PacComm TINY-2 Packet Radio Modem - Does it still work?

Fixing The PacComm TINY-2 Packet Radio Modem - Does it still work?
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[@laverdanick]

Ah, fond memories. I sold my Tiny 2 a long time ago. I still have my satellite modem setup, which has been unused for decades. This is a Tiny 2 clone built on the MaxPac pcb with 1200 and 9600 baud G3RUH modems for communicating with the UOS and JAS orbital BBS’s. As they were in a polar orbit global coverage was achieved. In those pre internet days I thought that was fantastic to upload a message to an amateur satellite in orbit. Doppler correction was automatic and used the transceiver microphone frequency up down buttons. As with most of my projects over the years the challenge was achieving it.

[@gchengrpt]

I use software TNCs. My favorite is direwolf. Packet Radio here seems to be coming back with a bunch of clubs and users looking to support and setup nodes. I run a Node here with BBS, Chat, and Winlink Connections, as well as internet backbone connections to nodes all over the world. All done on a Raspberry Pi and radio. Pretty exciting stuff for me :-)

[@oldmanstuff_au]

We went for the simple BayCom modem kits and DOS based TNC emulation freeware/software of the day (early 90s) like TPK, TSTHOST, etc.. This was a cheap and relatively easy way to get into packet radio back then.

[@geoffroberts1126]

I remember hacking an obsolete C64 phone modem for packet. That and an old 2m rig and a 1/4 GP made (literally) from coathangars let me work the Packet station on the MIR space station. That was a while ago now.

[@michaeldavison9761]

I've used and still have a DOS based laptop that can run BAYCOM or WNOS (TCP/IP). Previous to Baycom, I used Digicom for the Commodore 64 and still have this kit. I've never used a TNC.

[@dogastus]

That brought back memories! I had three Tiny 2 TNCs and a KAM and used to run nodes on 4m, 2m and 70cm. I used to enjoy packet dxing by linking through mulitiple nodes across the country.

[@ontwowheels7291]

I have just found one of these Tiny 2 tncs boxed with a manual. no idea if it works but thanks for the video It gives me confidence to have a go!

[@ChrisDunnG4KVI]

Came across your video. I've run an APRS Digipeater for years and recently got back into packet as a few of the locals are running stations with a local BBS.

[@knoxieman]

I had one back in 1992 when they first came out, used it with my Amiga, only used it for mail, was a lot of fun, my very first experience in electronic mail, I used it to send messages to and from college where I was studying, my teacher was a ham radio operator, I've still got it in the garage don't know if it works still.

[@peters6601]

Just started using packet again after node setup near me. Use the software method i.e. soundmodem and easyterm. Plan to resurrect my Pakratt 232mbx and FT290 combo I ran in the early '90s. Slow but good fun.

[@peters6601]

Packet network was huge, could node hop to users in the USA on 2m FM using the LonNY cable link.

[@Stuart_MM7SHX]

I've recently built a a NinoTNC kit and I'm keeping an eye on all the work that OARC (I'd encourage anyone interested in Packet to join!) are doing at the moment with developing a UK Packet Radio Network. I'm in IO77 so a bit out of the way, but I'm interested in maybe giving it a try on HF or perhaps via AXIP. I've also recently been playing with Direwolf to set up a receive only APRS iGate.

[@grahamperry3186]

Hi Matt…Just dug out my hand built TNC220! Battery 0.221v Not used since late 80’s so will give it a go here in the Midlands .. Thanks for the inspiration😁👍

[@TechMindsOfficial]

Nice Graham! I have a good take off to the midlands from here, well to Coventry area as I hear the C4FM repeater strong on 145.600. Have fun! :)

[@murrij]

This is just awesome. Packet Radio was something I really want to do back in the day, but alas I lacked both the time, the money and the license.

[@W4TRI]

Have a PK-88 and two KPC-3s one a Plus unit. All on the last available firmware. All work great!

[@gonzo_the_great1675]

I was a big user of AX25 and the BBS system in the late 80's. When I went to uni I has an ali camera case, with a Tandy 'laptop', TNC and 2mtr handheld. Friends were facinated by it, as it was before mobile phones and email being commonly known about. It seemed quite 'James Bond' to them. Only yesterday, I dug out my old TNCs and started playing with them again. (Hence finding this video.)

[@kb1qzh]

I'm impressed this was in my Google feed. Adding this to my watch later cause 5am and I have two Tinys I need to test.

[@gliderrider]

Man, that brings back fond memories of the 90’s. I’ve lost touch with packet since 1999. That was my internet then. I don’t have a clue what’s out there now except what you mentioned. All hf now. VHF rigs with this capability cost like a HF rig now.

[@driverfilmsshortwavechannel]

Got one of them! Just need to get it powerd up and working.

[@W4TRI]

Even if the board stays in the dark case most of the time it would not hurt only help to cover the eeprom window with a sticker.

[@VicGreenBitcoin]

I used it in the old days, making CB'ers nuts!

[@RodLittle]

I maybe now see how you have such fantastic audio on your videos, I have the 286A a great processor. Would be interested in a video (or your comments here) on your audio setup, as it really is outstanding.

[@passie-paparazzi]

i loved packet radio.. runned the bbs in town for years.. but i really mis SP9.75 with the tfpx

[@Subgunman]

I have the same unit which I purchased the last upgrade of the firmware. From what I have learned is the the company is still around but they changed their product line after the Bosnian war in the mid 90’s. They started making GPS marker systems for border monitoring all connected to a central UN monitoring center. Movement of any of these markers will result in a military team being dispatched to the point of violation of border markers.

[@m3cvfm]

Gosh I remember having a Tiny 2 for packet radio about 25 years ago . I use to use it to node hop to tcpip address, managed to get to the usa checking nodes which responded to my node request, using I think the wormhole at Cardiff University

[@butchdingle1000]

I tried Uiss software on windows to see if there was any packet around but no joy so I use it on the odd occasion for aprs works great. 73 keep up the good work

[@coolvideos8864]

Wow I used to have one of these “back in the day”

[@PacketRadio]

We have been waiting for you 😀 I do not recommend direwolf for connected mode on HF as direwolf does not support ACKMODE, which without will cause timing issues and headaches with collisions on 300b. .AX25 has got an upgrade with FEC - FX.25 which is backwards compatible, but adds additional robustness- QtSoundModem is the go-to for HF, the port of UZ7HOs TNC. 73- PE1RRR

[@TechMindsOfficial]

Cheers!

[@darrinpearce9780]

There are a couple of BBS's here in VK3 with a few of us die hard type playing with the mode. Need to get it revived, especially with digi enabled. 73 and thanks for posting.

[@davidverheyen6635]

I played with packet radio in the 80's on the cb band. Used a diy-modem based on the am7910 for the commodore 64.

[@LonSeidman]

There are two packet BBS's in range of me here in Connecticut! I'm mostly using Direwolf both with a Signalink on my HT and through my FT991a connected directly to my Windows PC. I'd like to host my own BBS at some point as a former telephone modem based Sysop in the 90s.

[@paulsengupta971]

I was also a sysop in the mid 1980s, and always wondered about getting a packet radio setup but life got in the way.

[@CraigPetersen12f36b]

I use a AEA PK-88 and an ICOM IC-2000 to work stations via the ISS, slow but still fun.

[@Pedro8k]

Packet was the digital comms of the mid 80s like ft8 is today it even predates mobile phones and the internet i still have two of these good video

[@SachaTholl]

Hi Matt M0DQW, Sacha from FH Aachen Space Operation Facility (DL0FHA). Thank you for this wonderful video about the Tiny-2 TNC! I recently also got one of those, but I need a technical user manual, reference, or cables. Is the serial line connecting to the computer a traditional rs232 Null-modem cable, or does it have a different pin layout? I was worried about connecting it because back in time, It was not obvious and God-given that serial devices used standardized RS-232 cables out of the box. Some of these old gears used slightly different pin layouts and exotic voltages, which eventually resulted in fried electronics if connected without taking care. Would you happen to have a user manual or technical reference at hand? Thank you very much, 73'

[@rohnkd4hct260]

I have two or three TNCs I have been given over the years. One day will set them back up.

[@marcoplacidi9975]

I remember my bbs on the top the mountain with 3 ports 1200, 9600 and 38600 baud good memories

[@jayrogers8255]

I’ve got a node here in my town on 145.09 MHz. Quite a few seem to be in this frequency locally.

[@R2AUK]

👍❤ However, you should really cover the glass window on EPROM chip with black type (even better: aluminum or copper tape) ASAP if you don't want the firmware to be damaged.

[@manuelmaseda4875]

That TNC was build right down the road from me here in Tampa Florida. Unfortunately the owner and head engineer of that company, Gwen Reddy, was tragically killed in an automobile accident. That was the end of the company.

[@alzeNL]

Oh my - thats very sad.

[@philbridgesUK]

My dear friend W1BEL, I was his UK agent. The crash was a terrible shock.

[@foxonem7dfh257]

Hi Matt yet another great video, my Father used to have a Kantronics TNC back in the 80's which did all sorts of other stuff as well RTTY, CW decode etc he was an SWL. I keep seeing TNC's come up on flea bay but I thought packet was dead apart from APRS, very interested you have now got me thinking, just don't tell the XYL

[@TechMindsOfficial]

Haha well there are software solutions like DireWolf which emulates a TNC on your computer. :)

[@foxonem7dfh257]

@@TechMindsOfficial I have that somewhere will take a look. Thanks again Matt

[@SachaTholl]

Hi, Is the serial line connecting to the computer a traditional rs232 Null-modem cable, or does it have a different pin layout?

[@TerryG7wrs]

I remember them back in the 90s.

[@user-zx7wc1qs9o]

I user a Baycom on DOS then with WINPACK up to XP. After I could not run Baycom on any windows. A few years ago I repaired a radio for a mate and got paid with a PK-232MBX. Now decode packet from the ISS with scanner 232 and python script I coded. Only got aerials in my loft of bungalow. My SDR seams better for the ISS then the scanner so may move to that.

[@4X4-RADIO]

Hi, What USB Serial Cable did you use, I think you mentioned Amazon. I Also have no RS232 socket on my Laptop Many Thanks

[@wa0jtw]

…and now I have to get my Kantronics KPC-3 out and see if packet still lives in middle Tennessee!

[@4X4-RADIO]

Hi, What USB Serial Cable did you use.? I Also have no RS232 socket on my Laptop Many Thanks

[@glenwoofit]

You can still get those batteries. I swapped mine a couple of years ago.

[@bhamptonkc7]

I have a kantronics kpc3 packet TNC and use it with winlink this connects me toRMS radio mail server

[@Spookieham]

Prices for TNCs have gone mad now as everyone wants one but they are hard to find.

[@davidleckie2431]

I was very much into packet in the late 1980's early 1990's. Built a Pac-comm TNC 200 then a Pac-Comm TNC 220 which still works but being late 1980's tech is too old for KISS. I want to get into APRS so have just bought a TNC 320 which being newer has KISS. It goes into KISS mode OK BUT it will not come out with KISS OFF RESTART. Only way I can get it out of KISS is to open it up and take the battery jumper off for a few seconds. Any ideas? Is the Tiny 2 the same? Dave GM4NFI

[@miketaylor253]

Was that the Tiny2 I sent you a few years back Matt? Good to see you managed to get some life outta the old girl 😁73s Mike

[@TechMindsOfficial]

Hey Mike! Yes it was. I couldn’t remember who sent it me! Thanks again! What’s your call sign by the way?

[@miketaylor253]

@@TechMindsOfficial I remember posting it and it was a few years back now. There seems to be a real push to get AX25 back on the air at the moment. All the best. Mike G4TVP

[@miketaylor253]

@@TechMindsOfficial Hello agn Matt, I am helping out a fellow ham get his Tiny2 back on the air and his has the "flat battery" syndrome. Are you able to post a link to the Amazon for the replacement pls?

[@TechMindsOfficial]

@@miketaylor253 cpc.farnell.com/varta/6131201501/battery-lithium-cr1-3n-pcb-170mah/dp/BT06056

[@TechMindsOfficial]

This one has the little lugs on it 🙂

[@PAJ3Cub]

Groups are currently rebuilding the RF packet network links and moving away from the internet and other commercial services.

[@paulellis2248]

can i connect the modem to the internet uk packet servers

[@paulellis2248]

where do i get setting from to setup my tiny 2 tnc please thanks doncaster uk G1ILF

[@philbridgesUK]

Actually you can run a PMS unattended in the UK but 3rd Party and Digipeat must must be OFF. Anything involving 3rd Party traffic needs an NOV.

[@TechMindsOfficial]

Can it beacon unattended?

[@philbridgesUK]

@@TechMindsOfficial From memory yes Matt (it was 30 years ago we did all this work with Ofcom and RSGB to update the licence!) It's the third-party traffic we need to focus on here, it becomes a repeater with 3rd party ON hence the NOV requirement! Ditto a digital hotspot, thankfully MMDVM can inhibit 3 Party access, Wires-X can't though DGID could be used to block others I guess.

[@paulgul1]

You can upset people you know, less talk of when dinosaurs ruled the earth. I used to have one of these, also from Siskins in Southampton. Used it on 2 meters, of course being so long ago we had to produce the electricity from a steam traction engine.😂😂

[@TechMindsOfficial]

Hahaha I’m old too ya know! :) I first used Packet Radio using DOS many years ago.

[@mrpockets9433]

Funny thing im currently making a clone based on one of these. Basically these are just Z80 8bit computers with a modem.

[@thomthumbe]

I own about a dozen Paccomm TNC products. All still work as “advertised”…..but the only packet thing I have online today is an APRS I-Gate. The owner died years ago and his wife had to dump the company.

[@w9gb]

Gwyn Reedy, W1BEL (sk) owner of Paccomm died (62 years old) in a vehicular accident in Painted Post, NY on December 17, 2006. I knew and met Gwyn during the 1990s AMSAT National Conferences. I talked to his wife in 2007/2008 ordering a few parts and upgrading the SPRINT-2 to the satellite modem (128K RAM; Firmware; 9.6 and 38.4 modems). His wife received at least 2 offers to sell Paccomm (she told me over phone). One was from Timewave, BUT she could not part with her late husband’s company. w9gb

[@truecrimereaction]

youve got your settings on your mic all messed up on this video, there is either too much gain or too much compression or too much expander. I cant tell but your voice is coming through with too much static noise and power as you speak, id say a basic change on your 286s i can see there...

[@davidblackman-wells9572]

I’ve set the baud rate in the tiny2 to 1200 when I connect I just get a blank screen please help I’m in range of GB7IOW using putty-tiny2-FT817ND TIA G1WXC

[@williamhowell1791]

What do you mean "if we had packet modems going up and down the cost with"G" enabled" --- what is the "G" you are talking about? Thanks

[@charlieconghos]

I still have the Tiny-2 and the Tiny-2 MKII 🦾

[@Q45Y33]

Do you happen to have the manual for it? I have a couple mkIIs but can only find the older mkI manual