TNC4 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 TNC4 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 TNC4 and all KISS devices is a KISS modem. The
TNC4 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 TNC4 is capable of 1200 baud AFSK communication. This is suitable for APRS and packet data
over a standard voice channel.
The TNC4 is capable of 9600 baud packet (GFSK/GMSK). This mode requires a radio that is designed
to handle this mode. The radio must provide flat, unfiltered audio output (discriminator output) and
direct access to the modulator.
The TNC4 is also capable of M17 packet date mode (4-FSK). Like the 9600 baud mode, this mode
requires a radio that provides flat, unfiltered audio output (discriminator output) and direct access to the
modulator.
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 TNC4 is also able to talk to the phone, tablet or computer via USB serial port emulation.
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