BeeLine GPS

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Read the review published in the August 2007 issue of ARRL's QST Magazine

Read this IMPORTANT notice regarding new 70cm transmitters with the latest firmware.

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. 256 k-bits of storage means you get more than 20 minutes 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.

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.
	Optional Digital Telemetry Package: hardware G-switch for launch detect, up to 4 digital inputs
	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
	Integrated active GPS patch antenna -- external antenna available
	Battery Backup for GPS module enables quick GPS lock times
	Power Management: User programmable transmit rates
	Compatible with existing BeeLine Serial / USB Adapters and Chargers
	Optional SMA RF antenna connection
	Field - upgradeable firmware
	Range: 20 miles line of site.
	Flight data stored in non-volatile memory -- 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:

	Documentation
	BeeLine GPS Communicator version 53: Use this to program the parameters of your BeeLine GPS
	Firmware version 211 If you need to upgrade. WARNING! CHECK VERSION NUMBERS, DO NOT LOAD OLD VERSION ON TOP OF NEWER VERSION
	BeeFlash version 11: Flash update utility used to update the BeeLine GPS firmware

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

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