User`s manual

Tracker3 User’s Manual 6
4. Major Features
APRS Tracker - The Tracker3 is first and foremost a full-featured APRS tracker.
It works with GPS receivers using either the industry-standard NMEA format
($GPRMC, $GPGGA, and $GPGLL sentences) or the proprietary Garmin binary
protocol. In addition to transmitting its own position, it can also decode
incoming positions and plot them as waypoints on the screen of a GPS receiver,
selecting appropriate symbols and setting comment text and other waypoint
details if supported by the receiver.
KISS Mode - The KISS protocol defines an interface between a TNC and its host,
typically a PC. This mode allows the Tracker3 to be used with PC-based APRS
programs like Xastir, WinAPRS, and UI-View32. It can also be used with non-
APRS applications, subject to the limitations of the Tracker3’s transmit and
receive buffers.
Digipeater - A digipeater acts as a simplex digital repeater, receiving packets
and retransmitting them, typically on the same radio channel. The Tracker3’s
digipeater function is designed specifically for APRS use, and supports advanced
features such as WIDEn-N operation, hop count limiting, duplicate elimination,
preemptive digipeating, and multiple aliases.
Weather Station – The Tracker3 can be connected to several models of weather
station, including the Peet Bros. Ultimeter 2000 series, Davis Vantage Pro 2, and
LaCrosse WS-2310 wireless weather station, to provide remote weather
telemetry.
Command Console – While the Tracker3 comes with a Windows-based
configuration program, it can also be configured, tuned, and upgraded through a
traditional console interface with command syntax similar to that of the classic
TNC2 and its clones. Keyboard-to-keyboard QSOs are supported through a
‘converse’ mode as well as APRS messaging commands.
Power Control – The OT3m includes an integrated solid-state relay that may be
used to control an external DC load. Typically, this is used to control power to a
transceiver to conserve power in applications like solar-powered weather
stations; the radio can be automatically powered on just prior to a transmission,
and turned off again when the transmission is complete. The power output can
also be controlled manually through APRS messages.