TNC

I communicate digitally using short wave and Windows 95 quite regularly. The ability to communicate digitally by radio transmission is not linked to the particular operating system used by the computer. It is linked to the possession on a device called a TNC (terminal node controller), which is a relatively inexpensive addition to the radio itself which connects the PC to the radio. One can even use a dumb terminal connected to the TNC to communicate digitally. What is relevant to the operating system is software that makes it easy to utilize the TNC and format/store the digital communication. Every manufacturer of modern TNCs has software available for the PC and usually the MAC. I'm not familiar with any manufacturer offered software for UNIX. There are, however, many software packages, either free or shareware, for all operating systems, including UNIX.

TNC stands for Terminal Node Controller. They are sold wherever Amateur Radio equipment is sold. There are hundreds of retail outlets across the country and many different companies that manufacture them. Here is an example; there are several other manufactures:

MFJ-1276 - HF/VHF TNC - 139.95
MFJ-1278B - DSP, 10 digital modes, GPS compatable - $379.95
from

MFJ Enterprises, Inc.
Box 494
Miss. State, MS 39762

The largest retail outlet for all Ham Radio equipment is:

Ham Radio Outlet (with 12 locations, all of which do mail order)
933 N. Euclid St.
Anaheim, CA 92801
(800) 854-6046

Offered by Ron.