ExpressTracker - RPC Electronics
Contents
1. Serial Pork Statistic In PGA gain db Baud Hate Part Re Good 0 Bad 0 GPS In Out TX Packets 0 KISS In Out Digi Packets 0 db 2nd Decoder 0 Modern Calibration Ta Delay n 10m Slotime nx 10 Voltage 0 Temp 0 EDEN __ Persistance ___ 0 255 OFFLINE cM Par 3 After connecting the current configuration in the ExpressTracker will be read and displayed in the configuration utility Express Configuration Diigipeater Audio Input Audio Output Input Input Level OCD Codec Output Level 18 db ere 10 db s 3t db Serial Port Statistic Baud Rate Port Mode Good 23206 In PGA gain db Bad 2096 KISS In Out Digi Packets 0 12 5db 2nd Decoder 0 Modem Calibration Te Delay n 1Ums Slotime n 10 Voltage 13 4V Temp 193 66 7 F Fersistance 0 255 ONLINE Connect 8 Audio Codec Setup Audio Input Start with Input Preamp set at 0 dB In many cases this will be the correct level With the radio in open squelch static noise present observe the Input Level bar to right The level bar should be jumping up and down with the noise If the bar is pegged to the top and never moves adjust your audio input If the radio has a fixed level use the in PGA gain setting to add in slight attenuation to achieve the desired behavior Audio Output The ou2. Pot 12 Digipeater Programming The Digipeater function can operate in conjunction with the tracker You can choose to have each use their own callsign and symbol or the same Express racker Configuration Codec Tracker D igipeater Basic Enable Digi Node Callsign Fath EEAMTV 13 wIDE2 2 Alias 1 Alias 2 Latitude Symbol 3800 50M Longitude 523 38w ONLINE Beacon Beacon Comment 1 Interval sec Beacon Comment 2 Interval sec Status Interval sec TX Digi Status Digi config Telemetry WIDE nn Max Duplicate Delay Voltage GF Call Substitution 13 KISS Mode The ExpressTracker can be used as a KISS TNC either through the USB connection or through the serial GPS DB9 connector When in normal operation not in programming mode the USB connection will serve as KISS port The baud rate is 19 200 baud You may also use the DB9 serial connection as a KISS TNC by changing the Port Mode from GPS In Out to KISS In Out When in this mode you cannot use a GPS with the tracker In most cases the USB connection will be the best selection for KISS mode The tracker can also be power by the USB port and does not require an external power supply ES Express Tracker Configuration Codec Audio Input Input Preamp Input Level DCD gt Odb 10 db 20 db 30 db In FGA gain 96 0 0 4 12 2db
3. Tum Slope 255 0 255 Turn Time p sec Slow Rate n5 _ mir Fast Rate 50 sec Slow Speed 6 km h High Speed 30 km h Telemetry Voltage Temp COM Port CO EEk NMEA Waypoint Output Mame Length B Range km DIES GFS Mo GPS Present Static Beacon Latitude 3756 46M Longitude 11 Telemetry The Express Tracker has two telemetry options built in Voltage This reports the input voltage to the tracker Very useful when the tracker is running on battery Temp The on board temp sensor will report the ambient air in either Fahrenheit or Celsius Both telemetry options are reported in the beacon comment section in the following format V 00 0 T 00 0F or T 00 0C Express Configuration 9 Codec Tracker Digipeater Basic Configuration Beaconing Method NMEA Enable Tracker Rate sec NMEA Waypoint Output L SmartBeacon Mame Length Callsign Symbol SSID digipeating x Range km jo Path Turn Slope 165 0 255 WIDEz 2 Turn Time sec Comment S ici Slow Fate Ru min E press Tracker Test Unit GFS Fast Rate Timestamp Course Speed ER GPS Present Static Beacon Slow Speed km h Latitude Ete ped km h 356 ABN Enable Longitude Message En rout Telemetry 07527 80w Voltage es fm ONLINE
4. Places 6 Unplug the ExpressTracker from the USB port of your computer 7 Flip the BOOTLOADER DIP switch back to the OFF position 8 Upon the next power up the new firmware will self load itself and your Express Tracker will now have updated firmware NOTE In most cases all settings will be retained In some some special firmware updates the EEPROM memory may be erased and re mapped and you will be required to re configure your tracker s settings after the update
5. Modem Ts Delap n 10 Slotime n 1 Ome 45 10 Persistance 64 0 255 ONLINE Audio Output Codec Output Level 18 db Serial Port Statistic Baud Fate Port Mode Rs Good 23229 Bad EISE 4500 wv GPS In Out Packets 770 KISS In Out Digi Packets 0 nd Decoder 0 Calibration Voltage 13 4 Temp 19 0 C 66 2 F 16400 _ 330 COMIS vj 14 KISS NMEA Pass Through Mode When using the ExpressTracker as a KISS TNC through the USB port you can also have a serial GPS connected to the serial port and pass that data through to the USB port and on to the computer This is streamlines your setup down to a single USB connection between your ExpressTracker GPS and computer This is especially useful in a portable or mobile environment Enabling this function is easy Simply check the Enable NMEA Pass Through check box option in the Serial Port frame under the Codec tab 15 Updating Firmware 1 If you haven t already go to http www rpc electronics et firmware php to download the latest ExpressTracker firmware Save the firmware file to a known location on your computer 2 Unplug the ExpressTracker from the USB port and make sure there are no other power sources going to the tracker Switch the BOOTLOADED DIP switch to the ON position and plug it into the USB port of your computer CRP DISABLD F File Edit view Favorites Tools H
6. The ExpressTracker in some configurations can be all of these functions at the same time Radio USB Panel Serial GPS Panel 4 Interface Connections Switches and Jumpers Radio Connector X1 23 X1 353 PUSH IO TALK X1 6 1 X1 85 X1 95 GPS Serial Connector X2 1 X2 2 02232 RECEIVE 2 3 2232 TRANSMIT 2 POWER OUT 2 5 GROUND 2 6 2 7 2 8 X2 9 e DIP Switches On the Radio Interface side of the tracker you will find a small opening to the left of the connector with two recessed DIP switches Switch 1 left side is used to put the tracker into a special bootloading mode for firmware upgrades See section 13 Updating Firmware Switch 2 right side is used to connect the push to talk line to the transmit audio line through a 3 3K resistor This is only needed when the radio being used has a combined transmit audio and push to talk mic connection This is typically found on most Yaesu Icom Alinco style handhelds as well as some mobiles E un USB Mini Connector The ExpressTracker s mini USB connector is used for several functions Configuration KISS TNC operation and Firmware Updating The connector is a standard mini USB connector and compatible with standard USB A to Mini B cables Important When connecting the ExpressTracker to a computer for the first time be sure to have the USB drivers available either
7. RPC Electronics LLC Express I racker APRS Tracker Digipeater KISS TNC User Manual Rev A PME LU LE ee ee Table of Contents Introduction Package Contents Device Overview Interface Connections Switches and Jumpers Installing the USB Drivers Installing the Configuration Utility Connecting and Reading Configuration Audio Codec Setup Basic Tracker Programming Advanced Tracker Options Telemetry Digipeater Programming KISS TNC Mode KISS NMEA Pass Through Mode Updating Firmware 1 Introduction Thank you for purchasing the ExpressTracker This is a brand new APRS device that has multiple uses As a tracker a digipeater or a KISS TNC You can even mix and match modes to run at the same time The ExpressTracker is a collaborative effort between RPC Electronics LLC and Remi Bilodeau VE2YAG Firmware Software Engineer Many thanks to the individuals who helped up with the testing and refining of the Express Tracker Shaena Hicks KI4UDD Bryan Sams NOBES 2 Package Contents Upon opening the package you will find the following items e ExpressTracker e USB Ato Mini B Cable e Mini CD containing the user s manual configuration utility and USB drivers 3 Device Overview The ExpressTracker is a new multi use APRS device designed around solid hardware and specific functions in mind The ExpressTracker can be a simple tracker a two way tracker a digipeater and a KISS TNC for advanced software function
8. c E Enable Message ONLINE Beaconing Method Rare SmartBeacon Turn Angle deg Tum Slope 0 255 Turn Time sec Slow Rate min Fast Hate sec Slaw Speed km h High Speed kmh Telemetry Voltage Temp 9F EEK NMEA NMEA Waypoint Output Mame Length Range km 0 GPS GPS Present Static Beacon Latitude Longitude 07527 80w COM Port 15 SmartBeaconing SmartBeaconing is a beaconing algorithm that takes in speed heading and time all into account to help determine your best beacon rate When enabled the following settings are required defaults are recommended Turn Angle Number of degrees in a turn before a beacon Turn Slope Requires more degrees in a turn at a slower speed Turn Time Minimal time between beacons in a turn Slow Rate Beacon rate at or less than the Slow Speed Fast Rate Beacon rate at or greater than the Fast Speed Slow Speed Lowest speed threshold High Speed Highest speed threshold ExpressTracker Configuration Codec Tracker Digipeater Basic Configuration Enable Tracker Callsign symbol SSID digipeating KEA4N TV 14 0 3 Path WIDE22 Comment Express Tracker V1 0 Test Unit Timestamp Course Speed Mic E Enable Message ONLINE Beaconing Method Hate sec SmartBeacon Turn Angle
9. elp 9 Back 2 a 2 Search gt gt Folders Address File and Folder Tasks Make a new Folder Publish this Folder to Ehe Web Share Ehis Falder Other Places 3 My Computer My Documents Shared Documents a Network Places Details 2 A window should automatically up showing the contents of the ExpressTracker flash memory The file shown should be firmware bin Right click on this file and choose Delete CRP DISABLD F File Edit view Favorites Tools Help Back d 2 Search gt Falders CUM File and Folder Tasks PR al NE J Open With Li Rename Ehis File S Add to archive ay Move this File 2 Add to Firmware rar Copy this File Compress and email Publish this File to the Compress to Firmware rar and email Web E mail this File x Delete this File Cut Send ther Places Create Shortcuk Delete 3 My Computer Rename My Documents Shared Documents a My Network Places Properties 3 Right click on the new firmware file that you downloaded from the Electronics LLC website and choose Firmware File Edit View Favorites Tools Help d Search Folders BER Address pressTracker 0 95 12 bin File and Folder Tasks te Fass zi his Fi Open With mij Add to archive Gy Move this 32 Add to Ex
10. er to the Web Share Ehis Falder Setup exe Setup Other Places Software My Documents Shared Documents H My Computer a Network Places Details 2 The installer will verify all system and software requirements are available for the installation Setup may ask you to install the Microsoft Net framework If this is requested complete this installation first and then the ExpressTracker will complete installation launching Application verifying application requirements This may bake a Few moments 3 Click the Install button to complete the installation Application Install Security Warning Publisher cannot be verified Are you sure you want to install this application ExpressTracker From Hover over the string below to see Ehe full domain CARPE Electronics Express Tracker Sofbware Express Tracker Contig Publisher Unknown Publisher Install Don t Install While applications can be useful they can potentially harm your computer IF vou do nat trust the source do nat install this software Mare Information 4 Upon installation completion the configuration utility will start up automatically NOTE All of the settings will appear to not function since the ExpressTracker has not been read yet for initial settings ES ExpressTracker Configuration Codec Tracker Digipeater Audio Input Audio Input Preamp Input D ED Codec Uu
11. essage about the driver Click Continue Anyway to proceed Found New Hardware Wizard Please wait while the wizard installs the software E Communications Hardware Installation A The software you installing for this hardware Communications has not passed Windows Logo testing to verify its compatibility with Windows Tell me why this testing rs important Continuing your installation of this software may impair or destabilize the correct operation of your system either immediately in the future Microsoft strongly recommends that you stop this installation now and contact the hardware for software that has passed Windows Logo testing Continue Anyway STOP Installation 9 The driver will be installed and a virtual com port will be created Found New Hardware Wizard Please wait while the wizard installs the software 10 Upon successful completion the ExpressTracker will be assign a virtual com port number This com port number will be required to connect to the tracker with the configuration utility Found New Hardware Wizard Completing the Found New Hardware Wizard The wizard has finished installing the software for E Communications Click Finish to close the wizard Back Cancel NOTE If Windows does not indicate the com port number at the time of installation you can find this informati
12. mp m E 0 E BY OH TP aE mor uw I Mic E Enable Message Fr route m 00 E E gt IB Ee 2 4 Be t P 0 gt 0 F Sr 6 4 wo 8 g 4 dh E B lt d eu a Path The path will be specific to your local APRS network If in doubt please check with other local APRS users for the best path to use Here are a few universal sample paths WIDE1 1 WIDE2 2 WIDE1 1 WIDE2 1 WIDE2 2 10 Advanced Tracker Options NMEA Waypoint Output When using a GPS that can accept GPWPL waypoint strings this option can be enable to see other APRS stations on your GPS screen When enabled there are two settings required Max Name Length This sets the number of characters used in the waypoint name some GPS units can only use six characters and this allows your to limit the length Max Range This sets the max distance an APRS station can be from you to be displayed on the GPS map Setting this to O zero will display all APRS stations regardless of their distance from you Express Tracker Configuration Codec Tracker Digipeater Basic Configuration Enable Tracker Callsign symbol SSID digipeating e Doom Path Comment EspressTracker Test Unit Timestamp Course Speed Mi
13. n Rate Method ES ExpressTracker Configuration Codec Tracker Digipeater Basic Configuration Beaconing Method NMEA Enable Tracker Hate sec NMEA Waypoint Output Mame Length Symbol SSID digipeating KEANYV 14 Angl Turn Slope A99 0 255 Turn Time sec Slow Hate he min Express Tracker 1 0 Test Unit 1 GPS Fast Rate BU sec Timestamp Course Speed Ea GFS Present Static Beacon Slow Speed km h Latitude Mic E THERE km h 3rbb 46H Enable Longitude Message En route Telemetry Bw Voltage sn EI ONLINE OM Por Callsign The callsign used should be a valid amateur radio callsign or alias for an event The callsign may or may not contain an SSID on the end Some examples Without SSID KE4NYV or VE2YAG With SSID KE4NYV 15 or 2 4 Alias WATER or BIKE12 Choosing a Symbol oelecting a symbol is easy using the symbol table Click the symbol image and the symbol table will pop up Simple click the desired symbol in the table and it will be selected The table will automatically close ExpressTracker Configuration Basic Configuration Beaconing Method NMEA Enable Tracker Rate sec NMEA Waypoint Output SmartBeacon Callsign Symbol SSID digipeating Max Name Length 8 uz sin NN Path wIDE2 2 npa Comment Express Tracker 1 0 JB Timesta
14. on by following these steps 1 Right Click on My Computer on the desktop 2 Select Properties 3 Click Device Manager tab in XP or Device Manager link in top right corner for Vista 7 4 Anew window will pop up with a devices tree Look for the Ports section and click the minus symbol to expand the tree 5 Look for a device called ExpressTracker Next to this you will find the com port in parentheses Ex COM22 E Device File Action View Help amp EE DEVELOPMENT H Computer S Disk drives Display adapters 5 DYDICD ROM drives IDE ATA ATAPI controllers BE Jungo Connectivity cw Keyboards Mice and other pointing devices Monitors B Network adapters Ports COM amp LPT 1 Compani ations Po x gt Printer Port Le die Processors Sound video and game controllers 2 System devices Universal Serial Bus controllers 6 Installing the Configuration Utility Installing the configuration utility is just like installing any other simple Windows application The wizard will walk you through the process 1 Run the installation setup exe file from the ExpressTracker mini CD Express Tracker Config File Edit View Favorites Tools Help sac a Search Folders Address ExpressTracker application File and Folder Tasks Application Manifest 22 Make new Falder A Publish this Fold
15. pressTracker 0 95 12 rar Ehis file compress and email EJ Publish this File to the web Compress En ExpressTracker 0 95 12 rar and email E mail this File Send To Delete this file Cut Other Places gt Create Shortcut age Local Disk C Delete Ej My Documents E Shared Documents Properties ig My Computer a My Metwork Places Rename 4 Go back to the ExpressTracker s folder right click and choose Paste to copy the new firmware file into the ExpressTracker s flash memory CRP DISABLD F File Edit View Favorites Tools Help Back a Search i Folders Hae Address File and Folder Tasks c2 Make a new Folder Vie Publish this Folder to the Arrange Icons By Share Ehis Falder Refresh Faste Sharkcut Undo Copy Other Places JJ Computer Mew My Documents Shared Documents My Network Places Properties Details 5 Once you have copied the firmware file into the ExpressTracker you should see the file residing in the folder CRP DISABLD F File Edit View Favorites Tools Help ER cA d Search gt gt Folders Bab Address File and Folder Tasks express Trac ker 0 95 12 bin L1 Rename Ehis File T Ehis File E Copy this File Publish this file to the Web 7 E mail this file Delete this file Other Places My Computer My Documents Shared Documents My Network
16. r privacy policy Can Windows connect to Windows Update to search for software CO Yes this time only CO now and every time connect a device No not this time Click Hest to continue 6 In most cases Windows will ask for you to specify a driver Found Hew Hardware Wizard This wizard helps you install software for Communications ia If your hardware came with an installation CD lt or floppy disk insert it now What you want the wizard ta da Install the software automatically Recommended 5 Install from list or specific location Advanced Click to continue 7 Use the driver wizard to point the installation to the location of the drivers on the mini CD The folder named Drivers will contain the USB drivers Found Hew Hardware Wizard Please choose your search and installation options eS Search for the best driver in these locations Use the check boxes below to limit or expand the default search which includes local paths and removable media The best diver found will be installed Search removable media floppy CD ROM Include this location in the search E Q Don t search will choose the driver to install Choose this option to select the device driver from list Windows does not guarantee that the driver you choose will be the best match for your hardware 8 You may presented with a warning m
17. tput Level Odb y 10 db Yu PTT 1200Hz 2200Hz 30 db Serial Part Statistic In PGA gain db Baud R ate Fort Made pe aoe v GPS In Out TA Packets 0 O KISS In Out Digi Packets 0 2nd Decoder 0 Modern Calibration Ts Delay n 10 Slotime n 1Ums Voltage 0 Temp 0 NEN Persistance mi 0 255 OFFLINE cOM Pot 7 Connecting and Reading Configuration 1 Select the com port assigned to your ExpressTracker using the Com Port drop down menu ES ExpressTracker Configuration Codec Tracker Digipeater Audio Input Audio Output Input Preamp Input Level DCD Codec Output Level Data Odb J E TE 1 db SAN PTT Only 1200 Hz 2200 Hz 30 db Fort Statistic Baud Rate Part Ae Good 0 M HX Bad 0 GPS In Out TX Packets 0 KISS In Out Digi Packets 0 2nd Decoder 0 Modern Calibration Ts Delay n 10 Slotime n 10 ms Voltage D Temp 0 Fersistanice L 4 0 255 In PGA gain 6 OFFLINE cOM Pot 2 Click the Connect button Express Configuration Codec Tracker Digipeater Audio Input Audio Input Preamp Input Level OCD Codec Output Level Data fi SISSE lr 10 db
18. tput audio can usually be adjusted by ear if no means of measuring the deviation is available In general set the level to match that of other stations on the air This is done by adjusting the Codec Output Level slider To test the level use the 1200 Hz and 2200 Hz buttons to send test tones over the air We suggest that you do this off of your country s APRS frequency to avoid interference with other stations Once both the input and output levels are set use the Write button in the bottom right to program the tracker with these settings ES ExpressTracker Configuration Codec Tracker Digipeater _ Audio Input Audio Output Input Preamp Input Level DCD Codec Output Level 18 db 04 J 10 db 20 db CO 30 db Part Statistic In PGA gain db B Baud Rate Port Made He Good 23206 Bad 2096 00 GPS In Out Tx Packets 768 C3 KISS In Out Digi Packets 0 12 5db 2nd Decoder 0 Modem Calibration T Delay n s T ms Slotime n 10m Voltage 13 E Temp 19 5 13 3 E 452 145 10 16400 330 Persistance 64 0 255 ONLINE Pot COMIS 9 Basic Tracker Programming The minimal settings needed to program the tracker Callsign and SSID Symbol Path Beaco
19. via the included CDROM or already copied to the computer When the driver wizard pops up you ll need to point the wizard to the location of the driver files GPS Power Jumper The GPS Power Jumper is used to provide DC voltage to an external GPS The jumper is accessed by removing the two bottom panel screws and opening the ExpressTracker s case The jumper can be set to one of three positions 5 Volt Output to GPS bV VIN 71 Source Voltage Output to GPS 5V VIN 2 00 No Voltage to the GPS 5 Installing the USB Drivers USB drivers for Windows XP and Windows Vista 7 are included on the mini CD WN Ensure ExpressTracker is NOT connected to the computer Insert mini CD into CDROM drive Ensure the Bootloader dip switch is set to the OFF position Plug the included USB Mini B cable into the ExpressTracker s USB port and then plug the A connector into the computer s USB port Any unused port will work Wait for Windows to detect the ExpressTracker At this point Windows may install a suitable driver to talk to the ExpressTracker Otherwise you will see the window shown below Select the No not this time option and click Next Found Mew Hardware Wizard Welcome to the Found Mew Hardware Wizard Windows will search for current and updated software by looking on Your computer an the hardware installation or on the Windows Update Web site with your permission Head au
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