[aprssig] Base antennas and a couple other questions

[Josh Keller]

scott at opentrac.org wrote:

>This might not help you any, but I've got a working prototype of a TK-790
>specific variant of the OpenTracker installed in one of our vehicles.  It's
>a transmit-only tracker though, and won't be of much use as a base station.
>  
>
>We've got everything pretty much permanently installed in a mobile command
>post.  Antennas aren't really my thing.  As soon as I get my uTNC, I'll be
>setting up an APRS demo using the existing radios and laptop.  DMAPPER
>doesn't support AGWPE or I'd use that.  I'm considering building an ammo can
>digi, too - another uTNC could fill that role until my own project is
>working.
>
>  
>
We are slowly working on the mobile command post idea, but at the moment 
the $$ isn't there (and probably won't be for a couple years). Right now 
we are using borrowed equipment which is why the trailer may not always 
be available.

I'm hoping for a uTNC for Christmas to play with :-) We will probably 
end up putting a small tracker/digi in the radio box also just in case 
it grows legs (if we have to leave it somewhere for whatever reason). 
The uTNC seems like a good choice for this. We have a second D700 
dedicated to being a digi, but given the terrain and vast search areas 
we sometimes have one isn't always going to be enough.

>Is your SAR team part of the Mountain Rescue Association?
>  
>
No, we aren't. We are ground pounders, and don't normally go above the 
treeline. We used to be Explorers but have slowly gotten away from that 
name, although the majority of our 70+ members are teenagers.

Josh