I just finished my APRS project and I just wanted to get it out there and mybe get some feedback. The whole project is contained in a Pelican 1120 waterproof case. Im using an Icom IC-T70a handheld as the transmitter and a byonics tinytrak3 Plus GPS encoder. The GPS used is called the Ultimate GPS breakout board from adafruit industries. Initially I had just soldered it up using some hook up wire and some perfboard but I wanted it to be more durable but yet removeable for other projects. The board I designed and built allows the GPS to plug into it via a 9 pin header then plugs directly into the tinytrak with a 9 pin serial connector. I also included a 4 pin header on the board to allow for programming of the GPS as it has build in datalogging capabilites, it can be used as a stan alone tracker if independantly powered. Dispite a few negative reviews I read about the tinytrak, It hs worked flawlessly for me and is perfect for anyone who wants so set up a mobile, or just small and compact APRS station. I modified the byonics radio cable by adding a 9V battery clip so the box can stay sealed but I left on the cigarette lighter plug just in case the 9v dies. Since the radio with the antenna attached wouldnt fit in the box I drilled holes in the top and used SMA jumpers to allow any antenna to be screwed onto the box facing upright. The gps board has a U.FL external antenna connector that I utilized, again using a jumper, so that any sma GPS antenna can be screwed on the box. The gps antenna is mag mount so I just glued a magnet to the inside of the box so when the lid is closed you can stick the gps to the top.
Have a look at some pictures!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/95831063@N06/8748426066/in/photostreamhttp://www.flickr.com/photos/95831063@N06/8747304581/in/photostream/http://www.flickr.com/photos/95831063@N06/8748426252/in/photostream/http://www.flickr.com/photos/95831063@N06/8748425718/in/photostream/http://www.flickr.com/photos/95831063@N06/8748425958/in/photostream/http://www.flickr.com/photos/95831063@N06/8748425536/in/photostream/http://www.flickr.com/photos/95831063@N06/8748425012/in/photostream/http://www.flickr.com/photos/95831063@N06/8747303315/in/photostream/If anyone has any questions or would like the PCB schematics for the board I made, feel free to email me
ve7opv@shaw.ca