This is a simple little setup that enables you to take a very cheap HT and enable it for digital operations,

Ok, ladies and gents. I’ve posted this elsewhere on the net, but it just clicked that I haven’t posted it where it might be the most beneficial…. With those just starting out.

This is a simple little setup that enables you to take a very cheap HT and enable it for digital operations, albeit limited. As many may have noticed, getting a radio (HT or otherwise) that is capable of full Tx & Rx of APRS, WinLink, and K.I.S.S. TNC capable can get on the pricier side for hams just getting into the game. This is a basic setup that will allow to play in that space, do so affordably, and allow you to use the parts elsewhere for other projects… So, multipurpose, as well.

The basic set up consist of:

1) Baofeng UV-5R Mini (not the original, but it ‘could’ be used) – $20-40

2) NA6D AIOC (All in one Cable) – $35 w/case from NA6D.com

3) DigiPi (a Raspberry Pi [Zero 2W in this case] and DigiPi build [ https://digipi.org/ ]) – variable, but starts at ~$15 for a Zero 2W and $1 donation for the build

4) USB power bank – possible free, if you already have one

5) USB cables for power and data/audio (I recommend at least one of NA6D shielded cable for the data side)

(optional) I also used magnets to hold them all together and/or attach to other items, as shown in one of the photos

This will allow you to able to work APRS, WinLink, AX.25 networking, and SSTV capability. The AIOC is capable of acting not only as the interface between the radio and the DigiPi, but it can also be used as an interface between the radio and a PC/Laptop for programming (amongst other things). The DigiPi doesn’t only have to be used with an HT, but can also be used with HF rigs, like a FT-710, IC-7300, X6100/6200, or as I’ve attached, an IC-7100 (which I run mobile). This opens up WSJT-X, JS8call, HF APRS, fldigi, and more.

Take this little setup, and combine it with small handheld Yagi (like the DIY tape measure Yagi’s) and you would have something that could work Satellite APRS and SSTV….

It also doesn’t only have to work with a UV-5R Mini…I use the same type setup with my AnyTone AT-D578 UVIII Pro via its BT-01 mic. Most rigs that make use of a K1 connector for a speaker mic can make use of the AIOC adapter, like a Quansheng UV-K5, which is also rather popular…. With the sideband mod, it *might* even be possible to work FT8 with it (haven’t tested, insert grain of salt)

Lots of possibilities to explore other aspects of amateur radio with minor investment.

Just thought I’d share… Have a good day and 73 de KC5VAZ