KI6BYJ's "Tupper TrackTM"
I'm currently operating my truck as a mobile APRS setup using a few different pieces of inexpensive hardware. You can see the position of this vehicle through these websites:
The APRS tracker that I put together is a VERY simple and inexpensive combination that I like to call the "Tupper TrackTM", even though it is housed in a Gladware disposable container.
Here are the components:
Here are some pictures of my Truck's APRS tracker:
- This is the dual band mag mount antenna I picked up at HRO for $39. I can't remember the brand, but it is a really decent performer (I'm only running @ 5 Watts) and the antenna stays stuck in wind, rain and high speeds.
- This is the "non permanent" source of power. I found this cigarette lighter cord at Radio Shack for about $9, which isn't bad for something with a fuse and a lighted switch.
- Why the disposable gladware container? My wife would have been mad if I took the good tupperware and it was just sitting around...
- Here you can see all the guts loosely installed in the container. This was never meant to be used for more than a week or two, but it has been running really nicely for the past four months!
The white cable is a shortened PS/2 keyboard extension cable that I am using as a pass through from the TinyTrack3Plus to the GPS.
- I didn't want to mount the Duleo GPS unit outside, as I didn't have enough cable length, so I used 3M foam sticky tape to stick it to the inside of the rear window. It has no problem aquiring signal in 10-15 seconds when I start the ignition.
- The GPS unit was mounted behind a USA flag sticker on the window, so you cannot see the red LED when the GPS has acquired signal.
- Here is the unit snuggled under the passenger seat of the truck. Yes the 12v polarities are reversed, I was just too lazy to use more powerpoles and they are glued into place on the enclosure side.
- This is findu.com seeing me in the driveway of my house as I am taking these photos.
- This is the track as seen through db0anf of my evening commute.
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