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Packet modification for the TM-271A

Author: Rod, KC7CJO

1. Find yourself a cable that has the 6-pin mini-DIN JACK on one end and cut it off with about
12" of cable attached. This becomes your pigtail.

2. Strip off about 3", or so, of the outside insulation and strip and tin each of the 6 colored
wires. Cut off the bare shield wire as it's not used.

3. Take an Ohm meter and figure out what wires go to what pins and write them down! NOTE:
Not all cables are color coded the same so writing them down here won't do any good.

4. Get out your Owners Manual and turn it to PAGE 7 (TNC connections "E" versions only). This
will show you what pins on your pigtail jack need to go where. FIGURE 1 shows the
connections for the TM-271A to an MFJ-1270C TNC.

5. Unplug your radio from power and the antenna connection. Remove the cover from your
TM-271A. Remove the rubber gasket from around the top of the radio. Remove all the screws
from the plate covering the circuit board.

6. With the front of the radio pointing towards you, refer to the attached picture (FIGURE 2 @
3) and locate the Gold pads down and to the left of the RED and BLACK power wires! These
are labeled the same as what is shown on Page 7 of your Owners Manual!

7. Solder the corresponding wires to the pads.

8. With the pigtail soldered in, gently lift up the RED and BLACK Power wires so that the
grommet comes loose from the case. You will notice a black RUBBER (it's soft so be careful
with it!) piece in a notch in the case. Just lay the pigtail wire in that notch and press the
Power Wire grommet back down into its slot.

9. What I did at this point was to us a small tie wrap and attach the pigtail to the Power wires
right at the circuit board. This acts as a strain relief for the pigtail!

10. Put the cover back on the radio. Then put the rubber gasket back on and put the outside
cover back on.

What kind of TNC you use, is up to you! I have an MFJ-1270C and it works great!

11. Connect your radio to power and the antenna. Press the FUNCTION button once and release
it. Then press the REVERSE button once and release it. Rotate the frequency selector knob
CCW till the display reads "0". Then press the Frequency Selector knob once and release it.

Your squelch will now be wide open! You may then turn your volume all the way down so you
don't have to listen to the Packet BRAAP all the time. The volume for the internal connection
is NOT controlled by the volume knob.

PLEASE NOTE - This modification is carried out at your own risk and may void the manufacturer's
warranty! I can't be held liable for any loss of warranty or damage to your radio as a result of the
modification.

If you have any questions, feel free to ask!

FIGURE 1

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FIGURE 2

FIGURE 3

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