Available Equipment
There are a few radios on the market which include a built-in AX.25 Terminal Node Controller and APRS software, and are capable of working with or without the need for an external GPS device. Common models are the mobile Kenwood TM-D700A, its replacement, the Kenwood TM-D710A and the handheld Kenwood TH-D7A(G)and its replacement, the Kenwood TH-D72, which also has a built-in GPS receiver. Yaesu has recently entered the APRS market with their VX-8R(G) handheld and FTM-350R mobile radio.
In the United Kingdom, Cross Country Wireless have an APRS TNC Digi Tracker with a plastic boxed board. Ideal for nestling on a vehicle parcel shelf or dashboard. Two 9-pin DB-9 rear connectors allow radio and PC access. Available with/without an inbuilt GPS using the latest Sirf Star 111 architecture and a twenty satellite capability. Intrnal DIL switched for various uses and easy to set up. Resolution is to about one metre and capture time speedy, even from cold. It will digipeat too. Suits a handheld Tx and comes with a comprehensive manual by Chris G4HYG, the designer and supplier.
The HamHUD integrates a display for viewing the position of other stations and weather reports, and a means of sending and receiving APRS messages, and an interface for a GPS receiver. It started out in 1997 as a homebrew device, but more recently, kits have been available from time to time. It connects to a TNC which is in turn connected to a radio. The Alinco DR-135T is popular as the internally mounted T2-135 can be used with it, reducing the number of items that need to be connected together. SmartBeaconing was developed for the HamHUD by Tony Arnerich and Steve Bragg. Since it uses GPS data, it varies the beacon rate based on speed, and adds corner pegging. This reduces unnecessary traffic on the frequency. SmartBeaconing has been adopted by the TinyTrak and OpenTracker series of trackers, in a software update for the Kenwood TM-D710, and in the TH-D72 from its release.
RPC Electronics, LLC created the RTrak and combined an OpenTracker 1+ and a GPS receiver along with a low power transmitter in one package. The original units produced 500 mW, but the current version puts out 350. The latest family of RTraks include the RTrak-Mini a smaller version of the original containing similar hardware, but an increase to a 5W transmitter, the RTrak-Lite which is the same size of the Mini, but doesn't contain a transmitter, allowing the end user to use the power they require and add on a receiver for channel detection. They also have the RTrak-HAB an APRS tracker designed specifically for high altitude applications, such as high altitude balloons.
RPC Electronics also has a third-party interface for the Kenwood D710 APRS control head. This interface allows any FM transceiver to be connected to the D710 head and utilize the APRS functions.
Byonics has introduced an all-in-one device combining a GPS receiver, TinyTrak controller and synthesized 2m radio called the Micro Trak AIO which requires no assembly by the user. Other products include; TinyTrack4, Microtrak line, and tinytrack3.
ArgentData now has a 5-Watt VHF Transceiver with Integrated Tracker2 in one compact package. With a non-display GPS receiver connected, the T2-301 can be used as a tracker. With compatible display-type GPS receiver, received position reports can be output as waypoints. With a Garmin Nuvi 350 GPS receiver connected, it can send and receive APRS messages as well as display other stations as waypoints. The Nuvi 350 can be used this way with a stand-alone Tracker 2 (OT2m) or connected to a T2-135 which mounts in an Alinco DR-135 radio. The T2-301 can also be used as a stand-alone digipeater. Other products include; The New USB Tracker, and OpenTracker+. ArgentData also manufactures an APRS radio shield for the Arduino.
The APRS SkyTracker is an APRS Beacon at 144.800Mhz which includes a 8W RF Transmitter, programmable PIC & u-bloc GPS receiver all on one 72x56mm PCB.
The BigRedBee GPS Transmitter is the smallest 2 meter frequency agile completely integrated APRS transmitter available. Output power is 6 watts from a supply voltage of just 7.5 volts. It also features on-board data recording that can be downloaded for later and viewing via Google Earth. A low power 70 cm version is also available.
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