case'.)
We chose a 6-pin connector, in order to allow enough contacts for the primary four leads (RX Audio, TX Audio, Ground, and Push-to-Talk), as well as any additional signals (such as DCD, or other 'squelch' signals). The reason for an interconnect at all was to allow us to make a relatively small number of cables, but still to allow us to connect a variety of TNC's. (A second benefit is that we will be able to easily interchange different TNC's, without needing a collection of custom cables, for Hot-swapping spares and/or troubleshooting.)
The Radio-to-TNC Interconnect uses a MOLEX(tm) "Miniature Series, 0.062" connector. The MOLEX part numbers are; 03-06-2062 (plug) and 03-06-1061 (receptacle) 02-06-1103 female terminal (18-24 gauge) and 02-06-2103 male terminal (18-24 gauge) 1625-6PRT package set of (2) complete connectors
We have found it cheaper to buy the individual components in quantity (10- or 25-packs) of the plug and receptacle, and bulk bags of the terminals. Our local source is Minute Man Electronics in Fremont, but they are available at many other outlets and mail-order houses as well.
One connector (item D on the cable overview) will be used to plug a TNC to the interconnect. The other mating connector will plug the interconnect to the Radio (item E on the cable overview)
NOTE: The pin numbers shown MAY NOT MATCH the numbers you may find molded into your connector shells! Please look at the images in the wiring diagrams, and put the pins where the diagram shows the numbers.
This seems like a GREAT place to thank some of generous corporate sponsors for their support of our efforts in 1995 and 1996. Alinco has provided radios at a fair discount for us both years, and AEA has provided TNC's at a discount both years. Trimble Navigation donated some very nice GPS receivers to the cause in 1995 (Thank You Very Much!).
You can get interfacing information for a few TNC's (AEA PK-12 and other "TNC-2 clones", as well as Kantronics) on the TNC-to-Interconnect detail page. The AEA TNC's come with a large collection of interconnection information to a variety of radios as an appendix in their manual!
We're saddened to hear that AEA has closed their Amateur Radio division. If you want an AEA TNC, get it soon! We wish them well in their future endeavors.
The interfacing information for some radios (Alinco DR-130 and DR-1200T, and Kenwood TM-732 and TM-733) are shown on the Interconnect-to-Radio detail page. (Coming soon, Icom HT's and more!)
Copyright 1996-2002, David K. Z. Harris, N6UOW Questions? Comments? Additions? Email b2v at baker2vegas.org Developed on a PowerBook DUO 230! Illustration Artwork: CLARIS DRAW Pro Web Page Creation: CLARIS Home Page 2.0 Photo Scanning: STORM Technologies EasyPhoto