Anyone using APRS?

[chrismc]

@Craig-
I just read through the Overland Navigator site, and it looks like the APRS functionality is limited to display-only of APRS stations via NMEA interface. Have you given any thought to a simple text-message interface to exchange info with other stations? Perhaps using a KISS interface?

 

[craig]

Yes, and I'm still considering messaging for a future release, but only if there is a way to support it in a simple, easy to configure way, that doesn't introduce unnecessary complexity to non-APRS Overland Navigator users.

Overland Navigator is display only, but the Kenwood D710a or a tracker attached to a radio will beacon your position over APRS. A D710a is also capable of messaging on it's own, though a computer keyboard interface is certainly a nice addition (and why I'm considering it).

Craig

 

[datoy]

The way I handle APRS is I run an onboard computer. I us GPSgate which muxes the GPS data stream to as many virtual serial ports as I want. I can then run an APRS application (APRSpoint) and a number of mapping application. I also log my GPS data stream to a file so I can play it back once I get home to create Google maps for my blog site. I have been using this setup for about 4 years and it works great. I am adding HF and Winlink to the system this month and I am going to look at HF APRS for areas where a digipeater can not be seen. I have a dedicated APRS radio that is an old kenwood VHF rig. I also run and Icom IC-2820 for VHF/UHF. Will be adding the HF radio to the mix also.

 

[craig]

After experimenting with a few solutions I went with an Icom 2720h, TT4, and Overland Navigator. Write up in my blog

Since the write up I've decided to connect the GPS/APRS input to the computer running Overland Navigator via bluetooth. Going to go with a Firefly Serial to Bluetooth adapter and use a PowerStream ruggedized 12VDC to 5VDC adapter to power it from the vehicle.

In the end, the GPS antenna, HAM radio base unit, TT4, etc will all be hidden under the drivers seat. The faceplate of the radio will be mounted in the dash, and the computer running Overland Navigator will be on a completely removable mount on the front dash.

Craig
K7NAV

 

[BrianTN]

Not trying to bring up an old thread, but I thought it would be a benefit to others if I kept another APRS question here.

My question pertains to setting up a Yaesu 857 with my MacBook Air for APRS. My goal is for a clean setup where I can easily remove my computer. The components I'm looking at are these:

GPS puck: Globalsat MR350P
Computer: 11" MacBook Air running Parallels with Overland Navigator (hopefully)
TNC: OpenTracker+
Radio: Yaesu 857d
Antenna: Yaesu ATAS 120

Can I connect the TNC and GPS puck to my computer via bluetooth? I was looking at Firefly bluetooth serial adapter to connect the TNC and computer.

I haven't found a PS/2 to bluetooth adapter for the GPS puck, so I was going to use this PS/2 to USB connector then this USB to bluetooth connector.

Haven't found a ready made cable to connect the TNC and radio yet.

Does the 857 allow for APRS on a sub band, with ability to interrupt if I use the radio for voice?

 

[craig]

Brian,

I can't help with all of that hardware, but I did do something similar with a TT4 and some custom wiring for that GPS. I wrote it up on my blog . Since I wrote that article, I've decided to add a 12vdc to 5vdc ruggedized hard mount power supply and a serial to bluetooth adapter to the system. This will provide me with 100% bluetooth connectivity for both the GPS input and the APRS input/output (GPS and APRS are actually the same COM port in my setup). This whole approach is much more complicated to setup, but will remove all visible wires except 1 power cord to the tablet.

Craig

 

[h2005]

DeLorme inReach Two-Way Satellite Communicator

http://www.delorme.com/inreach/

 

[BrianTN]

Brian,

I can't help with all of that hardware, but I did do something similar with a TT4 and some custom wiring for that GPS. I wrote it up on my blog . Since I wrote that article, I've decided to add a 12vdc to 5vdc ruggedized hard mount power supply and a serial to bluetooth adapter to the system. This will provide me with 100% bluetooth connectivity for both the GPS input and the APRS input/output (GPS and APRS are actually the same COM port in my setup). This whole approach is much more complicated to setup, but will remove all visible wires except 1 power cord to the tablet.

Craig

Craig, I think it was one of your posts that led me to the bluetooth adapter. Sounds like it will make for a very clean install.

 

[HenryJ]

Dusting this one off after a FIVE year break....(where did the time go?)
My Micro-Trak RTG has been doing an awesome job of tracking and mapping our adventures. It invisibly just works. Anytime I need to find a map of our adventures I can just search the date and find what I need. So nice to have to do nothing and have it always working.
With a son soon to be a driver and also a licensed amateur radio operator, I decided it was time for another APRS system. I was pleasantly surprised to find a new higher wattage transmitter available. The Micro-Trak RTG 50. Cool upgrade for the truck and a hand me down for the son The original Micro-Trak RTG is 10W and I suspect it has missed a few chances to record. It will be interesting to see if the new model does hit some places that were hard to reach with the old one.
Looking forward to another APRS in the family

 

[Gizzard Stone]

That Micro-Talk looks nice! And Ready To Go are three of my favorite words.

Do you have to program it in with your call sign or something to identify it?

-M

Dusting this one off after a FIVE year break....(where did the time go?)
My Micro-Trak RTG has been doing an awesome job of tracking and mapping our adventures. It invisibly just works. Anytime I need to find a map of our adventures I can just search the date and find what I need. So nice to have to do nothing and have it always working.
With a son soon to be a driver and also a licensed amateur radio operator, I decided it was time for another APRS system. I was pleasantly surprised to find a new higher wattage transmitter available. The Micro-Trak RTG 50. Cool upgrade for the truck and a hand me down for the son The original Micro-Trak RTG is 10W and I suspect it has missed a few chances to record. It will be interesting to see if the new model does hit some places that were hard to reach with the old one.
Looking forward to another APRS in the family

 

[Gizzard Stone]

I see that they pre-program it with your call sign...

There is a Kenwood mobile unit that will do APRS built in. You need a GPS to plug into it, but it's only $299...

-M

 

[Airmapper]

There is a Kenwood mobile unit that will do APRS built in. You need a GPS to plug into it, but it's only $299...

The latest Kenwood D710G has the GPS integrated into the control head / TNC unit. The earlier models (710A and 700 I think?) require an add-on GPS.

I have the 710G and it's is pretty much plug and play, enter your callsign, look over the settings and turn some stuff on, turn on beaconing, and you are done. But it is a radio LOADED with features, so if you were using it exclusively for APRS it might seem like a waste.

 

[Gizzard Stone]

That's rad.

I found the site where you can view live position and track info. Is there a way to send/receive messages without a radio?

-M

 

[Airmapper]

That's rad.

I found the site where you can view live position and track info. Is there a way to send/receive messages without a radio?

-M

Yes, but you need a passcode to access the APRS-IS system, usually generated for you by an app developer. Once I got one I can use a variety of programs to inject data directly to the servers.

I have an app for my iPad that can send and receive APRS message via the internet, most traditional clients can do this as well on a PC.

The thing is, to do messages from IS to RF, you need a TX iGate in range of the receiving radio. While RX iGates are pretty common, gates that transmit internet originated messages back out over the air are pretty rare, mostly because it takes more care to set them up properly.

 

[HenryJ]

That Micro-Talk looks nice! And Ready To Go are three of my favorite words.

Do you have to program it in with your call sign or something to identify it?

-M

When you place your order you give your callsign and any designator you desire. It will come programmed and "Ready To Go" , you can also program them your self to make any changes you might want.
After some time running both...
The original lower power Micro-Trak RTG seems to do a better job. I don't know why? I have played with the settings in both and the lower power model seems to consistently our perform the new higher power model.
Just FYI