APRS Digipeater Baofeng Mobilinkd

[@richcomer76]

For users of the Mobilinkd ver 3 (TNC-3): Some of these devices default to Channel 6 vice Channel 1 that the rf comm connect command is expecting. To confirm/install, run the following commands: First run: hcitool scan (this gives you MAC address of your TNC3 mine is 34:81:F4:33:AC:34) then run: dptool browse 34:81:F4:33:AC:34 (gives you info about your TNC3 -- look under RFCOMM for channel number (mine is 6) finally: sudo rfcomm connect /dev/rfcomm0 34:81:F4:33:AC:34 6 you should see: pi@raspberrypi:~ $ sudo rfcomm connect /dev/rfcomm0 34:81:F4:33:AC:34 6 Connected /dev/rfcomm0 to 34:81:F4:33:AC:34 on channel 6 Press CTRL-C for hangup Thanks to Jason/KM4ACK and "vaguy" in the raspberry pi forums for helping me get mine connected. 73 Rich/K1RBC

[@KM4ACK]

Thanks for posting here Rich. This will be pinned to the top of the comments for the time being. 73, de KM4ACK

[@Remotruker]

I'm trying to run the "dptool browse" but getting "command not found" Pi4 updated/upgraded.

[@supercooper4281]

@@Remotruker So I had an issue where it was timing out. I had to follow these instructions to put the bluetooth into compatability mode and add a serial port protocol. www.raspberrypi.org/forums/viewtopic.php?p=947185#p947185 Also it's sdptool and not dptool.

[@Violentsockz]

@@Remotruker Appears to be a typo, try sdptool

[@kimcampbell9501]

Damn, had at least 5 commercials in this short video. You must be getting real popular.

[@KM4ACK]

Thanks for watching. 73, de KM4ACK

[@DanielStinebaugh]

Super handy video! Instead of opening a new tab, you should look up the "screen" app (sudo apt install screen) then you can run commands in a virtual terminal, and just leave it in the background out of sight. But hey, linux, 1000 ways to do the same thing, and of course nothing wrong with the way you did it, I too just enjoy teaching things I know about to others. Looking forward to getting my license soon so I can start implementing all these cool HAM toys!

[@KM4ACK]

Screen is awesome but I try to keep the tutorials as simple as possible for guys that aren't as familiar with Linux.

[@lowtek42]

Wow man... You've been pumping out some crazy awesome videos lately!! Well done! Looking forward to more APRS and winlink videos.

[@KM4ACK]

Thanks Joshua. The Mobilinkd is the root cause. Just got me to thinking about the possibilities. It's limited to 2M/440 but WOW what a small setup. 73, de KM4ACK

[@KK6GXG]

Just a note, by not allowing bidirectional traffic over the Igate you are limiting all of the two way traffic abilities of APRS. Any messaging that does not go through your digipeater on the radio side won't be able to route station to station especially if you are operating ant short range this makes APRS little more than tracking. I mention this because it has been an issue for emcomm in our area. If you're going to Igate, do it bidirectional, IMHO.

[@KM4ACK]

You bring up an excellent point! I was only thinking of not flooding an area with unneeded packets. In our area, we have a great wide area gateway that my digipeater hears so the message typically do go both ways. Thanks for pointing this out! 73, de KM4ACK

[@KK6GXG]

@@KM4ACK It's definitely and area specific issue, but worth mentioning.

[@gusfiebig5960]

Following the "sudo rfcomm etc" I get the word disconnected without using the Cntl-C command. I tried this several times with the same result. August Fiebig, N9GF

[@timmanwell2538]

Jason, thanks so much for this vid. I'm going to have to watch it another few times, as I'm very new to APRS (so new, I haven't got into it yet). I'm interested to see that you're doing this with one of the cheapest HTs on the market. I have the 8w version, and it's the only HT I own. I was under the impression that Mobilinkd stated that their products would not work with the Baofeng radios.... so not only have I not yet purchased my TNC3, I was also thinking I needed to pony up the $$ for a 'better' HT. Maybe not?? Any wisdom to impart regarding the Baofeng's settings??

[@KF4LXS]

Another fantastic video. Many thanks, Jason. I definitely have my weekend projects planned out for now. I have heard, and also observed, that the Baofeng does seem to have issues with receiving APRS packets. When I set the Baofeng next to the FT2D, (same antenna) and the squelch on both is set to one, I notice a slight delay on the Baofeng’s squelch opening up in time to receive the full packet. Have you experienced this as well? And, are there any settings on the Baofeng you would recommend for optimal APRS operation?

[@KM4ACK]

If I was running this setup full time, I would open the squelch on the Baofeng. This will eliminate the delay in the squelch opening. It's still not the best radio for the job, but I have had a lot of requests for this setup. Changing to a different radio would only require a cable swap and maybe a few mods in the initial setup of the TNC. Once the TNC is configured for the radio, everything in the video would remain the same. 73, de KM4ACK

[@richardrobinson7294]

Hi jason. Can I have the link to the video for installing gos... you said in your video you would leave a link but I think you forgot. Thanks

[@erics6177]

at 4:50 that command sudo rfconnect says disconnected right after ctrl c for hangup

[@kerrcomm]

I load the map as you directed. the map stays gray and no satellite view ever shows up. Is there a setting that check that shouldn't be?

[@va7dgp]

Reflashed Build a Pi release 6 for my Mobile. In the Map, I chose the Government of Canada Regional Sub map. It really is a nice map. Looks good and I hope the GPS locks in, that's been my major issue. I even bought a new USB GPS dongle. Still not locking in. Go figure Also trying figure out how to change the color of the call sign other than white. I went to text but not seeing anything other than black outline

[@John-be6jt]

How do I connect the Baofeng APRS-K1 to a Raspberry Pi? Is there a USB sound card for the Rasperry Pi that will take the TRRS of the APRS-K1?

[@KM4ACK]

Try posting the question to the forum and let's see if we can't figure this out. groups.io/g/KM4ACK-Pi/topics

[@DdraigX]

Have you tried to use direwolf on the raspberry pi with the baofeng?

[@KM4ACK]

Yes. I use it with one setup I built several years ago. It uses direwolf, xastir, easy digi soundcard, and a baofeng. 73, de KM4ACK

[@joeb3300]

@@KM4ACK Unless I am mistaking your "easy digi" for a different product, the easy digi is not a sound card, just an interface between a PC (or other) and a radio. It provides electrical isolation (coupling via audio transformers) and a VOX-like PTT control. I have used it with a laptop, running FLdigi, and a Baofeng to play with MT63 and Olivia digital modes. The sound card is in the PC.

[@richardrobinson7294]

Ive built this following your instructions. Wells well. How do i get it to all autoboot on startup

[@KM4ACK]

You can use a cronjob. A very powerful tool for automation and built into the pi. Google will be your friend :-)

[@richardrobinson7294]

Can you help me with the script. I'm new to using pi and it good with scripts

[@SherwoodR631]

thank you - worked perfectly

[@KM4ACK]

Great to hear!

[@donaldsmith3048]

Where can I find the list of SSID that I should be using for my devices?

[@forthy62]

Great video again Jason. Do you need to connect to the rfcomm0 manually all the time you want to start the gateway? Needs that terminal to be open all the time? 73, Stephan DF6PA BTW. I checked the mobilink3...when it is connected to the Raspberry Pi with a micro usb cable, it shows up a ttyACM0 serial device :-)

[@KM4ACK]

Yes. You would need the terminal open and connected to rfcomm0. I have a script that will release soon that will make it a one command process. Stay tuned. One last thing, the Mobilinkd 3 is different than the 2. I believe it uses channel 6 instead of the default of 1 but I don't own a 3 to test with. 73, de KM4ACK

[@forthy62]

@@KM4ACK Channel6 Channel1 ? Which channels? I am a new to winlinkd and aprs... 73 Stephan

[@KM4ACK]

@@forthy62 Please see the comment that I have pinned to the top of the comments section on this video. Since I don't own the TNC3, I can't test. Thanks to Rich for posting the writeup. 73, de KM4ACK

[@PatrickDickey52761]

@@KM4ACK Is the script a part of your build-a-pi setup now? I just replaced the cable I was using for the Baofeng with the mobilnkd TNC2, and got it working. I want to make sure it's all automated, so I don't have to deal with everything. Ultimately the plan is to have it running as digipeater without interaction.

[@briandale9274]

@@KM4ACK Definitely uses ch 6 and works fine when I manually use the terminal..when I try to use the mobilinkd connect within Pat Menu (Beta) it says it finds and connects but Xastir doesn't see it. Is this because you Pat is setting up Ch 1 instead of Ch 6? Can this be edited somewhere or add an option for Mobilinkd 3 in Pat Menu?

[@fredkoehler]

When I run rfcomm connect /dev/rfcomm0 (mac address) the pi returns Connected /dev/rfcomm0 to 34:81:F4:3D:98:80 on channel 1 Press CTRL-C for hangup Disconnected When I run ls /dev | grep rfcomm rfcomm is not in the directory When I click on the bluetooth icon in the tray the TNC is there. Any ideas on what is going on?

[@KM4ACK]

Are you using the TNC 2 or 3. The three runs on a different channel than the TNC2. The TNC3 uses channel 6 instead of channel 1. If it is a TNC3 use this command - *sudo rfcomm connect /dev/rfcomm0 34:81:F4:3D:98:80 6* Note the "6" at the end which tells it to use channel 6 instead of channel 1.

[@TheOpenAirGarage]

I have plans for this information and a spare Kenwood TM-281A 2 Meter Mobile Transceivers I have laying around.

[@KM4ACK]

Another digipeater on the air is almost always a good thing. 73, de KM4ACK

[@va7dgp]

I'm waiting for HDMI to Micro HDMI. I have a Wouxum HT. Right now I'm using my Mobilink Bluetooth to my Win 10 machine. The Squelch setting on my is open. The APRSIS 32 would not work for me with it set to 2-3. So its wide open. Using Xlasatir do I need to modify squelch?? I'll be running the PI closer to my Living room window. I have no outside antenna 73 Don va7dgp

[@KM4ACK]

You will just have to do some testing to figure out the best squelch settings for your setup.

[@va7dgp]

I did some jury working by loading It on a PI 3, then loaded the vnc etc. I'm not going via vnc and no monitor on the PI 4. 'm getting this pi@raspberrypi:~ $ sudo rfcomm connect /dev/rfcomm0 34:81:F4:33:A9:7A Connected /dev/rfcomm0 to 34:81:F4:33:A9:7A on channel 1 Press CTRL-C for hangup Disconnected I can't connect serial kiss tnc /dev/rfcomm0 34:81:F4:33:A9:7A in Xaster

[@abdulazzamajhari4404]

Cool, watching it now!

[@KM4ACK]

Awesome! 73, de KM4ACK

[@apologetics1234]

Also on my Gps map, I hit something wrong by moving my cursor and now I only get grid lines and no map.

[@pbshooter100]

I know it's not the same as a digipeater but one can set up an i-gate with just a Baofeng, cable and an andriod tablet or phone. No TNC, raspberry pi (and associated complexity) needed.

[@KM4ACK]

That is true. All depends on your wants/needs. 73, de KM4ACK

[@pbshooter100]

@@KM4ACK Yes thanks. Appreciate your videos however the raspberry pi solutions are just not for me. Anything involving CLI makes me want to run the other way LOL, and this is coming from someone who worked in IT for 40 years so I'm no stranger to working with CLI systems.

[@KM4ACK]

LOL. I guess I am just the opposite then. I enjoy the CLI. Brings back fond memories. However, once I have something working, I typically write a script to automate things and link to the script through the GUI. 73, de KM4ACK

[@apologetics1234]

I go my xastir and Aprs screen up, I put in my call sign and Lat - long. but my location does not show on the map. After entering the interface for my GPS dongle which is working and installed and it says down and hitting start is says "error" ,not up, also for adding the internet server and entering my aprs passcode it says down and then hiting start is says "error", not up.

[@apologetics1234]

Also on my Gps map, I hit something wrong by moving my cursor and now I only get grid lines and no map.

[@KM4ACK]

Use the zoom out button. You probably zoomed way in on the map. Then find your location on the map, right click and choose "move my station here"

[@apologetics1234]

when repeatedly doing zoom out, I still get the grid lines and no map, eventually the grid lines cycle back to big grid squares again.

[@apologetics1234]

So I reinstalled buster, and my baofeng with the TNC and xastir, after xastir installed and typed y for yes, I get a blue xastir setup screen and I don't know how to get rid of it, or proceed, when i type sudo xastir it says program not found, when I type the command to install xastir again, and y, I get quickly to the blue setup notes

[@KM4ACK]

Use the TAB key and ENTER key on your keyboard to get through those screens.

[@apologetics1234]

I go my xastir and Aprs screen up, I put in my call sign and Lat - long. but my location does not show on the map. After entering the interface for my GPS dongle which is working and installed and it says down and hitting start is says "error" ,not up, also for adding the internet server and entering my aprs passcode it says down and then hiting start is says "error", not up.

[@apologetics1234]

Also on my Gps map, I hit something wrong by moving my cursor and now I only get grid lines and no map.

[@apologetics1234]

Also my Tnc kiss remains down after hiting start, but it is connected to my baofeng radio which is making static noises and the TNc is on and blinking Blue

[@apologetics1234]

Also my pi shows a box under the bluetooth for my TNC and an option to connect , but when i hit connect it won't connect

[@kb9mtd-aaronwebb]

Thanks Jason! KB9MTD

[@KM4ACK]

Thanks for watching! 73, de KM4ACK

[@doncoker]

Another good one Jason...73 de KM6TRZ

[@KM4ACK]

Thanks Don. 73, de KM4ACK

[@richardimel7658]

where can one buy a mobilinkd tnc ?

[@KM4ACK]

www.mobilinkd.com/

[@apologetics1234]

after doing xastir install, it seams to install and i got an xastir blue screen, but when do sudo xastir it say not found

[@apologetics1234]

I tried to tab thru the blue screen but it dosen't go anywhere

[@apologetics1234]

all the prior commands worked but, in getting xastir installed on my pi 4 with raspberan buster installed it said some xastir files not obtained, and gave and error. so now what do i do?

[@KM4ACK]

Try these commands sudo apt-get update sudo apt-get install xastir

[@apologetics1234]

I tried this and i still get the error and XASTIR DOSEN'T COME UP

[@KM4ACK]

The commands I gave you before should install xastir from the repository. Did it give you any errors during install? Try starting with 'sudo xastir'

[@KM4ACK]

I ran the commands I suggested earlier on a fresh copy of buster and xastir installed without issue. After install, from the terminal I ran 'sudo xastir' and xastir started. If you are still not able to get this working, you might want to start with a fresh copy of buster and try again.

[@apologetics1234]

So I reinstalled buster, and my baofeng with the TNC and xastir, after xastir installed and typed y for yes, I get a blue xastir setup screen and I don't know how to get rid of it, or proceed, when i type sudo xastir it says program not found, when I type the command to install xastir again, and y, I get quickly to the blue setup notes

[@elihuzero]

Can you put the setting in the Baofeng??? Vox enable ???

[@KM4ACK]

The Mobilinkd TNC provides PTT. VOX isn't used on the Baofeng. 73, de KM4ACK

[@timk7749]

Good job. Your videos are inticeing me to dig out my mobilink and give aprs another try. Keep up the good work. 73 de KF7VUT

[@KM4ACK]

You certainly should! 73, de KM4ACK