Pongo, The story of our 2016 Tacoma

[dorton]

We are ham radio operators, and being such one of the early on mods was installing a Kenwood TM-D710G UHF/VHF dual band radio.
It's equipped with GPS and we regularly employ it for APRS duties while out and about on the trails or while traveling.

Automatic Reporting System, commonly referred to as APRS, is one of many tools amateur radio operators can use to communicate
locally and globally. Developed by Bob Bruninga (WB4APR), APRS is not only useful for relaying location data, but also supports a
short-message format similar to the Short Message Service (SMS) format that's used for texting on mobile phones. It can interface
with mapping software and provide street-level maps linked to your position in real time by ham radio, can be used to contribute to a
real-time automated weather tracking network, and is often used by race organizers to track distant competitors.

The RCO Team uses the common APRS frequency 144.390 MHz.


Here is a screenshot from running APRS while traveling, being displayed via APRS.FI

Happy with the mounting locations, I decided I liked the orange from the "Technology Package" trucks, so a bezel swap was in order.

 

[Deleted member 1276]

I'm not an operator, but the nerd in me wants to know more about this system!

Does that mean the radio is always receiving/sending on a frequency (or two maybe?) and that is sort of realtime and can be synthesized by whatever uses the signal? Like the radio can interpret that in terms of position/speed(?) etc but an app or smarter device anyway can interface with that and consume the signal over time showing where you've been and where you are on a pre-loaded map? Is the ARPS a service? Like it's just out there doing its thing and there isn't "anybody" on the other end I assume. But the system responds to requests? Is it costly?

I'm guessing I have some of this right, but even if I don't, it's still really cool! Yet another reason I need to get through that test.

 

[malibubts]

I'm not an operator, but the nerd in me wants to know more about this system!

Does that mean the radio is always receiving/sending on a frequency (or two maybe?) and that is sort of realtime and can be synthesized by whatever uses the signal? Like the radio can interpret that in terms of position/speed(?) etc but an app or smarter device anyway can interface with that and consume the signal over time showing where you've been and where you are on a pre-loaded map? Is the ARPS a service? Like it's just out there doing its thing and there isn't "anybody" on the other end I assume. But the system responds to requests? Is it costly?

I'm guessing I have some of this right, but even if I don't, it's still really cool! Yet another reason I need to get through that test.

APRS is completely free and maintained by other Ham operators.

When tuned to the frequency for APRS (Varies by Region), you will receive any APRS packets that are sent on the frequency. These packets contain the digital information that someone using APRS would send (GPS location, etc). An individual can also send out packets from their radio at a certain interval (3 and 5 minutes is pretty common). Again this can be picked up by anyone that can 'hear' the signal. Once you have received the packet the modem in your radio will decode the digital information sent out.

There is a whole next level of getting this information to the Internet however. Someone can setup a gate to send the information their receiver picks up to the Internet. This is where you get the map overlays from services like APRS.fi. There are also digipeters that can retransmit the packets to far away gates.

This is a pretty simplified explanation, but hopefully it answers some of your questions. There are also some good videos explaining APRS on YouTube if you want to learn more.

Loving the build, keep more coming!

Sent from my SM-N900P using Tapatalk

 

[dman93]

+1 on mounting the phone and radio to the bezel there. I made a clip out of thin stainless, padded with thin foam tape, that slides over the lip of the bezel from the back side (windshield side of bezel) in about the location you have your radio. It is very secure, hasn't loosened or marked the orange plastic after thousands of miles, and didn't require holes. To the clip, I first riveted a RAM mount, but decided I didn't like any of RAM's iPhone mounting options, and replaced it with a Topeak mount designed for bicycles, again riveted to the stainless steel clip. The Topeka mount works with their case, which I really like, and I liked the bracket enough that I found some very cheap online, and added them to my road bike and my dual sport. Sorry for the thread-jack

 

[dorton]

I'm not an operator, but the nerd in me wants to know more about this system!

Does that mean the radio is always receiving/sending on a frequency (or two maybe?) and that is sort of realtime and can be synthesized by whatever uses the signal? Like the radio can interpret that in terms of position/speed(?) etc but an app or smarter device anyway can interface with that and consume the signal over time showing where you've been and where you are on a pre-loaded map? Is the ARPS a service? Like it's just out there doing its thing and there isn't "anybody" on the other end I assume. But the system responds to requests? Is it costly?

I'm guessing I have some of this right, but even if I don't, it's still really cool! Yet another reason I need to get through that test.

Here are some links to info on APRS:

http://www.aprs.org
http://www.arrl.org/position-reporting-with-aprs

And the mapping source I typically use. It's neat to check your area, to see what APRS using hams may be traveling through your area.

http://www.aprs.fi

Here's the radio I'm using:
http://www.kenwood.com/usa/com/amateur/tm-d710ga/
But there are quite a few options out there.

For example:
http://www.yaesu.com/indexVS.cfm?cm...49&encProdID=227201D29C822AEFF8482F3367495319
http://www.yaesu.com/indexVS.cfm?cm...3F343581B53E9FAB40&DivisionID=65&isArchived=0
http://www.kenwood.com/usa/com/amateur/th-d72a/
There are even options that allow you to purchase an inexpensive handheld, and by using an adapter cable to a smartphone you can use it for APRS.

This will do a similar function, but uses a different protocol.
http://www.icomamerica.com/en/products/amateur/dstar/ID5100A/default.aspx

 

[Deleted member 1276]

Thanks for humoring the slight thread drift and for the info on APRS - going to do some homework!

Keep up the build! Running a 6 speed 2016 double cab myself and loving it!

 

[rruff]

The fuel mileage has taken a hit as well. Usually it's around 14mpg(indicated), and can't recall it using 6th gear in months(probably since around day 2 :sombrero
What I've gathered from those lucky enough to have 4.88s installed they gained back between 3-5mpg, and say the felt power loss is 100% improved.

Why would fuel mileage improve? I can imagine it being unchanged, but I'm baffled at the idea of it improving. Especially 3-5 mpg!

Nice thread, BTW!

 

[PBnFJ]

Nice truck and build!

Did you have to modify the all pro pack rack to make it fit over the softopper?

 

[dorton]

Why would fuel mileage improve? I can imagine it being unchanged, but I'm baffled at the idea of it improving. Especially 3-5 mpg!

Nice thread, BTW!

Effective gear ratio is changed when a larger tire is installed. RPMs will drop at same given speed, and these trucks in particular do not have an excess of
low RPM torque. This means in order to maintain the same speed it will require more throttle input to keep the truck at the same rpm. Secondly, when gears are
installed and driving at a given wheel speed, the indicated speed will be increased. Increasing tire size acts like a lever, and gearing neutralizes the effect that lever
has on the truck, through mechanical advantage.

Nice truck and build!

Did you have to modify the all pro pack rack to make it fit over the softopper?

No mods were needed to be able to use this rack.

The rack is for sale, btw.

As are, the RCI rock sliders(powder coated w/top plates), RCI skids(powder coated front, trans, and t-case), and softopper.

 

[tonnydoodles]

I'm interested in all the items for sale, Im in myrtle beach, please pm me with prices, we can possibly meet, no shipping necessary.

 

[dorton]

A couple weeks back, my wife and little girl went out of town on a "ladies trip", so I found myself on Saturday morning with no plans for the day. I went on Instagram, and found
the folks at https://www.blueridgeoverlandgear.com/ were having a cruise in/overland swap meet/live bluegrass music. Called my brother, and we headed up to Bedford VA,
where we were surprised by a parking lot full of awesome rigs. I wish I had grabbed some more pics of the crowd, but was too busy talking. This is about half of what was there when we arrived.

I'm always looking for good storage setups, and Blue Ridge Overland Gear, has some nice storage solutions. I went with a couple MOLLE seat back panels, a head rest Velcro cover, and one of their
red first aid pouches.

I ran across a deal on a brand new MBRP cat back exhaust setup. I had been considering aftermarket exhaust, but just couldn't justify the price to try it. If I didn't like it
and wanted to remove it, it would of just been an expensive test. At the price I found this, if I didn't like it, I could take it off, and recoup my money.The sound is much louder,
but it's not bad. I'm actually enjoying the sound. I guess it's from my days playing with fast cars, bikes, and boats. The only thing I need to change on it is the routing.
It came with a large, nice looking polished stainless tip, that stays in the same position as factory. The issue is with my smaller factory exhaust, I had already smashed it
on a rock while wheeling in Windrock Tennessee. I'm planning on cutting the tailpipe back, and have it terminate up, farther underneath the truck to protect it from future damage.

Another mod, that was very beneficial for Pongo, and didn't cost a thing, was Toyota recently revised their TSB for shift concerns. The TSB number is the same, but they have
updated the calibrations. I had previously performed the TSB reflash when it launched in July 16', but honestly felt zero difference before and after. This one has completely
changed the drivability of the truck for me. It hold gears longer before shifting, and has improved the shifting at highway speeds vastly. If you have a 16' or 17' Tacoma and
you aren't love with the short shifting to higher gears, or the hunting gears on the highway, I'd recommend getting the reflash performed. Mine now feels like it should have
from the get go. Just and FYI the latest calibration was released on 11/15/16. If yours was manufactured after that, or has been reflashed since that point, it likely has been
already performed on your vehicle.

 

[onemanarmy]

any updates on the blue 1st gen 4 runner build?

 

[SHale]

I like the Softtopper AllPro set up, and was looking into doing the same with my 2016.

What route have you decided to go?

 

[dorton]

any updates on the blue 1st gen 4 runner build?

I have the BudBuilt tcase crossmember/skid for the v6, the inchworm gear drive tcase adapter and 23 spline shaft to use my 4.7 t-case, all the swap parts, minus the manual trans.
A guy brought me one last week, and I hadn't seen it until this weekend. He brought a 2WD R150, instead of a r150f, so I've got to get that swapped back out. Then little
stuff like clutch, pressure plate, throwout bearing etc. I hoped to have it done and driving by now, but probably end on next month at this point.

I like the Softtopper AllPro set up, and was looking into doing the same with my 2016.

What route have you decided to go?

I'm going with CBI's rack. I travel with all my stuff in totes anyway, so I'm not really gaining much by keeping the softopper on it.
Without the softopper I wont really need the taller rack.

 

[SHale]

I have the BudBuilt tcase crossmember/skid for the v6, the inchworm gear drive tcase adapter and 23 spline shaft to use my 4.7 t-case, all the swap parts, minus the manual trans.
A guy brought me one last week, and I hadn't seen it until this weekend. He brought a 2WD R150, instead of a r150f, so I've got to get that swapped back out. Then little
stuff like clutch, pressure plate, throwout bearing etc. I hoped to have it done and driving by now, but probably end on next month at this point.



I'm going with CBI's rack. I travel with all my stuff in totes anyway, so I'm not really gaining much by keeping the softopper on it.
Without the softopper I wont really need the taller rack.

I agree CBI's rack is awesome and visually is the best looking out there. I have just been concerned about theft of items if I leave the vehicle for an extended amount of time in a more populated area. I thought the soft-topper would allow a little bit of a deterrent.