Totally standalone APRS, with new Byonics GPS3

[Paul Eastham]

I didn't have time to take my wingtip off and run new wires before my upcoming summer trip, so I rigged up this totally-standalone tracker, using the Micro-Trak 300, a 9-volt battery and the new, tiny GPS3. All this contained in the MicroTrak shipping package, attached to the longeron in the baggage compartment with velcro, and with their lightweight antenna taped to the window.

I also mounted a power switch on the other endcap.



I calculate I should be able to get about 10 hours per battery, haven't reached the end of a battery yet. I'm getting pretty good tracks out of it, though there is some obvious blanking from the fuselage in certain areas.

The GPS3 is also cool because it has TTL output in addition to normal serial output, so you can use it for other projects too.

I'm headed across the Sierras tomorrow morning (~7-9AM PDT), if anyone wants to track! See my signature for the link.

Paul

[Sam Buchanan]

Originally Posted by Paul Eastham

I didn't have time to take my wingtip off and run new wires before my upcoming summer trip, so I rigged up this totally-standalone tracker, using the Micro-Trak 300, a 9-volt battery and the new, tiny GPS3. All this contained in the MicroTrak shipping package, attached to the longeron in the baggage compartment with velcro, and with their lightweight antenna taped to the window.

I also mounted a power switch on the other endcap.



I calculate I should be able to get about 10 hours per battery, haven't reached the end of a battery yet. I'm getting pretty good tracks out of it, though there is some obvious blanking from the fuselage in certain areas.

The GPS3 is also cool because it has TTL output in addition to normal serial output, so you can use it for other projects too.

I'm headed across the Sierras tomorrow morning (~7-9AM PDT), if anyone wants to track! See my signature for the link.

Paul

Very nice installation, Paul!

I suspect the next "big thing" in aviation APRS is the development of a solid stand-alone APRS rig that can be flown with no connection or mounting to the airframe. You are on the right track.

Your little MT-300 is laying down a great track as I write this and we'll see how you do over the tall stuff.

http://aprs.fi/?call=N42PE&mt=m&z=11&timerange=604800

[grholderbein]

Seen you'r post so turned on my igate hope it helps

Gary Holderbein
RV-7
KI6PIY

[Kahuna]

Boy its tracking great through the mountains. Hes following the river/interstate.
Dosh gone neat.

[Sid Lambert]

Hah, what a great technology!

I see you tracking over the interstate as you cross the mountains. I need to get one of these.

[Kahuna]

I dont understand how that thing can transmitt from inside the baggage compartment through the mountains. Its remarkable.

[Sam Buchanan]

Originally Posted by Kahuna

I dont understand how that thing can transmitt from inside the baggage compartment through the mountains. Its remarkable.

I'm impressed!

Looks like he is out in the middle of NOWHERE!!!

Update: Looks like he has landed on a dry lake bed....hope that was planned.....

[kcameron]

I guess it's Burning Man time?

[MacNab]

...well, sort of. That's the Black Rock desert dry lake where they hold the Burning Man celebration. An airport appears there once a year.

[grholderbein]

Burning Man maybe ?I see from the raw data my igate was hit a few times from the sierras
Gary
RV-7
KI6PIY