1. PicoAPRS
"The world's smallest APRS transceiver including TNC" with a wide range of applications. Size like
matchbox, built-in GPS receiver.
The transceiver can be used not only as an APRS tracker and receiver for APRS data but also as
a TNC (KISS protocol) for the computer.The graphic OLED display (128x64 pixel) displays
incoming APRS packets such as position messages, APRS messages (similar to SMS), and
status messages. For position messages, the distance and the direction of the sky are also
displayed. The four stations, including the distance and the cardinal direction, as well as received
messages, are stored and can be queried via the menu.
The own GPS coordinates can be displayed and the Pico-APRS can also be used as a GPS
receiver, e.g. for geocaching.
If desired, the GPS position can be stored permanently in the device. This is used when no GPS
position can be determined. The stored position is then only used to display the distance and the
cardinal direction of received stations. With the two control buttons and the versatile menu, the
Pico APRS can be configured and used entirely without a PC. In the default state, the device is
almost completely preconfigured. All you have to do is to enter the own call sign. The transmission
power is about 1 Watt (switchable to approx. 0.5 Watt). The position data are compressed in the
MIC-E format, in order to minimize the frequency as much as possible and to save the battery. Of
course, both received packets with MIC-E compression as well as uncompressed APRS packets
can be decoded and displayed.
With the built-in 850mAh LiIon battery, the device can be operated up to 10 hours depending on
the configuration. Depending on how frequently the position data is to be sent, whether APRS
packets are to be received, the GPS receiver should be switched off automatically when not in
use, and how often the screen can be switched off.
The receiver can be deactivated to significantly extend the operating time so that the Pico APRS
functions as a pure APRS tracker. In order to further extend the runtime, the built-in GPS receiver
is cyclically switched off and the screen saver is used (configurable).
The built-in Micro-USB connector not only allows the built-in rechargeable battery to be charged
and the firmware upgraded, the transceiver can also be used as a USB GPS mouse or TNC on a
computer. This allows you to run your own APRS Digipeater or iGate!
The transmitter has a 7-pole harmonic filter for the suppression of unwanted sub-transmissions.
The main processor used is an ATmega processor (ATmega1284p) which is popupar on Arduino.
The current software occupies about half of the available memory space of the main processor.
Thus, there is still a lot of memory space for possible future function extensions available!
With a size of only 33 mm x 58 mm x 24 mm, the PicoAPRS resembles a matchbox. It weighs just
52 grams (without antenna).
Ideal to have the device always with you, e.g. Hiking, biking, motorcycling, skiing, on a boat or in
the air.
www.wimo.com
- 3- ©Taner Schenker
