I'm thinking of buying a Tracker 2 for emergency commumications purposes with
APRS, with 2 possible applications

1. To allow "Control" to follow my vehicle location when I'm "sweeping" a walk,
run, or cycle event, with a GPS unit connected to the tracker.

2. To enable me to use APRS messaging software to send short service messages
to/from Control when I'm at a fixed check-point, with the tracker as an
interface with my mobile radio.

I have 2 radios that are likely to be use.  Primarily a Wouxun UVD-1P, which is
a H/H with dual-jack for mike and speaker the same as the Kenwood H/Hs, and a
Yaesu FT-857 (if higher TX  power is needed due to terrain).  Can I use standard
cabling for Kenwood and Yaesu to connect laptop or GPS to the tracker?

Anyone with experience of these configurations?

Stu
Controller Southport Group
RAYNET (UK)

Stu  drop me a PM

I'll pass you an email address of some one fairly local to you


Regards

David G8UVE


----- Original Message -----
From: "RadioG3OCR" <radiog3ocr@...>
To: <tracker2@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Tuesday, August 23, 2011 5:24 AM
Subject: [tracker2] Tracker 2 for EMCOM?


: I'm thinking of buying a Tracker 2 for emergency commumications purposes with
APRS, with 2 possible applications
:
: 1. To allow "Control" to follow my vehicle location when I'm "sweeping" a
walk,
run, or cycle event, with a GPS unit connected to the tracker.
:
: 2. To enable me to use APRS messaging software to send short service messages
to/from Control when I'm at a fixed check-point, with the tracker as an
interface
with my mobile radio.
:
: I have 2 radios that are likely to be use.  Primarily a Wouxun UVD-1P, which
is
a H/H with dual-jack for mike and speaker the same as the Kenwood H/Hs, and a
Yaesu FT-857 (if higher TX  power is needed due to terrain).  Can I use standard
cabling for Kenwood and Yaesu to connect laptop or GPS to the tracker?
:
: Anyone with experience of these configurations?
:
: Stu
: Controller Southport Group
: RAYNET (UK)
:
:
: ------------------------------------
:
: Yahoo! Groups Links
:
:
:

> any timeline on when we may see a T3 or whatever the next gen will be
> called?

Hopefully in the next couple of months.  The USB code is up and running,
but the bootloader still needs work.  The case also needs some refinement.

I'll be on vacation in beautiful Black Rock City, NV from this Friday
until about Sept. 7.  I'm scrambling this week to get stuff done before
I leave, and will be catching up for a while when I get back, so I won't
get a chance to work on it for a bit.

Scott

I've got my test unit all rigged up... I have a wire hanging out of
the accessory port pin 1... If I ground that, I get an immediate
transmission. That's to be expected. I want to use it as a counter
input though. So I check the counter enable in the configuration
program, and my counter works. The problem is that I also get an
unwanted comment text added into my packet.

!5331.00NS11317.00W#CNT00033 W2,  ABn, Edmonton  VE6SRV P1

It's nice to have the CNT00033 in the status IF you wanted it there.
The counter value is available in the telemetry string, which is where
I'm happy to have it. Obviously if you read the user manual, it says
that the comment is added when the counter input is enabled...

Temperature and voltage are found in the telemetry values, and there
are check boxes to have them also reported in the comment if desired,
but I see no option to be able to NOT have the counter value reported
in the comment. Can I get my telemetry information only in the
telemetry, and not in the comments? It sure would be nice to have that
option as well.

Would it be possible to PATCH out the portion of code that inserts the
CNTxxxxx into the status? Is that part of memory accessible via the
PATCH command? I'm thinking if it's available to be patched, then
tossing in some NOPs, or making the condition always false would make
it skip this conditional branch and would get me what I want.

// If selected, send count value
         if (config->options3 & OPT3_COUNTER)
         {
                 sprintf(strend(scratch), "CNT%05u ", counter);
         }

I've got some interesting functionality squeezed out of my OT2 thus
far. I've got the usual temperature and voltage from the on board
sensors, wired in a second voltage divider on telemetry value 3, I am
using the counter input to count contact closures in telemetry value
4, and have a digital telemetry input on bit 7 tied into an AC powered
relay to watch for power outages. I can test against voltage, or the
status of contact closure, or AC power. I also have the POWER control
wired so that I can have a controlled output as well.

Interesting possibilities afoot!

--
James
VE6SRV

During testing today, I found a little anomaly.

If you set POWER ON, you'll trigger the MOSFET and have voltage
available at OUT+ (H3), as expected. Set POWER OFF, and no voltage at
OUT+. If you do a PULSE X command, the output will be enabled for X
seconds, and then turned off. All is as expected.

However, if POWER ON is enabled, and you send PULSE X, the output will
stay on for X seconds, then turn off. Query POWER, and it will report
ON even though the output is OFF. send POWER ON and the power will not
come on. Send POWER OFF, power will stay off, and now the response to
POWER query will be OFF.

It just looks like the variable that tracks the state of the current
POWER toggle value does not get set to OFF when the PULSE command is
run. The variable thinks the output is on, and will not let the POWER
ON command set the output to enabled.

--
James
VE6SRV

Excellent Vacation Spot! One of these years I'll make it out there. Have fun!

Kevin
KW4B


--- In tracker2@yahoogroups.com, Scott Miller <scott@...> wrote:
>
> > any timeline on when we may see a T3 or whatever the next gen will be
> > called?
>
> Hopefully in the next couple of months.  The USB code is up and running,
> but the bootloader still needs work.  The case also needs some refinement.
>
> I'll be on vacation in beautiful Black Rock City, NV from this Friday
> until about Sept. 7.  I'm scrambling this week to get stuff done before
> I leave, and will be catching up for a while when I get back, so I won't
> get a chance to work on it for a bit.
>
> Scott
>

On Wed, Aug 24, 2011 at 7:44 AM, Matt Cook <vk5zm@...> wrote:

> You are having too much fun... stop it!
> Can't wait to see what you unveil in a later post.

I can't divulge that information, it's top secret and proprietary! For
a small consulting fee, I could come for a visit and install a system
for you! 8)

--
James
VE6SRV

On Tue, Aug 23, 2011 at 6:34 PM, James Ewen <ve6srv@...> wrote:

> Would it be possible to PATCH out the portion of code that inserts the
> CNTxxxxx into the status? Is that part of memory accessible via the
> PATCH command? I'm thinking if it's available to be patched, then
> tossing in some NOPs, or making the condition always false would make
> it skip this conditional branch and would get me what I want.
>
> // If selected, send count value
>        if (config->options3 & OPT3_COUNTER)
>        {
>                sprintf(strend(scratch), "CNT%05u ", counter);
>        }

Hmm, found the CNT%05u string in memory at E017, but that looks like a
section of memory where are the strings are declared...

Found only one spot where E0 17 is referenced (D127) and only one spot
where 17 E0 is referenced (D2BC), but that's only heading the right
direction if the reference to string location is absolute.

I'm going to need a disassembler to even attempt to backtrack to try
and find where the conditional branch might be!


--
James
VE6SRV

Wouldn't it be easier to just patch the code yourself and compile your
own firmware?  Sure you would have to do it now and then when things
update, but you seem to be tweaking past the consumer level so why not
take advantage of an open device where you can do your own builds?

p

On Wed, Aug 24, 2011 at 2:04 PM, James Ewen <ve6srv@...> wrote:
> On Tue, Aug 23, 2011 at 6:34 PM, James Ewen <ve6srv@...> wrote:
> Hmm, found the CNT%05u string in memory at E017, but that looks like a
> section of memory where are the strings are declared...
>
> Found only one spot where E0 17 is referenced (D127) and only one spot
> where 17 E0 is referenced (D2BC), but that's only heading the right
> direction if the reference to string location is absolute.
>
> I'm going to need a disassembler to even attempt to backtrack to try
> and find where the conditional branch might be!
>
>
> --
> James
> VE6SRV
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>

On Wed, Aug 24, 2011 at 12:10 PM, Patrick Wood <winston@...> wrote:

> Wouldn't it be easier to just patch the code yourself and compile your
> own firmware?  Sure you would have to do it now and then when things
> update, but you seem to be tweaking past the consumer level so why not
> take advantage of an open device where you can do your own builds?

Isn't there that little stumbling block of the $1000 for the compiler
involved? Perhaps I need to go for a little wander around the web
again.

--
James
VE6SRV

On Wed, Aug 24, 2011 at 12:48 PM, James Ewen <ve6srv@...> wrote:

> Isn't there that little stumbling block of the $1000 for the compiler
> involved? Perhaps I need to go for a little wander around the web
> again.

Scott, what the heck do I need to grab to try and play with compiling
my own code? I've gone and had a look at the CodeWarrior development
tools, but there's a bunch of options available there... Can you point
me in the right direction, and give a little shove over the edge?

You might regret doing so as I may just end up with a whole bunch more
questions.

I've never done any development for microcontrollers, never played
with C, nor compiled any code... I used to love programming, but
wandered away from it after getting out of school. Last I played with
was 80386 assembler, and Pascal. Looks like I might just have to bite
the bullet and start figuring out C syntax, and how to run that silly
compiler.

--
James
VE6SRV

> Scott, what the heck do I need to grab to try and play with compiling
> my own code? I've gone and had a look at the CodeWarrior development
> tools, but there's a bunch of options available there... Can you point
> me in the right direction, and give a little shove over the edge?

They keep changing the names.  I use CodeWarrior for Microcontrollers
v6.2.  The free version will compile the OT1+ code, and you should be
able to get a time-limited free trail of the standard version.  A year
license (which keeps working but doesn't include support after 1 year)
is about $300.

You also need an SVN client (I use TortoiseSVN) to check out the source
code.

Scott

> Hmm, found the CNT%05u string in memory at E017, but that looks like a
> section of memory where are the strings are declared...
>
> Found only one spot where E0 17 is referenced (D127) and only one spot
> where 17 E0 is referenced (D2BC), but that's only heading the right
> direction if the reference to string location is absolute.

That's just the string constant for the format specifier.

What build are you using?  This is from the map for 55506:

********************************************************************************\
*************
OBJECT-ALLOCATION SECTION
       Name               Module                 Addr   hSize   dSize
   Ref    Section   RLIB
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------\
-------------
MODULE:                 -- tracker2_main.c.o --
- VARIABLES:
       counter                                     94       2       2
     6   _DATA_ZEROPAGE


In this case, the counter is located at 0x0094.  And yes, 'counter' is a
dumb name for a variable.  It's been that way since the OT1 code.

Scott

So to be able to work on the code in the OT2, I need the $300 version.
There's no way I can figure all I need to figure out in a month.

I figured there was a reason that I hadn't gone that route yet.

James
VE6SRV

On 8/24/11, Scott Miller <scott@...> wrote:
>> Scott, what the heck do I need to grab to try and play with compiling
>> my own code? I've gone and had a look at the CodeWarrior development
>> tools, but there's a bunch of options available there... Can you point
>> me in the right direction, and give a little shove over the edge?
>
> They keep changing the names.  I use CodeWarrior for Microcontrollers
> v6.2.  The free version will compile the OT1+ code, and you should be
> able to get a time-limited free trail of the standard version.  A year
> license (which keeps working but doesn't include support after 1 year)
> is about $300.
>
> You also need an SVN client (I use TortoiseSVN) to check out the source
> code.
>
> Scott
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>


--
James
VE6SRV

The product page for the GT-320FW GPS receiver says "on the OpenTracker+ and
Tracker2 the '12-5' jumper should be set to '5'". Is this a physical jumper on
the board? Can you give me some suggestions on finding it? I opened the case,
but I can't see it. The components are pretty small, so maybe I'm just missing
it.

Also, if I can throw another question in, for initial setup with commands like
SETPOWER, where do you run those? I know you can send APRS messages to change
things, but I figured there would be a way to do it directly.

> A little unknown fact... The latest builds of Code Warrior (CW) will
> compile and link object code up to 32k.  I received an update recently

But the T2 code is about 60k.

Scott

I don't think there are any jumpers that need to be set on the T2-301.  The
OpenTracker+ and Tracker2 are different products.  The lines can get a little
blurry at first between the information available for the Tracker2 and T2-301
because there's not a manual written *exclusively* for the T2-301.

Most of the initial T2 profile setup is done using the otwincfg program (e.g.,
you can set the power levels for profiles there), but you can use specific
commands from the "Commands Reference" section of the manual such as "SETPOWER"
by connecting the powered T2-301 to a PC serial port with a null modem adapter
(or make your own cable without a null modem referring to the excellent diagram
posted by Fred Hillhouse on 6/11/10, thread: "Can't connect to T2-301 using
OTWINCFG"), and running Windows HyperTerminal (on my PC it's Programs >
Accessories > Communications > HyperTerminal) or other serial communications
programs such as PuTTY (recommended by Scott).  Set your connection properties
to 4800 baud, 8 bits, no parity, no flow control, and make sure you have
selected the correct COM port (perhaps test it with another device).  You may
need to press 'Enter' a few times to establish the link.  Entering the command
~R should reset the unit and flash the lights.  Apologies if I've over-explained
this!

--- In tracker2@yahoogroups.com, "Blake Raab - N4BWR" <bwraab@...> wrote:
>
> The product page for the GT-320FW GPS receiver says "on the OpenTracker+ and
Tracker2 the '12-5' jumper should be set to '5'". Is this a physical jumper on
the board? Can you give me some suggestions on finding it? I opened the case,
but I can't see it. The components are pretty small, so maybe I'm just missing
it.
>
> Also, if I can throw another question in, for initial setup with commands like
SETPOWER, where do you run those? I know you can send APRS messages to change
things, but I figured there would be a way to do it directly.
>

I just created a new folder in the pictures section of the group. It's
called OT2 telemetry mods. You can have a bit of a glimpse at the mods
made to pull an extra voltage sense input, as well as a digital input,
and counter input out of the OT2. I also have the power control lines
brought out as well.

I've got 5 2U 19" rack shelves outfitted with some Motorola radios,
and OT2 units, plus a couple relays and UK3N binding blocks on a
Phoenix Contacts DIN rail.

The relay on the left is powered by the site AC. When AC goes out, the
OT2 script checking BIT7 triggers an alarm. The relay on the right is
driven by the output from the MOSFET. I could have just used the
output from the MOSFET as it can handle up to about 35 amps, but this
is a little more idiot proof in case some one else is trying to
connect into the output. I may end up switching multiple contacts with
this output. Voltages may be coming from different sources as well, so
a switching relay can just be connected into the supply line.

The binding blocks in the middle are from left to right, counter
input, two ground points, and external battery stack input. I will be
connecting the counter input to a door contact switch so when the door
is opened, another script will trigger an alarm on that input. I also
have low voltage monitoring on the battery stack powering the main
unit. I can't see a way to monitor the second battery stack yet.

--
James
VE6SRV

Thank you. You haven't over explained at all. This was a very good and helpful
explanation.

--- In tracker2@yahoogroups.com, "seerdman" <seerdman@...> wrote:
>
> I don't think there are any jumpers that need to be set on the T2-301.  The
OpenTracker+ and Tracker2 are different products.  The lines can get a little
blurry at first between the information available for the Tracker2 and T2-301
because there's not a manual written *exclusively* for the T2-301.
>
> Most of the initial T2 profile setup is done using the otwincfg program (e.g.,
you can set the power levels for profiles there), but you can use specific
commands from the "Commands Reference" section of the manual such as "SETPOWER"
by connecting the powered T2-301 to a PC serial port with a null modem adapter
(or make your own cable without a null modem referring to the excellent diagram
posted by Fred Hillhouse on 6/11/10, thread: "Can't connect to T2-301 using
OTWINCFG"), and running Windows HyperTerminal (on my PC it's Programs >
Accessories > Communications > HyperTerminal) or other serial communications
programs such as PuTTY (recommended by Scott).  Set your connection properties
to 4800 baud, 8 bits, no parity, no flow control, and make sure you have
selected the correct COM port (perhaps test it with another device).  You may
need to press 'Enter' a few times to establish the link.  Entering the command
~R should reset the unit and flash the lights.  Apologies if I've over-explained
this!
>
> --- In tracker2@yahoogroups.com, "Blake Raab - N4BWR" <bwraab@> wrote:
> >
> > The product page for the GT-320FW GPS receiver says "on the OpenTracker+ and
Tracker2 the '12-5' jumper should be set to '5'". Is this a physical jumper on
the board? Can you give me some suggestions on finding it? I opened the case,
but I can't see it. The components are pretty small, so maybe I'm just missing
it.
> >
> > Also, if I can throw another question in, for initial setup with commands
like SETPOWER, where do you run those? I know you can send APRS messages to
change things, but I figured there would be a way to do it directly.
> >
>

I want to set up my commuting bicycle for APRS and use a rechargeable battery,
and of course spend as little $ as possible.  :o)

I have a couple of 14.4V DeWalt power tool rechargeable batteries laying around
that I can adapt for this purpose, but at full recharge, they read 16.3V
unloaded and the T2-301 is spec'd at 15V.

The question is - is there a safe way to know or predict what the battery's
voltage may drop to when loaded with the T2-301, or should I really add a diode
in series to drop the supply ~1V?  Not a big deal to add the diode, but then
wouldn't I always be losing a little kick on the TX power level?

Steve, KF7MXS

--- In tracker2@yahoogroups.com, "seerdman" <seerdman@...> wrote:
>
> I want to set up my commuting bicycle for APRS and use a rechargeable battery,
and of course spend as little $ as possible.  :o)
>
> I have a couple of 14.4V DeWalt power tool rechargeable batteries laying
around that I can adapt for this purpose, but at full recharge, they read 16.3V
unloaded and the T2-301 is spec'd at 15V.
>
> The question is - is there a safe way to know or predict what the battery's
voltage may drop to when loaded with the T2-301, or should I really add a diode
in series to drop the supply ~1V?  Not a big deal to add the diode, but then
wouldn't I always be losing a little kick on the TX power level?
>
> Steve, KF7MXS
>


Looking at the schematic for the T2 part, it would handle the extra voltage OK,
although the radio side may not appreciate it. The manual says 12V nominal,
meaning 12V, so 16 volts may cause damage to the RF output stage, at a guess.
It's usually the high stress bits which are likely to pop first.
As the batteries that you have are designed to supply a cordless drill, which
tend to suck oodles of current (like 10 - 30 Amps under heavy load for some I've
measured) , I don't think that the 1.5 Amps on transmit for the T2-301 is going
to dent the supply voltage much.

So yes, it'll probably be a good idea to reduce a bit with a pair of diodes in
series, or alternatively, some form of "Pre-regulator" - perhaps a 2 Amp, 15V,
LDO version.
Alternatively, you could remove a cell from the battery pack and link out the
gap, although what the battery charger would think of this is unknown - depends
on what type of charger it is, and what it's expecting.

73,
Ian ZL1VFO

Does anyone have the pinout for the Deluo GPS DB9 adapter? I'd like to know
which color wires go to which pins. My meter won't get into the holes on the DB9
side. I cut the other end off, planning to wire it to the GPS. Thanks!

I don't know the colors, but...

> My meter won't get into the holes on the DB9 side.

use a paperclip or short piece of wire to insert into the connector,
and put the meter probe on that.

--
-Jason
kg4wsv

I found this old posting from Scott...

73,

Steve, KF7MXS

RE: [tracker2] Deluo Pin-Outs


It's on the catalog page, but here you go:

Looking into the end of the connector, with the alignment notch up, starting
from the pin to the left of the notch and continuing counterclockwise, the
pinouts are as follows:

1 (Green) - GPS data out
2 (Blue) - No connection
3 (Red) - Power in
4 (Black) - Ground
5 (White) - GPS data in
6 (Yellow) - TTL data out
Power is 5v, +/- 5%. From memory, the DB9 pinouts are 2 = Data out (to tracker),
3 = Data in, 4 = Power, 5 = Ground.Scott



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: tracker2@yahoogroups.com [mailto:tracker2@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of
Phil
Sent: Monday, April 16, 2007 12:25 PM
To: tracker2@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [tracker2] Deluo Pin-Outs


Anyone have a reference for the Deluo GPS - I need the DB6 pin-outs
and the voltage requirements/tolerances. Also, the pinouts for the
DB9 adapter would be very helpful. Thanks!

73
Phil - AD6NH



--- In tracker2@yahoogroups.com, "Blake Raab - N4BWR" <bwraab@...> wrote:
>
> Does anyone have the pinout for the Deluo GPS DB9 adapter? I'd like to know
which color wires go to which pins. My meter won't get into the holes on the DB9
side. I cut the other end off, planning to wire it to the GPS. Thanks!
>

Hello Scott.

I want to ask about WS2300 and parametrs of sending to RF via OT2m.
I use OT2m with WS2300 and I don't remember version of firmware (I can't
check it now because OT2m isn't in my location).
The OT2m send it: _247/000g...t061p000h88b10070T2WX
Is this possible add "r", "P" and "g" parametrs to new firmware??
r - rain/1h
P - rain/ from0:00
g - gust of wind

I ask about it because I know that WS2300 send this info to OT2m but traker
don't sent it via RF.
More info about weather you can find on: http://aprs.fi/?call=a%2FSR1WXW but
without r, P, g parametrs :-(

SP1QXN Maciej

Great advice and a great reminder to consult the FC-301 manual as part of the
overall documentation for the T2-301.  Thank you!

--- In tracker2@yahoogroups.com, "zl1vfo" <zl1vfo@...> wrote:
>
>
>
>
>
> --- In tracker2@yahoogroups.com, "seerdman" <seerdman@> wrote:
> >
> > I want to set up my commuting bicycle for APRS and use a rechargeable
battery, and of course spend as little $ as possible.  :o)
> >
> > I have a couple of 14.4V DeWalt power tool rechargeable batteries laying
around that I can adapt for this purpose, but at full recharge, they read 16.3V
unloaded and the T2-301 is spec'd at 15V.
> >
> > The question is - is there a safe way to know or predict what the battery's
voltage may drop to when loaded with the T2-301, or should I really add a diode
in series to drop the supply ~1V?  Not a big deal to add the diode, but then
wouldn't I always be losing a little kick on the TX power level?
> >
> > Steve, KF7MXS
> >
>
>
> Looking at the schematic for the T2 part, it would handle the extra voltage
OK, although the radio side may not appreciate it. The manual says 12V nominal,
meaning 12V, so 16 volts may cause damage to the RF output stage, at a guess.
It's usually the high stress bits which are likely to pop first.
> As the batteries that you have are designed to supply a cordless drill, which
tend to suck oodles of current (like 10 - 30 Amps under heavy load for some I've
measured) , I don't think that the 1.5 Amps on transmit for the T2-301 is going
to dent the supply voltage much.
>
> So yes, it'll probably be a good idea to reduce a bit with a pair of diodes in
series, or alternatively, some form of "Pre-regulator" - perhaps a 2 Amp, 15V,
LDO version.
> Alternatively, you could remove a cell from the battery pack and link out the
gap, although what the battery charger would think of this is unknown - depends
on what type of charger it is, and what it's expecting.
>
> 73,
> Ian ZL1VFO
>

All the info you need is here:

https://www.argentdata.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=110
or here:
https://www.argentdata.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=22&products_id=112&osC\
sid=613b8d16fc0cb210f695835b0b986f95


Larry
K7YBZ

--- In tracker2@yahoogroups.com, "seerdman" <seerdman@...> wrote:
>
> Great advice and a great reminder to consult the FC-301 manual as part of the
overall documentation for the T2-301.  Thank you!
>
> --- In tracker2@yahoogroups.com, "zl1vfo" <zl1vfo@> wrote:
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > --- In tracker2@yahoogroups.com, "seerdman" <seerdman@> wrote:
> > >
> > > I want to set up my commuting bicycle for APRS and use a rechargeable
battery, and of course spend as little $ as possible.  :o)
> > >
> > > I have a couple of 14.4V DeWalt power tool rechargeable batteries laying
around that I can adapt for this purpose, but at full recharge, they read 16.3V
unloaded and the T2-301 is spec'd at 15V.
> > >
> > > The question is - is there a safe way to know or predict what the
battery's voltage may drop to when loaded with the T2-301, or should I really
add a diode in series to drop the supply ~1V?  Not a big deal to add the diode,
but then wouldn't I always be losing a little kick on the TX power level?
> > >
> > > Steve, KF7MXS
> > >
> >
> >
> > Looking at the schematic for the T2 part, it would handle the extra voltage
OK, although the radio side may not appreciate it. The manual says 12V nominal,
meaning 12V, so 16 volts may cause damage to the RF output stage, at a guess.
It's usually the high stress bits which are likely to pop first.
> > As the batteries that you have are designed to supply a cordless drill,
which tend to suck oodles of current (like 10 - 30 Amps under heavy load for
some I've measured) , I don't think that the 1.5 Amps on transmit for the T2-301
is going to dent the supply voltage much.
> >
> > So yes, it'll probably be a good idea to reduce a bit with a pair of diodes
in series, or alternatively, some form of "Pre-regulator" - perhaps a 2 Amp,
15V, LDO version.
> > Alternatively, you could remove a cell from the battery pack and link out
the gap, although what the battery charger would think of this is unknown -
depends on what type of charger it is, and what it's expecting.
> >
> > 73,
> > Ian ZL1VFO
> >
>