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Software Installation

This guide covers installing the TARPN node software on your Raspberry Pi.

Prerequisites

  • Raspberry Pi 4B, 3B+, or 3B with Raspberry Pi OS installed
  • Internet connection (Ethernet recommended for initial setup)
  • SSH access or keyboard/monitor connected

Quick Install

The fastest way to install:

curl -sSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/dpaschal/tarpn-node/main/scripts/install.sh | bash

This will:

  1. Install required system packages
  2. Download LinBPQ and TARPN tools
  3. Create default configuration
  4. Set up systemd service

Manual Installation

Step 1: Update System

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

Step 2: Install Dependencies

sudo apt install -y \
    git build-essential libpcap0.8-dev libasound2-dev \
    zlib1g libminiupnpc-dev libconfig-dev screen jq curl wget

Step 3: Clone Repository

sudo git clone https://github.com/dpaschal/tarpn-node /opt/tarpn
sudo chown -R $USER:$USER /opt/tarpn

Step 4: Download LinBPQ

cd /opt/tarpn/linbpq
wget https://www.cantab.net/users/john.wiseman/Downloads/Beta/pilinbpq -O linbpq
chmod +x linbpq
sudo setcap cap_net_admin,cap_net_raw,cap_net_bind_service=ep linbpq

Step 5: Install tarpn Command

sudo ln -sf /opt/tarpn/scripts/tarpn /usr/local/bin/tarpn
sudo chmod +x /opt/tarpn/scripts/tarpn

Step 6: Create Configuration

cp /opt/tarpn/config/examples/dual-port.cfg /opt/tarpn/linbpq/bpq32.cfg

Post-Installation

Configure Your Node

Run the interactive configuration:

tarpn config

You'll be prompted for:

  • Your callsign
  • Node callsign (e.g., YOURCALL-2)
  • Node name (6 characters)
  • Grid locator

Test the Node

Run in interactive mode to verify everything works:

tarpn test

Press Ctrl+C to stop.

Start Background Service

Once testing is successful:

tarpn service start

Access Web Interface

Open a browser to:

http://<pi-ip-address>:8080

Updating

To update TARPN software:

tarpn update
tarpn service restart

Troubleshooting

Node Won't Start

  1. Check logs: tarpn log
  2. Verify USB devices: ls /dev/ttyUSB*
  3. Check config syntax: Look for errors in bpq32.cfg

No USB Devices

  1. Verify NinoTNC is connected and powered
  2. Check dmesg | tail -20 for USB errors
  3. Try different USB port

Permission Errors

sudo setcap cap_net_admin,cap_net_raw,cap_net_bind_service=ep /opt/tarpn/linbpq/linbpq

Next Steps