Getting Started

[RATBASTARD]

I'm learning about all of this - inspired by http://www.faribault.k12.mn.us/brian/aprs/mine/index.htm

Let me see if I have this straight.  I want to track my vehicles' locations with APRS.

I will need:

in each car:
GPS, TinyTracker3, Radio

at home:
Telemetry Modem, Radio

I should expect to spend:
$100-200 for GPS
$62 for TT3 Assembled
$150 for each radio
$100 for the modem

correct so far?

$1070 seems expensive to track 2 cars, but considering the cost of lo-jack, and the advantages over lo-jack, it also seems like it's in a price range I might be able to talk myself into...

I will also need a HAM technician's license (test looks fairly simple).

What suppliers should I look towards for these supplies?
What Radio's do you recommend that I purchase?

also... for powering this equipment - do any of you power it directly from the car battery?  Or does everyone just keep charging the batteries for the equipment in the car?

[KG4RUL]

Interesting plan!

Of course, anyone who will be driving one of your  vehicles, without you being in the vehicle, will also have at least a Tech License?  Otherwise, there would be no legal Control Operator.

Dennis - KG4RUL

[N3ZKP]

In addition to the above reply, if your trucks are used in a commercial venture (your business), then what you propose violates FCC regulations.
 
Amateur radio cannot be used to further the normal activities of a business.

[RATBASTARD]

I didn't think about the licensing issue.  How am I going to get my wife to take the test...