[TCARC-NTx] TinyTrak for APRS

[david johnson]

Hi,

I can get a deep discount...about half...for the
TinyTrak kit.  It is an assembly project that is not
very difficult, and results in a mini-tnc just for
APRS application, plugging between the GPS and radio. 
Plus, it is very SMALL, which is a nice feature.
I think I can get these for under $20 each.  Let me
know if you want one.  We can have a club day for
assembling them and testing.

Read below if you are unfamiliar with APRS.

Let me know if you want to buy one of these kits for
$20 or less.

David KB5YLG






What is APRS?  Automated Position Reporting System.

It is a digital mode you can run on 2 meters (Tech
Class License) by plugging your GPS receiver to your
radio using one of the above described devices.  The
GPS receiver must do NMEA output, that is pretty
standard on all GPS that can be connected to a
personal computer.  Running APRS, your station can
report it's position to listening stations.  Those
listening stations can see your position on a map on
their personal computer.  This mode has many
applications, often for emergency communications and
public service communications: as you are dispatched
to disaster relief areas, your vehicle can be tracked
by net control.  This is very handy in dispatching the
closest station, plus has proved useful in giving you
best directions to and from incident locations. APRS
is used widely for experimentation, for weather
tracking, and all kinds of things.





What you need for a mobile APRS reporting station:

1) A ham radio license TECH or higher. (exam costs
$10)
2) a 2M radio (under a $100 these days; must tune
144.390)
3) a GPS receiver that can connect to a PC (or has
NMEA output) very nice ones can be had at around $120.
4) a TNC (around $100) or this TinyTrak ($40 max)
5) antenna

What you need for a tracking station:
1) A receiver that can receive 2M 144.390
2) Tracking software (freeware to about $200, several
options)
3) Personal Computer
4) Antenna
5) TNC

What you need for a station that tracks and reports:
1) A ham radio license (TECH or higher)
2) 2M transceiver capable of 144.390
3) Tracking software
4) TNC
5) a GPS or just know your coordinates for fixed
stations
6) Personal Computer
7) Antenna







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