APRS/Packet VP-Digi Board Kit for Universal Radio Controller

Halibut Electronics is the exclusive distributor of G1LRO’s Universal Radio Controller product line outside of the UK and Ireland. If you are in the UK or Ireland and wish to buy a Universal Radio Controller, please go to WWW.G1LRO.UK.

If you have a v2.2 Universal Radio Controller, then this add-in board kit provides APRS Digipeater and Packet Radio Modem capability to the unit.

This option board is created to use the expansion port in the URC v2.2 or later, is a KISS modem and APRS digipeater based upon the VP-Digi Blue Pill module. This module connects to an attached transceiver and the URC serial port to provide true modem capabilities for packet radio.

VP-Digi offers 8 configurable beacons and an APRS digipeater, which is capable of handling 4 type n-N aliases (e. g. WIDEn-N, NYn-N) and 4 simple aliases (e. g. CITY, AREA). Moreover, the digipeater incorporates the viscous delay function know from aprx, which can reduce unnecessary traffic. There is also a possibility to filter packets by sender callsign, either in blacklist or whitelist mode. The digipeater can be freely configured, e. g. to work as regional (Wn) or fill-in (W1) digi.

The device also uses the serial port to work in KISS TNC, frame monitor or configuration mode. The configuration is done by simple commands using any terminal program and is stored in the embedded flash memory.

VP-Digi comes with four selectable modems: 1200 Bd Bell 202 (VHF standard), 9600 Bd G3RUH (UHF standard), 300 Bd Bell 103 (HF standard) and 1200 Bd V.23 (alternative VHF standard).

FX.25 protocol support is included, which enables error correction for better reliability. The FX.25 protocol is fully compatible with existing AX.25 protocol.

The modem personality board requires minimal additional components to interface with the URC, mainly handling audio level and PTT control logic. Front panel controls also provide an internally mounted monitor switch (in place of the SMD mounted on on the base unit) and a power on/off switch for the VP-Digi module.

About this kit

Included in the kit:

• APRS Digipeater and Packet Radio Modem personality board.
• “Blue pill” micro-controller flashed with the VP-Digi software
• New front panel with holes for switches, controls including front panel selection of serial port function (replaces internal jumper)
• 12 Pin header for connection the URC main board

What you will need:

• A Universal Radio Controller V2.2 or later (see my other listings)
• Regular tools
• Soldering iron
• Hot glue gun

Full details are available on the G1LRO Blog.

Assembly instructions are available on this blog page.