[aprssig] Options for robust digipeaters - TT4?
Mark Cheavens
mcheavens at usa.net
Tue Feb 9 00:05:03 EST 2021
You did not specify if you are looking at a mountain top with access and
power, or solar for power budget.
For "more modern" I like Bob would suggest the TT4 but also add:
1. Tracker4 (or Tracker3), I have a bunch in LOW POWER battery mountain
tops.
https://www.argentdata.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=200
2. For remote sites that have Internet (for use as a Digi AND Igate, AND
low power) WX3in1 + 2.0
https://microsat.com.pl/product_info.php?products_id=100&ceid=6ecb492c34664ccd2c3dba08c23f3433
All three are MUCH lower power consumption, solid state, not a full
computer. I have hundred's of Pi's for many uses, but I would not put
one on a mountain top with no access for months at a time!
Mark
KC5EVE
On 2/8/2021 9:34 PM, Robert Bruninga wrote:
> But how does this all compare to an $85 Tinytrak 4 that is highly
> reliable. We usse them in space as the digipeater 24/7/365 used rund
> the world for our satellites and PSAT is now going on 6 years without
> failure, or having to have a visit (ha ha).
>
> Byonics - TinyTrak4 <http://byonics.com/tinytrak4>
>
> Or fully ibuiilt and ntegrated with a 10W radio as the MTT4B
>
> Bob
>
> On Mon, Feb 8, 2021 at 5:29 PM Curt Mills <curt.we7u at gmail.com
> <mailto:curt.we7u at gmail.com>> wrote:
>
> This doesn't directly answer the questions but should apply:
>
> A buddy of mine has been putting Rpi-4 systems onto mountaintops for
> digipeaters, running Raspian Linux and SVXlink. Before you guys wince
> and think "I wouldn't use an Rpi for that, they're not reliable
> enough!"... I had the same thoughts initially.
>
> The keys are:
>
> - Buy very good and fast SDcards which are much larger than what you
> need (spreads the writes across the card). Like 32 or 64 GB cards that
> are name brand and fast.
>
> - Use an Rpi UPS board that can control the reset pin.
>
> - Set up scripts that take down the Rpi nicely when the UPS runs out.
>
> - My buddy designed an Rpi board which controls two radios (with a
> soundcard on there of course and PTT circuitry). He orders/builds more
> as he needs them, he doesn't market or sell them.
>
> He started deploying with earlier Rpi's and in fact one mountaintop
> site is still running an earlier Rpi, like maybe a 2? That one will
> get replaced with an Rpi4 when things warm up again here and he can
> get to the mountaintop.
>
> Some of these sites have RF links to other repeaters, a bunch have
> internet links, some of those via HamWAN (another subject entirely).
> The system works great, and he can adjust the audio in/out of each
> radio remotely.
>
> Anyway, that's one example of a H/W setup that could easily run
> Direwolf instead of SVXlink and do what you're asking, 1200-baud-wise.
> As far as 9600 baud you might need to do some experimentation to
> figure that out.
>
> Commercial Rpi radio-control boards (not what my buddy is using, but
> nice boards nevertheless) are available, like the DRAWS boards from
> Northwest Digital.
>
> He says he's using Sandisk high-endurance 32GB SDcards now, but may go
> to USB 3 SSD in the future. If he goes to those he may skip the UPS
> board.
>
>
> On Mon, Feb 8, 2021 at 1:25 PM Jim (List)
> <jim.list at stuckinthemud.org <mailto:jim.list at stuckinthemud.org>>
> wrote:
> >
> > Hi,
> >
> >
> >
> > I’m looking for advice on current offering for a robust,
> field-deployable digipeater TNC/modem.
> >
> >
> >
> > Over the years my go-to device has been the KPC-3+, mainly
> because when I started out with APRS the sound-modem stuff was
> rubbish and not easily deployed in the field without needing to be
> tweaked / set up each time. The KPC-3+ is bomb-proof, out-performs
> most other hardware, low power and just works (save for the known
> buffer/timing issues, but they were solved in v9.1). I’ve never
> had one fail in 25 years (and I’ve had wide-area event systems
> deployed with a dozen of them spread around the hills!).
> >
> >
> >
> > The world has moved on and sound-modem stuff is now very good,
> so looking at what options there are for something that has
> multi-functionality - i.e. can be used at a centre or in a mobile
> for situation awareness, perhaps over LAN/Wi-Fi with an
> appropriate tablet/computer, used as an iGate, as well as “black
> boxed” with a radio for the hilltop where it can be just switched
> on and left by someone without any ARPS / computer knowledge.
> >
> >
> >
> > Units that would reliably handle 9600 would also be useful.
> Again 25 years ago that was a problem, but radios from the “big
> three” (and I think some others) have the appropriate connections.
> >
> >
> >
> > So, any recommendations / thoughts?
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > Jim
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > ________________________________
> >
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> >
> >
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>
>
>
> --
> Curt, WE7U http://xastir.org <http://xastir.org>
> http://www.sarguydigital.com <http://www.sarguydigital.com>
>
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