GPS, APRS, and serial (or how I came to realise that redundancy and data are both good things)

[Sirbrad]

I have just ordered a bigredbee 70cm APRS GPS tracker. This is now the most expensive component of my rocket. Kind of changes my perspective from needing a device to recover my rocket, to building a reliable and durable rocket to protect the payload (tracker).

I will tinker with the Baofeng radio initially, but plan to get an APRS capable handheld eventually.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[strud]

Wow they are pricey...... is that like >AU$400 ?

Thinking about a little project to put these items together and form something similar.

SA818 (walkie talky module about $15)

+ ESP-32 (Arduino compatible, $10 very capable processor with WiFi and BT/BLE radio enabling simple wireless connection for config)

+ GPS module ($15)

Code could be developed in Arduino IDE, would need a board to house them all but not too big a deal.

Some examples out there similar:

https://www.instructables.com/id/Arduino-Walkie-Talkie/

Basically the project done : https://www.f4huy.fr/?p=906 (different arduino board than I suggested)

Another example but done from ground up http://hamlabs.no/2019/06/23/second-round-of-tracker-project/

https://kk6df.wordpress.com/tag/lart1-aprs/ HAM radio club, list part cost at US$70

[drew]

Would an FT2DR provide the same functions? Looks to have same features as the FT3DR. Might be a more affordable option.

So what are the options for a tracker besides telegps and bigredbee?

For sure, the FT2DR would work. Basically you need a radio with an inbuilt APRS TNC as well as a GPS chipset. The FT2DR has both.

The advanced FT2DR is loaded with various new features including: 700 mW of clear loud audio, Built-in High Sensitivity 66 ch GPS with antenna, 1200 bps / 9600 bps APRS® function

The GPS in the radio isn't as strict requirement but is very useful for recovery as the radio will calculate distance and bearing between the transmitter and receiver.

Other GPS options include Featherweight's LoRa GPS unit, Entacore's AIM XTRA, the Eggfinder products, and Kate/Lisa. Also Altus makes flight computers with GPS integrated, eg the TeleMega and TeleMetrum.