Geosat5 Blu APRS
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What is APRS?
APRS (Automated Position Reporting System) is a special variant of Packet Radio.
With APRS is is possible to display and track the geographical position of mobile or fixed ham radio stations superimposed on a map on a computer screen. Mobile stations need an on-board GPS receiver. The APRS system is operational on any kind of vehicle, e.g. also on board of a (RC-model) airplane.
What is required: An APRS capable 2m radio (e.g. a TM-D700 or TH-D7E) or a TNC with APRS software. For non-APRS capable radios a small optional PC board is available which processes and transmits the APRS data based on the inputs from a GPS receiver.
On the receiving side a PC with the appropriate control software is required as well as a digital mapping software. The maps are available in larger scales as freeware and more detailed maps can be obtained though the National Geographical Services on CD-ROM.
The APRS data is distributed in real-time via a dedicated digipeater network; in Germany this is done on 144.800 MHz in simplex mode or via Internet gateways world wide.
The transmit-side of APRS is no problem - but to display the received data only the text display of some radios was available. To display received APRS data on a map you needed a portable computer, which was not installed properly and could lead to security problems...
The new Geosat Navigation System has APRS fully integrated. The device is compatible to the Kenwood TM-D710E; both radios are simply connectedd with a cable. The received APRS data is display on the navigation screen.
The received APRS-Stations are automatically assigned the usual APRS symbols according to the APRS protocol, e.g. a mobile station is displayed as a car. APRS targets (even mobile ones) can be used as navigation targets, the route is recalculated when the target moves.
The received APRS targets are stored in a separate mmemory with more than 1000 storage places. This storage can be managed separately from the normal navigational targets. The regular memory for your favorite targets will not fill up with volatile APRS targets. Found APRS targets can be displayed with all data incl. callsign, position, speed, heading and height.
The Geosat5 has a large, bright 5" display which is also easily readable under sunlight. A light sensor regulates the display automatically, also for a night display. Further the display has a jack for video input, for example to connect a TV receiver or a rear view camera. A TMC receiver is available as an option.
The offered Version Geosat5 Blu Europe contains maps of all Europe. With the built-in Bluetooth module the Geosat5 can be used as a hans free unit in conjunction with Bluetooth capable mobile phones.
Included in shipment is the mount. Operation time for the rechargeable battery is between 30 minutes and 2 hours, depending on brightness settings. The battery is recharged with the supplied cigar ligther cable, a 230V power supply is available as an option. Geosat5 also works on 24V, for example on trucks or boats.
Note: Please note that you can either connect an APRS radio or the optional TMC receiver. Both at the same time is not possible because both devices require the same connector.
A 2-meter FM transmitter combined with a TinyTrak 3 controller chip that provides an easy and inexpensive way to build a small APRS tracker. Just plug in a GPS receiver, and track!
Micro-Trak 300 is available on 144.800 MHz, transmits 300 mW and is sold as a built and tested unit.
The Micro-Trak 300 PCB measures 82x25mm. Because of its small size and light weight it is ideal for portable and airborne operations.
An on-board 5 volt regulator provides an optional 200 mA power output for your GPS receiver. (Many applications, including the use of the device with hand-held GPS units, will not require the 5 volt output of the Micro-Track.) The entire system runs well on 9-15 volts DC, and draws only about 10 milliamps in standby, and increases to 180 milliamps during transmissions (which last approximately 1/3 of a second using MIC-E). This provides for a very efficient battery-powered package. The transmitter will typically run for about 25 hours on a nine-volt battery with 2 minute check-ins.
A male DB-9 connector and a 9V battery cable are included, but not soldered to the board. The DB-9 connector can be wedged in to form a temporary connection during configuration (with a null modem gender changer) if desired.
The Micro-Trak can connect to a standard GPS receiver directly through the DB9 connector, but it is important to remember that computer programming and communication uses a reversed connection, meaning you will need a female to female Null modem cable, or a null modem adaptor and a gender-changer connector for programming your Micro-Trak.
Note: Micro-Trak 300 is a transmitter only. It does not receive radio signals, and therefore may occasionally transmit over other stations. This is normally not a problem due to the power level of the MicroTrak 300.
GPS Beacon: In combination with a GPS receiver any handheld or mobile radio can broadcast the GPS information.
The beacon features a serial interface which allows PC-programming of the call sign, TX delay, beacon intervals and beacon text.
During operation the GPS receiver is connects to the serial port and the audio as well as PTT terminals connect to the radio.
Imagine a moving fox hunt with such a relative simple set-up.
The analysis of the received data is not possible with TinyTrack.
The assembly kit is well documented (see download!).
TinyTrak3 is a GPS position encoder which, when connected to a GPS and a radio, will transmit its location at an adjustable rate. TinyTrak3 is a construction project providing an inexpensive way to build a mobile tracker without the need for a full TNC. It is configured by connecting to a computer's serial port, and running a simple configuration tool which allows setting of all user options.
Download instructions
 Anleitung und Software TinyTrak (englisch, 1 MB)  More downloads |
Plastic case for TinyTrak 3:
TinyTrak-3 Chip (PIC)
APRS is more than just position reporting. Right after the introduction of APRS many stations started to broadcast weather data as well. Usually this required an entire PC plus TNC besides the WX station. Now there is a much better solution, freeing the PC for other tasks.
The WX-Trak is based on the reliable hardware of the TinyTrak-3. But instead of connecting a GPS device, a WX station is connected, the supplied WX information is broadcasted in adjustable intervals. For operation the callsing and fixed position is programmed once into the WX-Trak interface, then the WX station can be connected. In adjustable intervals WX data is braodcast, other users can ses this data with the appropiate software on their PC.
Many models of WX stations can be used: WX-200, Huger WM918x (Oregon Scientific), Ultimeter Models 100, 800, 2000 and 2100 (Peet Brothers) and more.
New! These weather stations by Peet Bros. are now also on sale at WiMo. Together with the TM-D710E you have an unbeatable APRS station. And of course you know what the weather will be. Link to Peet Weather stations.
WX-Trak is a kit and comes with required parts for assembly, except the dcase (optional, see above). An existing Tiny-Trak can be modified into a WX-Trak by exchanging the PIC chip.
Plastic case for WX-Trak, Tiny-Trak:
Wx-Trak Chip (PIC)
TinyTrak3Plus is a redesigned TinyTrak3 with a larger voltage regulator that can power a 5V GPS, such as a Garmin GPS18. TinyTrak3Plus has the same features, and uses the same firmware chip, configuration software, and case as the TinyTrak3, but a separate documentation file is available with instructions for the different PCB. TinyTrak3Plus is sold with a case.
TinyTrak SMT is a surface mount version of the popular TinyTrak3 GPS Encoder. It is a built device, 1" x 0.925" and 0.16" tall, with 4 LEDs, 2 pots, and there are no connectors, but rather 8 holes spaced 0.1" apart for connections to power, radio, and serial. TinyTrak SMT is programmed with the latest version of the TinyTrak or WXTrak firmware, and uses the same configuration software.
Multimode-TNC for Packet Radio and APRS, USB connection to PC
One Packet Radio TNC for all modes like 300Bd AFSK, Robust Packet Radio (RPR) for shortwave, 1200Bd AFSK and 9600/19200 FSK (G3RUH). First TNC to use a DSP as modem processor, resulting in a much larger captive range of AF frequencies (e.g. ±400Hz at 300Bd AFSK, the usual modems only have a few hertz range). This allows reception of larger groups with slightly differing frequencies. Supports KISS and Hostmode. Includes position tracker for APRS: transmits position data in APRS format. A computer is not required, the GPS receiver is connected directly to the Tracker. Control output for transceiver for low power consumption.
The Tracker is connected to the PC with an optically isolated USB cable, thus alleviating all problems with ground loops. The device itself is shielded against HF radiation and does not produce noise. During APRS sleep mode only 15mA power consumption, shortly before the next transmission the Tracker wakes up, turns on the transceiver, checks the transmission channel and transmits the APRS data set when the frequency is not in use.
The firmware can be updated over the USB line, firmware updates are free. Size 88 x 22 x 102mm, power consumption 70mA at 13,8V.
Small GPS Antenna with integrated receiver, for USB or serial interface (DSub 9pin). Powersupply for the serial mouse is done with the PS/2 keyboard connector of the computer. If this is not available a cable for a cigar lighter socket is available as an option.
The USB mouse is supplied by the USB port (where else?). The serial mouse has a small built in magnet, but this is usually not strong enough to keep it attached to a car roof while driving. Removing the rubber feet improves this a little.
For APRS: Just configure your radio according to the manual and be ready for APRS operation.
PicCon is a PIC microcontroller based radio controller designed for hidden transmitter hunting. When combined with a radio transmitter, it will produce tone sequences and Morse code messages at user-programmed times. It is completely field programmable via DTMF tones, utilizes EEPROM for all programmed options so they are remembered when power is removed, and is quite compact. PicCon interfaces to a radio transceiver much like a packet radio TNC does. It is controlled by the audio it receives from the radio, in the form of DTMF tones, and operates the radio by controlling the Push To Talk (PTT) while sending audio in the form of tones and modulated CW Morse code. PicCon draws only a few milliamps, and runs off any 7-35VDC source, including a standard 9-volt battery.
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