Equipment Needed for a GPS/APRS Tracker &
Portable Packet Dennis W. Mills, N7MEA
1. TNC for Packet Radio and Sending NMEA Data
The KPC3+by Kantronics is GPS ready and used by many CCARC club members.
The W7AIA Packet Station employs this TNC.
Offering the most flexible GPS operations available in a TNC, the KPC-3 Plus allows
users to configure and make use of GPS data exactly the way they like. The APRS-compatible
KPC-3 Plus can connect to GPS receivers with a NMEA-0183 interface and provides
outstanding GPS features. With the multiple string parsing capabilities, users select as
many as 4 of the GPS unit's NMEA data strings. Once the data strings are selected, users
can specify which of the 4 buffers should be transmitted and can specify the beacon start
time as well as the amount of time between beacons for each of the buffers. This allows
multiple stations to easily report without data collision. And since the KPC-3 Plus's
clock is regularly updated by the satellite-determined GPS clock, the transmission times
and intervals are always accurate.
In addition, users can set up a tracking buffer to store GPS data for later retrieval.
This buffer is accessible via the KPC-3 Plus's mailbox. The sysop may also reconfigure the
GPS unit remotely by connecting to the KPC-3 Plus and simply changing the parameters.
KPC-3 Plus (with 128K RAM) --- $129.95 at HRO
Note: The KPC-3 Plus requires a custom-made cable: Hardware Serial
Port (HSP) adaptor to permit a single-ported laptop computer to access the TNC and the
GPS. The cable has two diodes to permit automatic switching between the tnc and the gps. Hardware Serial Port (HSP)
Connectors
PicoPacket TNC with a 2nd serial port, 128K RAM, DCD --- $189.00 This
TNC is not sold at HRO, but can be mailordered through Sound Radio in Lake Stevens, WA
The PicoPacket model with the second serial port option is the ideal TNC for use with a
handheld GPS receiver, handheld radio, and laptop (or smaller) computer for APRS.
activity. One serial port for the computer, a second one for the GPS.
If you get the battery pack model, each unit has its own power. Neat and convenient.
The Second Serial Port option also provides a real-time clock and 128k RAM.
Full support for APRS (the Automatic Position Reporting System) built-in. Works
with APRS through either the standard single serial port or the optional second serial
port.
The PicoPacket and APRS work together so that when the Pico with a GPS receiver
(internal or external) is controlled by APRS it sends no location beacons except as
commanded by APRS. When the APRS computer is disconnected, the PicoPacket automatically
becomes a 'Tracker' sending out location beacons at specified intervals.
Because this TNC has a 2nd serial port, there is no need
for a HSP cable.
http://www.soundradio.com/paccomm.html
-or this combination has it all--a TNC and GPS
Receiver-
A second RS-232 serial port for the PicoPacket allows both a GPS and computer to be
attached to the PicoPacket at the same time. Eliminates the need for a hardware port
switch adapter.
The PicoPacket with the internal GPS receiver is completely self contained in a package
under 2.5 x 2.5 x 3.25 inches. Just connect to a handheld radio and you have a complete
tracking unit with a full-time serial port to connect to your notebook PC.
The mag-mount GPS antenna has a footprint less than two inches in diameter, yet it
tracks GPS satellites noticeably better than handheld GPS units.
The GPS model has a TRIMBLE SVee6-CM3 GPS receiver fitted directly into the PicoPacket.
It uses a support/carrier board to perform the functions of physically supporting the GPS
receiver, voltage regulation, and backup battery for the GPS.
The PicoPacket with internal GPS receiver includes the second serial port option
features, but the second serial port is dedicated to the GPS receiver and is not
accessible for other purposes.
$549; $599 with Battery Pack
2. A GPS Receiver (external antenna models recommended)
The
Garmin II+is a very powerful twelve channel parallel
receiver for quick satellite acquisition and enhanced reception. This compact GPS features
two-way screen display for vertical or horizontal orientation. It features an adaptable
navigation page with either compass or highway steering guidance, and user-selectable
fields. User-selectable waypoint symbols enhance map display information. The TactBack
feature lets you quickly navigate your track log back home without manually storing
waypoints. The Garmin II+ GPS works very well with TNC's like the KPC3+ or the PicoPacket.
This model has an external antenna connection that is useful for keeping the Tracker in a
trunk. GPS satellites need to see the antenna to work! This unit sells for $249
at West Marine in Delta Park-Portland, Oregon or HRO
http://www.garmin.com/db?MItab=garmin&MIval=splash
3. Two Meter VHF Transceiver
ICOM IC-2100 ( $269.95)
ICOM IC-2000H ($259.00)
We recommend a 50 watt mobile to serve the dual purpose of a field-based
radio that can use full power if needed for voice communications. HRO
4. MFJ TNC/MIC Switch KAM/KPC3VHF The switch will permit
you to switch the mobile radio between packet (APRS data transmitted) and voice. ($39.95
HRO)
5. Software
Street Atlas 5.0
Street Atlas USA 5.0 is a seamless map of the entire country – big cities, small
towns and wilderness America. It offers unsurpassed detail, street address search power,
door-to-door routing and the tools you need to create customized maps. ($44.95 Computer
City)
http://www.delorme.com/StreetAtlasUSA/
When combined with APRS software, the Street Atlas USA 5.0 will give you
extremely accurate maps wherever you are.
APRS Software
Download Windows software from the the TAPR ftp site. The software must be registered for
a modest fee.
ftp://ftp.tapr.org/tapr/SIG/aprssig/files/winstuff/
APRS +SA Home Page Automatic Packet
Reporting System using Street Atlas USA v5.0 APRS +SA does most of the
functions of the original APRS(tm) with a big difference: The maps it uses to plot the
locations are Street Atlas 5.0 Maps. This allows great precision in locating objects and
stations. (shareware $59)
http://www.tapr.org/~kh2z/APRSPLUS
6. Battery Box I recommend the Action Products Power Caddy
Battery Box that can be mail-ordered through Cabela's ($50.44
delivered). It will hold an 85 amp hour deep-cycle or marine battery and all the ham
equipment! It comes with a plastic carrying handle, galvanized catches, strickes, hinge
pins and terminal connections, battery charge indicator gauge, 2 fused accessory jack plug
ins, 30 amp DC fuse, and external brass connector lugs. Measures: 16"L x 8.25W x
12.5H (CJ-01-0772 $44.95 http:www.cabelas.com)
12. Laptop Computer (requires CD ROM drive for Street Atlas 5.0)
My dream laptop by Everex. The StepNoteTM SK combines
a brilliant 13.3" screen fed by a 128 bit PCI graphic VGA accelerator
for blazing graphics performance. This combined with high end audio and a twenty speed
CD-ROM harness the power of the 233MHz Intel Pentium® Processor with MMXTM Technology to create an on-the-road, off-the-road, warrior
you can depend on. Wrapped up in a package that weighs under six and a half pounds.
The KPC3+ by Kantronics is GPS ready and used by many CCARC club members.
The W7AIA Packet Station employs this TNC.
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