Tracker2 Vs. TinyTrak4 ???

[jparks29]

I'm pretty new to APRS, first using a homebrew transmitter interface
through agwpe many years ago.

I'm just getting into mobile use, and I have a computer permanently
mounted in my vehicle.. So I was looking for something that can be a
standalone tracker, AND at the same time take commands from a computer
and act as a TNC/modem. Ie. have a standalone GPS device split to the
tracker and com port on the computer, then have a com port to the
tracker. When the computer is off, it acts as a standalone tracking
system, when the computer is on, any program can take control of the
transciever functionality.

Can tracker do this? TinyTrak4?? I know some really expensive TNCs can, but I'm
looking for an affordable alternative.

[kb0nly]

You might want to look at the TNC-X with the tracker addon board, i think you can still use it as a full feature TNC also with that installed. But what your asking is a bit more complicated as to run with the computer you would have to have a TNC or a tracker such as the OpenTracker+ from Argent Data Systems running in KISS mode.

[W9RXR]

First of all, stick with a tracker that has receive capabilities. A dumb tracker that just beacons without paying attention to traffic on the channel just contributes to the RF noise.

I have an Argent Data T2-135 mounted in an Alinco DR-135. I have a Deluo GPS puck receiver plugged into the Data port on the radio which is Port B on the T2. The Data port powers the GPS. That configuration works great as a standalone tracker. I can also plug a computer into the DB-9 connector on the radio which is Port A on the T2. By putting the T2 into KISS mode, I can then use a KISS-aware APRS client program on the computer to interact with the local APRS network.

One of the interesting advantages to the T2 is that it can continue to beacon using its internal routines, including SmartBeaconing, while in KISS mode. I don't believe the TinyTrack4 will do that--it runs as either a tracker or a KISS TNC and I think you have to redownload the TNC each time you want to switch modes.

The thing I like about the T2 is that the firmware is open source. While most of the code development has been done by the T2 creator, Scott Miller, he has been very receptive to suggested changes from his users. The T2 also has a scripting language so you can roll your own beaconing routines without having to delve into the source code.

By the way, you may be wondering how I get GPS data to the computer so the APRS client program knows where it is. In my case, I use another GPS receiver. But you could just split the TxD line from the GPS between the tracker and the computer.

If you can get your hands on a Garmin nuvi 350 or one of the other compatible Garmins with the FMI interface, the T2 can send received APRS data back to the GPS for display on its map. You can even use the nuvi 350 to send APRS messages through the T2.