- 15 -
Troubleshooting
Problem
Possible Solutions
The TinyTrak3Config.exe
program cannot communicate
with the TinyTrak3. The config
program reports “TinyTrak3 not
found”.
Be sure to use a null-modem adapter.
Be sure TinyTrak3 is powered via an external power supply, such as a 9V battery.
Be sure to use the correct configuration program, TinyTrak3Config.exe.
Test serial by running a terminal program, such as HyperTerm at 4800 baud N81.
When TinyTrak3 is first powered up, it will send a version message. If it doesn’t,
serial output is not working. If it does, send ESC V, which will make it send the
version again. If it doesn’t, serial input is not working.
Try a different computer.
The TinyTrak3Config program
reports “Cannot open COM port”
Be sure to use the correct COM port.
Be sure no other programs are also currently using the COM port.
The transmitter keys up, even
when no power is applied to
TinyTrak3
Perhaps the radio doesn’t key via current through the microphone line. If so,
resistor R8 should be removed.
Check for shorts or opens on the solder side of the PCB.
Check the radio manual. Perhaps a different value of R8 is needed.
The green GPS status LED
flashes, but never goes solid.
Make sure the GPS antenna has a clear view of the sky.
Set the GPS to NMEA-0183 at 4800 baud. If the GPS has several NMEA output
modes, try all of them.
The power LED D1 is not lit.
Check for 5V across LED D1.
Check for shorts or opens on the solder side of the PCB.
Be sure the LEDs are inserted in the proper direction.
Confirm the battery is fully charged, and delivering 7 – 35 volts.
The green and yellow LEDs do
not flash 3 times at powerup.
Be sure the LEDs are inserted in the proper direction.
Check for shorts or opens on the solder side of the PCB.
Check for 5 volts across socket pins 5 and 14 with the PIC removed.
TinyTrak3 keys the transmitter,
sends a packet, but fails to un-
key the transmitter.
TinyTrak3 is probably receiving too much local RF energy.
Lower transmitter power, move the transmitting antenna further away, or try
shielding the TinyTrak3 in a metal case.
Try re-configuring the settings.
Sent packets sound distorted on
a receiver.
Be sure the calibration value is around 128.
Be sure there is not too much RF energy near the TinyTrak3.
Sent packets are not being
decoded by a receiver (TNC,
digipeater, etc)
Make sure your TXD time is high enough. Start it high (500 ms) and lower it as
long as it keeps working. 250ms – 300ms is a good setting.
Make sure the transmitted audio level is correct. It should be near, or just below,
other transmitters received. Adjust with R6
Try slightly different calibration values.
Try re-configuring the settings.
The yellow CD LED always
blinks about once per second.
Serial data may be creating noise on the received audio line. Try moving the
cables around, shortening and separating them, or switching to shielded cables.
No audio is heard on a receiver.
Check for shorts or opens on the solder side of the PCB.
Raise transmit audio level with R6.
If R6 doesn’t give enough range, try lowering the value of R5, or even shorting it.
TinyTrak3 is stuck in transmit
mode, or transmitting too often,
and it cannot be re-configured.
Rotate R9 to the extreme so the TinyTrak3 will think there is a carrier. Then cycle
power, and it should not transmit. It should then be able to be configured.
The green GPS LED is off with a
GPS connected.
Be sure the LEDs are inserted in the proper direction.
Be sure the GPS has power and is set to output NMEA-0183 at 4800 baud. If the
GPS has several NMEA output modes, try all of them.
Be sure there is not a null-modem adapter in line with the GPS.
Check for shorts or opens on the solder side of the PCB.
The GPS serial levels may not be readable by TinyTrak3. To test, connect the
GPS to a computer running a terminal program at 4800. Don’t forget the null-
modem and gender-changer. Capture some of the data. Then connect the
TinyTrak3 to the computer, and send the data back. If it reads the data and lights
the LED, the data is valid, but the levels are not compatible.
TinyTrak3 never transmits.
Be sure the yellow LED is off. Adjust R9 if necessary.
Check for shorts or opens on the solder side of the PCB.
Be sure the cable is built correctly. Grounding PTT should make the radio
transmit.
