jrohde
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Posts
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Posts posted by jrohde
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I splurged and bought bicimapas for my Vista HCx. They have versions available for both Garmins and Magellans.
As for a mountable GPS. I presume your bro is not interested in geocaching. Look at the Garmin Nuvi's or StreetPilots. I use a fancy pansy Nuvi 660 at work but a lower model like a Nuvi 300 or StreetPilot c310 may be all your bro needs. The good thing is these come preloaded with US maps; so, you'd only have to worry about purchasing mapping software for Mexico.
He already had a handheld unit for caching. He's looking for a mobile unit that is wife friendly, and can map out northern Mexico. More specifically the area south of Brownsville, TX.
Thanks for the info though, I'll pass it along.
Jon KC9AXZ
www.kc9axz.com
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Hello all,
My brother is moving to southern Texas / northern Mexico. He is looking for a new GPS unit that will run maps for northern Mexico as well as the entire USA. He doesn't need to use the unit off road, just for car travel. He prefers a mountable unit and not a hand held version. This brings me to the point of asking for suggestions on units and software. The main functions he needs are point to point directions and would like voice guidance.
Thanks
Jon
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Darn! I just got the Pharos 525 PDA/GPS. I just inquired with tech support about this issue. They told me how to input the latitude/longitude. When I did what they told me it didn't work either. Just allowed me to save the center of the map also. Guess tech support didn't know that either.
Jon KC9AXZ
www.kc9axz.com
If you use a PocketPC and Pharos Ostia you will lose the ability to input Latitude and Longitude in 7.5. It will now only let you store a favorite as the center of the map currently being displayed.
I talked to the tech support to verify this.
It is not a terribly bad problem except in a two stage or puzzle cache where the coordinates haven't been saved in a GPX file or some other method.
Editing to add Pharos tech support phone number:
Support Hotline
888-742-7678
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I personally like the idea of a VoIP net. The problem is not all hams have access to a IRLP node. All hams can get access to a Echolink node. Is there anyone that has capability to link IRLP and Echolink togather? That would be the best of both worlds since it covers both VoIP services. You can also involve large area IRLP repeaters and smaller local Echolink nodes, and home PC users.
Jon KC9AXZ
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I just did a cache today that was collecting postcards. I decided to leave a QSL that I filled out. I thought it was a cool idea to have a postcard cache.
Jon KC9AXZ
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The next project is making a license plate mount for a HT ducky on my '96 Harley Davidson Sporty. I plan to run the D7A from the battery. I can put the D7A in the saddle bag and mount my eTrex or Digitraveler to the luggage rack on the rear fender. I still haven't come up with a mount for that yet. Want the whole system to be functional, yet not real visible or geek looking.
Jon KC9AXZ
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KC9AXZ,
What dash mount do you use for your garmin etrex?
Oh WOW, Sorry! I haven't checked the forum in awhile! The dash mount is just a cheap cellular mount I got at Big Lots. I think it cost me $4. I couldn't tell you the brand.
Jon KC9AXZ
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Wanted Digitraveler, cheaper than eBay prices. I don't need cables, mounts, manuals or software. I just need a working unit and it doesn't have to be pretty.
If you have one laying around email me at the address below with offer.
jon at kc9axz (insert dot here) com
Jon KC9AXZ
www.kc9axz.com
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I just added the Kenwood D7A to my APRS equipment. It's a nice rig, yet the battery life is very short.
73 Jon KC9AXZ
www.kc9axz.com
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Just updating the live map.
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I want to get a Kenwood TM-D700A and throw a TT3 on it. I have few people I know that have those and they love them, but at 500 bucks a pop, they ain't cheap.
The D700 doesn't require a TT3 unit. The D700 has a built in TNC. The TT3 is a limited function TNC. If you have a D700 your perfectly setup for many functions of mobile APRS. The TT3 can only send beacons, it can't decode anything. The D700 on the other hand can send and receive beacons. You can also use the D700 to send and receive messages.
Speaking of rigs, I use the left side of my Yaesu FT-8800R for mobile APRS. The right side can still scan while I play APRS on the left. The home station has a old ADI rig I got for $25. The ADI is dedicated full time to APRS.
Jon KC9AXZ
www.kc9axz.com
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I've used my Garmin eTrex Legend with my TinyTrak3 for some time. I've been watching eBay for the Delorme Tripmates to be sold cheaply. I just bought a used Radio Shack (Delorme made) DigiTraveler. I have it modified to power off the TT3 through the data cable.
I've seen a lot of commercial GPS boards with external antenna ports on eBay lately. Has anyone figured and published information to get these working for APRS? The commercial boards I've seen have been selling for $25 and up.
I'm mostly curious as to what people are using for mobile APRS GPS equipment. Webpages and useful links are more than welcome!
Jon KC9AXZ
www.kc9axz.com <------- My regular site with APRS info
www.kc9axz.no-ip.com/ <------- My UI-View Webserver
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My only problem in State College PA is the paucity of digipeaters close enough to my relatively weak beacons.
Rory
KB3LUM
Rory, I feel your pain. We have the same problem in our area. My solution was to setup a home station with a I-Gate and digipeater. This was a perfect way to put my normally unused equipment to work. You don't need to run the digi 24/7, just run it while your not using your regular equipment.
UI-View (www.ui-view.org) is a good piece of software to use. You can register the software for a voulintary contribution to any Cancer Society. The software will easily support a I-Gate and digipeater. It also has other cool options, like web server: My Webserver
Don't be discouraged, you can easily get yourself on the maps.
Jon KC9AXZ
www.kc9axz.com
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Check the ARRL.ORG site. They could direct you to a local club, that can help you out. Clubs are more than willilng to help teach you the hobby and give you the required test. There are a lot of onilne "elmers", but you'd be better off meeting the locals and having them "school" you.
Jon KC9AXZ
www.kc9axz.com
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I agree, I wouldn't try to modify those rigs. Althougth probablly not impossible, it would be rather hard and illegal. You could try the GMRS route with commercial radios and a license. The best route would be to just take and pass a amateur exam and buy a dual or triband ht. The other route would be to use the unlicensed MURS band. Again you will need a commercial rig that has been programmed for the band. Unless you can program or know someone who can program a commercial radio you'll probably not find anyone who would willingly illegally program FRS into a rig that doesn't meet specification. Of all the above, I'd suggest the Amateur route. If you decide to not go that route, try the MURS route. I'm sure you will get that extra distance from the VHF band.
Jon KC9AXZ
www.kc9axz.com
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I should have added some links:
http://www.gps4fun.com/gar_legend.php
Good Luck
Jon KC9AXZ
www.kc9axz.com
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When I bought my first GPS (Garmin eTrex yellow), I had no idea how to use it and the owners manual didn't help. I messed with it for a day or two and decided I needed help. I ended up going to Wal-Mart and bought the video tape that went along with the unit. That video helped out greatly. After you watch the video you'll be able to navigate throught the GPS and wooded areas like a pro. I'd suggest buying a video that matches your unit, or the next closest one and watching it.
IMHO
Jon KC9AXZ
www.kc9axz.com
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In my opinion, it seems like too much work. If your Geocaching the radio may get in the way of the real job at hand. If your hiking on groomed trails that may be a different story. If I were to setup a portable (hiking) QRP station I'd attach a hamstick to a aluminum framed pack. That way the antenna is always at about the highest point, and you don't have to hold it.
Jon KC9AXZ
www.kc9axz.com
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See for yourself.... The map is a ctual capture of what I see on my home station. The map gets updated about every 5 minutes. If the image doesn't work, try my regular webpage.
Jon KC9AXZ
www.kc9axz.com
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I find it to be a lot of fun. It combines most of my hobbies. It also gives the radio a little work. If it wasn't for APRS, my rigs would rarely get use. I do a lot of listening, but very little transmiting (until I got into APRS).
Jon KC9AXZ
www.kc9axz.com
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The poll option didn't work! How many hams here use APRS? I've been playing with APRS for just over a year. It's been a lot of fun and learning.
If your not a ham or don't know about APRS, explore the world of APRS.
Jon KC9AXZ
www.kc9axz.com
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Not knowing any particular interest, it may be safe to give him information. I'd suggest the book "APRS- Moving Hams on Radio and the Internet". You can find it on Amazon, or the ARRL site. The cost is around $20.
ISBN 0-87259-916-7
Jon KC9AXZ
www.kc9axz.com
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I prefer the term "geek factor". It takes a geek to understand why it is cool. Most people won't figure it out. I run mobile APRS using the TinyTrak and my Yaesu FT 8800R, while geocaching. Why do I do it? Just because I can. I figure I already have my ham rig and GPS in the car why not connect them. There really isn't any good reason to do it. People can make excuses why it can be useful, but lets face it I'm a geek.
I always get a kick out of looking at the satellite images of where people are at.
Jon KC9AXZ
www.kc9axz.com
APRS Uses
in Ham Radio
Posted
The Kenwood D7A is a tried and true APRS HT. I don't know much about the VX8 other than I seen it at Dayton. The big advantage that I know about with the D7A is that it has a built in TNC. I don't believe that the VX8 does.
If you are looking for a HT as a first radio, I advise against it. You would be way better off buying a mobile unit. The HT's are nice but you'd be happier with more power and better antenna system. Unless you are in a large city with plenty of repeaters around you might limit your range with a HT.
Jon KC9AXZ
www.kc9axz.com