New to APRS Questions?

[ScanWI]

I want to set up APRS in my car and I am not sure about what more i will need other then a TNC. even knowing that I have no idea.Here is a list of my current Equipment I hope i can use what i have with out buying to many extras.
Radios
Ft-8900
Ft-2200
Ic-3220h
GPS
Garmin Nuvi 255
Lowrance Finder Go

Eventually I would like to add a Kenwood D710 but not until i have the money. One idea i am kicking around is picking up a 2 meter rig to be dedicated to APRS 25-50watts. Is that worth it?

Thanks

 

[Squad10]

Look at the Byonics Tiny Trak4. Byonics - TinyTrak4 GPS Position Encoder or Argent Data sytems Tracker2 model OT2m. Tracker2 | Argent Data Systems

Research both of them:

tracker2 : Tracker2 Support

TinyTrak : A discussion group for the Byonics TinyTrak

 

[K4APR]

I am an official reseller of the Argent Data Products (OpenTracker). I also sell my own line of integrated trackers, the RTrak. However, since you already have the radio, I would suggest starting simple and going with an OpenTracker 1+ and a SERIAL GPS, such as a Garmin eTrex, eMap, II, III and so on. The OpenTracker 1+ not only takes care of your position transmitting, but it will also decode other's position packets and map them on any serial GPS that accepts the common $GPWPL strings.

FT-8900

This radio is great for APRS since it has a dedicated packet port on the back. Look for the six pin mini din connector. Makes packet plug and play easy with our pre-made cables.

Eventually I would like to add a Kenwood D710 but not until i have the money. One idea i am kicking around is picking up a 2 meter rig to be dedicated to APRS 25-50watts. Is that worth it?

We think this is the only way to go when running APRS. Dedicate a data only radio to the setup and there is no switching mics, cables, ect.

Our website: www.rpc-electronics.com Have a look around there and I am always available to answer questions via email before you buy anything jason@rpc-electronics.com

 

[ScanWI]

recent GPS

are there any recent GPS models that you know of that could be used? with either the Opentraker2 or OpenTracker 1+

 

[kb0nly]

are there any recent GPS models that you know of that could be used? with either the Opentraker2 or OpenTracker 1+

Anything with a serial NMEA data output...

I run the ADS-GM1 serial gps receiver that Argent Data sells for $53, it has the SiRF Star III chipset, fast lock and hot receive. Well worth the price.

I have OT+ units, and many others around here do as well. Good units and a good price!

 

[D00D]

I run a dedicated APRS rig in the form of the IC-2000H. I love Yaesu but I think the 8900 is a bit much for APRS. I've been very happy with the OpenTracker and as soon as I get off my but I'll have the Tracker2 so I can do messaging.

 

[ScanWI]

Dedicated radio

As far as a dedicated radio goes does it have to be anything special or just and rig that I can find?

 

[kb0nly]

I run a dedicated APRS rig in the form of the IC-2000H. I love Yaesu but I think the 8900 is a bit much for APRS. I've been very happy with the OpenTracker and as soon as I get off my but I'll have the Tracker2 so I can do messaging.

You can do messaging with an OT+, but it requires a computer running UI-View connected to it. Then you load the KISS firmware in the OT+ and its a TNC for UI-View.

And i agree the 8900 would be a lot of radio to just be used as a tracker.

 

[kb0nly]

As far as a dedicated radio goes does it have to be anything special or just and rig that I can find?

Anything... I have used just about anything for a tracker, Motorola Maxtrac's, older GE's, some Maxon's, you name it.

I use a Yaesu FT-2800M for my digipeater/igate at home.

 

[Squad10]

If you want APRS mapping and messaging in your car too, the Avmap G5 navigator works well with the TT4, Avmap_G5_APRS : Avmap_G5_APRS

Depiction recently offers APRS Live Add-on. APRS Live Add-on | Depiction, Inc.

Both the above products provide text messaging and mapping, so as kbOnly mentioned, any of your radios will work.

 

[D00D]

As far as a dedicated radio goes does it have to be anything special or just and rig that I can find?

Anything. Like kb0nly, I've run APRS on old Icom 28Hs, the Moto M120 Radius, new rigs like the IC-2200/2820, my FT-8800, you name it.

You can do messaging with an OT+, but it requires a computer running UI-View connected to it. Then you load the KISS firmware in the OT+ and its a TNC for UI-View.

True, but I don't want to do that. I want to keep the setup small and don't need a laptop taking up space in my truck. I've run that configuration at the house, though. Well, I used Xastir since I run Linux and I have yet to get UI-View to run w/o crashing.

Depiction recently offers APRS Live Add-on. APRS Live Add-on | Depiction, Inc.

I'm not a fan of Depiction. While great in principal I have found it less than desirable in actual use. I've tried using it for two different events and it didn't work as advertised in either case. I was in contact with their developers but it never did what I wanted it to and what was advertised.

 

[ScanWI]

Motorola

I have found a Motorola Spectra and a Radius for sale and i am wondering if these could be used?
They say 146-174, but I have seen review by Hams on them.

 

[Squad10]

i have found a Motorola Spectra and a Radius for sale and i am wondering if these could be used?
They say 146-174, but I have seen review by Hams on them.

Probably a typo. Most Motorola VHF radios come from the factory 136-174.

If the Radius has the 16 pin expanded accessory connector on the back of the radio, connection to a APRS tracker should be easy. Push To Talk, Transmit Audio, Receive Audio, Carrier Detect, Power and Ground are all available on the B308 connector. Using RSS, the accessory connector may need to be programmed for Carrier Detect output. A B308 interface cable will be needed. They are easy to acquire.

 

[Squad10]

I'm not a fan of Depiction. While great in principal I have found it less than desirable in actual use. I've tried using it for two different events and it didn't work as advertised in either case. I was in contact with their developers but it never did what I wanted it to and what was advertised.

I'm interested what it did not do as advertised. I was planning on ordering both Depiction and the APRS Live Add-on. PM me if you will share what you found.

 

[D00D]

I have found a Motorola Spectra and a Radius for sale and i am wondering if these could be used?
They say 146-174, but I have seen review by Hams on them.

I have a Radius M120 that I use. Haven't tried the Spectra yet (it's still sitting on the floor) but I wouldn't foresee any problems.

If the Radius has the 16 pin expanded accessory connector on the back of the radio, connection to a APRS tracker should be easy. Push To Talk, Transmit Audio, Receive Audio, Carrier Detect, Power and Ground are all available on the B308 connector. Using RSS, the accessory connector may need to be programmed for Carrier Detect output. A B308 interface cable will be needed. They are easy to acquire.

You'll definitely want to use the accessory port. Don't try using the mic jack as it won't provide sufficient power.

Serial --> Accessory
1 --> 2 : Tx Audio
2 --> 8 : COR
3 --> 3 : PTT
5 --> 11 : Rx Audio
6 --> 7 : Ground
7 --> 13: Pwr In

I picked up the 16-port connector and used some old CAT5 cable to the serial connector.

 

[D00D]

I'm interested what it did not do as advertised. I was planning on ordering both Depiction and the APRS Live Add-on. PM me if you will share what you found.

Keep in mind my experience is based on several releases back. I got tired of it and haven't tried later updates so these may not be an issue now.

The number one thing that chapped my hide is that I'd spend hours laying out a depiction for an event until I had it perfect. I work on my desktop where it's easier but I need to use it on my laptop in the field. Nine times out of ten it would either a) not be able to open the depiction even though it was the same version or b) not display anything other than a black blob where the maps were supposed to be.

The latter issue was supposedly due to not having everything downloaded/cached. I was told to zoom into all areas of the depiction zone so everything would be downloaded and saved with the depiction file. Well, I tried that until I was blue in the face and it never worked. The only way I could use it in the field is if I had a wireless broadband connection and could download maps on the fly (very slow). It's supposed to be usable offline.

I also didn't like that I couldn't modify the zone boundaries. More than once I'd get several things done only to realize I'd inadvertently left part of the required territory out and I'd have to start all over again. I couldn't just grab some resize handles and extend them.

I do have to admit that the APRS plug-in seemed to work fine. I guess there's one good thing I can say about it.

Again, I guess I was an early user and maybe these things have been resolved. And just so it's not thought to be user error, my buddy had a similar experience with nearly identical complaints. We're both in the IT field and have been for years so I trust my technical ability (especially since I'm a software developer myself).

I'll also say that they did try to help me. They just weren 't able to. You can always buy it and if it doesn't work out for you they'll refund your money within the set timeframe.

 

[ScanWI]

Using RSS, the accessory connector may need to be programmed for Carrier Detect output. A B308 interface cable will be needed. They are easy to acquire.

I just received a email stating that I could have it programed but the Carrier Detect Output I would have to do myself. Is that possible?

 

[Squad10]

I just received a email stating that I could have it programed but the Carrier Detect Output I would have to do myself. Is that possible?

Only if you have access to the Motorola Radio Service Software that programs the Radius radio that you need to configure. First, the Carrier Detect output needs to be configured. Pin 8 needs to reflect Carrier Squelch (CSQ), second, Pin 8 needs to be be configured active high or low. I know the Carrier Detect (input) to the Byonics TT4 can be configured to active high or active low, so it should not matter if the the Radius radio outputs high or low.

I have not used the ADS OT series trackers, so off hand I do not know if the Carrier Detect can be configured high or low. I'll take a look at the OT series docs tomorrow and see if I can find out for you.

Just be certain that the Radius radio you get has the 16 pin Expanded Accessory Connector (B308). Not all Radius models have this feature.

Keep in mind that you will need to adjust the TX audio output level of the tracker you end up using. From what I remember Pin 2 TX Audio can be configured for flat or pre-emphasis audio. I'm not a ham and do not know what will work best for the APRS radio network. Maybe somebody who knows will respond.

 

[kb0nly]

Probably a typo. Most Motorola VHF radios come from the factory 136-174.

If the Radius has the 16 pin expanded accessory connector on the back of the radio, connection to a APRS tracker should be easy. Push To Talk, Transmit Audio, Receive Audio, Carrier Detect, Power and Ground are all available on the B308 connector. Using RSS, the accessory connector may need to be programmed for Carrier Detect output. A B308 interface cable will be needed. They are easy to acquire.

Nope... Thats right... 146-174 on those radios. There is NO Spectra or Maxtrac/Radius radio made that covers 136-174... There is splits within that range, depending on the radio, usually though a Spectra or Radius is 146-174 for the high split, and 136-162 for the low split, but the low split radios are nearly impossible to find.

I should know, been trying to find one for years to do a comparison and write up another article for the Repeater Builder website.

However the Radius/Maxtrac mobiles will do 144.390, but you need to blank and reinitialize the logic board for the lower split, in a way tricking it into thinking it is a lower split radio. You can program it at 144.390 on a higher split radio using the "shift" trick in the software, but the transmit power will go whack on you and your going to have to add a manual trimpot inside the radio to manually control the power level. I have seen Maxtrac's that try to do 80w at 144.390 because they don't know how to handle the frequency. So what i normally do is reprogram them as a low split radio to get the power adjustment to work, however this still doesn't bring the receive sensitivity back to spec and your going to have to just live with it or try to retune the radio, which is a lot of work and adding slugs to the front end coils, etc..

Been there done that...

For a simple tracker the Maxtrac/Radius radios are ok since most of the work is just transmitting a packet, but you can cause packet collisions since your not hearing everything.

The Spectra is the same challenge....

(UI-View has been running here crash free for years!!)

 

[kb0nly]

Only if you have access to the Motorola Radio Service Software that programs the Radius radio that you need to configure. First, the Carrier Detect output needs to be configured. Pin 8 needs to reflect Carrier Squelch (CSQ), second, Pin 8 needs to be be configured active high or low. I know the Carrier Detect (input) to the Byonics TT4 can be configured to active high or active low, so it should not matter if the the Radius radio outputs high or low.

I have not used the ADS OT series trackers, so off hand I do not know if the Carrier Detect can be configured high or low. I'll take a look at the OT series docs tomorrow and see if I can find out for you.

Just be certain that the Radius radio you get has the 16 pin Expanded Accessory Connector (B308). Not all Radius models have this feature.

Keep in mind that you will need to adjust the TX audio output level of the tracker you end up using. From what I remember Pin 2 TX Audio can be configured for flat or pre-emphasis audio. I'm not a ham and do not know what will work best for the APRS radio network. Maybe somebody who knows will respond.

OT+ Can use either active high or active low, its active high by default, but in the OT+ Config program you can check the invert carrier detect option for active low.

Best to use Flat audio for everything for proper tone decoding.