Mobilinkd TNC4 - User Manual

TNC4 User Guide
Mobilinkd TNC4 User Guide
Rev A - 2023-02-05
Thank you for purchasing your new Mobilinkd TNC4 Battery-powered Bluetooth TNC.
This TNC is designed to suit all aspects of the Amateur Radio community. It is ready to plug in and go
with easy to use and intuitive configuration software, and it is completely open for experimentation.
The schematics are published and all software used in the TNC is open source and available online.
Warning
Do not store your TNC where prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures can occur (such
as in the trunk or cabin of a car). It can cause permanent damage.
•Short term storage: -4° – 140°F (-20°C – 60°C)
•Long Term Storage: 32° – 77°F (0°C – 25°C)
•Operating Temperature: -4°F – 131°F (-20°C – 55°C)
Regulatory Information
This is the stuff I am legally obligated to put in this document If I am obligated to put it in here, you
are obligated to read it. Enjoy!
United States of America
Contains FCC ID:A8TBM78ABCDEFGH
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any
interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device,
pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection
against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate
radio frequency energy, and if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause
harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not
occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or
television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is
encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is
connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
• Or, you know – you’re a licensed amateur radio operator. Figure it out!

Summary

Safety and Warnings

Temperature Storage and Operation

Describes safe temperature ranges for storage and operation to prevent damage.

Regulatory Compliance

United States FCC

Details FCC ID and compliance rules for US operation, including interference.

Canada

Covers IC ID and Industry Canada RSS standards for radio transmitters.

Europe

Covers CE, EMC, and RoHS compliance requirements for the European market.

Japan

Covers module integration rules and modification restrictions for Japan.

Korea

Covers MSIP certification and regulatory details for Korean operation.

Taiwan

Covers Taiwan certification and regulatory details for radio devices.

China

Covers MIIT/SRRC certification and CMIIT ID for Chinese market compliance.

United Kingdom

Covers UKCA marking and Radio Equipment Regulations 2017.

Overview and System Description

Introduction to TNC4 Features

Introduces TNC features, connectors, switches, and indicator LEDs.

KISS Modem Functionality

Explains KISS modem capabilities, limitations, and packet encoding.

Mobilinkd TNC System Components

Describes the three physical components and connection methods of the system.

Hardware Overview

Switches, Connectors, and Indicators

Details power button, reset/DFU buttons, USB-C, TRRS, and LED indicators.

Initial Setup and Radio Configuration

Before First Use: Charging

Instructions for initial battery charging before first use.

TNC Cable Connections

Explains the signals and connections for the TNC to radio cable.

Radio Settings for Optimal Performance

Discusses squelch, battery saver, and dual receive settings for radios.

Connecting and Pairing Devices

Connecting TNC to Radio

Physical connection instructions for the TNC and compatible radio.

Android Pairing Guide

Step-by-step guide for pairing the TNC with Android devices.

iOS Pairing Guide

Step-by-step guide for pairing the TNC with iOS devices.

Windows and Linux Pairing

Covers Windows pairing password and Linux connection methods.

TNC Configuration with Mobilinkd App

Using the Mobilinkd Config App

Introduces app usage and navigating the main menu for configuration.

Power Settings Configuration

Explains battery level monitoring and auto on/off settings.

Modem Settings

Discusses selecting modem type and configuring modem-specific settings.

Audio Configuration

Receive (RX;Input) Volume Adjustment

Details input volume, gain, and twist settings for optimal packet decoding.

Transmit (TX;Output) Volume and Tone

Explains output volume, PTT style, and tone settings for transmission.

KISS Parameter Configuration

Understanding KISS Parameters

Defines TX Delay, Persistence, Slot Time, and TX Tail parameters.

Software and Firmware Management

Firmware Update Procedure

Instructions for updating the TNC firmware via USB.

APRSdroid Setup Guide

Step-by-step configuration for the APRSdroid application.

Sending Your First Packet with APRSdroid

Guide to sending the first packet and testing transmission.

Using the aprs.fi App

Connecting and Initial Use

Instructions for connecting the TNC and initial use of the aprs.fi app.

Beaconing with aprs.fi

Setting up station ID, symbol, comment, and beacons in the app.

Advanced Operation: 9600 Baud

Supported Radios and Configuration

Lists compatible radios and initial settings for 9600 baud operation.

Calibrating 9600 Baud Deviation

Detailed steps using SDR for calibrating radio deviation.

Troubleshooting: Power and Connection Issues

TNC Power and Connectivity Problems

Addresses TNC not turning on/off or establishing a Bluetooth connection.

Troubleshooting: Packet and Transmission Issues

Packet Decoding and Audio Problems

Issues with decoding packets, squelch settings, and audio detection.

Transmission and Digipeating Problems

Problems with transmitting, digipeating, and received packets.

Troubleshooting: Visibility and Interference

APRS-IS Visibility and Pairing Password

Issues with visibility on APRS-IS and Windows pairing password.

RF Interference and TNC Resets

TNC resets due to RF fields affecting circuitry during transmission.

Software Customization and Resources

Firmware Update via USB

How to update firmware using STM32CubeProgrammer.

Advanced Customization and Source Code

Details ST/LINK connector, source code, and GitHub repository.

Mobilinkd TNC4 Specifications

General

Brand	Mobilinkd
Model	TNC4
Category	Modem
Language	English