Pat Hatch offered to post the photo, and I apologize if you had to join the Micro-Trak Yahoo group just to see the picture. The unit is not frequency agile, since there is only one frequency widely used in America ( And the rest of the world combined does not buy as many APRS trackers as we do!) Making a single channel unit allows me to make it smaller and cheaper. In fact, there are no user controls or adjustments, no pots, no switches. ( although I did leave a place on the board to add a configuration-select switch if you are motivated to do so.
Allen
VHS
Sam,
You are correct sir. The only thing in the cigarette lighter is a fuse, but it also helps to keep people from applying reverse polarity voltage, which will toast this unit quickly. The voltage regulators are in the box. If you slice the plug off, just remember that red is positive! The actual input plug to the box is a 6 pin mini DIN connector.
Allen
VHS
Jim,
The GPS is not built in. The dongle with the DB-9 allows direct plug in of a 4800 Baud GPS, but Byonics has a chip that can accept 4800 or 9600 baud input ( NMEA only, no proprietary Garmin data or other works of satan!) If/whn you order one, just make sure that we send you the dual baud rate chip. The DB-9 can also be used with a null modem adapter ( 6.00 from Byonics) and the TT3 configuration software (free to download from the Byonics website) in case you want to make changes to the configuration. The defaults we use for SmartBeaconing are similar, but not identical, to what Sam recommends in the the sticky on that subject. I can hardly wait until one of you guys test flies this new unit! ( Electronic geek parental pride)
Allen
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Sam,
I thought you had forsaken the ways of the Byonics products and switched over to our evil competitor? If you want one, just say the word and I wil ship it out as soon as I have assembled units! Your article in Kitplanes alone generated so many new hams you are entitled to a manufacturer kickback! Just send me an E-mail with your shipping address. ([email protected])
Allen
Sam,
I thought you had forsaken the ways of the Byonics products and switched over to our evil competitor? If you want one, just say the word and I wil ship it out as soon as I have assembled units! Your article in Kitplanes alone generated so many new hams you are entitled to a manufacturer kickback! Just send me an E-mail with your shipping address. ([email protected])
Allen
FYI, We hope to have our first new product, the MT-RTG ( Ready-to-go) out next week. The complete 10 Watt transmitter, including a GPS and magnet mount antenna (obviously not a good choice for you guys) will sell for about 180 dollars.
Allen
VHS
Jim,
The GPS is not built in. The dongle with the DB-9 allows direct plug in of a 4800 Baud GPS, but Byonics has a chip that can accept 4800 or 9600 baud input ( NMEA only, no proprietary Garmin data or other works of satan!) If/whn you order one, just make sure that we send you the dual baud rate chip. The DB-9 can also be used with a null modem adapter ( 6.00 from Byonics) and the TT3 configuration software (free to download from the Byonics website) in case you want to make changes to the configuration. The defaults we use for SmartBeaconing are similar, but not identical, to what Sam recommends in the the sticky on that subject. I can hardly wait until one of you guys test flies this new unit! ( Electronic geek parental pride)
Allen
VHS
Not that familiar with the tracking system. Where do you connect everything?
I have a non-used Archer com antenna in my wing tip. It is attached to a rg-400 cable that used to run to my #2 com. Is it possible to use the comm antenna for aprs? Seems as if performance may be compromised due to freq differences, but maybe someone know the correct answer. Maybe a proper j pole antenna would be better. They do not seem hard to make or even purchase one from the Howell factory, if it is still in business.
Allen, I like the new product and will be watching the Byonics web site.
Thanks, David
I had never seen an Archer antenna and went to their website to check them out. Very strange animals! I don't think there is much risk in trying one with a transmitter on 144.390.
Sam, Keep your eyes open for a Priority Mail envelope coming your way.
Allen
VHS
You might be the very first person to order one!
I am planning to hard wire the device to an open cb in the panel and use an on/off rocker switch. Other than being careful with polarity anyone see a problem? Also the magnet in the gps2 antenna may become a problem. The intent is to mount the gps antenna adjacent to my 496 XM antenna on the behind the seat brace(RV7). Will fasten the antennas with velcro.
Got to get the plane back together and take that test. I will try the Archer first.
David
DJ,
You might be the very first person to order one! Let us know what you think. (unless you hate it, in which case, keep it to yourself!)
73,
Allen
Byonics takes the orders and ships the products, I just sit around my office thinking profound thoughts and burning myself with my soldering iron...
Byonics is in Las Vegas Nevada, and I am in Napa, California.
Byon does not have the MT-RTG's in his hands yet, but I know we have pre-sold at least a few units, and I am guessing that he will have the first production unit tomorrow.
Why do you want to sell your AIO?
Allen
VHS
Here it is! http://www.byonics.com/microtrak/mt-rtg.php
I know a bunch of people have ordered them for EA's, but I am hoping that someone here will let us know how it works for you.
Allen
VHS
I have a MT-RTG in hand and will have a report soon.
What is the url of the website to see someone's track?
Is there any ability to limit who can see your track?
Is there any historical data and is it searchable/downloadable etc.?
Is there coverage in remote areas / mountain regions?
Canada and the Caribbean?
SPOT has the ability to send basic "I'm OK messages". Does this have anything like that? I would love to be able to send SMS messages while I am flying.