Equipment / Accessory · Kantronics
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Kantronics KPC-3+ (Packet TNC / Digipeater)
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| Frequency | n/a (1200 baud packet TNC; RF via connected radio) |
| Bands | all (via connected radio) |
| Power | A packet TNC/digipeater - it modulates/demodulates data for a connected radio. No RF of its own. |
| Modes | AX.25 packet (1200 baud), KISS/XKISS, APRS digipeater/tracker (with GPS), BBS/Node/Host/Terminal |
| Weight | 320 g (11.3 oz) - 0.8 x 5.2 x 5.2 in; 11 oz. |
Connectors
| radio | 5-pin radio port (audio/PTT) |
| computer | USB (type-B) serial |
| gps | external GPS input |
| power req | 6-25 V DC (<30 mA active); an internal 9 V battery runs it for hours. |
AX.25 Level 2 v2 packet with 1200 baud modem
KA-Node, K-Net Node, BBS, KISS/XKISS, HOST and TERMINAL modes
Standalone APRS digipeater and (with GPS) tracker
Very low power - runs on an internal 9 V battery
USB serial connection to a PC
The default TNC for club digipeaters and field packet
Strengths
Rock-solid standalone digipeater/BBS; runs for hours on a 9 V; tiny and reliable; the packet workhorse.
Weaknesses
1200 baud only; text-config learning curve; VHF packet (no HF modes).
Verdict
The industry-standard packet TNC - if a club digipeater or a field BBS needs to run unattended for years, this is what does it.
The Kantronics KPC-3+ is the industry-standard 1200-baud packet TNC and standalone digipeater: AX.25 with KA-Node, BBS, KISS and terminal modes, an APRS digipeater/tracker function, and power draw low enough to run for hours on an internal 9 V battery. It is the go-to for unattended club digipeaters.
For HF+VHF multimode use compare the Kantronics KAM XL; for a simple KISS modem see the Byonics TinyTrak4.