Let me start this by saying; If this is re-inventing the wheel, let me know ASAP before I spend bunch of time on it! If this is bad idea, same!
My idea is to make an open source design and easily available parts to build a 2 meter data concentric device for APRS use primarily, Packet radio (BBS) secondarily, other uses as requested. I would like to start by sharing what I have been thinking and see if it get any traction before I spend any time and work on it for real.
VERY HIGH LEVEL; CHEAP, CHEAP, K.I.S.S. (sub $100?)
Make a hand held 2 way radio that resembles a smartphone in size and shape, BUT IS NOT! It would be a VHF (2 meter) 2-way radio that will do voice operation via a remote mic with 2.5mm/3.5mm audio jack set supporting common and cheap remote mics. Primarily however, it is a data device with modem designed to operate on 144.390MHZ and will lend itself to building out the APRS network corner cases and be an experimental platform that one holds in their hand. It will do tracking, mapping drawing, digipeating as users expect for APRS,
I am HOPING it could also do packet decoding and display, text messaging, short email over the air from Ham to Ham; Utilize Igates and hopefully be able to "poll" for any traffic directed to its callsign, and handle any broadcast messages, weather alerts, etc. Ideally, it could do some of these activities in an automated way, in the background when device is hibernating. I say "hoping" as I am NOT a software engineer, at the very best I am a terrible software code writer. I would need help from community to have any chance of starting this. I hope that smart digipeating or smart packet handling might be able to help improve current network traffic;
To start, I would use the STM32F407 since it seems to have traction in the mcHF developers community, and might be able to leverage some of their work. Add on ample RAM and Flash;
It would have a CMX614 modem (bell 202), 1200/2200 baud modem unless it is felt that narrow band could support faster (or if it is felt the STM32 DSP could handle modem activities in background); GPS with integrated antenna; 160x160 res 4.2" display with resistive touch panel, Lipo ~2000mAh battery, Dorji DRA818V radio module, Vib motor and piezo devices for notification. It would have docking station for charging and flashing code to Microprocessor. It might even have Bluetooth BLE radio if need were there. The goal would be for unit to last 24 hours + on single charge;
Initially I would draw up schems, create Gerbers, build PCBs and build a hand full of devices to send to software co-conspirators; I would in parallel document the entire process so others could duplicate exactly what I was doing.
This effort however would hinge ENTIRELY on support and commitment from Ham software developers wanting to write and port software, and general interest from community. It would also be a spare time/hobby effort as work must always take front seat.
Your input, comments and criticism is welcome and invited.
My idea is to make an open source design and easily available parts to build a 2 meter data concentric device for APRS use primarily, Packet radio (BBS) secondarily, other uses as requested. I would like to start by sharing what I have been thinking and see if it get any traction before I spend any time and work on it for real.
VERY HIGH LEVEL; CHEAP, CHEAP, K.I.S.S. (sub $100?)
Make a hand held 2 way radio that resembles a smartphone in size and shape, BUT IS NOT! It would be a VHF (2 meter) 2-way radio that will do voice operation via a remote mic with 2.5mm/3.5mm audio jack set supporting common and cheap remote mics. Primarily however, it is a data device with modem designed to operate on 144.390MHZ and will lend itself to building out the APRS network corner cases and be an experimental platform that one holds in their hand. It will do tracking, mapping drawing, digipeating as users expect for APRS,
I am HOPING it could also do packet decoding and display, text messaging, short email over the air from Ham to Ham; Utilize Igates and hopefully be able to "poll" for any traffic directed to its callsign, and handle any broadcast messages, weather alerts, etc. Ideally, it could do some of these activities in an automated way, in the background when device is hibernating. I say "hoping" as I am NOT a software engineer, at the very best I am a terrible software code writer. I would need help from community to have any chance of starting this. I hope that smart digipeating or smart packet handling might be able to help improve current network traffic;
To start, I would use the STM32F407 since it seems to have traction in the mcHF developers community, and might be able to leverage some of their work. Add on ample RAM and Flash;
It would have a CMX614 modem (bell 202), 1200/2200 baud modem unless it is felt that narrow band could support faster (or if it is felt the STM32 DSP could handle modem activities in background); GPS with integrated antenna; 160x160 res 4.2" display with resistive touch panel, Lipo ~2000mAh battery, Dorji DRA818V radio module, Vib motor and piezo devices for notification. It would have docking station for charging and flashing code to Microprocessor. It might even have Bluetooth BLE radio if need were there. The goal would be for unit to last 24 hours + on single charge;
Initially I would draw up schems, create Gerbers, build PCBs and build a hand full of devices to send to software co-conspirators; I would in parallel document the entire process so others could duplicate exactly what I was doing.
This effort however would hinge ENTIRELY on support and commitment from Ham software developers wanting to write and port software, and general interest from community. It would also be a spare time/hobby effort as work must always take front seat.
Your input, comments and criticism is welcome and invited.