Introduction

Imagine turning your Android phone into a fully functional Amateur Radio HF/VHF/UHF APRS-enabled digital voice (DV) transceiver. With Codec2 Talkie, this is now a reality. This innovative app enables Codec2 and OPUS voice communication over KISS, APRS UI frames, and FreeDV modes, transforming your phone into a powerful digital communication tool for amateur radio operators.

About Codec2 Talkie

codec2_talkie is an advanced Android application that supports digital voice communication using the open-source Codec2 and OPUS codecs. It facilitates seamless integration with radio modems, allowing for effective voice and data transmission over amateur radio bands. Whether you’re using LoRa, AFSK, or FreeDV, this app is designed to work with a variety of modems and transceivers, making it an ideal solution for ham radio enthusiasts.

Key Features

Voice Communication

• Send and receive Codec2 voice over FreeDV modes.
• Transmit and receive Codec2/OPUS voice over KISS.
• Encapsulate Codec2/OPUS voice into APRS UI frames for transmission.

Data Communication

• Support for APRS over various modulation schemes:
  • FSK 300 (HF, TX only)
  • AFSK1200 (VHF)
  • FreeDV OFDM (HF)
  • APRS-IS (Internet)
• Send and receive APRS position reports and messages.
• Maintain an APRS log with raw data.
• View APRS station information on a map.
• Act as an APRS digipeater and an APRS-IS RX/TX iGate.
• Enable APRS-IS internet tracking for APRS data over the Internet.
• Send and receive LoRa-APRS text packets over KISS.

Hardware and Software Integration

• Works with Bluetooth/BLE/USB/TCPIP KISS hardware modems, including LoRa, FSK, AFSK, etc.
• Supports KISS software modems like Direwolf.
• Can function as a sound modem using an external USB OTG audio adapter or the phone’s built-in mic and speaker.
• Compatible with FreeDV protocol voice communication over HF transceivers.
• Controls external transceiver PTT using USB serial CAT (or VOX if CAT PTT is unavailable).

Requirements

To use codec2_talkie, you need:

• Android 7.0 (API 24) or higher.
• A KISS protocol-supported modem or transceiver that processes Codec2 audio frames over serial Bluetooth, BLE, USB, or TCP/IP.
• An analog transceiver with USB audio and VOX/USB CAT PTT control (e.g., MCHF or ICOM IC-7×00 series).

This application can also be installed on Android network radios, such as the Inrico TM-7.

Dependencies

codec2_talkie integrates several open-source components for seamless operation:

• Codec2 codec: https://github.com/drowe67/codec2
• Android Codec2 wrapper: https://github.com/UstadMobile/Codec2-Android
• OPUS codec: https://opus-codec.org
• Android USB serial library: https://github.com/mik3y/usb-serial-for-android

Related Hardware and Software Projects

Hardware

• ESP32 LoRa APRS modem: https://github.com/sh123/esp32_loraprs
• ESP32 LoRa DV transceiver: https://github.com/sh123/esp32_loradv
• Arduino Micro KISS modem: https://github.com/sh123/micro_loraprs
• ESP32 Arduino Codec2 library: https://github.com/sh123/esp32_codec2_arduino

Software

• FreeDV TNC: https://github.com/xssfox/freedv-tnc
• FreeDV data modem UI: https://github.com/DJ2LS/FreeDATA
• FreeDV GUI: https://github.com/drowe67/freedv-gui
• M17 protocol version: https://github.com/mobilinkd/m17-kiss-ht
• Codec2 iOS wrapper: https://github.com/Beartooth/codec2-ios

Conclusion

codec2_talkie is a game-changing Android application that enables amateur radio operators to experiment with digital voice communication using low-cost hardware. Whether you are using LoRa, FreeDV, AFSK, or other KISS-enabled modems, this app provides an excellent platform for voice and data exchange over APRS and other digital communication modes.

With its support for Bluetooth, BLE, USB, and TCP/IP modems, along with APRS and FreeDV capabilities, codec2_talkie is an essential tool for hams looking to explore the future of digital voice communication.

For more information about FreeDV and Codec2 visit https://github.com/drowe67/codec2

For more information about OPUS codec visit https://opus-codec.org/

For detailed information about this project https://github.com/sh123/codec2_talkie

The post Transform Your Android Phone into a Digital Voice APRS Transceiver with Codec2 Talkie appeared on Hamradio.my - Amateur Radio, Tech Insights and Product Reviews by 9M2PJU.

Introduction to APRSDroid and LoRa APRS Tracker

APRSDroid is a popular Android application that allows amateur radio operators to send and receive APRS (Automatic Packet Reporting System) data. It is widely used for tracking, messaging, and weather reporting in the ham radio community. The NA7Q modded version of APRSDroid includes additional enhancements, making it more versatile for different setups, including Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) compability.

The LoRa APRS Tracker is a compact device that enables long-range APRS communications using LoRa technology. It is widely used for transmitting position reports, messages, and telemetry data over the APRS network. When paired with the modded APRSDroid app, users can effectively use their LoRa APRS tracker with Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and TNC KISS mode for seamless APRS communication.

Steps to Set Up NA7Q APRSDroid with LoRa APRS Tracker

1. Download and Install NA7Q Modded APRSDroid

First, download the NA7Q modded version of APRSDroid from a trusted source. This version provides additional features not available in the standard APRSDroid application.

2. Configure the LoRa APRS Tracker

To set up your LoRa APRS Tracker in BLE and KISS mode, follow these steps:

1. Power on the LoRa APRS Tracker.
2. Switch the tracker to AP Mode for configuration.
3. Connect to the tracker’s Wi-Fi network using the default password: 1234567890.
4. Access the tracker’s web configuration page via a web browser.
5. Navigate to the settings page and enable BLE and KISS mode.
6. Save and reboot the tracker.

3. Configure Connection Preferences in APRSDroid

Once the LoRa APRS Tracker is set up, configure the NA7Q APRSDroid mod to connect to it via Bluetooth:

1. Open APRSDroid (NA7Q Mod) on your Android device.
2. Go to Preferences > Connection Preferences.
3. Select TNC (KISS) Protocol.
4. Under Connection Type, choose Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE).
5. If your LoRa APRS Tracker is not already paired with your Android device, pair it via Bluetooth settings.
6. Select the paired LoRa APRS Tracker as the TNC Bluetooth device.
7. Save the settings and return to the main screen.

4. Start Using APRSDroid with LoRa APRS Tracker

Once configured, you can start using APRSDroid to send and receive APRS packets via LoRa APRS Tracker. Ensure that:

• The tracker is powered on and in BLE mode.
• The APRSDroid app is running and connected.
• Your APRS packets are being transmitted and received successfully.

Here is a demonstration video

Conclusion

Using the NA7Q modded APRSDroid with a LoRa APRS Tracker in Bluetooth Low Energy and KISS mode provides a seamless way to communicate over APRS. This setup is particularly useful for portable and mobile APRS operations, offering long-range communication with minimal power consumption. Try it out and enhance your APRS experience with LoRa technology!

Visit:

1. https://na7q.com/aprsdroid-osm/
2. https://github.com/richonguzman/LoRa_APRS_Tracker

The post How to Use NA7Q APRSDroid Mod with LoRa APRS Tracker in BLE and KISS Mode TNC appeared on Hamradio.my - Amateur Radio, Tech Insights and Product Reviews by 9M2PJU.

Prerequisites

Before starting, make sure you have:

• A Verotelecom VGC VR-N76 radio
• An Android device with Bluetooth
• APRSDroid installed (Download here)
• A valid APRS-IS passcode (visit https://pass.hamradio.my)
• A registered APRS callsign with SSID (e.g., 9M2PJU-7)

Step-by-Step Setup

1. Enable Bluetooth on the VR-N76

1. Power on the VR-N76 and ensure Bluetooth is enabled.
2. Enter the Bluetooth settings from the radio menu.
3. Make the radio discoverable so that the Android device can detect it.

2. Pair the VR-N76 with Your Android Device

1. Open the Bluetooth settings on your Android device.
2. Search for available devices and select VR-N76.
3. If prompted, enter the default pairing code (0000 or 1234).
4. Confirm that the device is successfully connected.

3. Configure APRSDroid

1. Open APRSDroid and navigate to Preferences.
2. Under Connection Protocol, select Bluetooth KISS TNC.
3. Tap TNC Bluetooth Device and select VR-N76 from the list.

4. Start APRS Transmission

1. Return to the main screen in APRSDroid.
2. Tap Start Tracking to initiate communication with the KISS TNC.
3. Watch for APRS packets being received and transmitted.
4. Check your APRS location on aprs.fi by searching your callsign.

5. Troubleshooting Tips

• If APRSDroid fails to connect, ensure Bluetooth is enabled on both devices.
• Try re-pairing the Bluetooth connection and restarting APRSDroid.
• Verify the KISS TNC settings.
• Make sure the VR-N76 is configured correctly for packet transmission.

Conclusion

With the Verotelecom VGC VR-N76 and APRSDroid, you can easily integrate APRS functionality into your mobile setup without additional hardware. This setup is great for tracking your location, sending messages, and viewing APRS traffic in real-time.

I’ve also created a YouTube video demonstration showing the full setup and testing process. Watch it here:

If you have any questions or run into issues, feel free to leave a comment below or reach out on hamradio.my.

Buy Verotelecom VGC VR-N76 here https://www.verotelecom.com/VR-N76-Dual-Band-Handheld-Radio-p2511333.html?parent_user_id=18552174&utm_source=sns_share&utm_medium=share_url

The post Setting Up Bluetooth KISS TNC on Verotelecom VGC VR-N76 with APRSDroid appeared on Hamradio.my - Amateur Radio, Tech Insights and Product Reviews by 9M2PJU.