Allen
Any more updated info?
I am tempted by your special Microtrak 300 production run, but if your new TT4 aviation model is just around the corner.......
What spurred me to reintroduce the MT-300 was the number of people looking for a very low cost system, and one that was suitable for very low-mass applications, like meteorological balloons, RC vehicles, etc.
What I have been looking for in an aviation unit is a an enclosed pre-packaged and possibly pre-programmed, transmitter-only tracker. Technically, something along the lines of our MT-AIO, but with a remote GPS, and ability to run from an aircraft power bus without adding additional widgets. This so far mythical transmitter will be able to run as a stand-alone plug and play unit by plugging in a gps, an antenna, and power, and will optionally have the ability to have a remote panel to switch configurations, view status LED's, force send a beacon, etc.
Allen
VHS
Allen, two thoughts:
1) In my opinion, having a very low-cost tracker is one of the appeals of APRS. If the cost of installation and service is insignificant compared to the benefits received, financial objections to going with APRS are pretty much eliminated.
2) What you are describing in the aviation tracker, with the exception of the remote panel (more than likely not a must-have for most pilots), is simply an MT-8000 with on-board Micro-Volt regulated power.
Make it happen.
I think I agree with Sam, at least #1 for sure.
As to #2, it appears that the MT-8000 needs a GPS signal.
For me, the "GeeWhizThisisit" unit would need to be hooked to aircraft power, and that is the end of it. Possibly a separate antenna hookup.
I am looking for something I can put into the wing tip, and forget about.
Sam,
No enclosure? Just a bare board?
Allen
VHS
Allrighty then, let me see what I can come up with.
Allen
VHS
Thanks a bunch, Allen. Without your neat little devices, and willingness to tailor them to our market, more than likely few of us would have been exposed to APRS.
We look forward to seeing what emerges from the VHS skunkworks.
As an amateur radio guy myself I'm taken aback by this statement. APRS, like our RVs, is in the amateur category, and requires some knowledge and interest in amateur radio. To simply want to buy a unit with little or no understanding of how it works sounds like wanting an experimental aircraft without knowing how it was built.But not all of us "plane guys/gals" are "radio guys/gals". Some of us want/need simple stuff.
As an amateur radio guy myself I'm taken aback by this statement. APRS, like our RVs, is in the amateur category, and requires some knowledge and interest in amateur radio. To simply want to buy a unit with little or no understanding of how it works sounds like wanting an experimental aircraft without knowing how it was built.
As an amateur radio guy myself I'm taken aback by this statement. APRS, like our RVs, is in the amateur category, and requires some knowledge and interest in amateur radio. To simply want to buy a unit with little or no understanding of how it works sounds like wanting an experimental aircraft without knowing how it was built.
Allright you guys are killing me. I guess I will have to be a patient "grasshopper" and wait to see what you come out with.
Then, as another post said, you should look at the SPOT unit. That's the appropriate device for those who don't wish to learn anything. Hope this makes sense to you.Simply put, I am just not interested in how the unit works, I just want it to work.
Then, as another post said, you should look at the SPOT unit. That's the appropriate device for those who don't wish to learn anything. Hope this makes sense to you.
Wade, if you really want to have APRS now, there is no need to wait. Buy a Micro-Trak 300 or 8000FA and get in the action. These devices will do everything you need for great tracking as demonstrated by many RVers who have already joined the APRS community.
This is sorta like buying avionics for your panel--if you wait for the "best" gadget...you'll never buy anything!
The aviation version is on my list of things to do and will basically be an All-In-One "black box" that can run on 12-30 volts. Transmitter only. Not a lot of fluff, just a good solid tracker.
Allen
VHS
OK, I guess I was wrong. I am waiting on the one that allows tracking of other APRS units.
OK, I guess I was wrong. I am waiting on the one that allows tracking of other APRS units.
Ron,
The MT-TT4 should be shipping next week. Its not quite as user friendly as the MT-AIO ( you have to program it at the command line) but it can do both the LCD display and upload waypoints to your (compatible) display GPS receiver. I know you wanted a mega power but the first gen MT-TT4 is going to be a 1/2 Watt unit. I could not exorcise all the RF demons from the higher power prototype. If I could figure out how to upload photos to this site, I would post them....
Allen
VHS