Specifications

TNC GPS Upgrade Addendum/
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out the use of a computer running APRS which usually does the parsing) and then beacon the
information over the ham bands.
Because the TNC can work both as a stand alone tracking device and as a connected APRS
component, this TNC can be of aid in natural disaster situations, during public service events,
and search and rescue missions, among other things.
For example, in a marathon, a pace car, ambulances, and other support vehicles could each
have a TNC acting as a Stand Alone Tracking Device. A coordinator can be in a centralized lo-
cation using a TNC, radio, and an APRS Adapter Cable (optional) to connect with a computer
running APRS software to visually track the vehicles. When an emergency arises, such as an
injured runner, the coordinator can see which ambulance is closest to the scene and dispatch it
appropriately through voice communications.
Further, if all vehicles in the previous example were equipped with a PC running APRS, a TNC,
a GPS receiver, a radio, and an APRS Adapter Cable, the coordinator could not only see where
the vehicles were - he could dispatch them directly through the APRS system. The drivers of
the vehicles would receive short messages from the coordinator such as, “Runner down, 4th
and Main. Vehicle 2 respond.” These short messages appear on the individual driver’s computer
screen much like typical Packet messages. The messages can also be accompanied by com-
puter ‘beeps’ to alert the driver to an incoming message. APRS includes a bulletin feature where
all vehicles could receive messages simultaneously such as, “Take lunch.”
4. TNC, ULTIMETER II, and a radio (No PC):
This configuration requires an ULTIMETER II home weather station, see Figure 3 below. (In-
formation on ULTIMETER II weather station packages can be obtained by calling 1-800-USA-
PEET.) In case you are not familiar with ULTIMETER II, it is a weather station package including
a control panel into which a thermometer, wind gauge, and an optional rain gauge are connected.
If you like, you can monitor the temperature of any room in your home, keep track of tempera-
tures in a greenhouse or outbuilding, or set alarm limits on a freezer or other appliance.
PK-12
XMT DCD CON STA MAIL POWER
Radio
Ultimeter II Keyboard Display
PK-12
Ultimeter II Junction Box
AC Adapter
Temperature
Sensor
Wind Sensor
Rain Gauge
PK-12/Ultimeter II Stand Alone Weather Station
FIGURE 3: Illustrates components of a stand alone packet weather station (PK-12 can be substituted with any Timewave
TNC with GPS firmware)