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Reviews For: Argent Data Tracker4

Category: Packet TNCs & Digital Multi-mode Controllers

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Review Summary For : Argent Data Tracker4
Reviews: 2MSRP: $139.00
Description:
The Tracker4 is the successor to the OpenTracker and Tracker2 / Tracker3 series, and it represents a near-total software rewrite and a huge increase in memory and processor power. Like its predecessors, the T4 is an APRS tracker, digipeater, and KISS TNC, and keeps all of the Tracker3's software features. Major new features include: WiFi networking - supports 802.11b/g/n Browser-based configuration, no special configuration software required Telnet server for remote network access Internal GPS receiver Complete BASIC interpreter for easy scripting RS-485 port with Modbus RTU support for interfacing with sensors, relays, and other devices DTMF decoding and encoding, usable with macros and scripts WAV file recording and playback capability An external magnetic mount GPS antenna and WiFi antenna are included.
Product is in production
More Info: https://www.argentdata.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=200
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
1322.5
WB0KWJ Rating: 2023-01-14
Wealth of features. Sensitive to RF. Time Owned: more than 12 months.
The Argent Tracker 4 is a standalone digipeater/iGate interface with WIFI connection to the Internet. It has an amazing wealth of features, ranging from the basics to get you on as a digipeater and iGate, to its own internal BASIC-language computer to automate APRS operations as needed. You even get 25 MB of disk space, appearing as a USB drive. GPS is built in. Just add an antenna. You can also connect to standard weather equipment to add reports to your APRS messages.

You can connect the Tracker4 to a computer using USB and it appears as a standard serial port. It also has a built-in WIFI web interface. Thus, programming does not require proprietary software. It can be done via direct commands using any standard serial port monitor or via its built-in web interface. In other words, you can modify the setup with your computer--Mac, PC, Linux--or using any web browser. I have sent other similar trackers back because they required proprietary software for programming, leaving too much risk that the devices will suddenly become obsolete and non-functional after an operating system update or loss of developer support.

The whole unit is in a sturdy aluminum box with flanges. Multiple connection options make interfacing relatively easy. It can be powered via USB or direct DC input. It comes with a WIFI antenna, and the documentation is very complete and mostly clear. Set up is easy, and you can be up in minutes once you've made the needed cable to your radio.

The Tracker4 is very sensitive to stray RF and does not tolerate long USB cables even without stray RF. If anything perturbs its serial connection to the computer, it seems prone to turning off and otherwise suddenly disconnecting. Count on unreliable operation if there's RF around or if you don't have a good USB connection. There also appears to be a problem with random crashes, disconnecting it from the internet. I have not been able to determine if this is inherent in the device, or an aspect of my wireless set-up.

Update: As of January 2023, and probably before, the Tracker4 seems to have been disappeared. There is no mention of it on the Argent site, even as a legacy device, including no link to a manual, software, or other items relevant to the Tracker4. The support forum link is dead. The archived manual that can be found in ManualsLib doesn't seem to be accurate, perhaps due to firmware updates.
NS7C Rating: 2019-11-18
Nice hardware design, but firmware needs help! Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I thought the concept of this product looked great, with a wealth of features that would really enhance my APRS station. I was one of the early orders when it was first announced. Delivery took nearly 9 months, but still, I was excited to put it through the paces and get it installed. The hardware and build quality are very good, and initial testing looked good as well. But I soon ran into problems with the firmware. Several features were obviously not working, either at all, or as expected. The support forum quickly filled with similar complaints. Argent responded initially, and provided a few firmware updates that fixed some of the major problems, but as time went by, there were fewer updates, and much further apart. I have now owned the device for over a year, there have been no firmware updates for over 6 months, many bugs remain, and Argent has been completely absent from the forum. In its current state, I can't really install the product due to critical flaws. Instead, it sits on my desk reminding me not to be an early adopter. I can only hope that someday Argent steps up and makes this the product it should be.