VHFRadioBuff and Dr. Anton Squeegee hacked out on digital impact entry devices:

Looking at the manual, it says it's version 5.0. When I use the "version"
command, I get this:

KPC3-54CF3230-5.1

I am guessing this is version 5.1? Is there a firmware update to bring it to
6.0?
Do you need a splitter so both can plug into the TNC? Can you recommend a
GPS
unit that will do what I need? It's going to be a mobile setup, but doesn't
need to be the top of the line.

You need a serial (RS232) port on the Palm Pilot. If it lacks
such, or cannot be adapted to have one, you're pretty much SOL.

If your Kantronics is V6 or higher, read the manual about connecting a GPS to
it. It will 'share' a port on the TNC.

Heh...you'll have to give me the "Anton Squeegee" reference again....forgot the
ref. for that, but it rings a bell. Also, lovely use of Latin...who said it
was dead??

That said, all Palms up to but excepting the Zire have an RS232 serial port
built in (and there may be some newer ones which are USB only...not sure).
I've used a Palm IIIc, a IIIx, a M505, and my M515 for pocketAPRS use. I
settled on the IIIc as I got it cheap and the wife complained when I "borrowed"
her Palm for testing.

Mine is run using a hacked HotSync cable. Power is obtained from the 12V car
system via a 5V regulated supply (love them cell phones...cheap/free parts!)
hooked to the appropriate connections in the H/S cable. GPS is hooked to the
TNC, the serial port of the TNC hooks to the Palm. Radio interface is off the
TNC. All of this is right out of the book...no mystical incantations or dead
chickens (other that what was in the sandwich, of course) (chicken, that is).
SO!!

The power supply powers the RatShak GPS head via the unused fourth wire in the
serial connection cable (uses an RJ11 cable ala telephone connector). This
took a bit of hacking internally....just ran thru a diode the + lead to the
unused fourth connector, wired the other end to the +5 for the Palm (actually
5.5V out, diodes for protection on both devices). TNC is under the seat along
with the radio. Antenna is a $5 RatShak glassmount POBGF which works for this
application. Data and power are run up to the Palm/GPS via one cable. 12V at
the radio/TNC is connected to the PS for the Palm & GPS head.

Lost you yet? Unit works OK, with only 4W out (old Icom commercial HT) I have
been able to maintain tracking around the small towns and cities here in
central NC. Works great for ARES work, esp. when we have flooding/storms and
folks want to see where you are located.

As for the TNC...you need at least V.6. Don't know if Kantronics has an
upgrade....lemme dig thru my junkbox, thought I had a dead KPC-3 board with the
later version ROM on it. To go the the "Plus" version you will have to upgrade
the board....but V.6.0 will get you GPS connectivity.

Andrew