LightAPRS-W is a small, lightweight tracker with powerful capabilities. In addition to the popular APRS, it allows for broadcasting using WSPR, which perfectly fits the needs of PICO missions. It is able to report its position, altitude, pressure and temperature on the network APRS e.g. www.aprs.fi or transmit information as standard WSPR , e.g. www.wsprnet.org Works with solar panels, batteries or only with batteries (4 x AAA). Equipped with open source software, it allows you to add any sensors thanks to I2C / SPI.
Basic properties:
- software: Open Source
- weight: 9 g
- size: 3.5 cm x 6 cm
- IDE: Arduino
- platform: MightyCore
- CPU: Atmega1284P-AU
- Flash: 128 KB
- Ram: 16 KB
- EEPROM: 4 KB
- operating frequency: 8 MHz
- operating voltage: 3.3V
- input voltage: 4.5V (min) – 10V (max) via USB or VBat pin
- BOD: 2.7V
- sensor: BMP180 (pressure and temperature)
- VHF radio module: Dorji DRA818V
- VHF operating frequencies: 134-174 MHz (software adjustable)
- VHF low pass filter: available (7 elements)
- VHF transmitter power: 0.5W or 1W (programmable)
- current consumption (TX): ~ 460 mA (0.5W) / ~ 760mA (1W)
- HF radio module: Si5351A-B-GT
- HF operating frequencies: 2.5 kHz – 200 MHz (software adjustable)
- HF low pass filter: lack
- HF transmitter power : ~ 10mW
- current tester (in sleep mode): ~ 5 mA
- GPS: Ublox MAX-M8Q (GPS-GLONASS)
- GPS antenna gain: 4.3dBi
- extensions: I2C, SPI
- USB Serial: CH340G
remember that to work on amateur bands you must have the so-called Radio license , popularly referred to as the ham radio license.
If you do not have one yourself, look for an amateurs club in the vicinity or invite someone who has permission to join their team.