Considering an app, need guidance

K0JEG · June 7, 2026, 8:52pm

I’m working on a station automation system using MQTT. One possible application may be remote operation using a KISS modem and iOS app, similar to the old Kenwood Skycommand system. I could probably figure most of it out, but I was wondering if you’d be interested in putting together a few articles explaining how it you interface BTLE KISS modems with iOS, or at least point me/us in the right direction?

thanks,

Eric K0JEG

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wh6az · June 8, 2026, 1:55am

BLE to SPP bridge

Reversed engineer commands (of course there is no official documentation because radio manufacturers hate you)

K0JEG · June 8, 2026, 4:25am

Thanks. I’m asking more for some guidance for writing to the KISS modem in an app, but every little bit helps.

wh6az · June 8, 2026, 5:58am

BLE KISS TNC follow this specification:

github.com/hessu/aprs-specs

BLE-KISS-API.md

master


Specification for KISS over BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy)
================================================================

Introduction
---------------

This is a specification for transmitting frames using the KISS
protocol over BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy).  Typically KISS is used for
exchanging AX.25 packet radio frames with a KISS TNC but other link layers
than AX.25 can also be used.

BLE is important because Apple iOS (iPhones, iPads) does not allow apps to
talk to USB devices or classic Bluetooth devices (Bluetooth Serial profile).
Apps can, however, talk to BLE devices just fine.

BLE is available to Android and other devices just as well. It's just that
on iOS there's no other option.

BLE allows the apps to discover nearby BLE devices which support a specific

This file has been truncated. show original

The byte stream you send to the TNC has of course to be following the AX.25 protocol. A good primer is:

K0JEG · June 8, 2026, 11:47am

Thanks! This is exactly what I’m looking for.

K0JEG

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