KissServer

A KISS to TCP Bridge on Android

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KISS-TCP Bridge

Overview

This app turns your Android phone into a wireless KISS TNC bridge. It connects to a Bluetooth-enabled KISS TNC (like a Mobilinkd TNC3 or a custom-built device) and bridges all KISS data to and from a TCP/IP network.

This allows you to use packet radio software (like Dire Wolf, UZ7HO SoundModem, or APRS clients) on a computer or other device on your local network, using your phone as the wireless link to the TNC.

How to Use

The app has three main sections: TCP Server, Bluetooth TNC, and Activity Log.

1. Check the TCP Server

When you first start the app, the TCP server will automatically start.

  • IP Address: This card shows your phone's current Wi-Fi IP address and the port it's listening on (e.g., 192.168.1.10:8001). You will need this address to connect your computer's software.
  • Server Status: This shows if the server is running and if any clients are connected.

2. Connect to Your TNC

This card manages the Bluetooth connection to your KISS TNC.

  • Pair Your TNC: Before using the app, go to your phone's Bluetooth settings and pair your TNC.
  • Select TNC: Tap the dropdown menu to see a list of all paired Bluetooth devices. Select your TNC from this list.
  • Connect: Once selected, tap the "Connect" button. The status indicator will turn green, and the log will show TNC Connection established successfully.

3. Connect Your Packet Software

Now that the bridge is active, you can connect your computer's packet radio software.

  1. On your computer (which must be on the same Wi-Fi network as your phone), open your packet software (e.g., Dire Wolf).
  2. Instead of configuring a serial port, configure it to connect to a Network KISS (or AGWPE) port.
  3. Use the IP Address and Port shown in the app (e.g., 192.168.1.10 and 8001).

Once connected, your software will establish a connection to the app. The Server Status on the app will update to show 1 client(s) connected.

4. Monitor Activity

The bridge is now fully active.

  • Activity Log: This log shows all data moving across the bridge.
    • TNC -> TCP (Green): A KISS frame received from your TNC (from the radio) and sent to your computer.
    • TCP -> TNC (Cyan): A KISS frame received from your computer and sent to your TNC (to be transmitted).
  • Test Packet: You can tap the "Send Test Packet" button to send a hardcoded test frame to your TNC. This is useful for verifying that the Bluetooth link is working. You will see a USER -> TNC (Orange) message in the log.