I think I have most of what I need... - APRS Forum at eHam.net

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eHam.net Forum : APRS : I think I have most of what I need...

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I think I have most of what I need...	Reply
by KF7EEE on November 7, 2009	Mail this to a friend!
Hi all, I'd like to get into APRS with a mobile installation in my car. Here's what I have: Lenovo Netbook with a sound card and a built-in GPS A Yaesu FT-7900 radio (I plan on getting an FT-1900 for dedicated APRS use) If I'm reading everything correctly all I'll need other than those items is a TNC with the proper cables to hook everything together. Is that right? It seems that most everything I've read states that the TNC's have serial port outputs. I only have USB ports on the Netbook; are there any TNC's with USB ports? Will this allow me to track other Hams using APRS? How about receiving weather info from some local Ham sites equipped with APRS? If my Netbook is hooked up to the Internet (It has an AT&T 3G card) will this allow it to act as a Digipeater for others to use? Newer Ham, totally new to APRS. Any help you all could give me (including suggesting a TNC) would be greatly appreciated. Greg

RE: I think I have most of what I need...	Reply
by KE7RFL on November 8, 2009	Mail this to a friend!
I wanted to have APRs capability, but I drive different vehicles, so I needed/wanted a portable system. After visiting N2QDK's web-site at http://mikewren.com/n2qdk-9, I knew I had found the perfect solution. Here's my parts list: Tac-Comm TRC-1 case to hold the system and allow easy transport. Yaesu FT-2900R dedicated APRS xmitter. Garmin NUVI 350 GPS unit. (Out of production, but still available) Argent Data System OT2m TNC Garmin FMI (Fleet Management) cable to connect the TNC to the GPS. (Be sure to order the '9-pin female connector' option). https://www.argentdata.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=28&products_id=90 Byonics M5S (Mike, Five, Sierra - Phonetically) cable to connect the FT-2900R to the TNC. http://www.byonics.com/cables/tinytrak3_modular.php#m5 Antenna - (I use a Diamond, mag-mount 2-meter antenna). Using this configuration, you'll find that the TNC unit draws power from the FT-2900R mic connector and does not require another power cord. (Exception... when you program the OT2m, it will have to be powered.) Speaking of programming the TNC... you'll have to connect your computer USB port to the TNC's serial port, using a null modem cable and a serial-to-USB cable. I got mine at Microcenter.com, but lots of places sell them. I am extremely happy with this system.

RE: I think I have most of what I need...	Reply
by W3JKS on November 11, 2009	Mail this to a friend!
I wouldn't let the lack of a serial port get in the way of picking up an inexpensive TNC; I've had good luck with these USB-serial cables, which are less than $15 plus postage: http://www.buxcomm.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=3&products_id=678 These are pretty nice because, unlike some adapters, they put out sufficient DC to run most of the "powered by RS232" devices like older sound card adapters and TNCs. I keep one in my laptop "just-in-" case. Another handy device I've found cheap on the used market are one- and two-port RS232 cards which fit into the PCMCIA card slot (AKA, Cardbus). Take a look at UI-View32 software. I think that you'll find it to be excellent if you're running Windows. If you're a Linux-type, XASTIR absolutely rocks. BTW, I just picked up some "OEM" (Original Equipment Manufacturer" Garmin GPS units off gpscity.com. They are GREAT. The "hockey puck" type units come for either USB (5 volts) or 12 volt power and they allow you to makeup the type of cabling and connectors you need (the GPS comes with tinned wire tails usually). Another model is a module with an MCX antenna connector for external active antennas, RS-232 for the NMEA data and a 1 pulse/second synchronization signal. Cool stuff. 73s, john W3JKS/AAT3BF/AAM3EDE/AAA9SL

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