[aprssig] Low power APRS digi that allows additional data

[Kris Kirby]

On Sun, 12 Dec 2010, Jason KG4WSV wrote:
> On Sun, Dec 12, 2010 at 5:44 AM, Andre v Schaijk 
> <aprs at pe1rdw.demon.nl> wrote:
> > I would sugest going for an openwrt or nslu2 capable network storage 
> > device,
> 
> These are not low power devices, unless you compare them to a 300 watt 
> desktop computer or a refrigerator.
> 
> They are orders of magnitude more hungry than an OT2m (12 mA idle, 30 
> mA transmitting).  IIRC, an NSLU2 requires around 1000mA, more to 
> power a USB peripheral (like a TNC).

I was going to suggest something out of the Alix line for a support PC, 
since they are low power (again, in comparison to a 100 - 300 W desktop 
computer) and give one access to the tools needed to remotely control a 
TNC (however, one would need to add a serial port, probably using USB). 

2.4GHz or 5GHz at the site would likely be a hit or miss proposition 
unless a directional antenna is used and some power. 

When you're dealing with a site that has line-of-sight to over 50 miles 
away, there's a lot of noise that can be picked up. 

I assume that this digi will be shared with a repeater that has a very 
good antenna (DB-224/8/Super Stationmaster). =)

--
Kris Kirby, KE4AHR
Disinformation Analyst