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Read the review
published in the August 2007 issue of ARRL's
QST Magazine
Place an order!
Download the
programming software
Download the
documentation
 In addition to the BeeLine GPS transmitter, you will need a suitable receiver
and APRS packet decoder (TNC). Most 70cm amateur radio transceivers/receivers
will work, as long as they have an audio output connector (most do). The audio output connects to your PC/soundcard and is decoded using APRS
software, or a dedicated (hardware) decoder like the
TT4
from Byonics or the
OpenTracker+ from
Argent Data just to mention a few. Some
handheld radios contain integrated decodes (and GPS modules, too!). You can read more about the available radios here.
Here are some more pictures
of the decoders in action, including the Kenwood TH-D7A(g).
The BeeLine GPS also has on-board non-volatile memory that stores coordinates
for download after your flight. 1 M-bit of memory means you get more than
2 hours of logging at 1 hz. View your flight profiles in
Google Earth! Here is a flight to
17,000 feet AGL on a single use AT K250. Click on the picture for a
larger view.
Here is a picture of the 100mw version (click for a larger version)
This
product will be made available to licensed amateur radio operators only, or
others with the proper authorization to transmit on the desired frequency.
Features:
 | Completely integrated: RF transmitter, GPS and RF antennas, GPS
Module, and battery all in one small package. |
| Lithium-Poly battery lasts for more than 8 hours. |
| Transmits on ANY frequency in the 70cm band (in 125 hz steps) (33cm band
optional) |
| APRS compatible -- uses standard decoding hardware |
| Included active patch antenna plugs into standard U.FL connector |
| Battery Backup for GPS module enables quick GPS lock times |
| Power Management: User programmable transmit rates and output
power |
| Compatible with existing BeeLine Serial / USB Adapters and Chargers |
| User upgradeable firmware |
| Range: 20 miles line of site. |
| Flight data stored in non-volatile memory (2+ hours @ 1 hz) -- compatible with Google
Earth |
| 1.25" x 3", weighs about 2 ounces, and fits in a 38mm body tube
(or a 54mm nose cone) |
| Transmits latitude, longitude, altitude, course and speed. |
Uses:
| High Power Rockets |
| RC Airplanes |
|
UAV's |
| Hot Air Balloons |
|
Fox Hunting |
|
Law Enforcement / Asset Tracking |
|
Wildlife Tracking |
Current Software / Firmware / Documentation:
Or, look at ALL of the software versions
Tested TNC's (AX.25 packet decoders)
| Byonics PICPAC (Hardware) |
| WINAPRS (Software w/ PC Sound
Card) |
| MIXW (Software w/ PC Sound Card) |
| AGWPE |
| AEA PK-88 (Hardware) |
| PacComm TNC (Hardware) |
| Kenwood TH-D7A(g) (2M/70cm HT w/ integrated TNC) |
| Yaesu VX-8R |
Limitations:
Due to the power output levels of this transmitter, proper packet reception and
decoding require a FREE AND CLEAR LINE OF SIGHT between the transmitter and
receiver.
The typical usage model will be to capture and decode packets as the rocket descends
under 'chute. Once your rocket hits the ground (or goes behind that
ridge), it's likely that you will lose the ability to receive and decode
packets. (But you can still track the transmitter as if it were a standard
RF beacon).
Links:
Compare the prices!
GPS FLIGHT, Loki and ATHA products use a 900Mhz spread spectrum transmitter:
http://www.gpsflight.com
http://www.stephensonline.ca/atha-aerospace/agts1.html
http://lokiresearch.com/arts.asp
AED uses a a fixed frequency 433.92 Mhz transmitter module:
http://home.vianetworks.nl/users/aed/rdas/gps.htm
Contact Us
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