[Zotter]

APRS = Automatic Position Reporting System. Developed by an instructor at the US Naval Academy. The roots of APRS go back to early packet radio systems developed in the late '70s. See the full history at: http://www.ew.usna.edu/~bruninga/APRS-docs/ARTICLES.TXT

I'm using a TinyTrack-II on my LT. With a DeLorme 'Tripmate' GPS receiver - all hooked up to an HTX-202 HT feeding an Antenex 5/8this wave base loaded vertical whip mounted in the traditional 'CB' radio antenna location.

This allows real time, GPS based tracking of my LT via a nationwide network of VHF digipeaters (digital repeaters). Any observer with Internet access (no need for VHF radio gear) can see real time tracking info (location, course, speed and elevation). My tracker's information, via the Internet, is also logged on a server here at the house as well as many other servers across the country. Publicly available logs and tracking information are stored on a server in Miami for upto 90 days. This server also provides a web browser based interface to seeing 'one shot' current positions of any tracker in the world. All you need is the callsign of the tracker - plug that into your browser and see what's up.

Since there's no "one place" for all APRS info, all the gear, options and components (trackers, client software, internet servers), it can be quite confusing to find all the info one might want when starting out. One good start point is http://www.aprs.org - the web site of the fella that started it all. Another is http://dididahdahdidit.com/

TinyTrack info (currently at V3) can be found at: http://www.byonics.com
In my 'cage', I use a HamHUD-II: http://www.hamud.net

Information on modifying a DeLorme Tripmate for APRS use can be found at: http://wes.johnston.net/aprs/tripmate.htm as well as http://www.kd4rdb.com/bbs/

The best place for questions is the TAPR Special Interest Group email reflector. See: https://lists.tapr.org/mailman/listinfo/aprssig

Many LT owners already have GPS receivers on their bikes that will put out serial NMEA data. This info stream can be just as easily fed into a TinyTrack setup. All you'd have to add is a VHF transceiver.

And the 'clincher' - that VHF digipeater network? It's ham radio. You must have at least a technician class Amateur Radio license to use the VHF network. You can read up on that at http://www.arrl.org

Gotchya curious yet? Holler

 

[allen_m]

Thanks for reposting all the good APRS info! I hope to dabble with APRS soon; but, it will probably be January before I have the time to devote to the project.

73 de N5NYM

 

[Zotter]

Well, seems folks're commfy posting their call signs 'round here. In for a penny...

Here's a 'demo' link for my tracker. It'll show you the current posistion of my bike and if you look, you'll also find message traffic, altitude and speed info.

Nothing like posting the exact location of your LT on the Internet to make ya a bit twitchy <g>

http://www.findu.com/kc7zru-6

But, if it'll help get one or two interested and active - it's worth it. :bmw:

 

[EdBruce]

I see that for a technician class license it's a 35 question test.
How many do you have to get right to pass?

I see in Canada its a 100 question test with 60% to pass

I live in Canada, I know if I pass the test here I can operate in the US.
But.. If I write the test (can I) in the US, can I operate in Canada?

Cheers

 

[Zotter]

Mm, interesting - make'n me go back and look up things.

I know I can operate in CA with my FCC ticket.
I know CA ticket holders can operate in the US.

I don't think I can sit for a CA test as a US citizen - but I"m not finding anything that says that. More of a 'gut' feeling.

I'm not sure, but I *think* you can sit for an FCC test as a CA citizen.
HOWEVER, I'm even more unsure if, as a CA citizen, you'll be granted 'reciprocity' to operate in CA. You may be restricted to operating outside of CA where FCC has jurisdiction or reciprocity that's recognized.

I'd think that going 'bout the back way like that, would be more headache than just getting your ticket under your national authority. I know how easy the FCC test is - I can't imagine the CA exam is any tougher.

The only hard and fast restriction I remember is you can't be a representative of a non-US government.

Here - try an FCC exam. Generated from the actualy question pool used by the VEs. Pass or Fail, it dosen't count for anything - but does make for great practice for taking the one that does!

http://www.qrz.com/p/testing.pl

 

[Zotter]

OK, I screwed up and typed the URL wrong. Live demo link to where my LT is right now is this (tested it even!)

http://map.findu.com/kc7zru-6

Sorry for the confusion.

 

[Zotter]

Here's a link to the software client I use for APRS - called Xastir. It's origionaly linux based, but it now runs on Windows, Mac OSX, linux, Solaris, and almost anything else you've heard about.

There're a LOT more uses for this stuff than just vehicle tracking as well.

Check the screenshots section at http://www.xastir.org
NOTE: Those screen shots were taken of V1.0.2 Xastir is now at V1.7.0 - things've improved quite a bit!

 

[airborneod]

Hi Zotter,

How many miles do you have on your bike, what is the condition and what are your woking hours????

Thanks for the post, this system is very interesting.

 

[Zotter]

I bought my LT last March with 6K on it, in Indiana - first ride was bring'n her home over the weekend. I'm now just shy of 15K.

I use 'er for my daily working vehicle, visiting clients all over town - hauling PCs and tool bags as needed. Working 'Bankerish hours' - weekdays 8 to 5. I don't always have the tracker on. I do tend to forget it's on and leave it running over night. S'long as it's a weekday - no prob. But leaving it on Friday does make Monday start ups a bit 'hesitant'.

Condition of my bike? like new - but I do think I'm working the battery a bit with the weekend 'forgetfulness'. A 1amp battery tender fixes that easily. Just did put a new Metz on the rear and enjoying the profile a lot! She turns so nicely. Had to increase the pre-load on the rear suspension just to keep from rub'n hard bits on the way home.

Gotta get me a detector soon - way I'm ride'n 'er, it's only a matter of time before I collect coupons.

So, you come'n up to case the place now? <g> I'll be sure to have a pot o joe ready :up:

 

[BecketMa]

Governments have worked out reciprocity for license holders. We get reciprocal operating privileges without having to apply for permission to operate.

One cannot substitute a USA license for a Canadian one.

Bob