You can use your iphone as an audio tnc and connect it to your hfvhf radio for 3001200 baud aprs operation. The culprit is the gps chip, combined with the unshielded plastic case. Getting started in aprs my experience with the tiny trak 3plus from byonics. Quick start guide to aprs for search and rescue application. Bandwidth analyzer pack bap is designed to help you better understand your network, plan for various contingencies, and track down problems when they do occur. This 2m70cm mobile radio has a large display for aprs information. As far as the basics of aprs goes, a tracker, or aprs sending device takes a collection of information from a gps receiver, formats it into a packet, then sends it to a device that can transmit it. Please share your questions, answers, ideas, tips and tricks about aprs. Tinytrak4 takes the features of the popular byonics tinytrak3plus and adds dsp packet decoding using software dsp, the tinytrak4 can not only decode 1200 baud packet, but also 9600 baud, and 300 baud packet, dtmf, and more. It adds teh capability to easily update the firmware directly from a pc without needing pic programming software, dsp packet decoding capability for 300, 1200 and 9600bps, telemetry support and more. One objection to installing an aprs tracker that is sometimes presented by prospective users is a reluctance to delve into geekdom and software setup. Quick start guide to aprs for search and rescue application bay area search and rescue council 2009 chris wong n6jgc.
It includes a custom tinytrak4 firmware and can act as a tracker, digipeater. Kiss tnc connect to a computer and operate standard packet, winlink, and any of the aprs software. The tt4 is the first byonics product i have purchased, as my entry to aprs. Aprs trackers, aprs products category is a curation of 7 web resources on, byonics, argent data systems, aprs radio shield for arduino.
The beeline gps is a self contained unit with gps receiver, ceramic patch antenna, aprs packet encoder, and 100mw 70cm radio transmitter. Software and manuals are downloaded from the byonics site. You can get hardware that provides all the aprs functionality minus the gps receiver, on down to building your own aprs tracker. It can be used as a portable tracker or provide connectivity for pcbased aprs client software. Byonics carries a full line of aprs products, to allow you to track whether you are walking around, driving a car, or flying a high altitude balloon. For aprs trackers, you can find the tinytrak or stratotrak. Find more information about aprs capable transceivers, digipeaters, trackers, and weather sensors. We really wish we had a little more information on the construction of this, but jeff made this aprs tracker several years ago. Aprs digipeating the tinytrak4 can act as a smart aprs digipeater supporting widenn, callsign substitution, and dupe checking. Tinytrak3, from byonics, is a gps position encoder which, when connected to a gps and a radio transceiver, will transmit its location at an adjustable rate. Installing an aprs tracker in n399sb hiwaay information services.
In the meantime byonics added the transmission of height to the original tinytrak, and i think their memory then was full too. Its a good tracker, but its also an all band transmitter. Automatic packet reporting system aprs is a digital communications system that uses packet radio technology to transmit information and text messages over amateur radio. For manuals and downloads, see the support section below the tracker3 is the successor to our popular tracker2 series. When connected to a serial gps and a radio, it can send and receive aprs position and telemetry packets, as well as act as a stand alone smart digipeater.
The microtrak tracker line combines the tinytrak controller with a gps and built in transmitter. With the success of the mint idea aprs tracker, which has performed flawlessly over the last year, it was inevitable a second generation automated position reporting system tracker would become both advantageous and a necessity. Aprs tracker set up utilizing tinytrak3p, yaesu ft530, byonics gps2, short interface cable w9v alkaline battery. Geosat 6 aprs comes with a slim and stylish design featuring a metal chassis, a 4. Made up of the more than volunteer members, basarc represents 20 separate search and rescue. If i built a box for the byonics i could include room for batteries. Selfcontained aprs tracker comparisons updates from dan. So now its a self contained aprs tracker and tnc,with bluetooth. Yet another aprs client client software for users of the automatic packet reporting system amateur radio network. Micro trak aio aprs tracker on my first motovlog k6uda. Data can include object global positioning system gps coordinates, weather station telemetry, text messages, announcements, queries, and other telemetry. Aprs is different from regular packet in four ways. When connected to a serial gps and a radio, will transmit its location at an adjustable rate, providing an inexpensive way to build a mobile tracker.
About byonics the resource is currently listed in in 5 categories. You can hook the tt4 to a computer phone for display of information, but few people do that. This allows messaging from the avmap text interface thru tiny trak 4 tnc. Configuration 1 byonics tinytrak3 transmit only aprs tracker. If you cant wait, there is the mtrtg ready to go by byonics. When you are off the grid, just connect a spot or delorme satellite tracker to aprs pro and let the world follow your steps. All stations that their position is inside this circle will be displayed. If the tt4 will only be used as a tracker, the computer is only needed during initial configuration. The tracker can tolerate a mismatch far worse than this antenna would present. This work, funded by the mountain rescue association, seeks to implement aprs in the sar environment using offtheshelf equipment, and to determine its efficacy with current hardware and software. Dec 17, 2012 aprs digipeating the tinytrak4 can act as a smart aprs digipeater supporting widenn, callsign substitution, and dupe checking. I purchased my tt4 built and tested with the cables and gps antenna. There are lots of other companies that make hardware that can be used for aprs transmitters.
The main category is aprs tracker, aprs products manufacturers that is about aprs trackers, aprs products. Aprs tracker, including a frequency agile 2meter transmitter, a tinytrak3. Tinytrak like aprs interface with pic16f84 microcontroller. Geosat 6 aprs the gps solution for aprs operations new highly performing hardware. Dsp packet decoding using software dsp, the tinytrak4 can not only decode 1200 baud packet, but also 9600 baud, and 300 baud packet, dtmf, and more. Tinytrak3 is personalized for your call sign by connecting to a computers serial port and running a simple. No tail 15 minutes 30 minutes 1 hour 3 hours 6 hours 12 hours 24 hours 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days 6 days 7 days. I also have a tinytrak and an old 25w 2m mobile rig for an rf aprs tracker. Starting point was the tinytrak from byonics, where all functions are done with a microcontroller. Byonics sells electronic kits for ham radio operators, and they had something called tinytrak3 an aprs encoder which really sparked my interest, it didnt hurt that the guy that invented aprs lives 15 miles away from me.
The tinytrak4 is the latest in this line of trackers. More specifically, its when i plug the laptop into the power inverter or the dc charger i. I must say that i had no idea what i was doing with aprs, i talked to a few friends and found the tiny track line through byonics, this has got to be the best going for aprs from the all in one to the tt units and now we have the tt4 that can digi and do packet with a screen and optional keyboard hook up for. Add a computer and you have two way communications and situational awareness. Aprs config software for tinytrak documentation version pttconfig 1. The alpha firmware is configured with a terminal program and command line options. The bay area search and rescue council basarc was formed in 1990 to provide a platform for the exchange of ideas and information, establish working groups to develop common training, communications and management skills, and to promote professionalism in the search and rescue community. Aprs position reports can also include the wind speed and direction, as well as other important weather conditions. We can achive fast realtime updates since each user browser will be connected directly to our own aprsis server with no intermediate databaseserver. Please only post messages which are directly related to the aprs. An amateur radio aprs tracker using the byonics tinytrak 3 plus. I sell bt modules for connecting some legacy hardware to android software. Unfortunately its useless when i have the laptop in the car as it puts interference into the rf signal of the tracker. A simple setup for the avmap g6aprs and byonics tiny trak 4 tnc using a kenwood v71 dual band radio.
An amateur radio aprs tracker using the byonics tinytrak 3 plus duration. Aprs introduction the automatic position reporting system 1 aprs began as the brainchild of bob bruninga. The microtrak rtg ready to go fa is a complete 10watt aprs tracker. As a multiuser data network, it is quite different from conventional packet radio. This link is listed in our web site directory since tuesday oct 17 2006, and till today byonics has been followed for a total of 4153 times.
In addition to aprs, our onboard tracking systems also broadcasts a secondary radio signal using rtty radioteletype as a backup hab tracker. A computer running aprs software can be connected to the second serial. What is aprs automatic position reporting system aprs is a realtime tactical digital communications protocol for exchanging information between a large number of stations covering a large local area. You can see additional details, below for details on how radio tracking high altitude balloons works for us. So it can run as either a simple tnc or an aprs tracker or an aprs display or a diagnostic program.
Advancedrocket tracking using onboard radio transmitters. Here is a screenshot of the config setup showing the. Byonics is currently working on a dedicated highaltitude balloon tracker. Aug 25, 2011 short clip showing the microtrak rtg fa. Aprs is a popular method of geotracking over amateur radio. Besides the altitude the new tinytrakii now also has smart beaconing and corner beacons like i did it before. It supports tracking, digipeating, telemetry, kiss and text computer connection, display and keyboard, and more. In my car i run an aprs tracker thats a lashed together icom ic02at handheld, a tinytrak 3, and a surplus gps module. The area filter define a rectangle with the supplied coordinates. Microtrak aprs trackers the microtrak tracker line combines the tinytrak controller with a gps and built in transmitter. This piqued my curiosity if it was possible to make an aprs tracker from simple, readily available components. Tony required a tracker for future sable flights after sable2 was unable to be found last summer and purchased a lassen iq gps receiver, embedded antenna and byonics microtrak 300. With the ability to use smartphones as aprs trackers and displays, interest is now on the rise.
Currently the firmware modules for the tt can only be loaded one at a time. Here is some details about the device i use as a aprs tracker when im driving my bike, or out cycling. Tinytrak aprs controllers the tinytrak3plus and tinytrak4 are aprs controllers which can be connected between a gps and any 2meter radio to transmit a location to the aprs network. The microtrak rtg is the easiest way to add aprs tracking to a vehicle. Tracker2 model t25 aka t25 tracker for alinco dr5 tracker2 model t2301 aka t2301 aka fc301d tracker2 tnc board includes 5watt transceiver byonics portable digipeatertracker.
Lately on really hot days it doesnt seem to want to transmit, and im thinking the handheld might be close to retirement. While interest in packet radio waned, hams held onto their aprs capability and hardware. The matching so239 connector is attached to the inside of the belly of the plane via a 3x3 doubler. The traditional trackers are quite easy to configure, but i guess even that degree of customization is intimidating to some. As a side note, if youre just looking for a tracker to tie to a computer, consider going the virtual tnc route. All stations that their position is inside this rectangle will be displayed. Byonics recommends the alpha firmware, and this guide will instruct on how to setup the alpha firmware. The byonics tinytrak4 is an aprs tracker controller, digipeater, and kiss tnc. Aprs and the rest of ham radio is a two way service, not a one way service. I got ahold of a micro trak aio all in one aprs tracker from byonics. May 04, 2009 we really wish we had a little more information on the construction of this, but jeff made this aprs tracker several years ago. Reloaded the tracker program and then used the tinytrak windows configuration program to read the configuration. Automatic packet reporting system aprs is an amateur radiobased system for real time digital communications of information of immediate value in the local area.
Tinytrak3 is a construction project providing an inexpensive way to build a mobile tracker without the need for a full tnc. They are available in portable, car, and high altitude balloon versions, and are preconfigured with your amateur radio callsign. I have been looking at aprs for a while, thinking it looked interesting, but didnt really have a specific use for a system. Questions about configuring aprs radios, tncs or other equipment are not allowed here please find a forum that is specific to your radio elsewhere. Femalefemale null modem adapter or cable an adapter is needed to connect the tinytrak4 to the computer serial port or usbtoserial adapter. Tinytrak4 the byonics tinytrak4 is an aprs tracker controller, digipeater, and kiss tnc. These modules are available from byonics, argent data systems, and rpcelectronics. Configuration is done with any terminal program and a db9 or 2. This can be fed directly into a transmitter without the need of a tnc.
Our goal is to bring you a fast and easytouse map with the latest aprs activity. It removes the need for a full tnc terminal node controller in an aprs tracker. Tinytrak4 takes the features of the popular byonics tinytrak3plus and adds. It is configured by connecting to a computer and running a simple windows configuration tool which allows setting of all user options. Byonics is a family business dedicated to creating innovative electronic projects for amateur radio operators. To decode the rtty signal, we recommend using the software dlfldigi. Comprehensively designed network bandwidth analysis and performance monitoring with solarwinds bandwidth analyzer pack bap. Putting together and testing a aprs tracker using a byonics tiny trak 3 plus and a icom dual band radio for the truck.
The range filter defines a circle with center the suplied coordinates and radius the distance. The opentracker usb has replaced it as our entrylevel aprs tracker. Aprs direct is a website that brings you global realtime aprs tracking and weather data including cwop. It is not only a tracker that can send position data, but also a receiver which can receive aprs messages from other aprs stations, decode them and display. By combining a gps, 2meter transmitter and controller, stations can send their locations, and be. It is the brainchild of bob bruninga, wb4apr, a senior research engineer at the united states naval academy and first came into use during the late 1980s.
Tracker3 series aprs tracker available through our online store. Software and manuals are downloaded from the byonics site so the tracker can be configured for installation. Jul 10, 2014 the ap510 aprs tracker has a built in sirf4 gps, bluetooth to interface with your smartphone and aprsdroid app, temperature sensor, microsdtransflash card slot for saving your waypoints to a card. Most aprs software programs support a serial interface option to the ultimeter and davis and other home weather stations to do this automatically. It took a few hrs of playing around to get it up and running with figuring out the commands and setting the config etc. Tinytrak3 configuration software windows programing software. The byonics tinytrak3 is an aprs position encoder used to convert position data from a serial gps receiver, and send it over a voice radio transmitter. When combined with an nmea0183 compatible gps receiver, and a radio transmitter, tinytrak3 will key the radio at userdefined intervals, and transmit the gpss current position. Aprs, or automatic packet reporting system is a system where shortw. Picoaprs words smallest aprs transceiver tracker with. Aprs software for ham radio category is a curation of 33 web resources on, usaphotomaps, adaptive home logic, aprs messenger program. Now i was a beta tester for a new tinytrakii with a microcontroller with more memory. Aprs satellite trackers when you are off the grid, just connect a spot or delorme satellite tracker to aprs pro and let the world follow your steps.
Most users will need the following items to setup and operate the tinytrak4. According to previous findings, picoaprs is the worlds smallest aprs transceiver with builtin kisstnc and since the firmware version v014 also a stand allone fillin aprs digipeater. Aprs messaging send and receive aprs messages with the optional display and keyboard. A full capability aprs system will both transmit information, as well as listen for aprs information that others have transmited. Ive strapped it to the back of my bmw f800r for a test ride through californias gold country. It features a much more powerful 32bit processor with improved dsp capabilities, better telemetry support, usb, and more room for expansion. The mtaio is incompatible with any colocated receiver operating in the 2 to 30 mhz range. While more ham stuff just for the sake of more stuff is not a problem, i never had the impetus to actually buy anything for aprs. The beeline gps has onboard nonvolatile memory that stores coordinates for download after your flight.