Manager


Manager - NA4M
Manager Notes

Reviews For: HinzTec - anyfrog

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 : HinzTec - anyfrog
Reviews: 1MSRP:
Description:
The "anyfrog" is a standalone solution for transmitting APRS beacons, either from weather stations (in complete beacon format) with mobile or fixed position or as a tracker for mobile APRS stations. Variable beacon timing available for mobile users on demand. (beacon frequency dependent on speed). It is designed to conserve energy with a power consumption of only 30mA@12V. "iSetup" is used for an easy change of mobile and stationary action, this means the modem uses a mobile profile, if valid GPS data are present. A digital DCD is implemented for detection of a free channel. Flash memory: future updates are possible via serial connection to a PC. GPS and weather station power supply is possible through the "anyfrog".
Product is in production
More Info: http://www.hinztec.de
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
0015
OE9FWV Rating: 2008-03-08
sophisticated APRS modem for weather stations / mobile tracker Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
I use this device since september 2007 in connection with my weatherstation Huger WM-918. The device is working to my full satisfaction without any problem since then.

my weather data can be found here:
http://www.findu.com/cgi-bin/wxpage.cgi?call=oe9fwv&units=metric

The rain gauge is disconnected, because there is
a RF problem with my weatherstation when transmitting on 80m, it was showing false values.
That is a known problem of the WM-918, not of the anyfrog.

Before the anyfrog I used the Wxtrak modem, which was more sensitive to RF and sometimes needed a complete new setup. This was not the case with the anyfrog.

The firmware has been updated twice since I use the equipment and for me there is no unsolved issue with the current firmware.
I can check the proper operation of the unit in a few seconds regarding the LED's blinking, there is a transmit button to send an additional beacon, very useful when checking the setup on a packet monitor. The weather station data are monitored with green LED signals.
The station uses very little power and can so be used also in a remote setup (like battery or solar operated)
With the latest firmware there is are two operation profiles available, with a valid GPS input signal the mobile setup is automatically chosen.
The unit supports fully the WM-918 serial chip, it can wake up the chip for data transmission unlike the former tracker I was using, where I had to add an external power supply.

It is also prepared to do the so called smart beaconing (c) interesting for mobile users.

One big advantage is the DCD (data carrier detection) which avoids transmitting over another sending station on the frequency. It is superior to a simple squelch operated carrier detection.

The device is programmable via serial connection to the PC, firmware updates are also performed via serial connection. The same port is used to connect the station to the weather station and optional GPS.
Configuration and firmware update is done through a special program. After selection of the serial port you have to connect the modem to the serial port and power up or reset the modem. (i always do power up because the reset button is hidden behind a very small hole in the front panel)
Configuration is intuitive and all configuration data can be stored in non volatile memory so power down is no issue - when you switch on the unit, the saved configuration will start working like before.

Another useful feature of the anyfrog is a counter for each beacon, adding a number to each beacon, which allows you to see the beacon sequence on the Aprs program or internet, so you can check if and how many beacons were lost.