Differences

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--- packet:lora [2024/08/31 15:08] – [Mini how-to] m0lte
+++ packet:lora [2025/03/30 15:47] (current) – 2e0hkd
@@ Line 15: / Line 15: @@
 These work completely standalone, but also offer KISS so external APRS clients can be used (for APRS only, not packet, see below!) The iGate firmware makes KISS available on TCP and/or USB-serial, the tracker firmware can do KISS via bluetooth. The tracker does expose a USB-serial port but it is not for KISS and is only for debug output or flashing the device.
+If you do use the CA2RXU firmware, consider adding it to [[https://lora-aprs.live/]] via the syslog output, which provides much more radio-specific information than standard APRS-IS based services/maps.
 In the UK, the LoRa APRS frequency and modulation settings are:
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   - Download VS Code
   - Install Platformio IDE extension into VS Code
-  -
+  - Follow the iGate or Tracker path below.
 === iGate ===
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   - Expand Platform, and click Upload Filesystem Image. Another upload will happen, ensure it is successful.
-The board should boot and display its IP address from your Wi-Fi on its screen. Navigate to http://that-ip-address in your browser. It should also now appear on [[https://aprs.fi/info/a/MB7UTL|aprs.fi]] and on [[https://lora.ham-radio-op.net/|lora.ham-radio-op.net]]
+The board should boot and display its IP address from your Wi-Fi on its screen. Navigate to http://that-ip-address in your browser. It should also now appear on [[https://aprs.fi/info/a/MB7UTL|aprs.fi]] and on [[https://lora.ham-radio-op.net/|lora.ham-radio-op.net]].
+An iGate is best sited up high, connected to a full size 70cm antenna, e.g. a colinear, dipole, or 5/8ths or quarter wave vertical.
 NB Sometimes uploading can fail, in this case try re-plugging or swapping USB port, or plug the board in with its RST button held.
-NB If you don't use the recommended file with sensible UK defaults then you will need to set more options to be compatible with UK settings (most importantly, the UK LoRa APRS frequency is 439.9125 MHz, with SF=12, BW=125k, CR=4:5).
+NB If you don't use the recommended file with sensible UK defaults then you will need to set more options to be compatible with UK settings (most importantly, the UK LoRa APRS frequency is 439.9125 MHz, with SF=12, BW=125k, CR=4:5). Typical output power is 20dBm or 0.1W.
 === Tracker ===
+A tracker is a device you carry around with you and it sends and receives beacons, messages etc. It can optionally be used with a companion smartphone app (via bluetooth) or PC software (via USB or bluetooth) as a TNC.
+A 433MHz Lilygo T-Beam Supreme makes a good board for a tracker. Add a single 18650 cell and a 3D printed case for convenience.
+Unlike the iGate, at the time of writing, there is no web flasher, so you'll need to follow the steps, which are similar to the iGate.
+  - Connect the board to your computer with a USB cable.
+  - ''git clone https://github.com/richonguzman/LoRa_APRS_Tracker.git''
+  - Set the following fields in ''data/igate_conf.json'', and save the file:
+    * callsign (SSID is optional)
+    * Remove the second and third beacon configurations (unless you want to have multiple configs available on the tracker, of course...)
+    * sendBatteryInfo: true
+    * bluetoothType: 0 for iPhone, 1 for Android
+    * For the UK, specify ''lora'' as follows:
+<code>
+        "lora": [{
+            "frequency": 439912500,
+            "spreadingFactor": 12,
+            "signalBandwidth": 125000,
+            "codingRate4": 5,
+            "power": 20
+        }],
+</code>
+  - Click the ''env'' section in the bottom bar of VS Code and pick the appropriate board, e.g. ''env:ttgo_t_beam_s3_SUPREME_v3''
+  - Click the Tick button in the bottom bar of VS Code (tooltip is PlatformIO: Build) to check everything builds
+  - Click the Right arrow in the bottom bar of VS Code (tooltip is PlatformIO: Upload) to upload firmware to the board
+  - In the left bar of VS Code, click the PlatformIO icon (ant head).
+  - In the next leftmost bar of VS Code, find Project Tasks (at the top).
+  - Expand General, then Platform, and click Upload Filesystem Image. Another upload will happen, ensure it is successful.
+The tracker should boot and start looking for GPS. Your iGate should show a green LED when it receives a frame from your tracker. Your tracker should now show up on [[https://aprs.fi/aprs.fi]] and on [[https://lora.ham-radio-op.net/|lora.ham-radio-op.net]], separately from your iGate, and if you walk around with it, it should beacon your position, picked up by your iGate, repeated and/or sent to the internet.
+APRS.fi have an iPhone app which works with this TNC for beaconing, and also it appears messaging, but this is hidden behind a subscription so I've not tried it.
 ==== Licence Requirements ====
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 This will be an ''MB7Uxx'' callsign, where you get to pick ''xx''. ''MB7Ux'' is being phased out.
+===== LoRa-VHF APRS Gateway =====
+See: [[packet:lora_vhf_aprs_gateway]]
 ===== LoRa Packet Radio =====