Projects – Laptop GPS and APRS iGate
I recently posted a couple of projects on my MOTA (Mines on the Air) website that may be of interest to everyone. Below is a brief description of those projects and links to more information.
Add GPS to your Windows Laptop for $14
With the quick growth of digital modes has also come the need for accurate Time Synchronization on your PC. Since I am hoping to do more digital modes from the field, especially Field Day, I looked into adding GPS Time Sync to my Windows 10 laptop. Once I found some free software, it turned out to be real easy. Add GPS to your Windows Laptop for $14 at the Mines on the Air website.
APRS iGate from a Raspberry Pi Zero
I had never done anything with APRS before but when I purchased my Kenwood TH-D74, which has APRS, I decided to try and setup an APRS iGate in my garage. Being in a remote location, I thought it might also be beneficial to other Hams with APRS devices as they drove down Hwy 141. I tried 2 years ago with a full size Raspberry Pi 3, with limited success. After running across an article about using a Raspberry Pi Zero W, smaller cheaper version of Pi 3, I decided to give it another try. APRS iGate from a Raspberry Pi Zero at the Mines on the Air website.
Good luck with your projects and I hope to see many of you at WCARC Field Day.
73, John, WJ0NF
Define:
Automatic Packet Reporting System (APRS) is an amateur radio-based system for real time digital communications of information of immediate value in the local area. Data can include object Global Positioning System (GPS) coordinates, weather station telemetry, text messages, announcements, queries, and other telemetry. APRS data can be displayed on a map, which can show stations, objects, tracks of moving objects, weather stations, search and rescue data, and direction finding data.
APRS iGate is an application that listens on APRS packets heard by the radio, and relays them to the APRS-IS network on the internet.