Tips and Tricks
1) Do NOT place your transmitter in a black nosecone. Temperatures
in excess of 100 degrees C have been measured inside dark colored
nosecones even when the temperature outside is just 26C. White is
best!
2) Do NOT
place your transmitter inside a carbon fiber enclosure. Carbon Fiber
blocks both the transmitted RF signal and the incoming GPS signals. Plastic or
fiberglass is best.
3) Do NOT use
metallic paint. Problems similar to those related to carbon fiber can
occur.
4) Do NOT
transmit more often than once every 5 seconds. Frequent RF
transmissions can affect quality of the GPS reception.
General Questions
Selection Guide:
Which BeeLine Transmitter should I choose?
There are two models of BeeLine Transmitter. Both are simple beacons that
transmit a callsign via morse code and emit a periodic FM or CW pulse. The
only difference between the two models is the power output. The BeeLine MP
emits approx 100mw, while the standard BeeLine emits approx 16mw. The
BeeLine MP will also consume the battery about 8x faster than the unamplified
version using the same battery.
Which BeeLine GPS should I choose?
There are three different models of BeeLineGPS. All of them transmit the
current position (latitude, longitude and altitude) which is then decoded by a
remote receiver.
70cm BeeLine GPS:
This model operates on the 420-450Mhz amateur radio band, and has a power
output of approx 16milli-watts. Range in the air is more than 20
miles. Designed for high power rocketry, it has an option G-switch to
detect liftoff and several inputs that will transmit the status of up to 3
flights events. It is powered by a single cell lithium poly battery
(4.2V). It transmits data in insdustrty standard APRS packets, a "TNC"
is required to decode the data packets. See the
radios section for more details. Amateur radio license required.
2M High Power BeeLine GPS
This model operates on the 144 Mhz amateur radio band, and has a power
output of approx 6 watts. Range in the air is more than 300 miles.
This unit was designed for tracking of high altitude balloons, automobiles,
and general tracking purposes.. It can by powered by 4x AA battery, a
dual cell lithium poly battery (8.4V), or 12V automotive power. It transmits
data in insdustrty standard APRS packets, a "TNC" is required to
decode the data packets. See the radios
section for more details. Amateur radio license required.
900 Mhz BeeLine GPS
This model operates on a license free section of the 900 Mhz radio band, and
has a power output of approx 100 milli-watts. Range in the air is
about 6 miles. This unit was designed for high power rocketry, and has
a G-switch to detect liftoff... It is powered by a single cell lithium
poly battery (4.2V). It transmits data in a propriety format.
BigRedBee supplies a matching receiver with optional LCD display.
This transmitter is FCC certified, and no license is required from the user.
Are there any concerns regarding the battery?
YES: Lithium poly batteries can be destroyed if overcharged or over discharged.
Always use an appropriate charger. NEVER discharge below 3 volts. Even though
the BeeLine Transmitters have a low voltage shutdown feature, the battery can
still be over discharged. Always turn the transmitter off when not in use.
Why do I need an amateur (ham) radio license?
The radio spectrum that the BeeLine transmitters utilize is regulated by the
FCC. The FCC requires that you be a licensed amateur radio operator to transmit
on these frequencies. While there are unregulated frequencies in this band
(433.92 Mhz, for example), the power limitations are too low to be usable.
The 900 Mhz BeeLine GPS does not require a license.
What frequency should I use?
As a licensed amateur radio operator, you are free to use any frequency in the
70cm band. Please consult the ARRL band plans for recommendations and
restrictions. You may want to avoid repeater inputs/outputs and the weak signal
areas, especially in populated areas.
Where should I put my BeeLine?
The BeeLine Transmitter should be treated like any other piece of sensitive
electronics. The circuit board can withstand very high G flights, but is not
potted. The best place to put your transmitter is in the nosecone or a payload
bay. Simply wrap in bubble wrap and jam it in! Close proximity to altimeters
should be avoided due to concerns of RF from the transmitter adversly affecting
other electronics. Attaching directly to the shock cord is not recommended,
unless the transmitter is enclosed in some protective container, like another
piece of smaller diameter airframe tubing.
What about composite airfraimes?
Carbon Fiber and metal will block RF signals. Phenolic, cardboard, fiberglass
and other composites are OK.
How long does the battery last?
That depends on the transmitting parameters programmed into the BeeLine. With a
10% duty cycle (.5 seconds on, 4.5 seconds off) and 10 minutes between call sign
transmissions, a new, fully charged battery will last for more than 48 hours.
Can I use my own battery?
Yes. Any battery providing at least 3.2V and not more than 9V can be used to
power the transmitter. The supplied lithium poly battery has a fully charged
voltage of 4.25V, and should not be discharged below 3.2V
Can I use my own battery charger?
Yes, but it must be specifically designed to charge single cell
lithium polymer batteries.
What's the range of this transmitter?
That depends on number of things such as quality of the receiver, gain of the
antenna, and terrain. This transmitter has been tracked from 10 miles out using
a handheld ham receiver, and 20 miles using a more sensitive mobile rig and
larger car mounted antenna. The signal was clearly hear for the duration of the
N2N flight to 40,000 feet. The most important variable is terrain. At 433 Mhz,
RF waves don't 'follow' the ground well, and are easily blocked by small hills.
What kind of serial cable should I use?
The serial adapter is designed to plug directly into a standard DB-9 serial
port. If you use a cable, make sure it is a straight through extension cable,
and not a 'null modem' cable, or other kind of cable that swaps pins. Using the
wrong cable will result in timeouts, and may damage the serial adapter.
Are kits available?
No. Only fully assembled boards are offered for sale.
Can the BeeLine transmit telemetry data?
No, you need a BeeLine GPS transmitter to transmit data packets.
How do I program my BeeLine Transmitter?
You need to download the BeeLine Communicator. The latest version is
http://www.bigredbee.com/docs/beeline/beeline.zip
Can the BeeLine transmit on the 2 meter band?
No. The standard configuration supports the 70cm band. Custom builds can support
any frequency between 300 and 900Mhz.
What kind of antenna should I use?.
1) Build your own: http://www.nr6ca.org/70cmyagi.html
2) Buy one, I recommend this: http://www.arrowantennas.com/440-7ii.html
3) Or, for base operation, I have this one (not a directional yagi):
http://www.rfparts.com/diamond/x30a.html
Does the programming software run under Linux?
No, but one customer has reported that it worked fine using a windows emulator,
WINE version 0.9.17, with good results.
BeeLine Transmitter
How big is it?
The BeeLine Transmitter (B1) is .88" wide
x 1.725"
long.
The BeeLine MP Transmitter (B6) is .79" wide x 2.05" long.
Both weigh approx 6 grams without the antenna or battery.
BeeLine
GPS
How big is it?
The 70cm BeeLine GPS is 1.225" wide
x 2.865"
long and weighs 25 grams w/out the battery. The 750 mah battery
weighs 25 grams.
The 2M High power GPS is 1.255" wide x 3.635" long and weighs 56 grams
w/out battery or antenna
