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Reviews For: TinyTrak3

Category: Packet TNCs & Digital Multi-mode Controllers

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Review Summary For : TinyTrak3
Reviews: 52MSRP: 32
Description:
A small and inexpensive GPS position encoder which replaces the need for a packet TNC in an APRS tracker.
Product is in production
More Info: http://www.byonics.com
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
00524.6
KD5MSS Rating: 2004-04-11
Excellent Buy !! Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Simply stated this was a great addition to the "stuff." I purchased two and they were quite easy to build, easy to configure, and easy to install.

Using the TT3's with a FT 1500M and the other with a HTX 202. Currently using Garmin GPS 12xl but I'm waiting for OEM 18 from GPS City to complete and simplify the set up. Interface cables can be purchased or you can build them yourself.

Atta boy Byon! Worth every penny spent.
N2YQT Rating: 2004-03-15
Ditton on VE3JXF review Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I've owned a TT2 for just over a year now and recently purchased a TT3. The TT3 is a big improvement over the TT2 as far as construction. Order yours with the case, it is really nice. I had to trim the center posts a little but hten it fit perfectly. Assembly was quick and easy following the direction included with the ZIP file you download from the byonics site. The only adjustment I had to do was to one of the pots for the receive audio threshold. And I installed R8 inadvertently but I just had to take it out. It controls the PTT for ht's like the Kantronics KPC3 jumper. Since I built that circuit into my HT's cable I could leave it out. The only "engineering" you have to do is provide power to it. The radio connector wires just like the Kantronics KPC3. The serial connector is wired to connect directly to the GPS. You will need a null modem/gender changer to program it. Programmign is done by PC or with a Palm. I havn't tried the Palm app yet. The TT3 is also available with a chip for weather stations like the WM918/WX200 and the Peet Stations. I'm going to try this out hopefully this year sometime.

I've tried the TT2 with a Yaesu FT-2600 and a Motorola GM300. I've used the TT3 with an Icom 2100H, Yaesu FT-8800, FT-50, and VX-150.

I havn't had any problems at all. I recommend the Deluo GPS with this unit. You can find a review for this unit on eham.net also.
VE3JXF Rating: 2004-02-03
As Advertised Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I'm amazed at how simple it was to assemble the TT3 and put myself on the map - the assembly instructions are superb, Great checklist to solder all the parts. Buy the case - its the last 1% that makes the project look cool! The interconnection really was easy! I put a Deluo GPS and a Yaesu VX2 (with a real antena, Pryme RD92) together. Basically, I just made up a cable to connect the radio and power the TT3 & GPS - I followed the Yaesu diagram & it worked! - Just a couple of tweaks to 2 pots that are well explained and I'm on findu - this couldn't have been easier. High Marks & Kudos to Byon.


KD5CFM Rating: 2004-01-07
Quit waiting, buy one now! Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
I purchased my first TT3 assembled. I used it with my Kenwood TM-G707 in my truck. I've since changed to a dedicated Yaesu FT-1500. It works great.
I decided to purchase and build TT3 a couple of weeks ago, and was amazed at how easy it was to build. I've put it inside a Delorme Tripmate. I'm tempted to purchase another, not because I need another, but because it was so enjoyable to build!
N8MIQ Rating: 2003-12-23
great product Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
I bought the TT3 from a guy on ebay who builds them. I did not have the courage to build one; the old Benzomatic leaves everything all brown and gooey! It works great. Make sure to get the little blue box to enclose it. Also, the old Magellan 3000 and 4000xl gps are very reliable.
K1MCP Rating: 2003-07-08
Small, light, cheap, and effective! Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Purchased for use as a beacon aboard high-altitude balloons that have a chance of getting lost. Needed something small, lightweight, inexpensive, and easily interfaced with radio and GPS. This product is all of that.

Arrived only a few days after ordering. Took about 60 minutes to solder and place in the optional case (nice fit). Worked flawlessly after initial programming via PC serial port.

I love it when I find a product like this that far exceeds my expectations! I plan to buy several more.
N0RQ Rating: 2003-03-19
neat little device Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I bought 2 -- the assembled & tested version -- for $62 intead of $32. I have them running as mobile trackers, and they work fine.

I also use the Primary/Secondary switch, one side coded with my callsign, the other with my wife's. A little switch in the front of the vehicle lets us easily switch back and forth.

I have a short and basic web page on how we implemented APRS with TT3s -- www.qsl.net/n0rq -- not that I know that much about it, but it works good for us. The TT3 has been a pleasure to learn about and use.
KC2ELO Rating: 2003-02-17
Super EASY Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Purchase from Byonics was smooth as can be.

The online documentation was very extensive with an excellent source for information via a yahoo group.

The new TT3 board is laid out beautifully compared to the older TT1 and TT2's.

Completed the assembly of the kit in one evening and was on the air.

I'll definately be getting more for each vehicle. They make excellent trackers with minimal components.
WA6FXP Rating: 2003-02-17
Excellent kit! Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I had previously assembled two TinyTrak II kits, and while both worked fine, they had some shortcomings.

When the TinyTrak III arrived, I had it unpacked, assembled and working within half an hour. The kit is very professional--it goes together easily, and because it works in exactly the same way as the TTII, there were no changes required to my TTII installation to make it work.

The addition of a second DB-9 connector to the TTIII for the radio connections is wonderful! Unlike the TTII, which required a hardwired
cable for connection to the radio, the TTIII can be connected and disconnected easily. The PC board is well-designed and well laid-out.

Thanks, Byon, for a wonderful revision to an already good kit!
WB0BZR Rating: 2003-02-17
An easy to build kit that does EXACTLY what it's supposed to. Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
This kit definately falls into the "shake the box" category. Just shake the box, and everything practically falls into place! I had absolutely no problem identifying the parts or assembling the kit. There were no hidden 'gotcha's'.

One bit of advice - DON'T try to build it by following the instructions packed with it. Instead, make life easier for yourself, and go to the web site and download the complete building instructions. A person would have to be brain-dead to screw up following THOSE directions :).

It worked perfectly the first time it was powered up, and the configuration software had it setup in a few miutes.

I've successfully connected it to two different radios: A Motorola MCX-100, and a Radio Shack HTX-252 (hey, at 89 bucks the RS rig's great for APRS!). A short Google search provided all the connection info I needed for both rigs.

I still have a second TT3 kit to assemble, and I fully expect it to be as easy to build and get running.