Re: Micro-Trak RTG FA mods
Its probably an awful time to suggest this ( Since you just got your RTG up and running and discovered every possible nuance to it!) but you might want to look at the MTT4BT as an alternative to the RTG. It has a bunch more I/O's including two serial I/O's. This can allow you to keep the unit running as a tracker/digipeater will simultaneously accepting serial input which will be formatted as an APRS packet and transmitted in much the same manner as the TinyPack firmware allows, but while maintaining the "normal" tracking functions. The primary serial port is usually used for a GPS, but it can be set up for practically anything at any Baud rate. The secondary port can be set independently for a different Baud rate or format ( KISS, TEXT, WX, etc.) and can be accessed either via a 2.5mm jack or through the built-in Bluetooth connection ( Determined by setting internal jumpers) There are a bunch of extra analog inputs and built-in abilities for source Voltage and board temperature ( The ubiquitous LM335 sensor) The MTT4BT can also put out a little bit more power than an RTG,? about 14 to 15 Watts.
73,
Allen AF6OF
VHS/BYONICS
-----Original Message-----
From: Kelly via groups.io <kellykeeton@...>
To: [email protected]
Sent: Sun, Nov 6, 2022 5:34 pm
Subject: Re: [TinyTrak] Micro-Trak RTG FA mods
This isn't new firmware its a consolidation of advanced tricks to do with the device and my travels in goofing around with it.
Nothing in this repo is not public data on the byonics and aprs published white papers.
I am looking for data on the TinyPack function and use if anyone has any technical details.
Also some fun feature requests are to enable TTL/UART on 3rd channel vs analog and if this hardware is ever reprinted it would be cool if the PIC was DIP replaceable package if it goes zap.
Byon's Code is rather feature rich so not much needed in terms of software per-say .. I do plan to attempt some crazy ideas like tide data and other stuff ..once I figure out a bit more (TinyPack?)
73 kelly
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Re: Micro-Trak RTG FA mods
This isn't new firmware its a consolidation of advanced tricks to do with the device and my travels in goofing around with it.
Nothing in this repo is not public data on the byonics and aprs published white papers.
I am looking for data on the TinyPack function and use if anyone has any technical details.
Also some fun feature requests are to enable TTL/UART on 3rd channel vs analog and if this hardware is ever reprinted it would be cool if the PIC was DIP replaceable package if it goes zap.
Byon's Code is rather feature rich so not much needed in terms of software per-say .. I do plan to attempt some crazy ideas like tide data and other stuff ..once I figure out a bit more (TinyPack?)
73 kelly
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Re: Micro-Trak RTG FA mods
Does this firmware replace the normal MicroTrak RTG FA firmware? Did you reverse engineer Byon's code to create this firmware?
thanks rich
mods and errata document on my tinkering here..?
k7mhi
-- Richard A. Painter, P.E. Retired
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mods and errata document on my tinkering here..?
k7mhi
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I have both BR-355 and BU-353 from globalsat. I have the BR-355 running on a tinytrak rtg in my car for may years
both work great and can be configured with the SiRFdemo. Both of my models were purchased more than 10 years ago and were at the time SiRFstar chips. Looking at the Globalsat web page for the? BU-353-N5 is silent about the implemented chip...
regards rich
On Sun, Oct 23, 2022 at 6:58 AM Michael McKenzie < spikels6@...> wrote: Thanks for the info Rob. Rather beyond my capabilities to understand; my ignorance on the subject.
Richard's advice on the SIRFdemo-3.4.exe I did not know about. I have a GlobalSat BU-353-N5 coming to use in a different setting for which that software will be useful. Y'all have opened my eyes even further on the subject of GPS receivers.
Spike??? N4EBF
-- Richard A. Painter, P.E. Retired
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Thanks for the info Rob. Rather beyond my capabilities to understand; my ignorance on the subject.
Richard's advice on the SIRFdemo-3.4.exe I did not know about. I have a GlobalSat BU-353-N5 coming to use in a different setting for which that software will be useful. Y'all have opened my eyes even further on the subject of GPS receivers.
Spike??? N4EBF
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I love the SiRF Star 4 GPS chips. SiRF has a windows program that can fully configure these chips as well as examine all aspects of their messages. My version is 3.4 and the file is SiRFdemo-3.4.exe. You should do a web search for sirf demo and get the latest. Also the u-blox 8 chips are wonderful and superior to the older SiRFStar. That family of chips has an even more powerful config and diag tool used by the u-blox engineers... again search the web for that program. both of these use a windows program to easily configure the message emitted.
tinytrak like 2 NMEA sentences: GGA and RMC.
regards rich
The issue is that the RS232 lines are typically pulled high, and that the GPS may be able to be power (although not reliably) by that.? The LEDs are the state of each PIN, so for each "ON" LED, the GPS may be getting power from it.
I believe messages with the $PSRF prefix are typically configuration sentences used by SiRF GPS units.? These are usually sent "to" the GPS.? I never heard of a 150 message though.
Once you get it connected try sending:? $PSRF100,1,9600,8,1,0*0D (I think that is the correct checksum).? That should change the output to?NMEA sentences at 9600,n,8,1.
I think there is a tool called VisualGPS which can be used to interface with an SiRF GPS to change settings.
On Friday, October 21, 2022 at 02:41:17 PM EDT, Michael McKenzie < spikels6@...> wrote:
?
Good grief, sounds like I could have solved the problem with a longer USB extension between the GUA and the Tablet. I found a USB extension I have used for something else that ought to work. Now I will have to order a new GUA from Byonics.
As far as the FTDI interface, it is a Gearmo USB to Serial RS-232 Adapter with FTDI chip set? Model #GM-FTDI-LED. The strings that come into the COM3 Port on Putty show "$PSRF150,1*3E" instead of the much longer lines of data coming in. The GPS-5 must be getting power from somewhere plugged into the table; just not obviously in the right place or amount.
I was using a Byonics GPS-5 that has a DB9 Female connector to the GEARMO FTDI adapter which has a DB9 Male connector ending in a USB connector to the Tablet.
I'll get back when I get a new GUA to try the extension on.
Thank you very much for your help!
Spike N4EBF
-- Richard A. Painter, P.E. Retired
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The issue is that the RS232 lines are typically pulled high, and that the GPS may be able to be power (although not reliably) by that.? The LEDs are the state of each PIN, so for each "ON" LED, the GPS may be getting power from it.
I believe messages with the $PSRF prefix are typically configuration sentences used by SiRF GPS units.? These are usually sent "to" the GPS.? I never heard of a 150 message though.
Once you get it connected try sending:? $PSRF100,1,9600,8,1,0*0D (I think that is the correct checksum).? That should change the output to?NMEA sentences at 9600,n,8,1.
I think there is a tool called VisualGPS which can be used to interface with an SiRF GPS to change settings.
On Friday, October 21, 2022 at 02:41:17 PM EDT, Michael McKenzie <spikels6@...> wrote:
?
Good grief, sounds like I could have solved the problem with a longer USB extension between the GUA and the Tablet. I found a USB extension I have used for something else that ought to work. Now I will have to order a new GUA from Byonics.
As far as the FTDI interface, it is a Gearmo USB to Serial RS-232 Adapter with FTDI chip set? Model #GM-FTDI-LED. The strings that come into the COM3 Port on Putty show "$PSRF150,1*3E" instead of the much longer lines of data coming in. The GPS-5 must be getting power from somewhere plugged into the table; just not obviously in the right place or amount.
I was using a Byonics GPS-5 that has a DB9 Female connector to the GEARMO FTDI adapter which has a DB9 Male connector ending in a USB connector to the Tablet.
I'll get back when I get a new GUA to try the extension on.
Thank you very much for your help!
Spike N4EBF
|
Good grief, sounds like I could have solved the problem with a longer USB extension between the GUA and the Tablet. I found a USB extension I have used for something else that ought to work. Now I will have to order a new GUA from Byonics.
As far as the FTDI interface, it is a Gearmo USB to Serial RS-232 Adapter with FTDI chip set? Model #GM-FTDI-LED. The strings that come into the COM3 Port on Putty show "$PSRF150,1*3E" instead of the much longer lines of data coming in. The GPS-5 must be getting power from somewhere plugged into the table; just not obviously in the right place or amount.
I was using a Byonics GPS-5 that has a DB9 Female connector to the GEARMO FTDI adapter which has a DB9 Male connector ending in a USB connector to the Tablet.
I'll get back when I get a new GUA to try the extension on.
Thank you very much for your help!
Spike N4EBF
|
Just curious, if the GUA is just a bit too short, have you tried a USB extension cable between the computer and GUA or a straight through DE9 extension between the GUA and GPS?
The key to the GUA cable is that it powers the GPS on pin 4.
I don't understand the Male-to-Male adapter need.?
What connection is on the FTDI interface (it should have male pins), and what is on the GPS (should have female pins)? So the adapter should be Male-Femake.
For any FTDI (or other RS232 adapter), you need to remove any signal on PIN 4 and replace it with 3 batteries as I suggested - or find another source to power the GPS.
The next question would be "what model FTDI adapter" and/or "Prolific" adapter are you using? That would help us naswer the LED question.?
Are you sure it is sending RS232 level and logic signals? ???? For instance, with the HiLetgo FT232RL USB-to-TTL type adapter,?the voltage and Logic do not match the GPS, so it will not work.
???? On the other hand, this type of adaptor: Usangreen? USB to RS232 4-pin terminal does RS232 levels and has 5V to power the GPS.? Of course you would have to make the cable to the GPS and it would be the same as the GUA (except you control the length).
Another cable would be Hailege 2303HXD where you just have to connect the pins to a DE9 male.? Can't comment on the cable length as to your needs.
On Friday, October 21, 2022 at 12:39:05 PM EDT, Michael McKenzie <spikels6@...> wrote:
My installation in the car keeps breaking the GUA adapter, because it is not long enough to take pressure off the connectors. A Prolific cable did not work at all and I have a flexible 2 foot long FTDI adapter. However, it will not bring in the correct data stream on Putty that I am used to seeing. Byron says I need a male to male adapter to open Pin 4. I may be misunderstanding this, too.
I get lighted LED's on the adaptor and each one is labeled. Can anyone tell me how to read the signal coming in?
Spike N4EBF
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My installation in the car keeps breaking the GUA adapter, because it is not long enough to take pressure off the connectors. A Prolific cable did not work at all and I have a flexible 2 foot long FTDI adapter. However, it will not bring in the correct data stream on Putty that I am used to seeing. Byron says I need a male to male adapter to open Pin 4. I may be misunderstanding this, too.
I get lighted LED's on the adaptor and each one is labeled. Can anyone tell me how to read the signal coming in?
Spike N4EBF
|
Re: Windows 10 igate software to TT4
On Fri, Aug 26, 2022 at 09:37 AM, howardmsmall wrote:
I have a TT4 and would llike to set up an igate with it using Windows 10. I have found it a little confusing and welcome suggestions on a simple igate software package that will do the job.
Thanks,
Howard, Vk4BS
I've been researching setting up a recieve-only iGate at a local repeater site and
the local response was to get an HP t620 "thin client" off of eBay ($20-$60) and
put Ubuntu and Dire Wolf software modem on it,
Then stick receive audio into the line audio in jack (on the rear), then have the
combination feed aprs.fi and ignore it.
One of the arguments was that the t620 unit consumes a lot less power (less than
15 watts) and doesn't tie up the desktop computer.? Another was the Ubuntu was a
helluva lot more reliable.
I've got a t620 in hand but have not started the setup yet as Real Life got in the
way and will prevent progress for another month or two but I thought I'd ask for
comments... ?
BTW the t620 normally comes with Win7 or Win10 on an internal 16gig SSD...
on the back of the t620 it has Ethernet, two Display Ports for video, two USB2
ports, a PS/2 keyboard and a PS/2 mouse, plus line audio in and out,?
The front has two USB3, two USB2, mic and earphone.
Note that the t620 came in two versions - one has a DB9 male port (i.e. a
serial port) and the other had a VGA port (a 3rd video port) in that location.?
In an eBay photo they can look the same.
If you want the serial port (as I did) be careful that you don't get the wrong one.
There was also a t620plus that came in a double width case and had a second
serial port, a printer port, and a PCIe slot.? Make sure it comes with the correct
power brick.
As usual, when an interesting piece of hardware comes along there is someone
that starts digging into it.?
That web site is here:
Mike WA6ILQ
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Re: TT4 and Arduino project
You could also go old school and hide a
toggle switch under the dash or somewhere that disables the fuel
pump or ignition.? Turn the switch off when you park the car and
at least they can't drive it away, although that won't stop the
tow truck theft.
-Dj
On 10/1/22 16:28, vhsproducts via
groups.io wrote:
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
Using APRS for an
improvised LOKAK system is pretty common, and adding the ability
to stop the car has been done in the past. Shutting down the
electric fuel pump is a little safer than turning off the
ignition- enable.
I would suggest you do not add a system that can shut your
car off. APRS is not secure, and if your system shuts the
ignition down while your bad guy is on the freeway and he runs
a bus full of school kids off the road,? your liabilities
would be awful. Your deactivation system could be hacked,
triggered inadvertently, or just subject to some glitch that
trips your shutdown relay.?
If you really want to shut it down, I would suggest driving
to the point where you can see the vehicle is not operating,
and use a more secure remote control mode to deactivate it.
Your vehicle can be stolen with a trailer, a tow truck, or a
couple of kids with a hammer and a few pals to help push, so
deactivation may not be effective anyway. The more tech savvy
criminals will probably recognize your APRS tracking system as
a tracker and deactivate it....the less competent will just
steal it. Its hard to hide a decent VHF antenna on most
vehicles. I have had the best luck with covert antennas by
installing 1/2 wave wire dipoles under the rubber or plastic
bumpers of modern cars, and using the AM/FM OEM whips with
some success on older cars and trucks. Good luck!
73,
Allen AF6OF
-----Original Message-----
From: csmith181 <csmith181@...>
To: [email protected]
Sent: Sat, Oct 1, 2022 11:52 am
Subject: [TinyTrak] TT4 and Arduino project
This may be a bit weird, and
perhaps it's already been covered, but I can't find
any discussions so here's the question:
I am using my TT4 in a vehicle that is becoming more
prone to thefts.? The good thing is that I can have
the tracker and radio on a power sensor that turns
then on whenever the vehicle is running and then keeps
then powered up for a given amount of time after the
vehicle is turned off.? I would like to add a relay
that kills the ignition (it's an older points style,
so it's simple to intercept the signal to the coil).?
My thought would be to be able to send a message to
the unit in the car and have something like an Arduino
see a specific message and trip the relay.
Has anyone done anything like this before?
Thanks in advance
De NK9W
Chris
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Re: TT4 and Arduino project
Using APRS for an improvised LOKAK system is pretty common, and adding the ability to stop the car has been done in the past. Shutting down the electric fuel pump is a little safer than turning off the ignition- enable.
I would suggest you do not add a system that can shut your car off. APRS is not secure, and if your system shuts the ignition down while your bad guy is on the freeway and he runs a bus full of school kids off the road,? your liabilities would be awful. Your deactivation system could be hacked, triggered inadvertently, or just subject to some glitch that trips your shutdown relay.?
If you really want to shut it down, I would suggest driving to the point where you can see the vehicle is not operating, and use a more secure remote control mode to deactivate it. Your vehicle can be stolen with a trailer, a tow truck, or a couple of kids with a hammer and a few pals to help push, so deactivation may not be effective anyway. The more tech savvy criminals will probably recognize your APRS tracking system as a tracker and deactivate it....the less competent will just steal it. Its hard to hide a decent VHF antenna on most vehicles. I have had the best luck with covert antennas by installing 1/2 wave wire dipoles under the rubber or plastic bumpers of modern cars, and using the AM/FM OEM whips with some success on older cars and trucks. Good luck!
73,
Allen AF6OF
-----Original Message-----
From: csmith181 <csmith181@...>
To: [email protected]
Sent: Sat, Oct 1, 2022 11:52 am
Subject: [TinyTrak] TT4 and Arduino project
This may be a bit weird, and perhaps it's already been covered, but I can't find any discussions so here's the question:
I am using my TT4 in a vehicle that is becoming more prone to thefts.? The good thing is that I can have the tracker and radio on a power sensor that turns then on whenever the vehicle is running and then keeps then powered up for a given amount of time after the vehicle is turned off.? I would like to add a relay that kills the ignition (it's an older points style, so it's simple to intercept the signal to the coil).? My thought would be to be able to send a message to the unit in the car and have something like an Arduino see a specific message and trip the relay.
Has anyone done anything like this before?
Thanks in advance
De NK9W
Chris
|
This may be a bit weird, and perhaps it's already been covered, but I can't find any discussions so here's the question: I am using my TT4 in a vehicle that is becoming more prone to thefts.? The good thing is that I can have the tracker and radio on a power sensor that turns then on whenever the vehicle is running and then keeps then powered up for a given amount of time after the vehicle is turned off.? I would like to add a relay that kills the ignition (it's an older points style, so it's simple to intercept the signal to the coil).? My thought would be to be able to send a message to the unit in the car and have something like an Arduino see a specific message and trip the relay. Has anyone done anything like this before? Thanks in advance
De NK9W
Chris
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Confirming TT3 are still available?
Clint K6LCS
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Re: MT-1000 V1.7 No Manual
I received the MT15 this week and using the USB programming cable (pressed in tightly, used the web interface to program it.?https://byonics.com/mfconfig/
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Re: MT-1000 V1.7 No Manual
I think Device Manager always says it¡¯s working properly. Properly for the fake chips means it won¡¯t work. Maybe try rolling it back anyway? ?Nothing to lose! Jardy Dawson WA7JRD
Message sent by....Oh look!! Pretty lights!!
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Show quoted text
On Sep 24, 2022, at 14:37, Lance Peterson <va3lp1@...> wrote:
? We were using it on a computer that was still running Windows 7. It loaded up ok and in the device manager was indicating that there was not a problem.? Unlike Win 10 which now has started saying they?are a problem. We are going to see about getting the proper cable. A friend has a magic box full of programming cables and we will see if there is one there that will work. 73 Lance VA3LP ? Be safe. Get Prepared. Stay ready.
Try rolling back to cable driver to 3.2.0.0. A lot of ¡®Prolific¡¯ cables have fake chips in them. Prolific has arranged for years that the latest and greatest Prolific drivers make is so the cable will not work. Go to Miklor.com to find driver 3.2.0.0 and get more info on the subject. The cable will probably work just fine.? Jardy Dawson WA7JRD
Message sent by....Oh look!! Pretty lights!!
On Sep 24, 2022, at 13:30, Lance Peterson <va3lp1@...> wrote:
? Thanks for the input. The programming software we are using is 1.4 from Byonics. We cannot get the computer to talk to the unit. We are using a usb to serial cable ( Prolific PL2032HSX) and a jury rigged connector from that to the Byonics. I think we need to stop and get a proper cable.? 73 Lance VA3LP ? Be safe. Get Prepared. Stay ready.
On Sat, Sep 24, 2022 at 4:07 PM vhsproducts via <vhsproducts= [email protected]> wrote:
NOOOOH!?
V1.7 is the transmitter-only firmware for the MF-15. It will corrupt the unit and probably make it necessary for me to have to reflash firmware to the PIC. ( Okay, its not the end of the world) You must use Microtrak Config V1.95 with an MF-PC. You will note the correct config program has a drop-down box for both a transmit and a receive frequency. You can also turn-off the receiver in configuration to save power in operation.?
?If your unit came shipped as a tracker, you should use Configuration v1.4.6. As a tracker, this unit only transmits, so there is no box to enter a receive frequency...the RX will be asleep.
The MT-1000 HA/MF-PC are roughly based on the TT3 chip, so there is no practical way to configure it from the command line using a terminal program. A terminal program is used for these units ( Collectively called the OMEGA series) only to reload firmware. The programming cable that Byonics sells for these units is the USB-2.5 serial cable. It uses special Prolifics drivers, generic drivers don't always work ( Except perhaps in Windows 11) The Byonics cable is essentially a clone of a Kenwood cable, if you happen to have one already, it will work. You can't program these units with a TTL cable; you have to use a "true" serial cable. (You can tell which ones these are because they don't cost .99 on eBay...)?
FYI, the MF-PC can be programmed and controlled with a DTMF handheld radio or via a PC with a serial connection. I believe the config GUI is much easier, but if you need to configure one in the wild, with nothing but your trusty Baofeng, it can be done. There is also an online configuration program that will work on pretty much any of the Byonics PiCCon-style transmitters and transmitters.?
73,
Allen AF6OF
-----Original Message-----
From: Rob Giuliano via <kb8rco= [email protected]>
To: [email protected] < [email protected]>
Sent: Sat, Sep 24, 2022 12:40 pm
Subject: Re: [TinyTrak] MT-1000 V1.7 No Manual
Have you looked at this site: ?
It shows the manual for firmware V1.7.? It says it is for the MT15 (15mW version), so the difference is probably output power.
There is configuration application for firmware 1.65, but you may want to ust use a terminal program (like TeraTermPro or PuTTY).
On Saturday, September 24, 2022 at 02:03:29 PM EDT, Lance Peterson < va3lp1@...> wrote:
We have a Byonics MF-PicCon MT-1000 V1.7 that was delivered with out paperwork. We are trying to program and hook up but are unable to descern what is what as there is only older manuals, not the latest. Does anyone have information on this latest? version. Thanks
Lance VA3LP
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Rich Painter
Dj Merrill
Brent - K4BSC