[aprssig] Mic encoders

[scott at opentrac.org]

As those of you who hang out in the OpenTracker group know, I'm working on a
new OpenTracker board that'll include a lot of things that have until now
been add-ons left to the end user.  It'll be larger, and will come in an
aluminum case.

I still haven't decided if I want to include connectors so it can be used
like a Mic-E.  Does anyone still want or use such a beast any more?  Are
there many Mic-E gateways left?

I may add it just so Search and Rescue users have a nice integrated option,
but I'd prefer not to have to deal with lots of pinouts and mic connectors.
I'd likely just set it up with the Kenwood RJ-45 mic pinout.

If there's really a market for it, I'd consider adding the 8-pin circular
connector and jumper matrix like the Mic-E had.  I just don't want to make
it more expensive than necessary if not many people want that.

The box WILL have radio power control built in.  Most likely it'll have a
couple of 14 ga wire leads for power input (fused), and another pair for the
switched load.  I'm aiming for a 30 amp switching capability.  I thought
about giving it chassis-mount Powerpoles, but I think wire leads will be
easier and more flexible.

It'll also have an RJ11 jack for 1-wire bus hookup, a coaxial power jack for
use with a wall transformer, and a regulator big enough to provide plenty of
extra 5V power.  The enclosure will have mounting flanges on the bottom to
make it easy to secure.  If there's anything else you'd like to see on it
(hardware changes only, not firmware) let me know.

Scott, N1VG
http://n1vg.net/opentracker