Cheap Tait VHF 8110s - Ideal APRS or Packet Node

[Matthew 2E0SIP]

For those of you that don't know the Tait 81XX series is ideal for APRS or packet operation owing to the Auxiliary Connector on the back and the ridiculously flexible programming options.

I just spotted some on ebay for a great price - as far as I recall £30 is the normal going rate:

Without Power Cable ( £15.99 ) + Power Cable ( £3.95 )
With Power Cable ( £17.99 )

They don't come with fist Mics, but they aren't needed for packet operation.

I have all the software required if you need it. Programming Cables are £15.99 -  I did have one but it's currently misplaced, possibly at the Hackspace, or you can build a DIY cable assuming you have a genuine FTDI UART adapter, or you're handy with transistors and things.

Cheers!

[Mike Gould]

Hi Matthew,
I'd be grateful if you could share any programming software you have.
The only thing google can find costs £20 and may not work

Also has anyone tried the built in data modem? I assume it's not compatible with AX.25 AFSK but for a dedicated link it might be a good option?
http://manuals.repeater-builder.com/2007/TECHNOTE/TM8000/TN-919_AN_Configuring%20the%20TM8100%20for%20Data%20Operation.pdf

Thanks
MikeG

[Matthew]

Hi Mike,

I'll send you the software directly.

Nigel has played a little with the modem but he's not active on this list, I'll see if I can summon him.

Cheers

Matthew

[Nigel Worsley]

> Nigel has played a little with the modem but he's not active on this list,

Really? First I heard about it :)

There are two issues with data, firstly 'transparent mode' isn't all
that transparent and requires a basic packet structure to operate that
isn't compatible with APRS. The other issue is that use at 9,600 baud
or faster is a feature that needs to be unlocked by a licence key.

I have a bit of mashed up VB code that sends commands to the radio in
the right format, I am using it to test the CCR command mode at the
moment with the eventual aim being to control the radio from an
Android app.

Nigle

[Matthew]

Haha, I guess the summoning worked. It just took a few black candles and a goat.

Mike, if you want to play with data I'd recommend Direwolf but you'll need a soundcard / interface for the radio. If you want to DIY I'd suggest M0NFI's modified CM108 Soundcard or G7RPGs latest iteration

Cheers