TNC3 User Guide
Overview
This guide will introduce you to the key features of the TNC, its connectors, switches and indicator
LEDs. Most of this manual illustrates the configuration and operation of the TNC using an Android
device and Android software. However, the TNC will work with any operating system and software
that can talk to a KISS TNC over Bluetooth SPP (Serial Port Profile), Bluetooth LE using our custom
service, or via USB CDC (serial port emulation).
KISS TNC
The TNC3 is a KISS TNC, which means that it is purely a modem and not really a terminal node
controller. A more accurate description of the TNC3 and all KISS devices is a KISS modem. The
TNC3 does not manipulate the packets it receives in any manner. It cannot, by itself, digipeat (relay)
packets or do any store and forward operations associated with an intelligent TNC. This is an
important point that can be a source of some confusion. A KISS TNC simply encodes and decodes
digital information as audio that can be transmitted over the air by a radio on a voice channel.
The Mobilinkd TNC System
The Mobilinkd TNC System is comprised of three physical components: A radio, the Mobilinkd TNC,
and a computer, tablet or smart phone that supports Bluetooth SPP or LE-TNC. The TNC connects to
the radio with a cable and talks to the smartphone or computer via Bluetooth connection.
The TNC3 is also able to talk to the phone, tablet or computer via USB serial port emulation.