Mobilinkd TNC4 Manuel utilisateur
TNC4 User Guide
Mobilinkd TNC4 User Guide
Rev A - 2023-02-05
Thank you for purchasing your ne Mobilinkd TNC4 Battery-po ered Bluetooth TNC.
This TNC is designed to suit all aspects of the Amateur Radio community. It is ready to plug in and go
ith easy to use and intuitive configuration soft are, and it is completely open for experimentation.
The schematics are published and all soft are 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.
•hort term storage: -4° – 140°F (-20°C – 60°C)
•Long Term torage: 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 ith Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the follo ing t o
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 ith 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 ith the instructions, may cause
harmful interference to radio communications. Ho ever, there is no guarantee that interference ill not
occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or
television reception, hich 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 follo ing measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation bet een the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to hich 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!
TNC4 User Guide
Canada
Contains transmitter module IC: 12246A-BM78SPPS5M2
This device complies ith Industry Canada license-exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is subject to the
follo ing t o conditions: (1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) this device must accept
any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.
Le présent appareil est conforme aux CNR d'Industrie Canada applicables aux appareils radio exempts
de licence. L'exploitation est autorisée aux deux conditions suivantes: (1) l'appareil ne doit pas produire
de brouillage, et (2) l'utilisateur de l'appareil doit accepter tout brouillage radioélectrique subi, même si
le brouillage est susceptible d'en compromettre le fonctionnement.
Under Industry Canada regulations, this radio transmitter may only operate using an antenna of a type
and maximum (or lesser) gain approved for the transmitter by Industry Canada. To reduce potential
radio interference to other users, the antenna type and its gain should be so chosen that the equivalent
isotropically radiated po er (e.i.r.p.) is not more than that necessary for successful communication.
Conformément à la réglementation d'Industrie Canada, le présent émetteur radio peut fonctionner avec
une antenne d'un type et d'un gain maximal (ou inférieur) approuvé pour l'émetteur par Industrie
Canada. Dans le but de réduire les risques de brouillage radioélectrique à l'intention des autres
utilisateurs, il faut choisir le type d'antenne et son gain de sorte que la puissance isotrope rayonnée
équivalente (p.i.r.e.) ne dépasse pas l'intensité nécessaire à l'établissement d'une communication
satisfaisante.
The TNC does not contain a user modifiable antenna – unless you have a soldering iron. Then all bets
are off. You’re an ham radio operator. Go wild.
Europe
The Microchip BM78 radio module inside the TNC4 has been fully tested to comply ith EC
requirements for CE marking. These tests include Health, Safety, EMC and Radio. Further testing of
the final product (the TNC4) as conducted to ensure compliance of the integrated product.
The TNC4 is RoHS compliant. Still, I would avoid eating the PCB if I were you.
Japan
Integration of this module into a final product does not require additional radio certification provided
installation instructions are follo ed and no modifications of the module are allo ed.
So, if you are in Japan, you cannot modify the Bluetooth module. You’ve been warned.
TNC4 User Guide
Korea
I think Korea requires that I provide a user manual in Korean. I don’t (yet) speak, read or write the
language. Sorry. Give Google Translate a try:
Taiwan
注意 !
依據 低功率電波輻射性電機管理辦法
第十二條 經型式認證合格之低功率射頻電機， 經許 可，
公司、商號或使用者均不得擅自變更頻率、加大功率或 變更原設計
之特性及功能。
第十四條 低功率射頻電機之使用不得影響飛航安全及 干擾合法通信；
經發現有干擾現象時，應立即停用，並改善至無干擾時 方得繼續使用。
前項合法通信，指依電信規定作業之無線電信。
低功率射頻電機須忍受合法通信或工業、科學及醫療用 電波輻射性
電機設備之干擾。
TNC4 User Guide
C ina
The BM78/BM78 ROM module has received certification of conformity in accordance ith the China
MIIT Notice 2014-01 of State Radio Regulation Committee (SRRC) certification scheme. Integration
of this module into a final product does not require additional radio certification, provided installation
instructions are follo ed and no modifications of the module are allo ed. Refer to SRRC certificate
available in the BM78 product page for expiry date.
The BM78 module is labeled ith its o n CMIIT ID as follo s: CMIIT ID: 2015DJ7133
PLEASE NOTE: The TNC4 does not meet CMIIT equipment marking requirements at this time.
UK
Hereby, Microchip Technology Inc. declares that the radio equipment type BM78/BM78 ROM module
is in compliance ith the Radio Equipment Regulations 2017. The full text of the UKCA declaration of
conformity for this product is available (under Documents > Certifications) at:
• https:// .microchip.com/en-us/product/BM78
PLEASE NOTE: The TNC4 does not meet KCA equipment marking requirements at this time.
Brexit McBrexitface.
TNC4 User Guide
Overview
This guide ill introduce you to the key features of the TNC, its connectors, s itches and indicator
LEDs. Most of this manual illustrates the configuration and operation of the TNC using an Android
device and Android soft are. Ho ever, the TNC ill ork ith any operating system and soft are
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, hich 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 for ard operations associated ith 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.
T e 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 ith 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.
TNC4 User Guide
TNC Switc es, Connectors and Indicators
The Mobilinkd TNC4 has three s itches, t o connectors and t o indicators. Each of these is sho n in
the image and described belo .
S1 – Po er button. Press for 2 seconds to turn on. RGB LED ill flash yello , the slo ly blink blue.
Press for 2 seconds to turn off. The RGB LED ill fade from bright yello to off.
S2 recessed reset s itch. To reset the TNC, carefully insert the tip of a pen into the hole and gently
depress the s itch.
S3 recessed DFU (device firm are update) button. This is used hen updating the device firm are.
To enter firm are update mode, connect the TNC to a USB host, ensure the TNC is turned on, then
carefully insert the tip of a pen into the hole and gently depress the s itch.
SB – USB-C connector for charging/po er/USB serial port.
TRRS – 3.5mm TRRS audio connector for Radio.
1. Tip = Speaker (audio input to TNC)
2. Ring 1 = PTT (Simplex PTT mode)
3. Ring 2 = Mic (and PTT in Multiplexed PTT mode)
4. Sleeve = GND/Common
RGB LED – This is a mult-function indicator. The blue LED flashes slo ly hen disconnected,
flashes a double-blip hen connected via Bluetooth, or flashes a triple-blip hen connected via USB.
The LED sho s red hen transmitting and green hen receiving data.
Red LED – Charge indicator. On hen connected to USB and charging, other ise off.
TNC4 User Guide
Before First Use
The battery ill not be fully charged hen you receive the TNC. It is al ays best to plug in a USB-C
cable and charge the battery before first use. When the red LED turns off, the battery is charged. The
battery ill typically last for 48 hours of continuous use.
TNC Cable
The TNC must be connected to the radio via a cable. Mobilinkd sells cables for a ide range of hand-
held radios, as ell as data cables for mobile and base radios ith TNC ports.
The cable connects four signals:
1. Audio in (this is the speaker or data out on the radio)
2. Audio out (this is mic or data in on the radio)
3. PTT signal
4. Common (GND)
On some hand-held radios, the PTT signal is multiplexed onto the audio output. In this case, the
dedicated PTT signal is not used. The radio must have its VOX setting turned off.
The TNC is expected to operate properly ithout a ferrite bead on the cable. Ho ever, some radios
emit excessive RF through the speaker-mic port, especially hen the antenna is poorly matched or
damaged. In this case, a ferrite bead may be necessary.
Radio Settings
Each radio is different, so having a comprehensive list of optimal settings in a document like this is not
possible. Ho ever, it is important to understand hat radio settings impact the performance of the
TNC and its ability to decode packets.
The squelch should be left open on the radio hen connected to the TNC. The TNC4 ill detect the
presence of data on the audio signal (it uses DCD or Data Carrier Detection). With a closed squelch,
part of a packet preamble ill be missed before the squelch on the radio opens. This ill prevent
decoding of packets.
The “Battery Saver” option should be disabled. This should have no impact on the life of the battery
hen the radio is run ith an open squelch.
If you have an inexpensive Chinese radio (Baofeng, Wouxun, and many others) ith a “Dual Receive”
feature, this must also be disabled. This essentially operates the receiver as a scanner, s itching the
receiver bet een t o frequencies. In general, with these radios, every setting that can be turned of
should be turned off. That is especially true for any squelch tail elimination settings.
Please allo me to editorialize for a moment. The quality of the radio ill directly impact the ability of
the TNC to decode packets. Do not connect the TNC4 to a cheap radio and expect miracles. The
system is only as strong as its eakest link.
TNC4 User Guide
Connecting the TNC
Connect the TNC to the HT ith both the TNC and the
radio turned off.
Plug the 3.5mm connector into the TNC. Plug the
radio connector (these styles vary) into the radio's
Speaker/Mic connector.
Connecting/Pairing
Detailed instructions for pairing the TNC on Android are belo . Instructions for iOS are omitted
because this happens more seamlessly ith BLE.
1. Press S1 briefly to turn on TNC. The blue LED ill flash slo ly.
2. Ensure Bluetooth is enabled on other device.
3. On other device, scan for Bluetooth devices. You should see “TNC4 Mobilinkd”.
4. Connect to “TNC4 Mobilinkd”. The pairing should happen automatically.
Pairing wit an Android Device
1. Install the Mobilinkd Configuration App for Android (available on Google Play.)
2. Open the Mobilinkd app.
3. Press S1 briefly to turn on TNC. The blue LED ill pulse slo ly.
4. Open the app menu and select “Bluetooth settings”
5. In the Bluetooth settings menu, select “Pair ne device”
6. When you see “TNC4 Mobilinkd” under “Available devices”, select it.
7. After a fe seconds, you should see the TNC appear under “Currently connected”.
8. Hit the back button to go back the the Mobilinkd app.
TNC4 User Guide
Pairing with iO
Open the Mobilinkd Config App for iOS.
Press the blue “refresh” button to scan for devices.
Select the TNC4 from the list.
iOS ill first ask if you ould like to connect. Select “Connect”.
iOS ill then ask if you ould like to pair ith the device. Select “Pair”.
Pairing with Windows
Detailed instructions for using the TNC4 ith Windo s is beyond the scope of this document.
Ho ever, it is important to note that Windo s ill occasionally ask for a pass ord hen pairing ith
the TNC4. If this happens, use the pairing code “123456”. We have no idea hy this happens. If you
have a support contract ith Microsoft, you are elcome to ask them about it. No other operating
system has ever been reported to do this.
Connecting with Linux
Every Linux variant is a bit different about ho pairing is handled. This seems to happen fairly
seemlessly. The TNC4 uss the default RFCOMM channel for SPP (channel 1).
# rfcomm bind 0 <MAC ADDRESS>
This ill create the TTY port /dev/rfcomm0, hich can be used like a normal serial port.
TNC4 User Guide
Configuring the TNC
This section describes the configuration process using the Mobilinkd Config App for Android. The
Mobilinkd Config App for iOS ill be very similar, except the connection and pairing is slightly
different (a little less intrusive).
This section assumes that you have follo ed the “Pairing ith an Android Device” section above and
have the Mobilinkd TNC config application running. The TNC and radio should be connected, the
TNC should be on, and the radio should still be off at this point.
1. Push the “Connect” button to connect the Mobilinkd TNC Bluetooth device. You ill see the
device name and firm are version displayed.
The image on the right sho s the main menu for the Mobilinkd Config app. This menu is the starting
point to launch the various screens sho n in the documentation belo . When you are done ith a
certain activity, press the “Close” button to go back to this screen.
Most of this guide assumes you ill be using the TNC4 for APRS and ill be using it for 1200 baud
AFSK, hich is the common standard for APRS, and is the most idely used mode for VHF packet
radio.
If you ish to use the TNC4 at 9600 baud, please refer to the section on 9600 baud operation.
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