Which TNC to get

[phorvati]

I recently purchased a new icom M710 with a tuner. My next inqury is regarding the TNCs or HF modems.
I read quite a bit about ptc IIe from SCS and i guess it can be upgraded to ptc III with firmware and more memory(unless it laready has enough memory). They are usually around $800-$1200 or so.
My question is why is the other modem like the KAM-XL from kantronics so much cheaper? Like 300-400 for a new one. I guess is it because it doesn't do pactor II or III.
Also could anyone tell me what data rates are normally achievable. When they say 1200bps is that the speed of the RS232 connection to the laptop or the speed of the HF connection.

Thanks,

Petar

[capt lar]

I do not have SSB as yet. You might want to read related threads and/or post this on the SSCA message board. They have extensive related threads that discuss the tradeoffs and costs.

Larry

[s/v Fais Do Do]

Pactor III is exclusive to SCS modems. The difference in speed between P-II and P-III is quite dramatic.

I use a first generation PTC-IIe with the one-time upgrade to P-III firmware. I use it for e-mail, wxfax's, Grib charts, and NAVTEX. If you are a Ham, the e-mail is free. Worth the effort!

My PTC-IIe is hooked to an ICOM-718 and a cheap laptop computer. Works flawlessly!

Good luck!