Manager


Manager - NA4M
Manager Notes

Reviews For: Sainsonic AP510 APRS tracker VHF with GPS

Category: Packet TNCs & Digital Multi-mode Controllers

eMail Subscription

Registered users are allowed to subscribe to specific review topics and receive eMail notifications when new reviews are posted.
Review Summary For : Sainsonic AP510 APRS tracker VHF with GPS
Reviews: 2MSRP: $115
Description:
This device is an all-in-one GPS receiver, TNC, and 1-Watt transceiver built into a handheld sized package capable of providing complete APRS tracking for a variety of projects - balloons launches, trackers, or just a simple easy-to-use APRS setup.
Product is in production
More Info: http://https://www.sainsonic.com/ap510-aprs-tracker-vhf-with-gps-bluetooth-thermometer-tf-card-support-aprsdroid.html
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
0025
KE8BDQ Rating: 2017-12-16
APRS in the palm of your hand Time Owned: more than 12 months.
These are about the cheapest option for an all-in-one APRS tracker.

The Windows-only configuration software allows you to enter callsign, message, output power, and some others.

It has an intenal lipo battery cell that will transmit for many hours on a full charge. Charging and programming is accomplished through a special USB cable that has a USB-serial converter chip inside. Using a standard USB cable may cause damage.

I never had a problem with it, but some users report difficulties getting the Prolific driver working due to the unknown origin of the chip. Sometimes a custom FTDI cable is the only way to get around it.

I still don't have a way to test the output power of my unit, but by all appearances it is working well.
KI5DR Rating: 2017-06-08
Very happy with my purchase Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I came across this device last year online, took the chance and purchased one. After reading the forums and seeing several others having problems with the USB interface, I noted the following:
- The device comes with a USB cable that has compatibility problems with Win10 (WinXP is better)
- users *MUST MUST first upload the firmware to the device before it will boot. This is a case of RTFM, and requires the USB cable (above) to work correctly.
Once you overcome these initial hurdles, it does work great! Simple, accurate, and extremely useful.
I have used this running 1W and a 5/8w on the roof of the car, with pretty decent results around South Texas. I added a 25w 2m amp to it I purchased used at a hamfest, and have experimented with both a 1/4w and 5/8w magmount with excellent results with daily use and for public service events. This unit has an internal battery that will run for several hours, but using a Mini-USB cable and 12v adapter it will run indefinitely. There are a few people on the forums who have replaced the expired battery with a set of electrolytic capacitors with good results.
Also, for high altitude balloon launches, there is a modification available for altitude limitations.