G6GVI’s guide to getting
started with your Tracker
Different models
There are two US-based companies currently producing APRS Trackers:
Byonics in Las Vegas make the TinyTrak range;
Argent Data Systems in California make the OpenTrackers.
Their two product lines are very similar, and their interfaces are identical, so once you’ve made
up suitable patch-leads for your radios and GPS, they are interchangeable.
Patch leads
There are only two interfaces to the Tracker:
The Radio port (9-way D-type socket), which connects to the transceiver;
The Data port (9-way D-type plug), which connects to the GPS or PC COM-port.
Radio port
This includes connections for DC power input, PTT, and audio in and out to/from the radio.
The Tracker includes a 5V linear regulator, so an input of a least 7.5V (anywhere between 7.5
and 15V) is required. +Vcc is applied to pin 7, with ground on pin 6.
The audio output from pin 1 on the Tracker needs to be connected to the microphone input
on the radio.
The PTT output from pin 3 on the Tracker needs to be connected to the radio’s PTT line.
Note that most Trackers are supplied with an internal resistor (usually 2.2k) fitted between pins 1
and 3 (R3 in the OT, or R8 in the TT). This is designed to operate the combined PTT/mic input
on most handheld transceivers, but must be disconnected for radios with a separate PTT line.
Since I use my Tracker with both handie and mobile radios, I’ve removed the internal resistor,
but fitted 2K2 inside the D-type plug of the patch-lead I’ve built for use with the handies only.
The audio (loudspeaker) output from the radio needs to connect to pin 5 on the Tracker.
Note that the Tracker can’t actually decode incoming packets, but it uses a simple noise-detector
on the audio to determine whether or not the channel is busy. This is used to prevent the Tracker
from transmitting until the channel is clear, to reduce the chance of interference.
Full wiring diagrams for connections between the Trackers and most radios are published here:
http://www.byonics.com/cables/tinytrak3.php
Data port
This handles bi-directional serial data at 4800 baud on an “RS-232” interface. The voltage levels
are bipolar (typically between ±5V and ±9V). See the following Configuration and GPS
Interface sections for more details.
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