The novel coronavirus, COVID-19, has certainly hit the US like a ton of bricks in the last 2 weeks. I’m working from home, my kids are schooling for home, and practically every event involving more than 10 people has been cancelled. Unfortunately, that included several emergency communications meetings and trainings that I was looking forward to.

SignaLink USB and Kenwood TM-261

Instead, I’m taking the opportunity to work on more resilient VHF packet radio and Winlink configurations. When I was heavily into this several months ago, I was primarily using an Anytone AT-D878UV, but I’ve noticed that while it’s better than the cheapo Baofeng UV-5R, it’s still not great about switching between receive and transmit as quickly as packet requires. One of the radios in Alan’s SK collection is a Kenwood TM-261 VHF-only mobile rig, which is perfect as a base in my shack.

I got the 261 working for packet today with the SignaLink USB, Direwolf and Pat, and it runs like a champ! I put it on the Arrow OSJ in the attic and was able to reliably transfer Winlink emails with 10 watts, even through the wet spring snow storm we’re currently experiencing. I’ve spent so long tinkering with packet over Chinese handhelds that it’s really refreshing to have a setup that just works. This gives me more confidence to explore other facets of packet like BBS and keyboard-to-keyboard chat.

Incidentally, to integrate the SignaLink USB and the Kenwood TM-261, I ordered jumper module SLMODR4K and radio cable SLCABRJ4 from Tigertronics. It occurred to me after I placed the order that SLCABRJ4 is probably a straight-through ethernet cable since both the SignaLink and 261 use RJ-45 jacks, and it turns out that’s true. I could’ve saved a few dollars by not buying that cable, but I’ve been very happy with the SignaLink and happy to support Tigertronics. I’ll just have to be more careful in the future.