Question about GPS and APRS
 

Hello all. I've been surfing the web, reading about APRS but I am confused
about one thing. How does the GPS play into the whole thing? Can anyone give me
a webpage with a good explanation of how everything links together (planing on
using a Handspring Visor Prism with my KPC-3 and a cheap 2m mobile rig)? If
anyone can suggest a specific GPS unit, that would be good. Email replies are
welcome.

Also, does anyone sell a Palm pilot mount for the car?
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
73! de Andy KC2SSB (ex: KF4KHC/HL9HCT)
Beachwood, NJ USA! Grid FM29vw
http://vhfradiobuff.tripod.com
Fight Spam! http://spamcop.net
National "Do Not Call" Registry: http://donotcall.gov

"VHFRadioBuff" wrote

I've been surfing the web, reading about APRS but I am confused
about one thing. How does the GPS play into the whole thing?

APRS is designed to report "positions." These positions are derived from
some kind of NMEA 0183 protocol device.

Any GPS that provides a serial output, NMEA 0193, and WGS 84
based position references would be acceptable. I like Garmin products.

Check out the Geko 301 (Wow!)

People in other parts of the world may use a different datum then WGS 84,
and their position may not correlate well to U.S. based maps.


[GPS with WGS 84 datum and serial port NMEA]
[Data modulator]
[Radio]

Most people use a tracker device based on a one-chip PIC processor,
and run that to a radio.

As people move around the tracker decodes the NMEA lat/lon/speed
and/or altitude, and modulates the radio and signals the PTT.

"VHFRadioBuff" wrote

I've been surfing the web, reading about APRS but I am confused
about one thing. How does the GPS play into the whole thing?

APRS is designed to report "positions." These positions are derived from
some kind of NMEA 0183 protocol device.

Any GPS that provides a serial output, NMEA 0193, and WGS 84
based position references would be acceptable. I like Garmin products.

Check out the Geko 301 (Wow!)

People in other parts of the world may use a different datum then WGS 84,
and their position may not correlate well to U.S. based maps.


[GPS with WGS 84 datum and serial port NMEA]
[Data modulator]
[Radio]

Most people use a tracker device based on a one-chip PIC processor,
and run that to a radio.

As people move around the tracker decodes the NMEA lat/lon/speed
and/or altitude, and modulates the radio and signals the PTT.

So how does the GPS interface with the system? I know the Palm Pilot connects
to the TNC and the TNC connects to the radio. Do you know of some good websites
that explain more? I will check into the Geko 301.
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
73! de Andy KC2SSB (ex: KF4KHC/HL9HCT)
Beachwood, NJ USA! Grid FM29vw
http://vhfradiobuff.tripod.com
Fight Spam! http://spamcop.net
National "Do Not Call" Registry: http://donotcall.gov

So how does the GPS interface with the system? I know the Palm Pilot connects
to the TNC and the TNC connects to the radio. Do you know of some good websites
that explain more? I will check into the Geko 301.
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
73! de Andy KC2SSB (ex: KF4KHC/HL9HCT)
Beachwood, NJ USA! Grid FM29vw
http://vhfradiobuff.tripod.com
Fight Spam! http://spamcop.net
National "Do Not Call" Registry: http://donotcall.gov

If you have a lot of time, then cobble stuff together.
Otherwise, write a check and buy an APRS-integrated radio
like a Kenwood TM-D700A. Just remember it's not suitable for
ordinary connected-mode packet cause of a blatant bug, but it's
a fine APRS radio.


Hmm.. just looked at that.. $520? That's a bit more than I wanted to spend. I
already have a KPC-3. I figured I could use that and buy a used 2m radio,
probably for less than $100. The interface for a stand alone GPS unit is too
complicated?
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
73! de Andy KC2SSB (ex: KF4KHC/HL9HCT)
Beachwood, NJ USA! Grid FM29vw
http://vhfradiobuff.tripod.com
Fight Spam! http://spamcop.net
National "Do Not Call" Registry: http://donotcall.gov

If you have a lot of time, then cobble stuff together.
Otherwise, write a check and buy an APRS-integrated radio
like a Kenwood TM-D700A. Just remember it's not suitable for
ordinary connected-mode packet cause of a blatant bug, but it's
a fine APRS radio.


Hmm.. just looked at that.. $520? That's a bit more than I wanted to spend. I
already have a KPC-3. I figured I could use that and buy a used 2m radio,
probably for less than $100. The interface for a stand alone GPS unit is too
complicated?
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
73! de Andy KC2SSB (ex: KF4KHC/HL9HCT)
Beachwood, NJ USA! Grid FM29vw
http://vhfradiobuff.tripod.com
Fight Spam! http://spamcop.net
National "Do Not Call" Registry: http://donotcall.gov

If your Kantronics is V6 or higher, read the manual about connecting a GPS to
it. It will 'share' a port on the TNC.

Looking at the manual, it says it's version 5.0. When I use the "version"
command, I get this:

KPC3-54CF3230-5.1

I am guessing this is version 5.1? Is there a firmware update to bring it to
6.0?
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
73! de Andy KC2SSB (ex: KF4KHC/HL9HCT)
Beachwood, NJ USA! Grid FM29vw
http://vhfradiobuff.tripod.com
Fight Spam! http://spamcop.net
National "Do Not Call" Registry: http://donotcall.gov

If your Kantronics is V6 or higher, read the manual about connecting a GPS to
it. It will 'share' a port on the TNC.

Looking at the manual, it says it's version 5.0. When I use the "version"
command, I get this:

KPC3-54CF3230-5.1

I am guessing this is version 5.1? Is there a firmware update to bring it to
6.0?
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
73! de Andy KC2SSB (ex: KF4KHC/HL9HCT)
Beachwood, NJ USA! Grid FM29vw
http://vhfradiobuff.tripod.com
Fight Spam! http://spamcop.net
National "Do Not Call" Registry: http://donotcall.gov

In article , VHFRadioBuff
says...

Hello all. I've been surfing the web, reading about APRS but I am confused
about one thing. How does the GPS play into the whole thing? Can anyone give me
a webpage with a good explanation of how everything links together (planing on
using a Handspring Visor Prism with my KPC-3 and a cheap 2m mobile rig)? If
anyone can suggest a specific GPS unit, that would be good. Email replies are
welcome.

The usual scheme is that the GPS receiver feeds its data to the
TNC (in my case, a Kantronics KPC-3+), and the TNC interfaces with the
radio involved to move the data. APRS, as its name implies, is mainly
for position reporting.

Also, does anyone sell a Palm pilot mount for the car?

Have a look at http://www.smc-corp.com -- That's where I got my
console mount and pedestals for the 'TechMobile'
(http://www.bluefeathertech.com/kc7gr/thevan.html).

Choice of GPS receiver is entirely up to the individual's finances
and requirements. I got lucky with a bunch of surplus hardware, and
locating some good deals on OEM modules, and ended up investing a little
under $250 for a fairly high-end GPS setup that's WAAS-enabled.

That figure included the antenna, which I got from a fellow who
was selling them on Ebay a while back, and a DC injector (which was
needed due to the antenna's bias voltage requirements -- 12V vs. 5).

HOWEVER -- keep in mind that my setup was built specifically for
high accuracy in a mobile environment, and took a lot of work to put
together. It uses an APRS-dedicated single-channel transceiver (a
converted Motorola Mitrek).

In short: If you're looking for something in a handheld, my
solution would not be a good one for you. ;-)

Good hunting.

--
Dr. Anton Squeegee, Director, Dutch Surrealist Plumbing Institute
(Known to some as Bruce Lane, KC7GR)
kyrrin a/t bluefeathertech d-o=t c&o&m
"Quando Omni Flunkus Moritati" (Red Green)

In article , VHFRadioBuff
says...

Hello all. I've been surfing the web, reading about APRS but I am confused
about one thing. How does the GPS play into the whole thing? Can anyone give me
a webpage with a good explanation of how everything links together (planing on
using a Handspring Visor Prism with my KPC-3 and a cheap 2m mobile rig)? If
anyone can suggest a specific GPS unit, that would be good. Email replies are
welcome.

The usual scheme is that the GPS receiver feeds its data to the
TNC (in my case, a Kantronics KPC-3+), and the TNC interfaces with the
radio involved to move the data. APRS, as its name implies, is mainly
for position reporting.

Also, does anyone sell a Palm pilot mount for the car?

Have a look at http://www.smc-corp.com -- That's where I got my
console mount and pedestals for the 'TechMobile'
(http://www.bluefeathertech.com/kc7gr/thevan.html).

Choice of GPS receiver is entirely up to the individual's finances
and requirements. I got lucky with a bunch of surplus hardware, and
locating some good deals on OEM modules, and ended up investing a little
under $250 for a fairly high-end GPS setup that's WAAS-enabled.

That figure included the antenna, which I got from a fellow who
was selling them on Ebay a while back, and a DC injector (which was
needed due to the antenna's bias voltage requirements -- 12V vs. 5).

HOWEVER -- keep in mind that my setup was built specifically for
high accuracy in a mobile environment, and took a lot of work to put
together. It uses an APRS-dedicated single-channel transceiver (a
converted Motorola Mitrek).

In short: If you're looking for something in a handheld, my
solution would not be a good one for you. ;-)

Good hunting.

--
Dr. Anton Squeegee, Director, Dutch Surrealist Plumbing Institute
(Known to some as Bruce Lane, KC7GR)
kyrrin a/t bluefeathertech d-o=t c&o&m
"Quando Omni Flunkus Moritati" (Red Green)

The usual scheme is that the GPS receiver feeds its data to the
TNC (in my case, a Kantronics KPC-3+), and the TNC interfaces with the
radio involved to move the data. APRS, as its name implies, is mainly
for position reporting.

But if I'm using a Palm Pilot, how does the Palm Pilot interface with the TNC?
Do you need a splitter so both can plug into the TNC? Can you recommend a GPS
unit that will do what I need? It's going to be a mobile setup, but doesn't
need to be the top of the line.
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
73! de Andy KC2SSB (ex: KF4KHC/HL9HCT)
Beachwood, NJ USA! Grid FM29vw
http://vhfradiobuff.tripod.com
Fight Spam! http://spamcop.net
National "Do Not Call" Registry: http://donotcall.gov

The usual scheme is that the GPS receiver feeds its data to the
TNC (in my case, a Kantronics KPC-3+), and the TNC interfaces with the
radio involved to move the data. APRS, as its name implies, is mainly
for position reporting.

But if I'm using a Palm Pilot, how does the Palm Pilot interface with the TNC?
Do you need a splitter so both can plug into the TNC? Can you recommend a GPS
unit that will do what I need? It's going to be a mobile setup, but doesn't
need to be the top of the line.
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
73! de Andy KC2SSB (ex: KF4KHC/HL9HCT)
Beachwood, NJ USA! Grid FM29vw
http://vhfradiobuff.tripod.com
Fight Spam! http://spamcop.net
National "Do Not Call" Registry: http://donotcall.gov

In article , VHFRadioBuff
says...

The usual scheme is that the GPS receiver feeds its data to the
TNC (in my case, a Kantronics KPC-3+), and the TNC interfaces with the
radio involved to move the data. APRS, as its name implies, is mainly
for position reporting.

But if I'm using a Palm Pilot, how does the Palm Pilot interface with the TNC?
Do you need a splitter so both can plug into the TNC? Can you recommend a GPS
unit that will do what I need? It's going to be a mobile setup, but doesn't
need to be the top of the line.

You need a serial (RS232) port on the Palm Pilot. If it lacks
such, or cannot be adapted to have one, you're pretty much SOL. In that
case, you would probably need to look at using a laptop computer.

In short: You have a serial connection from the GPS device to the
TNC. You have a second one from the TNC to the computer. The KPC-3+ can
accomodate both, as it has two hardware serial ports.

Choice of GPS unit is, again, a very individual and subjective
thing. I would suggest visiting http://www.gpscentral.ca -- they have a
wide variety of units from all manufacturers, and you get to take
advantage of the good exchange rate between US Dollars and Canadian. I
bought my OEM module from them.

--
Dr. Anton Squeegee, Director, Dutch Surrealist Plumbing Institute
(Known to some as Bruce Lane, KC7GR)
kyrrin a/t bluefeathertech d-o=t c&o&m
"Quando Omni Flunkus Moritati" (Red Green)

In article , VHFRadioBuff
says...

The usual scheme is that the GPS receiver feeds its data to the
TNC (in my case, a Kantronics KPC-3+), and the TNC interfaces with the
radio involved to move the data. APRS, as its name implies, is mainly
for position reporting.

But if I'm using a Palm Pilot, how does the Palm Pilot interface with the TNC?
Do you need a splitter so both can plug into the TNC? Can you recommend a GPS
unit that will do what I need? It's going to be a mobile setup, but doesn't
need to be the top of the line.

You need a serial (RS232) port on the Palm Pilot. If it lacks
such, or cannot be adapted to have one, you're pretty much SOL. In that
case, you would probably need to look at using a laptop computer.

In short: You have a serial connection from the GPS device to the
TNC. You have a second one from the TNC to the computer. The KPC-3+ can
accomodate both, as it has two hardware serial ports.

Choice of GPS unit is, again, a very individual and subjective
thing. I would suggest visiting http://www.gpscentral.ca -- they have a
wide variety of units from all manufacturers, and you get to take
advantage of the good exchange rate between US Dollars and Canadian. I
bought my OEM module from them.

--
Dr. Anton Squeegee, Director, Dutch Surrealist Plumbing Institute
(Known to some as Bruce Lane, KC7GR)
kyrrin a/t bluefeathertech d-o=t c&o&m
"Quando Omni Flunkus Moritati" (Red Green)

VHFRadioBuff and Dr. Anton Squeegee hacked out on digital impact entry devices:

Looking at the manual, it says it's version 5.0. When I use the "version"
command, I get this:

KPC3-54CF3230-5.1

I am guessing this is version 5.1? Is there a firmware update to bring it to
6.0?
Do you need a splitter so both can plug into the TNC? Can you recommend a
GPS
unit that will do what I need? It's going to be a mobile setup, but doesn't
need to be the top of the line.

You need a serial (RS232) port on the Palm Pilot. If it lacks
such, or cannot be adapted to have one, you're pretty much SOL.

If your Kantronics is V6 or higher, read the manual about connecting a GPS to
it. It will 'share' a port on the TNC.

Heh...you'll have to give me the "Anton Squeegee" reference again....forgot the
ref. for that, but it rings a bell. Also, lovely use of Latin...who said it
was dead??

That said, all Palms up to but excepting the Zire have an RS232 serial port
built in (and there may be some newer ones which are USB only...not sure).
I've used a Palm IIIc, a IIIx, a M505, and my M515 for pocketAPRS use. I
settled on the IIIc as I got it cheap and the wife complained when I "borrowed"
her Palm for testing.

Mine is run using a hacked HotSync cable. Power is obtained from the 12V car
system via a 5V regulated supply (love them cell phones...cheap/free parts!)
hooked to the appropriate connections in the H/S cable. GPS is hooked to the
TNC, the serial port of the TNC hooks to the Palm. Radio interface is off the
TNC. All of this is right out of the book...no mystical incantations or dead
chickens (other that what was in the sandwich, of course) (chicken, that is).
SO!!

The power supply powers the RatShak GPS head via the unused fourth wire in the
serial connection cable (uses an RJ11 cable ala telephone connector). This
took a bit of hacking internally....just ran thru a diode the + lead to the
unused fourth connector, wired the other end to the +5 for the Palm (actually
5.5V out, diodes for protection on both devices). TNC is under the seat along
with the radio. Antenna is a $5 RatShak glassmount POBGF which works for this
application. Data and power are run up to the Palm/GPS via one cable. 12V at
the radio/TNC is connected to the PS for the Palm & GPS head.

Lost you yet? Unit works OK, with only 4W out (old Icom commercial HT) I have
been able to maintain tracking around the small towns and cities here in
central NC. Works great for ARES work, esp. when we have flooding/storms and
folks want to see where you are located.

As for the TNC...you need at least V.6. Don't know if Kantronics has an
upgrade....lemme dig thru my junkbox, thought I had a dead KPC-3 board with the
later version ROM on it. To go the the "Plus" version you will have to upgrade
the board....but V.6.0 will get you GPS connectivity.

Andrew

VHFRadioBuff and Dr. Anton Squeegee hacked out on digital impact entry devices:

Looking at the manual, it says it's version 5.0. When I use the "version"
command, I get this:

KPC3-54CF3230-5.1

I am guessing this is version 5.1? Is there a firmware update to bring it to
6.0?
Do you need a splitter so both can plug into the TNC? Can you recommend a
GPS
unit that will do what I need? It's going to be a mobile setup, but doesn't
need to be the top of the line.

You need a serial (RS232) port on the Palm Pilot. If it lacks
such, or cannot be adapted to have one, you're pretty much SOL.

If your Kantronics is V6 or higher, read the manual about connecting a GPS to
it. It will 'share' a port on the TNC.

Heh...you'll have to give me the "Anton Squeegee" reference again....forgot the
ref. for that, but it rings a bell. Also, lovely use of Latin...who said it
was dead??

That said, all Palms up to but excepting the Zire have an RS232 serial port
built in (and there may be some newer ones which are USB only...not sure).
I've used a Palm IIIc, a IIIx, a M505, and my M515 for pocketAPRS use. I
settled on the IIIc as I got it cheap and the wife complained when I "borrowed"
her Palm for testing.

Mine is run using a hacked HotSync cable. Power is obtained from the 12V car
system via a 5V regulated supply (love them cell phones...cheap/free parts!)
hooked to the appropriate connections in the H/S cable. GPS is hooked to the
TNC, the serial port of the TNC hooks to the Palm. Radio interface is off the
TNC. All of this is right out of the book...no mystical incantations or dead
chickens (other that what was in the sandwich, of course) (chicken, that is).
SO!!

The power supply powers the RatShak GPS head via the unused fourth wire in the
serial connection cable (uses an RJ11 cable ala telephone connector). This
took a bit of hacking internally....just ran thru a diode the + lead to the
unused fourth connector, wired the other end to the +5 for the Palm (actually
5.5V out, diodes for protection on both devices). TNC is under the seat along
with the radio. Antenna is a $5 RatShak glassmount POBGF which works for this
application. Data and power are run up to the Palm/GPS via one cable. 12V at
the radio/TNC is connected to the PS for the Palm & GPS head.

Lost you yet? Unit works OK, with only 4W out (old Icom commercial HT) I have
been able to maintain tracking around the small towns and cities here in
central NC. Works great for ARES work, esp. when we have flooding/storms and
folks want to see where you are located.

As for the TNC...you need at least V.6. Don't know if Kantronics has an
upgrade....lemme dig thru my junkbox, thought I had a dead KPC-3 board with the
later version ROM on it. To go the the "Plus" version you will have to upgrade
the board....but V.6.0 will get you GPS connectivity.

Andrew

In article , AA says...

snip

Heh...you'll have to give me the "Anton Squeegee" reference again....forgot the
ref. for that, but it rings a bell. Also, lovely use of Latin...who said it
was dead??

snicker Thank you! I was wondering if someone would ask me about
that. Think 'Firesign Theater.' More specifically, their latest album
'All Things Firesign.' There's a track on there called "Everything You
Know Is Wrong!" You'll need to listen to it to understand where I came
up with Anton Squeegee.

As for the Latin: That's simply a quote from 'The Red Green
Show,' a bit of Canadian comedy. Think of Red (aka Steve Smith) as the
Canadian version of Tim Taylor, but with a beard and graying hair.

That said, all Palms up to but excepting the Zire have an RS232 serial port
built in (and there may be some newer ones which are USB only...not sure).
I've used a Palm IIIc, a IIIx, a M505, and my M515 for pocketAPRS use. I
settled on the IIIc as I got it cheap and the wife complained when I "borrowed"
her Palm for testing.

They do? Good heavens... I had no idea. I always thought the
docking station did some voltage-level shifting to make it talk to the
PC's serial port.

Mine is run using a hacked HotSync cable. Power is obtained from the 12V car
system via a 5V regulated supply (love them cell phones...cheap/free parts!)
hooked to the appropriate connections in the H/S cable. GPS is hooked to the
TNC, the serial port of the TNC hooks to the Palm. Radio interface is off the
TNC. All of this is right out of the book...no mystical incantations or dead
chickens (other that what was in the sandwich, of course) (chicken, that is).
SO!!

Well, congrats! I'm glad someone knew of an alternate solution.

There you are, VHFRadioBuff... All the help you need from someone
who's actually done it.

--
Dr. Anton Squeegee, Director, Dutch Surrealist Plumbing Institute
(Known to some as Bruce Lane, KC7GR)
kyrrin a/t bluefeathertech d-o=t c&o&m
"Quando Omni Flunkus Moritati" (Red Green)

In article , AA says...

snip

Heh...you'll have to give me the "Anton Squeegee" reference again....forgot the
ref. for that, but it rings a bell. Also, lovely use of Latin...who said it
was dead??

snicker Thank you! I was wondering if someone would ask me about
that. Think 'Firesign Theater.' More specifically, their latest album
'All Things Firesign.' There's a track on there called "Everything You
Know Is Wrong!" You'll need to listen to it to understand where I came
up with Anton Squeegee.

As for the Latin: That's simply a quote from 'The Red Green
Show,' a bit of Canadian comedy. Think of Red (aka Steve Smith) as the
Canadian version of Tim Taylor, but with a beard and graying hair.

That said, all Palms up to but excepting the Zire have an RS232 serial port
built in (and there may be some newer ones which are USB only...not sure).
I've used a Palm IIIc, a IIIx, a M505, and my M515 for pocketAPRS use. I
settled on the IIIc as I got it cheap and the wife complained when I "borrowed"
her Palm for testing.

They do? Good heavens... I had no idea. I always thought the
docking station did some voltage-level shifting to make it talk to the
PC's serial port.

Mine is run using a hacked HotSync cable. Power is obtained from the 12V car
system via a 5V regulated supply (love them cell phones...cheap/free parts!)
hooked to the appropriate connections in the H/S cable. GPS is hooked to the
TNC, the serial port of the TNC hooks to the Palm. Radio interface is off the
TNC. All of this is right out of the book...no mystical incantations or dead
chickens (other that what was in the sandwich, of course) (chicken, that is).
SO!!

Well, congrats! I'm glad someone knew of an alternate solution.

There you are, VHFRadioBuff... All the help you need from someone
who's actually done it.

--
Dr. Anton Squeegee, Director, Dutch Surrealist Plumbing Institute
(Known to some as Bruce Lane, KC7GR)
kyrrin a/t bluefeathertech d-o=t c&o&m
"Quando Omni Flunkus Moritati" (Red Green)

VHFRadioBuff wrote:
If you have a lot of time, then cobble stuff together.
Otherwise, write a check and buy an APRS-integrated radio
like a Kenwood TM-D700A. Just remember it's not suitable for
ordinary connected-mode packet cause of a blatant bug, but it's
a fine APRS radio.



Hmm.. just looked at that.. $520?

Yeah. Figure the price of a 1200/9600 baud TNC and a dual-band
mobile and it's not a bad deal. Never mind the fact it's
pre-assembled and functional when you get it. You only really
have to make the cable from the GPS receiver to the TM-D700A.

Alternatively, the TH-D7 might be just the ticket.

That's a bit more than I wanted to spend. I
already have a KPC-3. I figured I could use that and buy a used 2m radio,
probably for less than $100. The interface for a stand alone GPS unit is too
complicated?

Not really. It's just kinda cool not to have a bunch of stuff cobbled
together in the car, the reliability is probably much better for the
more integrated unit. You can use the D700 while it's also running
APRS and so on.

A TH-D7 is an HT version and might be a better deal if you just
want to broadcast your location and speed all the time.

Dana K6JQ

VHFRadioBuff wrote:
If you have a lot of time, then cobble stuff together.
Otherwise, write a check and buy an APRS-integrated radio
like a Kenwood TM-D700A. Just remember it's not suitable for
ordinary connected-mode packet cause of a blatant bug, but it's
a fine APRS radio.



Hmm.. just looked at that.. $520?

Yeah. Figure the price of a 1200/9600 baud TNC and a dual-band
mobile and it's not a bad deal. Never mind the fact it's
pre-assembled and functional when you get it. You only really
have to make the cable from the GPS receiver to the TM-D700A.

Alternatively, the TH-D7 might be just the ticket.

That's a bit more than I wanted to spend. I
already have a KPC-3. I figured I could use that and buy a used 2m radio,
probably for less than $100. The interface for a stand alone GPS unit is too
complicated?

Not really. It's just kinda cool not to have a bunch of stuff cobbled
together in the car, the reliability is probably much better for the
more integrated unit. You can use the D700 while it's also running
APRS and so on.

A TH-D7 is an HT version and might be a better deal if you just
want to broadcast your location and speed all the time.

Dana K6JQ

Yeah. Figure the price of a 1200/9600 baud TNC and a dual-band
mobile and it's not a bad deal. Never mind the fact it's
pre-assembled and functional when you get it. You only really
have to make the cable from the GPS receiver to the TM-D700A.

Let's look at used prices:

Old 2m mobile (Don't need a dualbander!): $50

KPC-3+: $125

$175+/- total vs $520 new for a dualband radio with built in TNC. Maybe if it
had an integrated GPS, the $520 price tag would be worth it, or if it was my
primary mobile rig.
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
73! de Andy KC2SSB (ex: KF4KHC/HL9HCT)
Beachwood, NJ USA! Grid FM29vw
http://vhfradiobuff.tripod.com
Fight Spam! http://spamcop.net
National "Do Not Call" Registry: http://donotcall.gov

Yeah. Figure the price of a 1200/9600 baud TNC and a dual-band
mobile and it's not a bad deal. Never mind the fact it's
pre-assembled and functional when you get it. You only really
have to make the cable from the GPS receiver to the TM-D700A.

Let's look at used prices:

Old 2m mobile (Don't need a dualbander!): $50

KPC-3+: $125

$175+/- total vs $520 new for a dualband radio with built in TNC. Maybe if it
had an integrated GPS, the $520 price tag would be worth it, or if it was my
primary mobile rig.
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
73! de Andy KC2SSB (ex: KF4KHC/HL9HCT)
Beachwood, NJ USA! Grid FM29vw
http://vhfradiobuff.tripod.com
Fight Spam! http://spamcop.net
National "Do Not Call" Registry: http://donotcall.gov

snicker Thank you! I was wondering if someone would ask me about
that. Think 'Firesign Theater.' More specifically, their latest album 'All
Things Firesign.' There's a track on there called "Everything You Know Is
Wrong!" You'll need to listen to it to understand where I came up with Anton
Squeegee.

As for the Latin: That's simply a quote from 'The Red Green
Show,' a bit of Canadian comedy. Think of Red (aka Steve Smith) as the Canadian
version of Tim Taylor, but with a beard and graying hair.

Ah, yes....I'll have to check that out...ah, for the days when people actually
USED their brains....and verbal spars and parries were witty, not profane. I
have always agreed with Samuel Clemmons (Mark Twain) when he said that
profanity was the last refuge of the weak mind.

And will check out the Red Green show next time I'm at our Montreal
office....but I really don't watch much TV. As for the Palm/APRS solution,
post here and I'll try to pull the details together to post, if one is
interested.

Cheers!
Andrew
KG4GSC

And my favourite...

"...if one tolerates bad manners, they grow worse. I must find the oaf who did
this thing, explain to him his offense, give him a chance to apologise, then
kill him." (R.A. Heinlein, "The Cat Who Walks Through Walls")

snicker Thank you! I was wondering if someone would ask me about
that. Think 'Firesign Theater.' More specifically, their latest album 'All
Things Firesign.' There's a track on there called "Everything You Know Is
Wrong!" You'll need to listen to it to understand where I came up with Anton
Squeegee.

As for the Latin: That's simply a quote from 'The Red Green
Show,' a bit of Canadian comedy. Think of Red (aka Steve Smith) as the Canadian
version of Tim Taylor, but with a beard and graying hair.

Ah, yes....I'll have to check that out...ah, for the days when people actually
USED their brains....and verbal spars and parries were witty, not profane. I
have always agreed with Samuel Clemmons (Mark Twain) when he said that
profanity was the last refuge of the weak mind.

And will check out the Red Green show next time I'm at our Montreal
office....but I really don't watch much TV. As for the Palm/APRS solution,
post here and I'll try to pull the details together to post, if one is
interested.

Cheers!
Andrew
KG4GSC

And my favourite...

"...if one tolerates bad manners, they grow worse. I must find the oaf who did
this thing, explain to him his offense, give him a chance to apologise, then
kill him." (R.A. Heinlein, "The Cat Who Walks Through Walls")

Yes, available from Kantronics. But they will give you the latest and
greatest version which is 8.3, which does have GPS/APRS support.

"VHFRadioBuff" wrote in message
...
If your Kantronics is V6 or higher, read the manual about connecting a
GPS to
it. It will 'share' a port on the TNC.

Looking at the manual, it says it's version 5.0. When I use the "version"
command, I get this:

KPC3-54CF3230-5.1

I am guessing this is version 5.1? Is there a firmware update to bring it
to
6.0?
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
73! de Andy KC2SSB (ex: KF4KHC/HL9HCT)
Beachwood, NJ USA! Grid FM29vw
http://vhfradiobuff.tripod.com
Fight Spam! http://spamcop.net
National "Do Not Call" Registry: http://donotcall.gov

Yes, available from Kantronics. But they will give you the latest and
greatest version which is 8.3, which does have GPS/APRS support.

"VHFRadioBuff" wrote in message
...
If your Kantronics is V6 or higher, read the manual about connecting a
GPS to
it. It will 'share' a port on the TNC.

Looking at the manual, it says it's version 5.0. When I use the "version"
command, I get this:

KPC3-54CF3230-5.1

I am guessing this is version 5.1? Is there a firmware update to bring it
to
6.0?
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
73! de Andy KC2SSB (ex: KF4KHC/HL9HCT)
Beachwood, NJ USA! Grid FM29vw
http://vhfradiobuff.tripod.com
Fight Spam! http://spamcop.net
National "Do Not Call" Registry: http://donotcall.gov

Nosko S. wrote:
Dana,
I don't need to know, but what's the bug just for my information?

http://groups.google.com/groups?hl=e...com%26rnum%3D1

Basically, the D700A TNC never sends an ack to an I-frame unless
the I-frame has the Poll bit set. What this means is that the
vast majority of other TNCs (as far as I can tell) will consistently
send MAXFRAME number of frames to the D700, then time-out waiting
for an ack, re-send the frames and set the Poll bit. It positively
kills performance when using the D700 in connected mode to most
BBSes and such.

The problem does not appear when talkign to other D7/D700s, since
the D700 *always* sets the Poll bit on every frame and does not
implement a deferred ack timer at all. This is less than optimal
as well.

Of course, if you run in KISS mode and use a host-implemented
AX.25 stack, this problem is avoided.

Since the D700 is really focused on APRS which is implemented
using UI frames (datagrams), it's apparently not a critical issue.

Dana Myers K6JQ wrote in message
s.com...

... Just remember it's not suitable for
ordinary connected-mode packet cause of a blatant bug, but it's
a fine APRS radio.

Dana K6JQ

Nosko S. wrote:
Dana,
I don't need to know, but what's the bug just for my information?

http://groups.google.com/groups?hl=e...com%26rnum%3D1

Basically, the D700A TNC never sends an ack to an I-frame unless
the I-frame has the Poll bit set. What this means is that the
vast majority of other TNCs (as far as I can tell) will consistently
send MAXFRAME number of frames to the D700, then time-out waiting
for an ack, re-send the frames and set the Poll bit. It positively
kills performance when using the D700 in connected mode to most
BBSes and such.

The problem does not appear when talkign to other D7/D700s, since
the D700 *always* sets the Poll bit on every frame and does not
implement a deferred ack timer at all. This is less than optimal
as well.

Of course, if you run in KISS mode and use a host-implemented
AX.25 stack, this problem is avoided.

Since the D700 is really focused on APRS which is implemented
using UI frames (datagrams), it's apparently not a critical issue.

Dana Myers K6JQ wrote in message
s.com...

... Just remember it's not suitable for
ordinary connected-mode packet cause of a blatant bug, but it's
a fine APRS radio.

Dana K6JQ