Kantronics KAM 98 - Inside a TNC - the KAM98

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The TNC (Terminal Node Controller): (1) translates audio signals into
digital information and vice versa, (2) performs a number of control and
information storage functions, and (3) communicates digitally with your
computer.
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The computer communicates digitally with the TNC, so you can: (1)
view messages received from the transceiver or stored in a mailbox (i.e.,
PBBS), (2) use the computer to send data to, and receive data from,
other stations, via the TNC and your transceiver, and (3) control the
operation of the TNC.
Inside a TNC – the KAM’98
To better understand the workings of your multi-mode digital communication ra-
dio station, it is helpful to have an overview of the major components of the TNC
device at the center of your station.
In the early days of packet radio, TNC’s consisted primarily of a modem for
communicating with a transceiver and a special-purpose microprocessor called a
PAD (i.e., packet assembler/disassembler), used to process packets of informa-
tion and communicate with a computer or terminal.
As packet radio has developed, more and more features have been added within
TNCs, including memory and software dedicated to a “Personal Bulletin Board
System” and, in some TNCs, support for paging and support for non-packet HF
digital modes. Also multi-port TNCs are now available, to support more than
one radio.
The following diagram shows the most important internal components of a
multi-mode TNC, the KAM’98, which supports one modem port and one
auxillary port (e.g., for GPS attachment).
Note: Other Kantronics TNCs may have different features than the KAM’98
(e.g., multi-port support, support for paging, support for some but not other modes
of digital communication).
Introduction Inside a TNC – the KAM’98
User’s Guide 20 KAM’98 v 8.3