[aprssig] Hidden tracker with laptop access

Wed Dec 1 16:49:38 EST 2004

Hi

Too many questions, indeed!!!

Well the good thing is that I am writing the bios, so we can do anything, if
the hardware permits of course ....
Digi does have a dupe checking.
Does NOT have the STn-n.
For the moment I am recording user requests and try to implement them.

What I have in mind is to publish different dedicated BIOS versions.
For instance a stand alone APRS digi. That way more things can included.
It is useless for somenone who will not use it as a tracker the TRACKER
functionality. 
Or if the TNT serves as a digi even KISS mode is unecessary.

A standalone Digi version will released soon, that version will use the GPS
serial port to connect Back-to-Back TNT units to act as multiport APRS digi.

I am writing Packet Programs since 1987, I received so many emails from HAMS
all over the world so far and I know how a TNC unit must behave.
For me the most important micro USB TNT feauture is the ability to upload
new firmwares. This is what makes this unit really flexible and able to
serve almost any purpose/application.

So far the biggest problem, besides the development was the production, now
that we solved it we are ready to enhance the firmware.

73

micro USB TNT (A pocket TNC with Build in Tracker and APRS digi with USB and
battery for portable operation)
www.elcom.gr

(SV2AGW)George Rossopoulos
sv2agw at elcom.gr
www.elcom.gr/sv2agw
+306932465216
George Rossopoulos
Nikanoros 59
54250,Thessaloniki
Greece

-----Original Message-----
From: Wes Johnston [mailto:aprs at kd4rdb.com] 
Sent: Wednesday, December 01, 2004 11:02 PM
To: sv2agw at elcom.gr; TAPR APRS Mailing List; (SV2AGW)George Rossopoulos
Subject: RE: [aprssig] Hidden tracker with laptop access

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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