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Albert Gardner

Joined: 10 Jan 2006
Posts: 455
Location: Yuma, AZ

Posted: Mon Aug 25, 2008 8:22 pm Post subject: APRS System

Sam Buchanan wrote an article for Kit Planes  (Aug. 2008) about the Amateur

Radio guys (hams) and a system they had for automatically reporting

position. He had put one in his plane and the article was about using it. I

thought it was the neatest thing I had seen for some time so I got the

equipment and made a transmitter for myself. I made mine portable and

powered it with a battery pack I got at Radio Shack (a plastic holder

containing 8 AA batteries) and got a 2 meter rubber duck antenna at Fry's

Electronics. The switch is so I can turn it on and off. I taped the rubber

duck antenna to the shoulder belt near the cabin roof and laid the unit on

the  rear seat with the GPS antenna laying on the glare shield. Seems to

work great. I like the idea that position is available real time on the

internet and friends/family can track and anticipate your arrival/rescue as

required. 

Total cost is under $300 and the next step is to mount it in the plane and

wire it into the plans 12V system with a  switch just in case I'm doing

something I would not like recorded. On the picture on the track the

position bubble pops up if you click on any of the dots and give speed,

heading, and altitude. The transmitter is only about 5 inches long, required

from 9 to 30V and comes with a db-9 connector that you solder to the board

and  than connect the GPS antenna. It has an SMA connector for the

transmitting antenna so you may need either SMA to BNC adaptors or a cable

made up with the required ends. Hey, I have tracks to/from Oshkosh and a

trip from Yuma thru CA to Oregon, Idaho, and back home. I used to fly to

burn up gas but now it to make tracks!

Albert Gardner

Yuma, AZ

N991RV

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_________________
RV-9A N872RV
RV-10 N991RV

dlm46007(at)cox.net
Guest

Posted: Mon Aug 25, 2008 8:52 pm Post subject: APRS System

I plan to do a similar thing. I got my technicians license about a month ago

but have been too busy flying and fixing to think about APRS. Byonics has

developed an AIO (all in one) unit which I plan to power via a switch on the

panel and place the unit and the antenna (a shortened aircraft bent whip) in

the right wing/fuselage fairing. Probably won't get it working before first

annual as I need to remove some interior panels on the right side.  



--

robin1(at)mrmoisture.com
Guest

Posted: Mon Aug 25, 2008 9:33 pm Post subject: APRS System

One very important thing about APRS systems. They are small... I ordered

mine about 2 months ago and can't find where I placed it. I wish I had

an APRS system for my APRS system.



Robin



Do Not Archive

Tim Olson

Joined: 25 Jan 2007
Posts: 2872

Posted: Tue Aug 26, 2008 3:47 am Post subject: APRS System

I think things like this are a great benefit to the families and friends

of the traveling RV-10 driver.  For once they can know that we're safe

while we travel x/c, and can watch our progress.  It also gives them

the ability to know when to leave home to meet us at the airport.

Fantastic little things.  I like mine so much I'm thinking of buying

a 2nd one and keeping it more portable, but using it in the car for

those longer drives.  The SPOT messenger is also a fantastic choice

if you don't mind paying the annual fees, and don't care about

non-hardwiring it, or external antennas.  I tracked Scott all the

way home from OSH and it was great to know he got there OK.  The

APRS systems do provide more data than the SPOT system, and at a

more finely defined update rate if you desire.



 From a technical standpoint, after flying with the 300mW version,

it looks to me like the most RF and System friendly way for planes

is to keep with the low power systems...not the 8W units.  For

a car I'd get an 8W unit. That keeps with the general rule "use only

the power necessary..." that we have to follow.  I also think that

units like the all-in-one that are coming, and the ones with the

mini-gps like Alberts are PERFECT for wingtip installation which

would be a great way to go.  For many people you'll be able to tap

into an existing GPS signal, even from a panel-mounted 396 or 496,

and you won't even want to buy the external GPS...just string one

small serial wire to it.  The pictures Albert put out don't do it

justice as to the small size, either....it's deceiving, but these

things are tiny.  They're about the size of a screwdriver handle,

but weigh maybe as much as two AN5 bolts an inch long. Real small.

So even for the weight conscious they're no worry.



Sam Buchanan and Pete Howell are great guys to read on, too.

The stuff is simple enough that simply reading their web write-ups

will give you what you need to buy the hardware.  Hooking

it up is simple.  Passing the Technicians test is also very

simple with minimal effort....just read the book once and that's

about it.



My guess is we'll see these things really become popular in our

RV groups over the next year or two.



Tim Olson - RV-10 N104CD - Flying

do not archive

Albert Gardner wrote:

 	  Quote: 	
		   Sam Buchanan wrote an article for Kit Planes  (Aug. 2008) about the Amateur

 Radio guys (hams) and a system they had for automatically reporting

 position. He had put one in his plane and the article was about using it. I

 thought it was the neatest thing I had seen for some time so I got the

 equipment and made a transmitter for myself. I made mine portable and

 powered it with a battery pack I got at Radio Shack (a plastic holder

 containing 8 AA batteries) and got a 2 meter rubber duck antenna at Fry's

 Electronics. The switch is so I can turn it on and off. I taped the rubber

 duck antenna to the shoulder belt near the cabin roof and laid the unit on

 the  rear seat with the GPS antenna laying on the glare shield. Seems to

 work great. I like the idea that position is available real time on the

 internet and friends/family can track and anticipate your arrival/rescue as

 required. 

 Total cost is under $300 and the next step is to mount it in the plane and

 wire it into the plans 12V system with a  switch just in case I'm doing

 something I would not like recorded. On the picture on the track the

 position bubble pops up if you click on any of the dots and give speed,

 heading, and altitude. The transmitter is only about 5 inches long, required

 from 9 to 30V and comes with a db-9 connector that you solder to the board

 and  than connect the GPS antenna. It has an SMA connector for the

 transmitting antenna so you may need either SMA to BNC adaptors or a cable

 made up with the required ends. Hey, I have tracks to/from Oshkosh and a

 trip from Yuma thru CA to Oregon, Idaho, and back home. I used to fly to

 burn up gas but now it to make tracks!

 Albert Gardner

 Yuma, AZ

 N991RV

 

 

 ------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

 

 ------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

 

 ------------------------------------------------------------------------

msausen

Joined: 25 Oct 2007
Posts: 559
Location: Appleton, WI USA

Posted: Tue Aug 26, 2008 5:35 am Post subject: APRS System

Like others I plan on putting mine on out in the wingtip and getting the power from the Nav lights.  That way it's off when the Nav lights are which covers 99% of the scenarios I wouldn't want it on.



Michael



--

jim(at)CombsFive.Com
Guest

Posted: Tue Aug 26, 2008 10:17 am Post subject: APRS System

Don't you also need to be a licensed Ham to do this?



Broadcast is on a 2 meter Ham frequency.



Jim C

N312F



============================================================

From: "Albert Gardner" <ibspud(at)roadrunner.com>

Date: 2008/08/26 Tue AM 12:20:55 EDT

To: <rv10-list(at)matronics.com>

Subject: APRS System



Sam Buchanan wrote an article for Kit Planes  (Aug. 2008) about the Amateur

Radio guys (hams) and a system they had for automatically reporting

position. He had put one in his plane and the article was about using it. I

thought it was the neatest thing I had seen for some time so I got the

equipment and made a transmitter for myself. I made mine portable and

powered it with a battery pack I got at Radio Shack (a plastic holder

containing 8 AA batteries) and got a 2 meter rubber duck antenna at Fry's

Electronics. The switch is so I can turn it on and off. I taped the rubber

duck antenna to the shoulder belt near the cabin roof and laid the unit on

the  rear seat with the GPS antenna laying on the glare shield. Seems to

work great. I like the idea that position is available real time on the

internet and friends/family can track and anticipate your arrival/rescue as

required. 

Total cost is under $300 and the next step is to mount it in the plane and

wire it into the plans 12V system with a  switch just in case I'm doing

something I would not like recorded. On the picture on the track the

position bubble pops up if you click on any of the dots and give speed,

heading, and altitude. The transmitter is only about 5 inches long, required

from 9 to 30V and comes with a db-9 connector that you solder to the board

and  than connect the GPS antenna. It has an SMA connector for the

transmitting antenna so you may need either SMA to BNC adaptors or a cable

made up with the required ends. Hey, I have tracks to/from Oshkosh and a

trip from Yuma thru CA to Oregon, Idaho, and back home. I used to fly to

burn up gas but now it to make tracks!

Albert Gardner

Yuma, AZ

N991RV



============================================================

sean(at)stephensville.com
Guest

Posted: Tue Aug 26, 2008 10:50 am Post subject: APRS System

See the following:



http://home.hiwaay.net/~sbuc/journal/tracker.htm



Sam has a great site there that applies to more than just his RV6.

On Aug 26, 2008, at 1:16 PM, <jim(at)CombsFive.Com> <jim(at)CombsFive.Com>  

wrote:



 	  Quote: 	
		   



 Don't you also need to be a licensed Ham to do this?



 Broadcast is on a 2 meter Ham frequency.



 Jim C

 N312F



 ============================================================

 From: "Albert Gardner" <ibspud(at)roadrunner.com>

 Date: 2008/08/26 Tue AM 12:20:55 EDT

 To: <rv10-list(at)matronics.com>

 Subject: APRS System



 Sam Buchanan wrote an article for Kit Planes  (Aug. 2008) about the  

 Amateur

 Radio guys (hams) and a system they had for automatically reporting

 position. He had put one in his plane and the article was about  

 using it. I

 thought it was the neatest thing I had seen for some time so I got the

 equipment and made a transmitter for myself. I made mine portable and

 powered it with a battery pack I got at Radio Shack (a plastic holder

 containing 8 AA batteries) and got a 2 meter rubber duck antenna at  

 Fry's

 Electronics. The switch is so I can turn it on and off. I taped the  

 rubber

 duck antenna to the shoulder belt near the cabin roof and laid the  

 unit on

 the  rear seat with the GPS antenna laying on the glare shield.  

 Seems to

 work great. I like the idea that position is available real time on  

 the

 internet and friends/family can track and anticipate your arrival/ 

 rescue as

 required.

 Total cost is under $300 and the next step is to mount it in the  

 plane and

 wire it into the plans 12V system with a  switch just in case I'm  

 doing

 something I would not like recorded. On the picture on the track the

 position bubble pops up if you click on any of the dots and give  

 speed,

 heading, and altitude. The transmitter is only about 5 inches long,  

 required

 from 9 to 30V and comes with a db-9 connector that you solder to the  

 board

 and  than connect the GPS antenna. It has an SMA connector for the

 transmitting antenna so you may need either SMA to BNC adaptors or a  

 cable

 made up with the required ends. Hey, I have tracks to/from Oshkosh  

 and a

 trip from Yuma thru CA to Oregon, Idaho, and back home. I used to  

 fly to

 burn up gas but now it to make tracks!

 Albert Gardner

 Yuma, AZ

 N991RV



 ============================================================

deej(at)deej.net
Guest

Posted: Tue Aug 26, 2008 10:55 am Post subject: APRS System

jim(at)CombsFive.Com wrote:

 	  Quote: 	
		   



 Don't you also need to be a licensed Ham to do this?



 Broadcast is on a 2 meter Ham frequency.

   


	


    Yes, you do.  It is a federal violation if you transmit on those 

frequencies without an amateur radio license.  It is also very easy to 

pass the test to get your ham license, so there really isn't any 

excuse.  Anyone that can get a pilot's license should have no trouble 

getting a ham license:

<http://www.hello-radio.org/hello/doityourself.html>



-Dj

N1JOV



-- 

Dj Merrill - N1JOV

Glastar Sportsman 2+2 Builder #7118 N421DJ

http://deej.net/sportsman/



"Many things that are unexplainable happen during the construction of an 

airplane."  --Dave Prizio, 30 Aug 2005

Tim Olson

Joined: 25 Jan 2007
Posts: 2872

Posted: Tue Aug 26, 2008 11:34 am Post subject: APRS System

I'll echo that.... it took me like 2 or 3 hours of reading

MAX, and ONE practice test....and $14.  That's good for

10 years, and on renewal it's just pay-the-fee.  You will

definitely want to read the book before taking the test, but

it's easy to pass if you do that.

Tim Olson - RV-10 N104CD - Flying

do not archive

Dj Merrill wrote:

 	  Quote: 	

 jim(at)CombsFive.Com wrote:

> 

>

> Don't you also need to be a licensed Ham to do this?

>

> Broadcast is on a 2 meter Ham frequency.

>   

    Yes, you do.  It is a federal violation if you transmit on those 

 frequencies without an amateur radio license.  It is also very easy to 

 pass the test to get your ham license, so there really isn't any 

 excuse.  Anyone that can get a pilot's license should have no trouble 

 getting a ham license:

 <http://www.hello-radio.org/hello/doityourself.html>

 -Dj

 N1JOV

AV8ORJWC

Joined: 13 Jul 2006
Posts: 1149
Location: Aurora, Oregon "Home of VANS"

Posted: Tue Aug 26, 2008 5:48 pm Post subject: APRS System

Yes, but when Wi-Fi and telephoney go down it will still be up.  You Facebook generation types you might have to watch a Mickey Rooney moviee from Netflix when he played Andy Hardy to get the full impact.  Hurricane Katrina drove the point over the top again.

  

 W7COX

  

 John Cox



 

  From: owner-rv10-list-server(at)matronics.com on behalf of jim(at)CombsFive.Com

Sent: Tue 8/26/2008 11:16 AM

To: rv10-list(at)matronics.com

Subject: Re: APRS System

  

--> RV10-List message posted by: <jim(at)combsfive.com>



Don't you also need to be a licensed Ham to do this?



Broadcast is on a 2 meter Ham frequency.



Jim C

N312F



===================================

From: "Albert Gardner" <ibspud(at)roadrunner.com>

Date: 2008/08/26 Tue AM 12:20:55 EDT

To: <rv10-list(at)matronics.com>

Subject: APRS System



Sam Buchanan wrote an article for Kit Planes  (Aug. 2008) about the Amateur

Radio guys (hams) and a system they had for automatically reporting

position. He had put one in his plane and the article was about using it. I

thought it was the neatest thing I had seen for some time so I got the

equipment and made a transmitter for myself. I made mine portable and

powered it with a battery pack I got at Radio Shack (a plastic holder

containing 8 AA batteries) and got a 2 meter rubber duck antenna at Fry's

Electronics. The switch is so I can turn it on and off. I taped the rubber

duck antenna to the shoulder belt near the cabin roof and laid the unit on

the  rear seat with the GPS antenna laying on the glare shield. Seems to

work great. I like the idea that position is available real time on the

internet and friends/family can track and anticipate your arrival/rescue as

required.

Total cost is under $300 and the next step is to mount it in the plane and

wire it into the plans 12V system with a  switch just in case I'm doing

something I would not like recorded. On the picture on the track the

position bubble pops up if you click on any of the dots and give speed,

heading, and altitude. The transmitter is only about 5 inches long, required

from 9 to 30V and comes with a db-9 connector that you solder to the board

and  than connect the GPS antenna. It has an SMA connector for the

transmitting antenna so you may need either SMA to BNC adaptors or a cable

made up with the required ends. Hey, I have tracks to/from Oshkosh and a

trip from Yuma thru CA to Oregon, Idaho, and back home. I used to fly to

burn up gas but now it to make tracks!

Albert Gardner

Yuma, AZ

N991RV



==================href="http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?RV10-List">http://www.matronic            &href="http://forums.matronics.com/">http://forums.matronics.com

nbsp;       - List Contribution Web Site bsp;                    -Matt Dralle, List href="http://www.matronics.com/contribution">http://www.matronics.com/c=================





 [quote][b]

brenthumphreys

Joined: 17 Aug 2008
Posts: 21

Posted: Thu Aug 28, 2008 4:45 am Post subject: APRS System

Due to an Amazon error on my part, I have an extra book if anyone is

interested.

 

--

Brent Humphreys

Stone Technologies, Inc.

550 Spirit of St. Louis Blvd.

Chesterfield, MO 63005

(314) 477-3400 Cell

(636) 530-7240 Office

E-Mail: bhumphreys(at)stonetek.com

Msg: mailto:3144773400(at)cingularME.com

 

This message may contain confidential information and is intended only

for the individual named.  If you are not the named addressee, any

review, retransmission, dissemination or taking any action in reliance

on the contents of this information is prohibited.  Please immediately

notify the sender by e-mail if you have received this e-mail by mistake

and delete this e-mail from your system.

 

 



--

orchidman

Joined: 10 Jul 2006
Posts: 277
Location: Oklahoma City - KRCE

Posted: Thu Aug 28, 2008 5:33 am Post subject: Re: APRS System

 	  brenthumphreys wrote: 	
		  Due to an Amazon error on my part, I have an extra book if anyone is

interested.

Brent Humphreys

-- 	


Brent,

PM sent

_________________
Gary Blankenbiller
RV10 - # 40674
(N2GB Flying)

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