Added serial support

Added support for serial connections and updated config.ini to be more detail

aprs_comm.py

@@ -103,7 +103,11 @@ def send_bulletin(bulletin_id, bulletin_text):
             info=frame_info
         )
 
+        if config.KISS_INTERFACE == "SERIAL":
+            ki = aprs.SerialKISS(port=config.SERIAL_PORT, speed=config.SERIAL_BAUDRATE)
+        else:
             ki = aprs.TCPKISS(host=config.KISS_HOST, port=config.KISS_PORT)
+
         ki.start()
         ki.write(frame)
         print(f"Urgent bulletin transmitted: {bulletin_text}")
@@ -114,7 +118,13 @@ def send_bulletin(bulletin_id, bulletin_text):
 
 
 def start():
+    if config.KISS_INTERFACE == "SERIAL":
+        ki = aprs.SerialKISS(port=config.SERIAL_PORT, speed=config.SERIAL_BAUDRATE)
+        print(f"Starting APRS in SERIAL mode on {config.SERIAL_PORT} at {config.SERIAL_BAUDRATE} baud...")
+    else:
         ki = aprs.TCPKISS(host=config.KISS_HOST, port=config.KISS_PORT)
+        print("Starting APRS in TCP mode...")
+
     ki.start()
 
     device_data = fetch_device_data()
@@ -235,7 +245,12 @@ def send_direct_message(recipient, message):
             path=config.APRS_PATH,
             info=frame_info
         )
+
+        if config.KISS_INTERFACE == "SERIAL":
+            ki = aprs.SerialKISS(port=config.SERIAL_PORT, speed=config.SERIAL_BAUDRATE)
+        else:
             ki = aprs.TCPKISS(host=config.KISS_HOST, port=config.KISS_PORT)
+
         ki.start()
         ki.write(frame)
         print(f"Direct message sent to {recipient}: {formatted_message}")

config.py

@@ -15,6 +15,9 @@ KISS_HOST = 127.0.0.1
 KISS_PORT = 8001
 BULLETIN_EXPIRATION_DAYS = 7
 APRS_PATH = WIDE1-1,WIDE2-1
+KISS_INTERFACE = TCP
+SERIAL_PORT = /dev/rfcomm0
+SERIAL_BAUDRATE = 9600
 """)
 
 config.read(config_file)
@@ -26,3 +29,6 @@ KISS_PORT = config.getint("DEFAULT", "KISS_PORT", fallback=8001)
 BULLETIN_EXPIRATION_DAYS = config.getint("DEFAULT", "BULLETIN_EXPIRATION_DAYS", fallback=7)
 APRS_PATH = config.get("DEFAULT", "APRS_PATH", fallback="WIDE1-1").split(",")
 RAW_PACKET_DISPLAY = config.getboolean("DEFAULT", "RAW_PACKET_DISPLAY", fallback=False)
+KISS_INTERFACE = config.get("DEFAULT", "KISS_INTERFACE", fallback="TCP").upper()
+SERIAL_PORT = config.get("DEFAULT", "SERIAL_PORT", fallback="/dev/rfcomm0")
+SERIAL_BAUDRATE = config.getint("DEFAULT", "SERIAL_BAUDRATE", fallback=9600)

example_config.ini

@@ -1,7 +1,16 @@
-# This is the config file for the TC² APRS-BBS.
+############################################################
-# Edit the values below to customize the behavior of the system.
+#                                                          #
+#              TC² APRS-BBS Configuration File             #
+#                                                          #
+#  Edit the values below to customize the behavior of the  #
+#  system. Ensure all settings match your environment.     #
+#                                                          #
+############################################################
 
 [DEFAULT]
+
+# ================================[ CALLSIGNS ]=============================== #
+
 # TACTICAL_CALL: The callsign of the BBS. This is the identifier used to communicate
 # with the APRS network. This can be a Tactical Callsign (like BBS) or your ham radio
 # license callsign (WITH SSID). If using a tactical callsign, be sure to enter in your ham radio
@@ -13,14 +22,49 @@ TACTICAL_CALL = BBS
 # If using your ham radio license call in the Tactical Call field, leave this as TC2BBS.
 STANDARD_CALL = TC2BBS
 
-# KISS_HOST: The hostname or IP address of the KISS TNC (Terminal Node Controller)
+
-# used for APRS communications. Typically, this is a local device or a remote server.
+# ===============================[ CONNECTIONS ]============================== #
+
+##############
+# --SERIAL-- #
+##############
+
+# KISS_INTERFACE: Defines the type of connection to the KISS TNC (Terminal Node Controller).
+# Options:
+#   - 'SERIAL': Connect via a physical serial port (e.g., USB-to-Serial adapter, Bluetooth serial).
+#   - 'TCP': Connect over a network using TCP/IP (for software TNCs like Direwolf).
+KISS_INTERFACE = SERIAL
+
+# SERIAL_PORT: Specifies the serial port device used for the serial connection.
+# Example values:
+#   - Linux: /dev/ttyUSB0 (for USB serial devices) or /dev/rfcomm0 (for Bluetooth serial)
+#   - Windows: COM3, COM4 (depending on the connected device)
+SERIAL_PORT = /dev/rfcomm0
+
+# SERIAL_BAUDRATE: Sets the baud rate (communication speed) for the serial connection.
+# Common baud rates:
+#   - 9600 (VGC VR-N76, BTECH UV-PRO, Kenwood TH-D75, Kenwood TH-D74)
+SERIAL_BAUDRATE = 9600
+
+
+###############
+# --NETWORK-- #
+###############
+
+# KISS_HOST: The IP address or hostname of the KISS TNC server.
+# Use '127.0.0.1' for localhost if the TNC software (e.g., Direwolf) is running on the same machine.
+# For remote TNCs, provide the external IP address.
+# This setting is **only used when KISS_INTERFACE is set to 'TCP'**.
 KISS_HOST = 127.0.0.1
 
-# KISS_PORT: The port number used to connect to the KISS TNC.
+# KISS_PORT: The TCP port number used to connect to the KISS TNC server.
-# Ensure the port matches the configuration of your TNC.
+# Default port for Direwolf is typically 8001, but this must match the configuration of your TNC.
+# This setting is **only used when KISS_INTERFACE is set to 'TCP'**.
 KISS_PORT = 8001
 
+
+# =================================[ GENERAL ]================================ #
+
 # BULLETIN_EXPIRATION_DAYS: The number of days after which bulletins will
 # automatically expire and be deleted from the database. Set to 0 to disable expiration.
 BULLETIN_EXPIRATION_DAYS = 7