On Thu, 9 Nov 2006, Wes Johnston, AI4PX wrote:

> If I had a small 6kw genset that was to be run outside our comms trailer,
> how would I remotely see the fuel level?  I've thought about putting a 0-10"
> of H2O pressure transducer at the fuel feed at the bottom of the tank, but
> they seem kinda pricey at $100 from grainger.  Are there other sources?
> Other methods?  This is the normal el-cheap-o genset you get from lowes or
> home depot with the shallow fuel tank on top of the frame.

I'm not going to directly answer you question ('cuz I don't know the
answer!) but I wanted to mention something else about this:

If the gen-set has a small tank, usually they also have restrictions
against running it continously.  This engine design is supposed to
cool down between runs, then you can fill it and start it up again.
These types typically don't have the proper cylinder design for long
run-times, and in fact will need an engine rebuild after XX number
of hours (and it ain't all that long!).

If it has a larger tank it most likely can be run for extended
periods, but of course they still warn you not to fill it while it
is running.  I have one of these types, a Devilbiss 5000 or 6000W.
It has a larger tank that goes across the top of nearly the whole
unit.

I understand what it's like to be on a mission and have everything
in the comms truck go dark at 3am when the gen-set runs out of gas.
Just be careful with the cheap type as you might seize it up or at
least severely decrease the operating life if you try to run it
continuously.

Anything further on this topic will undoubtedly be beyond my
knowledge/experience.  I learned most of the above from a friend,
now deceased, who knew _much_ more about generators than I did.
He mentioned that the tank size was the major indication of the type
of cylinder and whether the system could run in continous duty.  The
other indication would of course be the owner's manual.

--
Curt, WE7U.   APRS Client Comparisons: http://www.eskimo.com/~archer
"Lotto:    A tax on people who are bad at math." -- unknown
"Windows:  Microsoft's tax on computer illiterates." -- WE7U
"The world DOES revolve around me:  I picked the coordinate system!"

The one other method I've seen uses a vertical tube off the side of
the tank that fills with gas to the same level as the tank.  A magnet is
floated inside the tube with magnetic reed switches attached at various
heights along the tube.  If the magnet is at the height of one of the
switches then that one is closed while the others are open.  It gives a
good enough, but not super accurate measure of the fuel left in the tank.

    -Greg VE7GJM

Wes Johnston, AI4PX wrote:
> If I had a small 6kw genset that was to be run outside our comms
> trailer, how would I remotely see the fuel level?  I've thought about
> putting a 0-10" of H2O pressure transducer at the fuel feed at the
> bottom of the tank, but they seem kinda pricey at $100 from grainger.
> Are there other sources?  Other methods?  This is the normal el-cheap-o
> genset you get from lowes or home depot with the shallow fuel tank on
> top of the frame.
>
> Wes

I assembled my OT2 Proto C kit last night, but I'm unable to get the
config program to talk to it.
When I power it up, the bi-color led flashes once.
Cabling to the PC is the same as I use for the OT1, null-modem, gender
changer, USB to serial converter, plugged into DB9 connector X3.
I'm using the latest configuration program from Scott's site.
I'm assuming the same otwincfg.exe works for both types of trackers?

Anyway, when prompted to reset the tracker...nothing happens.

Any ideas?

Rog KC0MWM
www.cnnsp.org

On Nov 10, 2006, at 8:22 AM, Roger Hammond wrote:

> I'm assuming the same otwincfg.exe works for both types of trackers?

As long as it's a relatively recent copy that knows about the T2.  If
it's one you've had around for a while you should probably grab a new
copy.

-Jason
kg4wsv

-----Original Message-----
From: tracker2@yahoogroups.com [mailto:tracker2@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Jason Winningham
Sent: Friday, November 10, 2006 8:43 AM
To: tracker2@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [tracker2] New toy, no joy.

On Nov 10, 2006, at 8:22 AM, Roger Hammond wrote:

> I'm assuming the same otwincfg.exe works for both types of trackers?

As long as it's a relatively recent copy that knows about the T2. If
it's one you've had around for a while you should probably grab a new
copy.

-Jason
kg4wsv

---

From: tracker2@yahoogroups.com [mailto:tracker2@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Jason Winningham
Sent: Friday, November 10, 2006 6:43 AM
To: tracker2@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [tracker2] New toy, no joy.

On Nov 10, 2006, at 8:22 AM, Roger Hammond wrote:

> I'm assuming the same otwincfg.exe works for both types of trackers?

As long as it's a relatively recent copy that knows about the T2. If
it's one you've had around for a while you should probably grab a new
copy.

-Jason
kg4wsv

-----Original Message-----
From: tracker2@yahoogroups.com [mailto:tracker2@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Jason Winningham
Sent: Friday, November 10, 2006 8:43 AM
To: tracker2@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [tracker2] New toy, no joy.

On Nov 10, 2006, at 8:22 AM, Roger Hammond wrote:

> I'm assuming the same otwincfg.exe works for both types of trackers?

As long as it's a relatively recent copy that knows about the T2. If
it's one you've had around for a while you should probably grab a new
copy.

-Jason
kg4wsv

-----Original Message-----
From: tracker2@yahoogroups.com [mailto:tracker2@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Roger Hammond
Sent: Friday, November 10, 2006 9:38 AM
To: tracker2@yahoogroups.com
Subject: RE: [tracker2] New toy, no joy.

I've got the configuration program talking to the OT2...sort of.

When I try to load new firmware, I get errors that it's "unable to erase block at 0x0880", followed by Configuration Write Failed.

The LED is red and flashes to green every few seconds.

 

Rog KC0MWM

 

-----Original Message-----
From: tracker2@yahoogroups.com [mailto:tracker2@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Jason Winningham
Sent: Friday, November 10, 2006 8:43 AM
To: tracker2@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [tracker2] New toy, no joy.

On Nov 10, 2006, at 8:22 AM, Roger Hammond wrote:

> I'm assuming the same otwincfg.exe works for both types of trackers?

As long as it's a relatively recent copy that knows about the T2. If
it's one you've had around for a while you should probably grab a new
copy.

-Jason
kg4wsv

On Thu, 9 Nov 2006, Greg Merkley wrote:

>    The one other method I've seen uses a vertical tube off the side of
> the tank that fills with gas to the same level as the tank.  A magnet is
> floated inside the tube with magnetic reed switches attached at various
> heights along the tube.  If the magnet is at the height of one of the
> switches then that one is closed while the others are open.  It gives a
> good enough, but not super accurate measure of the fuel left in the tank.

That's really a slick way of doing a non-contact sort of sensing.

If you attach a small magnet to one end of each reed switch, they'll
latch as the magnet passes by.  They'll look like this when near
full:

(Bottom)                 (Top)
        1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 0


Or this when near-empty:

(Bottom)                 (Top)
        1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

I suppose for your purposes you really only need one magnet/reed
switch combo and one magnet in the line, letting you know it's at
1/4 tank or 1/8 tank or something.  Attach that to a flashing 200W
light bulb in the command-post or a red-alert klaxon or something...

You could also have the tube come off the bottom of the tank, go
vertical for a while, then have it go back into the tank, so you
don't need to have a separate air vent at the top of the tube.

By the way, if you're looking for some cool small rare-earth
magnets, I just bought a bunch from amazingmagnets.com to play
with.  If you buy any of the larger ones don't get your fingers
between them as they come together.  It took my index finger a week
to get rid of the bruise I got when two of them pinched me
unexpectedly.  They're much faster than I am.

So, to stay on-topic, hook the magnet/reed-switch combo to an
OpenTracker and send the alert to the command post that you're about
out of gas.

--
Curt, WE7U.   APRS Client Comparisons: http://www.eskimo.com/~archer
"Lotto:    A tax on people who are bad at math." -- unknown
"Windows:  Microsoft's tax on computer illiterates." -- WE7U
"The world DOES revolve around me:  I picked the coordinate system!"

Roger Hammond wrote:

> I assembled my OT2 Proto C kit last night, but I'm unable to get the
> config program to talk to it.
> When I power it up, the bi-color led flashes once.
> Cabling to the PC is the same as I use for the OT1, null-modem, gender
> changer, USB to serial converter, plugged into DB9 connector X3.
> I'm using the latest configuration program from Scott's site.
> I'm assuming the same otwincfg.exe works for both types of trackers?
>
> Anyway, when prompted to reset the tracker...nothing happens.
>
> Any ideas?
>
>














Have you tried access the OT2 command prompt directly, using
Hyperterminal or some other comm program?

If not, start up your comm program, set the communications parameters to
9600/N/1/No flow control, and bang on the Enter key a few dozen times,
and see if you get a prompt.

- Rich

HI, I have it all completed, connected to the computer....it comes up
with an "Unrecognized firmware type-not supported by this program>
I down loaded the lastest firmware, and hopefully flashed the ot2, It
said "Finished", then came up with the error statement.
Any suggestions??  I have tried connecting with hyperterminal,couldn't
get a connect..
Jack WY0F

hello group

just got done with assembly. working great..

got the deluo gps,   with the kit..

have the gps to serial and mouse cable

how do i connect the gps to get power from tracker2

set jumper 4 to 2+3

I connect the deluo to the pc serial and mouse port
it lights up..

thanks

chris

k7nbc

well, this may be related to the gps issue...

I can connect using config program..

set up as k7nbc-11 tied into radio kenwood tk-270 portable
and it works..... set as fixed site in config program and it beacons


tried to connect to terminal via serial port

no prompt...   I get the ~ when connected to computer and then power
the ot2..... press enter several times  ..  no prompt

checked power and ground on serial port 5 volts and ground ok...
(more for the gps issue)


wish i had my old serial port break out box (bob) that showed
led's on pins......

why can i get into config but not prompt ??

the OT2 led goes green during aprs traffic, so i should see
aprs traffic on the hyper term ??

checked assembly, no obvious problems....

thanks
chris

--- Stephen <stephen.brown75@...> wrote:

> Just ordered my OT2 Rev C kit today, hopefully their
> is some remaining
> stock left and I'll get one, I've been anticipating
> this for a long
> time  :)
>
> Any pitfalls I should watch out for during the build
> process? Can't
> wait to start tinkering with this!
>
I don't remember to be honest, its been a while since
I built one, both of mine are on site acting as
Digi's.

> Anyhow, wondering what kind of issues if any anyone
> has run into using
> this under linux? Specifically, under kiss mode with
> the AX.25 kernel
> support, as I will be using this particular kit on
> regular packet.
I've used it in Linux with xastir as a Kiss mode TNC,
but I never got a chance to play with one as a TNC.
I'm sure Scott will have some input on that.
>
> I'd also like to flash it using linux, and looking
> at the feature list
> it appears I can do this using xmodem, unfortunately
> that's all new to
> me and never did it before. Is there a guide or
> howto detailing this
> for linux?
Hmmm, I know I tried it and made a mess of it, but I
think Scott put me right, have a look in the archives
and you might see the response IIRC it was most likely
my fault. Actually I just found some of the thread.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/tracker2/message/888

Use SX on its own from the command line.

Scott:  I missed the launch today, how did it go?
Also our main I-Gate/Digi TNC failed today, I badly
need a replacement OT2, have you any bits lying
around, I'll take 2 or three of everything :)

Regards
de John
EI7IG




Send instant messages to your online friends http://uk.messenger.yahoo.com

Hello Chris. I think the initial serial port speed is 115200 baud. Try
connecting with your terminal program at that speed. After you get a command
prompt, you can set the serial port speeds to something like 4800 or 9600 with
the ABAUD & BBAUD commands.

Mike Fenske
VE7MKF

At 07:56 PM 12/11/06 -0000, you wrote:
>
>well, this may be related to the gps issue...
>
>I can connect using config program..
>
>set up as k7nbc-11 tied into radio kenwood tk-270 portable
>and it works..... set as fixed site in config program and it beacons
>
>
>tried to connect to terminal via serial port
>
>no prompt...   I get the ~ when connected to computer and then power
>the ot2..... press enter several times  ..  no prompt
>
>checked power and ground on serial port 5 volts and ground ok...
>(more for the gps issue)
>
>
>wish i had my old serial port break out box (bob) that showed
>led's on pins......
>
>why can i get into config but not prompt ??
>
>the OT2 led goes green during aprs traffic, so i should see
>aprs traffic on the hyper term ??
>
>checked assembly, no obvious problems....
>
>thanks
>chris

tried com settings 115200  no luck

only get the ~ when set @ 9600 baud...

any better terminal program suggestions

chris

Well, I use hyperterminal here. Not my favorite terminal program, but it does
work. One thing I found is that after you change the port speed, you have to
exit & restart hyperterminal for the new speed to work, at least I do on my old
Windows98 box.

Mike Fenske

At 12:18 AM 13/11/06 -0000, you wrote:
>
>tried com settings 115200  no luck
>
>only get the ~ when set @ 9600 baud...
>
>any better terminal program suggestions
>
>chris

Scott-

   Received one of the new batch of Proto C boards and it went together
fine.  Every thing works as expected except for the "Database error"
problem on NMEA $GPWPL string.  I happened to get on waypoint through
and by reading the NMEA protocal and comparing the strings produced. I
believe this is the problem.

$GPWPL,3856.8[00],N,09244.7[00],W,A0GFC3*55

Was produced by my Tracker2 Build 53939

When I hand edit the string and send it to my Garmin 276c as below
the waypoint is accepted. I also confirmed it on a Garmin Etrex Vista

$GPWPL,3856.800,N,09244.700,W,A0GFC3*55

This is the packet produces by the Tracker2 that went through fine.

$GPWPL,3901.30,N,09412.11,W,A0PXP7*41
$PMGNWPL,3901.30,N,09412.11,W,813,F,A0PXP7,,am*32

It seems that if the original packet has greater that 3 decimal
resolution a correct packet is formed, if less the [00] is added and
Garmin rejects the NMEA string

I have also noted that with monitor on and waypoint on in the text
terminal, many valid position packets do not produce a waypoint
string. I will watch them for more information.


Any way the square brackets seem to be a problem in Garmin GPS in the
NMEA mode. Hope this helps


    Dave Larsen
    KV0S

I thought I'd read that Scott put a second serial port on the T2, but
I can't find any reference to it.  Is there one, or am I mis-
remembering something (maybe a discussion about future plans)?

I apparently killed the transistor on my rev A board again saturday
night (OK, so the tailgate of a pickup truck with a bed liner outside
in a cold dry wind is probably _not_ the best place to play with your
ESD sensitive gear), and I'm gonna add a MAX232 or 233.  I figure I
might as well wire a second port while I'm at it, if I know here to
hook it up...

-Jason
kg4wsv

Hi Jason,

Yes there is a second serial port.  The pins are on X3.  Pin 7 is TXD
and pin 8 is RXD.  You can find the pins on the schematic that Scott
has posted in the files section of this forum.  They are
labeled "CTS" and "RTS" but are actually the second serial port.

Mark


--- In tracker2@yahoogroups.com, Jason Winningham <jdw@...> wrote:
>
> I thought I'd read that Scott put a second serial port on the T2,
but
> I can't find any reference to it.  Is there one, or am I mis-
> remembering something (maybe a discussion about future plans)?
>
> I apparently killed the transistor on my rev A board again
saturday
> night (OK, so the tailgate of a pickup truck with a bed liner
outside
> in a cold dry wind is probably _not_ the best place to play with
your
> ESD sensitive gear), and I'm gonna add a MAX232 or 233.  I figure
I
> might as well wire a second port while I'm at it, if I know here
to
> hook it up...
>
> -Jason
> kg4wsv
>

---

From: tracker2@yahoogroups.com [mailto:tracker2@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of larsendr2002
Sent: Sunday, November 12, 2006 5:47 PM
To: tracker2@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [tracker2] Garmin "Database error" problem

Scott-

Received one of the new batch of Proto C boards and it went together
fine. Every thing works as expected except for the "Database error"
problem on NMEA $GPWPL string. I happened to get on waypoint through
and by reading the NMEA protocal and comparing the strings produced. I
believe this is the problem.

$GPWPL,3856.8[00],N,09244.7[00],W,A0GFC3*55

Was produced by my Tracker2 Build 53939

When I hand edit the string and send it to my Garmin 276c as below
the waypoint is accepted. I also confirmed it on a Garmin Etrex Vista

$GPWPL,3856.800,N,09244.700,W,A0GFC3*55

This is the packet produces by the Tracker2 that went through fine.

$GPWPL,3901.30,N,09412.11,W,A0PXP7*41
$PMGNWPL,3901.30,N,09412.11,W,813,F,A0PXP7,,am*32

It seems that if the original packet has greater that 3 decimal
resolution a correct packet is formed, if less the [00] is added and
Garmin rejects the NMEA string

I have also noted that with monitor on and waypoint on in the text
terminal, many valid position packets do not produce a waypoint
string. I will watch them for more information.

Any way the square brackets seem to be a problem in Garmin GPS in the
NMEA mode. Hope this helps

Dave Larsen
KV0S

---

From: tracker2@yahoogroups.com [mailto:tracker2@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of k0yg
Sent: Monday, November 13, 2006 9:50 AM
To: tracker2@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [tracker2] Re: second serial port?

Hi Jason,

Yes there is a second serial port. The pins are on X3. Pin 7 is TXD
and pin 8 is RXD. You can find the pins on the schematic that Scott
has posted in the files section of this forum. They are
labeled "CTS" and "RTS" but are actually the second serial port.

Mark

--- In tracker2@yahoogroups.com, Jason Winningham <jdw@...> wrote:
>
> I thought I'd read that Scott put a second serial port on the T2,
but
> I can't find any reference to it. Is there one, or am I mis-
> remembering something (maybe a discussion about future plans)?
>
> I apparently killed the transistor on my rev A board again
saturday
> night (OK, so the tailgate of a pickup truck with a bed liner
outside
> in a cold dry wind is probably _not_ the best place to play with
your
> ESD sensitive gear), and I'm gonna add a MAX232 or 233. I figure
I
> might as well wire a second port while I'm at it, if I know here
to
> hook it up...
>
> -Jason
> kg4wsv
>

On Nov 13, 2006, at 2:37 PM, <scott@...>
<scott@...> wrote:

> That's right.  They could also be used as flow control signals in
> the future.

How does the T2 use them now?  Can I put a computer on one for TNC
use or firmware downloads and put the GPS on the other?

> You'll need to build a splitter cable to get access to both ports.

I've been thinking about logistics.  Since I have a rev A board I'm
not sure I can use the on-board DB9 if I break the TTL out to an
external MAX232, so I may as well add another DB9 while I'm hacking
at a new enclosure...

-Jason
kg4wsv

If you are looking for the second serial port on a rev A board, I'm
not sure if it is wired to the X3 connector. Scott would know for
sure. I think it might only be on the expansion header. Also I think
the Proto A & B boards have an inverted RXD line (and TXD for port A)
and the max232 uses a non-inverted input.

Maybe Scott could verify this for us.

Mike Fenske
VE7MKF

--- In tracker2@yahoogroups.com, Jason Winningham <jdw@...> wrote:
>
> I thought I'd read that Scott put a second serial port on the T2,
but
> I can't find any reference to it.  Is there one, or am I mis-
> remembering something (maybe a discussion about future plans)?
>
> I apparently killed the transistor on my rev A board again
saturday
> night (OK, so the tailgate of a pickup truck with a bed liner
outside
> in a cold dry wind is probably _not_ the best place to play with
your
> ESD sensitive gear), and I'm gonna add a MAX232 or 233.  I figure
I
> might as well wire a second port while I'm at it, if I know here
to
> hook it up...
>
> -Jason
> kg4wsv
>

---

From: tracker2@yahoogroups.com [mailto:tracker2@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of ve7mkf
Sent: Monday, November 13, 2006 1:16 PM
To: tracker2@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [tracker2] Re: second serial port?

If you are looking for the second serial port on a rev A board, I'm
not sure if it is wired to the X3 connector. Scott would know for
sure. I think it might only be on the expansion header. Also I think
the Proto A & B boards have an inverted RXD line (and TXD for port A)
and the max232 uses a non-inverted input.

Maybe Scott could verify this for us.

Mike Fenske
VE7MKF

--- In tracker2@yahoogroups.com, Jason Winningham <jdw@...> wrote:
>
> I thought I'd read that Scott put a second serial port on the T2,
but
> I can't find any reference to it. Is there one, or am I mis-
> remembering something (maybe a discussion about future plans)?
>
> I apparently killed the transistor on my rev A board again
saturday
> night (OK, so the tailgate of a pickup truck with a bed liner
outside
> in a cold dry wind is probably _not_ the best place to play with
your
> ESD sensitive gear), and I'm gonna add a MAX232 or 233. I figure
I
> might as well wire a second port while I'm at it, if I know here
to
> hook it up...
>
> -Jason
> kg4wsv
>

Scott,

    Any Idea's on why I can not connect to comman mode ?

    but I can read and write using the otconfig


   thanks
   chris

Hello Group,

I have joined this group for quite a while and have been following
with interest the development of tracker2.

Now that I see the beta kit offered for sale, I am considering to
purchase one.  However, I would like to ask a few questions about
tracker2 first:

1. Is the APRS tracking feature working correctly now?

2. I am considering to use the tracker2 as a mobile tracker.  Would I
be able to interface the GPS on the second serial port to act as a
tracker?  And then connect a PC or Palm to the first serial port for
messaging, accessing BBS (in KISS mode), and viewing APRS stations on
UI-View when the need arises, with the tracker running simultaneously?
  Also will the tracker2 report APRS stations to the GPS when using
standalone, and in KISS mode?

3. When use in a base station environment, can the KISS mode be
supported (running APRS IGATE and a local BBS) together with the
digipeater?

Thank you very much in advance.

73,
Sion Chow Q. C.,
9W2QC.

---

From: tracker2@yahoogroups.com [mailto:tracker2@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Jon
Sent: Sunday, November 12, 2006 11:48 AM
To: tracker2@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [tracker2] OT2 and linux

--- Stephen <stephen.brown75@gmail.com> wrote:

> Just ordered my OT2 Rev C kit today, hopefully their
> is some remaining
> stock left and I'll get one, I've been anticipating
> this for a long
> time :)
>
> Any pitfalls I should watch out for during the build
> process? Can't
> wait to start tinkering with this!
>
I don't remember to be honest, its been a while since
I built one, both of mine are on site acting as
Digi's.

> Anyhow, wondering what kind of issues if any anyone
> has run into using
> this under linux? Specifically, under kiss mode with
> the AX.25 kernel
> support, as I will be using this particular kit on
> regular packet.
I've used it in Linux with xastir as a Kiss mode TNC,
but I never got a chance to play with one as a TNC.
I'm sure Scott will have some input on that.
>
> I'd also like to flash it using linux, and looking
> at the feature list
> it appears I can do this using xmodem, unfortunately
> that's all new to
> me and never did it before. Is there a guide or
> howto detailing this
> for linux?
Hmmm, I know I tried it and made a mess of it, but I
think Scott put me right, have a look in the archives
and you might see the response IIRC it was most likely
my fault. Actually I just found some of the thread.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/tracker2/message/888

Use SX on its own from the command line.

Scott: I missed the launch today, how did it go?
Also our main I-Gate/Digi TNC failed today, I badly
need a replacement OT2, have you any bits lying
around, I'll take 2 or three of everything :)

Regards
de John
EI7IG

Send instant messages to your online friends http://uk.messenger.yahoo.com