For this weekend only (including Monday) we have some of our most popular
products on sale!

Save up to 30% off our regular prices.  Please visit our Fourth of July sale
page at:

http://www.rpc-electronics.com/4ojsale.php

Be sure to buy from the links on the sale page, the normal product pages will
have the everyday prices.

Thanks!
Jason KE4NYV
RPC Electronics, LLC
www.rpc-electronics.com

Hey group this month I used an R-Trak placed in the trunk of the DeVille-the
antenna (a 1/4 wave antenna) placed in the back seat-no ground plane.... so not
a very great setup... the reason the family relocated from Tampa, FL to Tulsa,
OK.  A transport company put our cars on a truck (moving parking lot) and I
wanted to monitor the movements.  It worked marginally but considering the
conditions of the antenna it worked pretty well.  You can check out the movement
via N9RLR.... the cars were picked up June 28th from Tampa and stayed there for
a day or so and then it started to move.... it stayed in Mesquite, TX area for a
few days and then moved to Tulsa.  Anyway, nice unit again...when we get more
settled here in Tulsa I will get the R-Trak going in the car in the near future.
The call has been modified to NM5I... if anyone is close to Tulsa I would be
willing to show the unit or anything... thanks all and keep up the great work! 
Any word on a 5 or 10 watt unit?

Have a great day.
Noid Wilson

For five months I have sent emails to RPC inquiring about RTrak availability.
For months I have not had a response. Byonics was at Pacificon last weekend
proudly displaying their all-in-one system. Folks, including myself, snatched
them up at $200. I've read many postings from frustrated members of this Group
who have ordered their RTraks but haven't heard from RPC. The rest of you who
are considering all-in-one systems might want to check out Byonic's site. I
haven't set it up yet, but will provide a report as soon as I am up and running.

I was also at Pacificon and dropped my $220 at Byonics.  Had to leave
some cash behind..   Mine is up and running, couldn't have been
simplier.  Plug into cigarette lighter and put mag mount on roof.
Bingo, it works.  I've already rewired it to be always on and hidden,
just in case someone wants to borrow my wheels.

craig brammer  AE6AF

At 07:11 PM 10/21/2010, Michael wrote:
>Byonics was at Pacificon last weekend proudly displaying their
>all-in-one system.

I won't comment on RPC's issues. However, keep in mind that the
Byonics Micro-Trak AIO is a transmit-only device. All it does is
blindly transmit your position and it does not allow you to see
what's going on in the APRS world around you. Also, as a
transmit-only device, it can and will transmit on top of other APRS
transmitters causing some interference and dropped packets.

Byonics has done a great job marketing the AIO, but I think
purchasers of this device are missing the bigger picture. APRS is not
just for vehicle tracking.

At 03:10 PM 11/4/2010, Craig Brammer wrote:
>Mine is up and running, couldn't have been simplier.  Plug into
>cigarette lighter and put mag mount on roof. Bingo, it works.  I've
>already rewired it to be always on and hidden, just in case someone
>wants to borrow my wheels.

Yes, and it appears that you are beaconing at a rate of once every
three minutes even when your vehicle is not moving. That's redundant
information which just adds to the congestion on the APRS network. I
believe that your AIO supports SmartBeaconing which will adjust your
beacon rate depending on your speed. Do you have SmartBeaconing
enabled and properly configured? A beacon rate of once every ten
minutes while stationary varying up to once every two minutes at 60
MPH is usually sufficient.

Bob...

Watch for a new TT4 based AIO from Byonics. It receives, transmits, has
a built in GPS, can digi, and, because it has a Bluetooth adapter
connected to the computer COM port, you can connect to it from
APRSISCE/32 or any other suitable software running on a
bluetooth-capable host to provide a wireless IGate function. And the
whole thing runs on 8 AA cells for a day or so.

Lynn (D) - KJ4ERJ - Author of APRSISCE for Windows Mobile and Win32

PS. This was announced at at least one hamfest, and I've received
permission from them to confirm the upcoming product.

Bob Burns W9RXR wrote:
>
> At 07:11 PM 10/21/2010, Michael wrote:
> >Byonics was at Pacificon last weekend proudly displaying their
> >all-in-one system.
>
> I won't comment on RPC's issues. However, keep in mind that the
> Byonics Micro-Trak AIO is a transmit-only device. All it does is
> blindly transmit your position and it does not allow you to see
> what's going on in the APRS world around you. Also, as a
> transmit-only device, it can and will transmit on top of other APRS
> transmitters causing some interference and dropped packets.
>
> Byonics has done a great job marketing the AIO, but I think
> purchasers of this device are missing the bigger picture. APRS is not
> just for vehicle tracking.
>
> At 03:10 PM 11/4/2010, Craig Brammer wrote:
> >Mine is up and running, couldn't have been simplier. Plug into
> >cigarette lighter and put mag mount on roof. Bingo, it works. I've
> >already rewired it to be always on and hidden, just in case someone
> >wants to borrow my wheels.
>
> Yes, and it appears that you are beaconing at a rate of once every
> three minutes even when your vehicle is not moving. That's redundant
> information which just adds to the congestion on the APRS network. I
> believe that your AIO supports SmartBeaconing which will adjust your
> beacon rate depending on your speed. Do you have SmartBeaconing
> enabled and properly configured? A beacon rate of once every ten
> minutes while stationary varying up to once every two minutes at 60
> MPH is usually sufficient.
>
> Bob...
>
>

Wow, maybe I need to change this forum's name to Byonics MicroTrak.

As much as I understand they are my competition and everyone is entitled to
their opinion on whether our products are not as good, I would ask that the
discussions in this forum stays on topic with the RTrak.  If you feel the need
to talk about how much you like the MicroTrak products, please do so on THEIR
forum.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/tinytrak

Thank You,

Jason KE4NYV
RPC Electronics, LLC
www.rpc-elctronics.com

--- In RTrak@yahoogroups.com, "Lynn W. Deffenbaugh (Mr)" <ldeffenb@...> wrote:
>
> Watch for a new TT4 based AIO from Byonics. It receives, transmits, has
> a built in GPS, can digi, and, because it has a Bluetooth adapter
> connected to the computer COM port, you can connect to it from
> APRSISCE/32 or any other suitable software running on a
> bluetooth-capable host to provide a wireless IGate function. And the
> whole thing runs on 8 AA cells for a day or so.
>
> Lynn (D) - KJ4ERJ - Author of APRSISCE for Windows Mobile and Win32
>
> PS. This was announced at at least one hamfest, and I've received
> permission from them to confirm the upcoming product.
>
> Bob Burns W9RXR wrote:
> >
> > At 07:11 PM 10/21/2010, Michael wrote:
> > >Byonics was at Pacificon last weekend proudly displaying their
> > >all-in-one system.
> >
> > I won't comment on RPC's issues. However, keep in mind that the
> > Byonics Micro-Trak AIO is a transmit-only device. All it does is
> > blindly transmit your position and it does not allow you to see
> > what's going on in the APRS world around you. Also, as a
> > transmit-only device, it can and will transmit on top of other APRS
> > transmitters causing some interference and dropped packets.
> >
> > Byonics has done a great job marketing the AIO, but I think
> > purchasers of this device are missing the bigger picture. APRS is not
> > just for vehicle tracking.
> >
> > At 03:10 PM 11/4/2010, Craig Brammer wrote:
> > >Mine is up and running, couldn't have been simplier. Plug into
> > >cigarette lighter and put mag mount on roof. Bingo, it works. I've
> > >already rewired it to be always on and hidden, just in case someone
> > >wants to borrow my wheels.
> >
> > Yes, and it appears that you are beaconing at a rate of once every
> > three minutes even when your vehicle is not moving. That's redundant
> > information which just adds to the congestion on the APRS network. I
> > believe that your AIO supports SmartBeaconing which will adjust your
> > beacon rate depending on your speed. Do you have SmartBeaconing
> > enabled and properly configured? A beacon rate of once every ten
> > minutes while stationary varying up to once every two minutes at 60
> > MPH is usually sufficient.
> >
> > Bob...
> >
> >
>

I would like to mount my classic Rtrak on my BMW K75S motorcycle, with a trim
1/4W vertical using the aluminum travel rack as the ground plane. The efficiency
of this arrangement appears low enough to not reach local digipeaters
consistently. I am looking at the Communcations Concepts 335A
<http://www.communication-concepts.com/335a.htm> amp to boost the signal to
around four watts.

Ideally, I would put this in a matching Hammond case
<http://www.hammondmfg.com/scpg.htm#Ext?> but there are so many models to sift
through on their website.  Which model Hammond case does the Rtrak use?

thx, hugh
KC7HP
Seattle

Hugh,

Here is the case used on the Classic and LP RTrak:

http://www.mouser.com/Search/ProductDetail.aspx?R=1455J1201virtualkey54600000vir\
tualkey546-1455J1201

Hope that helps!  Please post some pictures of the project, once you have
completed installing.  I would love to see that and I am sure there are others
with a similar project in mind.

Jason Rausch - KE4NYV
RPC Electronics, LLC
www.rpc-electronics.com


--- In RTrak@yahoogroups.com, "kc7hp" <kc7hp@...> wrote:
>
> I would like to mount my classic Rtrak on my BMW K75S motorcycle, with a trim
1/4W vertical using the aluminum travel rack as the ground plane. The efficiency
of this arrangement appears low enough to not reach local digipeaters
consistently. I am looking at the Communcations Concepts 335A
<http://www.communication-concepts.com/335a.htm> amp to boost the signal to
around four watts.
>
> Ideally, I would put this in a matching Hammond case
<http://www.hammondmfg.com/scpg.htm#Ext?> but there are so many models to sift
through on their website.  Which model Hammond case does the Rtrak use?
>
> thx, hugh
> KC7HP
> Seattle
>

I am cleaning up some ancient saved discussion into my personal notes for RTrak.
I am wondering if anything came of this intended update.  Maybe I missed the
announcement?

thanks, hugh
KC7HP

---------------------------------------------------------------

2b. Re: new user update
     Posted by: "Jason Rausch" lists@... ke4nyv
     Date: Thu Jul 23, 2009 2:20 pm ((PDT))

Hugh,

Sorry that I did not get to this post sooner.  I am working as fast as I can to
get the new RTrak-LP ready to ship out and many people are waiting on me.

With the first generation RTrak, I noticed that the packets were significantly
different sounding than the other on-air traffic.  Although different, I did'nt
notice much of a performance problem with it.  I always felt that the
OpenTracker and TinyTrak series of trackers had a bit of flatter, raspier sound
to them, than say a Kantronics KPC-3.  Not a big deal if they get the job done.

Having said that, after looking into it more, it appears the OT1+ module used in
the first gen. RTrak is not matched to the MX146 transmitter perfectly.  This
has to do with the audio matching circuit on the OT1+ module itself.  This is
not Scott's fault, rather just a general design that he settled on to match a
majority of the radios out there.  Since the MX146 is a new radio and I was
starting blind from the ground up, there was some room for deviance.

I am looking at modifying the OT1+ module with possible a different voltage
divider ie. change some resistor values or possibly change out a transistor. 
Once I figure out a happy combination, I will offer any RTrak owner the chance
to send their unit back to us for the modification.  I will also offer up the
mod online, but any mods done by a user cannot be warrantied by us.  The mod
will most likely require the removal and replacement of 0805 surface mount
resistors and maybe a single SOT-23 size surface mount transistor.

More info on this when I have it ready.

Thanks!
Jason KE4NYV

We have just completed a full round of bench testing of our new RTrak-HAB APRS
tracker for high altitude balloon projects.  Of course, this could be used in
any high altitude project, but it has been designed with the balloon'er in mind.

For a complete list of features and pictures, please see our website:

http://www.rpc-electronics.com/rtrak-hab.php

We have a test unit on the way to the BEAR group in Canada for a real flight
test.  We plan to start taking orders in the next couple of weeks.  The price
has been set at $235 a unit.

Thanks!
Jason Rausch - KE4NYV
RPC Electronics, LLC
www.rpc-electronics.com

It was brought to my attention that I had left off the dimensions and weight of
the RTrak-HAB.  I have added these details to the website, but I would also like
to post that here:

- Dimensions: (L X W) 80mm X 53mm or 3 1/8" X 2 1/16"
- Weight: 35g or 1.2oz

Sorry for the mistake!

Thanks!
Jason Rausch - KE4NYV
RPC Electronics, LLC
www.rpc-electronics.com

--- In RTrak@yahoogroups.com, "Jason R" <lists@...> wrote:
>
> We have just completed a full round of bench testing of our new RTrak-HAB APRS
tracker for high altitude balloon projects.  Of course, this could be used in
any high altitude project, but it has been designed with the balloon'er in mind.
>
> For a complete list of features and pictures, please see our website:
>
> http://www.rpc-electronics.com/rtrak-hab.php
>
> We have a test unit on the way to the BEAR group in Canada for a real flight
test.  We plan to start taking orders in the next couple of weeks.  The price
has been set at $235 a unit.
>
> Thanks!
> Jason Rausch - KE4NYV
> RPC Electronics, LLC
> www.rpc-electronics.com
>

A limited quantity of the RTrak-Lite is now available for ordering and immediate
shipping! Please see our website for details and ordering links:

http://www.rpc-electronics.com/rtrak-lite.php

Thanks!
Jason Rausch - KE4NYV
RPC Electronics, LLC
www.rpc-electronics.com

The RTrak-HAB is now available for pre-ordering!

We received the latest version PCB this week and was able to build up a test
unit and verify operation.  The tracker is working flawlessly!  I big thanks
goes to Barry VE6SBS for all of his hard work on testing the RTrak-HAB and
helping to improve the performance!

The webpage has been updated with new pictures and a buying link has been added
to the page:

The RTrak-HAB is now available for pre-order!
http://www.rpc-electronics.com/rtrak-hab.php

Please direct any question to sales@...

Thanks!

Jason Rausch - Amateur Radio Callsign: KE4NYV
RPC Electronics, LLC
www.rpc-electronics.com

The RTrak-HAB pre-sale is still going!

Get your order in now to be included in this first batch shipping!

http://www.rpc-electronics.com/rtrak-hab.php

----- Original Message -----

From: Jason R

To: RTrak@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Friday, April 08, 2011 6:14 AM

Subject: [RTrak] RTrak-HAB (High Altitude Balloon) APRS Tracker

 

The RTrak-HAB pre-sale is still going!

Get your order in now to be included in this first batch shipping!

http://www.rpc-electronics.com/rtrak-hab.php

I have had my R-Trak for several years (5/21/08) and had not issues with it past
pinching the GPS coax in the infancy of the install.
Here is what I have now...

The unit has not updated my position since being in KC back on April 30, 2011. 
No noticeable changes have been done up to that point.  Doing some basic
troubleshooting...

I checked the config of the R-Trak.  All parameters are normal.  I went and
check the low and high tones from the config menu and can hear them on my
receiver which is 4 feet away to the tx side.  The GPS light is blinking green. 
I do have a Bird wattmeter with a 5 watt slug but not getting any movement on
the needle.  Have there been a issue at some point the tx going out?
Opening the box shows no problems on the SRB-MX146 board and I re-seated it.
I dont have my hands on service equipment for a little while so I wondered if
there are some down and dirty fixes?
Thanks.
Noid Wilson
NM5I ... NM5I-2(tracker id)
Tulsa, OK
918-550-3400

I flew the new HAB version of RTRAK at GPSL on July 30, 2011.  I am happy to
report that Serial #0001 performed perfectly for the complete flight.  Balloon
burst was about 90,000 ft.

The unit was powered with 2 Energizer 9V lithium batteries in parallel.  The
batteries had plenty of life left after the 160 minute flight.

The BalloonSat weighed only 300 grams.  The flight track is on APRS.FI with the
call n0mpm-11.

Mike
PENS (Pella Explores Near Space)

Mike,

That is great news!  Congrats on the successful flight!

We appreciate your feedback on the HAB.

Jason - KE4NYV
RPC Electronics, LLC
www.rpc-electronics.com

--- In RTrak@yahoogroups.com, "n0mpm" <morgamp52@...> wrote:
>
> I flew the new HAB version of RTRAK at GPSL on July 30, 2011.  I am happy to
report that Serial #0001 performed perfectly for the complete flight.  Balloon
burst was about 90,000 ft.
>
> The unit was powered with 2 Energizer 9V lithium batteries in parallel.  The
batteries had plenty of life left after the 160 minute flight.
>
> The BalloonSat weighed only 300 grams.  The flight track is on APRS.FI with
the call n0mpm-11.
>
> Mike
> PENS (Pella Explores Near Space)
>

The Original Rolling Ball Clock
Idle Tyme
Idle-Tyme.com
http://www.idle-tyme.com

I flew the new HAB version of RTRAK at GPSL on July 30, 2011. I am happy to report that Serial #0001 performed perfectly for the complete flight. Balloon burst was about 90,000 ft. The unit was powered with 2 Energizer 9V lithium batteries in parallel. The batteries had plenty of life left after the 160 minute flight.
The BalloonSat weighed only 300 grams. The flight track is on APRS.FI with the call n0mpm-11.
Mike PENS (Pella Explores Near Space)
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We have decided to do a Black Friday Sale, starting today and going until
midnight tomorrow (Friday).  Many of our popular products are on sale and in
stock!

http://rpc-electronics.com/xsales/2011blackfriday.php

Thank you for your continued business throughout 2011!
Jason - KE4NYV
RPC Electronics, LLC
www.rpc-electronics.com

I have two RTRAK-HAB's.  One of them works great and have had a flawless flight.
The second one is giving me fits.  When I first received the modules, I was able
to configure each one via the serial port.  Today I tried to reconfigure with no
luck.  The RTRAK will not connect to my serial port.  I know all is well on my
end since I still can connect to my other RTRAK...

The RTRAK will capture GPS OK and will send out APRS strings just fine, but per
an old config.  I just cannot talk to it in order to change settings.

Any Ideas???

Mike   N0MPM
Pella Explores Near Space
Hosting 2013 GPSL

Are both RTrak programming setups identical? In other words, are both units no
longer installed in different capsules with different antennas attached? Or did
you either replace the antenna with a SMA dummy load or remove the MX146
transmitter module, at least while trying to program the unit having a problem?
I have occasionally seen RF from the transmitter affect the serial connection
and, while the transmitter isn't active while programming a unit, it usually
transmits 1 quick burst when the RTrak is powered on which can affect things and
prevent further serial communication.

Barry  VE6SBS
bear.sbszoo.com

--- In RTrak@yahoogroups.com, "n0mpm" <morgamp52@...> wrote:
>
> I have two RTRAK-HAB's.  One of them works great and have had a flawless
flight.  The second one is giving me fits.  When I first received the modules, I
was able to configure each one via the serial port.  Today I tried to
reconfigure with no luck.  The RTRAK will not connect to my serial port.  I know
all is well on my end since I still can connect to my other RTRAK...
>
> The RTRAK will capture GPS OK and will send out APRS strings just fine, but
per an old config.  I just cannot talk to it in order to change settings.
>
> Any Ideas???
>
> Mike   N0MPM
> Pella Explores Near Space
> Hosting 2013 GPSL
>