[aprssig] Hidden tracker with laptop access

[Wes Johnston]

I just read the manual, and it is a very impressive product!  As I read it, I
kept asking myself: Why didn't Kantronics do that?  Running a tracker while in
KISS mode on the serial port is AWESOME... and flash upgrades... wow.

There are a few things I do see missing though...
DIGIWIDEn and DIGITRACEn commands only turn on/off, they do not allow you to
select the actual callsign for WIDE or TRACE.  Here in the states we are
implementing STn-n (where ST is the two letter state abbreviation, or other
names such as I95n-n).  It would sure be nice if we could have 4 or 5 callsigns
to use under DIGIWIDEn.  I agree with Bob's suggestion also... we should have a
N limit.

I didn't see in the book but does this TNT use a checksum to prevent digipeating
a packet two times?... within 30 seconds?

I see that there is a digital I/O pin on pin3 of the mic connector.  It would be
really nice if that pin could function as a DCD indicator.  If we use this TNC
in a mic-e repeater application, we need to be able to mute the audio going to
the repeater controller.

All in all, a very nice looking unit!
Wes
Wes
--



Quoting "(SV2AGW)George Rossopoulos" <sv2agw at raag.org>:

> Hi
>
> Just to inform you about current mUSB TNT (not TNC but Terminal Node &
> Tracker)
> The new Firmware does APRS digi. New Firmware can be uploaded with the
> companion maintenance utility in 30 seconds.
> Supports all digi functions RELAY,WIDE,TRACE,WIDEn-n,TRACEn-n, call
> substitution , dupe checking etc
> The most important is that while in KISS mode everything else works, I mean
> you can still send Position packets if a GPS is attached, and the APRS digi
> still works.
> Also have in mind that while in TRACKER mode (enters it when a GPS is
> attached) it hears before transmitting, is not a deaf TRACKER!
>
> For APRS client programs is better to use it in KISS mode.
>
> We are waiting for new units from the factory which assemblies them, next
> week.
> So shipping will be next day.
>
> The firmware is constantly in Beta version, users ask for new things and
> implement them...
>
>
>
>
> micro USB TNT (A pocket TNC with Build in Tracker and APRS digi with USB and
> battery for portable operation)
> www.elcom.gr
>
> Check AGWTracker Now! http://www.elcom.gr/sv2agw
>
> (SV2AGW)George Rossopoulos
> sv2agw at elcom.gr
> www.elcom.gr/sv2agw
> +306932465216
> George Rossopoulos
> Nikanoros 59
> 54250,Thessaloniki
> Greece
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: aprssig-bounces at lists.tapr.org [mailto:aprssig-bounces at lists.tapr.org]
> On Behalf Of Stephen H. Smith
> Sent: Wednesday, December 01, 2004 9:30 AM
> To: TAPR APRS Mailing List
> Subject: Re: [aprssig] Hidden tracker with laptop access
>
> Hinton Gary-MCG30554 wrote on 11/30/2004, 2:53 PM:
>
>  > The laptop connector will be placed somewhere on or under the dash.  When
> > I need to display APRS in the car or make configuration changes, I will  >
> simply plug in the laptop.  When the laptop is not connected, a plug  >
> could  > be installed that would select between the UHF or VHF radio.
>  >
>  > Any suggestions on selection of the tracker?
>
> You will need more than a simple tracker if you want to "display APRS in the
> car".  The essence of a tracker is that it is a TRANSMIT-OMLY device. If you
> want the ability to receive as well, you will need a full TNC.
>
> You could use a KPC3+ in the standalone tracker mode, and then plug in the
> PC when needed, but the KPC tracker doesn't do smart beaconing and doesn't
> do Mic-E transmit format.
>
> The new AGW pocket-sized USB-interfaced TNC has the ability to operate as a
> stand-alone tracker or digipeater, or act as a full TNC when conected to a
> computer.  It's USB interface would be an advantage for newer "legacy-free"
> laptops with no serial ports. I don't know anything
> whether it can do smart beaconing or Mic-E format however.   More info here:
>       http://www.elcom.gr/index.htm
>
> The cheap way to get Mic-E and smart beaconing is with the Byonics TinyTrak
> which has both but is strictly a transmit-only device -- connect one end to
> your GPS serial data output and connect the other end to you radio's mic and
> PTT lines. It also features a power control output line which can control a
> relay to turn on the GPS/radio before sending a beacon, and then shut them
> down again.  A naked board kit (you package it) is  about $35.  Details at:
>       http://byonics.com
>
>
> Stephen H. Smith                wa8lmf (at) aol.com
>
> Home Page:                      http://wa8lmf.com
>
> New/Updated Symbols for         http://members.aol.com/wa8lmf/ham
> UI-View and APRSplus:
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
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