[OZAPRS] Re: Packable Tracker

[Dave Ingram]

vk7arn wrote:
> I've put some pictures and notes on the APRS BakPak tracker here
> http://tas.wicen.org.au/APRS/aprs_bakpac.html.  Seems to work without RF
> feedback OK now at 4W.  Thanks for the contributions, some of which (those
> suited to the concept) I'll incorporate.

For those that are interested, I did something similar last year when I bought 
an OpenTracker 1+. I haven't replied until now due to computer problems, but 
it sounds like people are on the same track as I was.

I use 4x AA batteries to run the tracker and Deluo SirfStar III GPS (which is 
so sensitive it works well from inside the case), and the Puxing PX-777 runs 
off its own Lithium Ion battery.

To avoid RF problems I put a ferrite choke on the microphone lead at the 
tracker end.

The description of what I did is at:
	http://ingramtech.com/?p=13
Some photos are at:
	http://ingramtech.com/photos/main.php?g2_itemId=727

It works quite well with a 1m whip antenna on the bike, but still has a little 
difficulty around the hills/bumps in inner-west Brisbane. If I put the tracker 
onto my colinear it hits the VK4OG igate about 40km away with no difficulty at 
5W.

I would like to make something smaller, but that would involve the OT1smd and 
a GPS module, all on one board that fits into an empty battery holder on the 
PX777. An external LiIon pack would then run the whole lot.


Regards,
	David.
-- 
David Ingram (VK4TDI)
Real email: dave at ingramtech dot com
Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
http://www.ingramtech.com/
MGRS: 56J MQ 991583    Maidenhead Grid Square: QG62lm
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