TinyTrak Message Board

This message board is devoted to TinyTrak, to ask questions, leave comments, and see how others are using TinyTrak. Byonics responses are shown in green. You can also send questions eMail to byon@byonics.com
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From: Curt (WE7U) on Sat Aug 12 18:32:56 2000
Michael: I'm not sure what the trouble is, but be careful with using a "Y" cable. You can end up with two RS-232 transmitters driving the same receive line (they can fight each other), and can also have one transmitter driving two receivers, which may lose bits. If you had the problem BEFORE you hooked up the "Y" cable, then I'm not sure how to help. I've built three TinyTrak's (from scratch, not from the kit), and they all work fine. I think versions 1.0.1/1.0.2 are really the same. There was a documentation change.

From: Michael Pendley (K5ATM) on Thu Aug 10 21:20:53 2000
OK, I got the TT built and all seems to work well EXCEPT the firmware seems to transmit the wrong lat! Lon. is transmitted just fine. My coordinates are 35d 5m N by 106d 29m W but the TT transmits 85d 52 min by 106d 29m. Is this a software bug? I have the TT connected to a laptop with a Y cable and all data from the GPS (a Tripmate) looks good and Street Atlas reports a good 3-D fix Looking at the download page, version 1.0.2 is advertised but version 1.0.1 is what comes down the wire. Anyone have any ideas? Thanks in advance -Mike
The only difference between 1.0.1 and 1.0.2 was the documentation. The firmware is the same on both.

From: Curt Mills (WE7U) on Thu Aug 10 13:23:41 2000
Klaus: The extra addresses appear to be the EEPROM. I had the same sort of trouble, but the programmer I was using had an extra option to program the EEPROM. Thinks started working after I did that.

From: Curt Mills (WE7U) on Thu Aug 10 13:20:52 2000
Rick: If the config program is written correctly you should only need 2/3/5 connected through for the DE-9 null-modem and a TinyTrak. If it's not written correctly, you might need to jumper CTS/RTS together, and DTR/DSR/CD together at the PC end (no need to take those wires through to the other end). I think I got those correct. On a DB-25, I wire 4/5 together, and 6/8/20 to make a PC think that something is connected.

From: ALESSANDRO () on Thu Aug 10 06:54:10 2000
Dear Sir, i should to say your fax number for an eventually buy of tinytrack. Have you another office in Europe ? Many thanks, Alessandro Limina Italy
I have no fax number, but will gladly take questions at byon@byonics.com

From: Klaus (DL4TL) on Wed Aug 9 05:48:33 2000
How i can program a 16F84? Wenn i look at the addresses in the tinytrack.hex file, i found addresses above 3ff? My programmer did not programm this file. Please any help. I use topic and pp875 as programmer
Those addresses are for the EEPROM data. Most PIC programming software should deal with them properly. For programming PIC chips, I recommend LudiPipo and PIX.

From: McCoy (N5YAV) on Wed Aug 9 05:02:52 2000
The Tiny Trak kit came today. Hope tp have it together in a week or so,,,,,my schedule is pretty tight right now, so I have to squeeze in some put together time somehow. Thanks for shipping so promptly,Byon. 73-McCoy-N5YAV

From: rick (hr2kos) on Tue Aug 8 19:49:39 2000
hi all, i installed a male db-9 on my TT (reversing lines 2 and 3) because my gps has a female db-9 on it. i'm in the process of constructing a db-9 null modem adapter so i can program the TT but am not sure if all 9 pins are needed. i know i must wire up pins 2, 3 and 5 but how about pins 1, 4, 6, 7, 8 and 9? any help is appreciated. 73 de rick
Only pins 2, 3 and 5 are needed on the TinyTrak serial connector.

From: Hans () on Tue Aug 8 13:42:49 2000
Zachary: PTT Q, use small C between base and ground.Works fine no RF.

From: Chuck Morris (N7DQS) on Mon Aug 7 08:54:46 2000
Another satisfied customer. Took about a hour and fifteen minutes to assemble the unit being very careful to select the right components - 57 year-old eyes and small resistors. It did not program on my laptop computer as your documentation predicted, but the desktop PC worked exactly as advertised. Tracker worked the first time everything was connected.
Thanks, Chuck.

From: Zachary Michael (KB9UQQ) on Sun Aug 6 17:41:36 2000
Hello all... Just for everybodies information the TinyTrak will work with a Packard Bell computers. But, for some reason it will not work with most Compaq Presarios. I think it has something to do with the DB-9 wiring. I am also having problems with RF getting into the PTT. For some reason it gets into the PTT and keeps the transmitter keyed. You can solve this by putting about a foot of space between the radio and the TT. And if anyone needs information on wiring the TT to a TH-G71A you can E-Mail me. Great project! 73's Zach, KB9UQQ

From: Art.van.Esch (VK4GO) on Sun Aug 6 04:09:08 2000
Is there anyone who have the tinyTrack working with Trimble SVeeSix engine, I have trouble with the old hex file and still waiting for a updated HEX file.. Also Peter VK4BPR have the same problem. Cheers all de Art
I should have a new version to beta test soon.

From: Hans () on Sat Aug 5 01:24:38 2000
ERIC: Yes same problems overhere. Try to solve it but cant get it to run proper/stable.It seem TT look to the first/second timer settings.But not clear (yet) how it works.Try set ALL timers to 10 sec. and see how that is working !

From: Zachary Michael (KB9UQQ) on Fri Aug 4 13:00:31 2000
Just got my TT. Going to start putting it together tonight. Thanks Byon. Great project. 73's Zach, KB9UQQ

From: Eric Raub (KI0Mi) on Tue Aug 1 16:03:18 2000
Have the TT operational and decided I want a "beacon on demand" feature without setting up as traditional MIC- E using the microphone. Tried setting up the PTT IN with a simple push button switch, but have had no success. There is 5 volts on pin 11 and I have this wired as in the MIC E diagram below. Any others have the same problem with this feature not working?
You should only need to ground the PTT IN pin, and it should transmit upon release. Make sure you set the secondary transmit rate to something low, like 10 seconds. You could also use the SW1 input.

From: Harry (M1BYT) on Tue Aug 1 11:11:16 2000
Hi Byon, There seems to be some confusion over software versions. It went from v1.0.1 to v1.0.2, then after updating your webpage, it reverted back to v1.0.1 again?
Thanks, it is fixed now.

From: Curt Mills (WE7U) on Tue Aug 1 08:54:05 2000
Rick: It checks for noise on the channel (even white noise will make it hold off). If you have audio coming in to the PIC chip and the pot set right, it should back off roughly the number of seconds that you specified in the config program. If you put 3 seconds, it tries to wait for a clear channel for 3 seconds before it'll transmit. Note that this won't work with unsquelched audio because it will always think the channel is busy.

From: Earle (VK2TEK) on Mon Jul 31 14:53:59 2000
Hi everyone. I have ordered a Tiny Trak from this website about 2 weeks ago.I am in Sydney Australia i was wondering how long it takes or who is the best person to talk to about the delivery. If someone could email me direct i would appreciate it. Thanks Regs Earle
For order questions, you can contact byon@byonics.com

From: Rick Aldom (KB7YEE) on Mon Jul 31 07:57:21 2000
Does this device listen before sending or does it just blast out packets on a fixed rep. rate? Thanks Rick
If wired to a receiver, it will holdoff transmissions when it detects audio. You must set the squelch properly, or it may never transmit.

From: Zachary Michael (KB9UQQ) on Sun Jul 30 19:57:24 2000
Byon I would like to know if the TinyTrak will work with a Magellan GPS-300 unit. I would also like to know if it would work with an MFJ-8621X2 APRS data radio.
I am not familiar with that GPS, but if it outputs 4800 baud $GPRMC strings readable by a computer, it should work.

From: Byon Garrabrant (N6BG) on Sun Jul 30 19:48:50 2000
I just updated the web page, and am checking to see if the message board still works. Please let me know if you notice any problems.

From: Mike Robinett (KE4UVQ) on Fri Jul 28 18:40:49 2000
Im using the Radio Shack Enclosure (part number 270-1802) fits great! It had a cutout marked on the lid so I rerouted the DB-9 there instead of the board itself. Ill try to send pictures when completed...73s all!

From: Curt Mills (WE7U) on Wed Jul 19 21:39:47 2000
Susan: No, it won't work with a Palm Pilot, either for programming or for receiving. It is currently a transmit-only TNC, and the config software for it is for win32 only.

From: John Scott (N0HZN) on Wed Jul 19 16:37:46 2000
Byon, great kit. It took me about an hour to put it together and if I would have followed the instructions on how to connect to the radio I would have had it running in about 30 mins. Well after correcting MY mistakes it works great. Very easy to put together and the program is easy to use. Our club is looking at building 6 to 10 units and will order as soon as we decide on what to do on the gps and radio. Great job!!!! Thanks John

From: Ted McArthur (Kb7pab) on Fri Jul 14 17:34:01 2000
I ordered a tiny track last sunday have not seen any comfirmation that the order went through. is that normal or do I need to do something else.
I ship USPS, within a day or tow of receiving an order. If anyone would like to check on the status of an order, please contact me at byon@byonics.com

From: Susan Askew (KD0JE) on Thu Jul 13 10:46:49 2000
Will the Tiny Trak work with a Palm Pilot? Tnx.
If you mean configuration, No, but if someone would like to write a config tool, please contact me. If you mean can it receive TinyTrak transmissions, I believe so, using PocketAPRS and a TNC.

From: Bo (OZ1CPP) on Tue Jul 11 21:19:48 2000
Hans : thanks

From: Hans (NL) on Tue Jul 11 12:13:20 2000
Bo: NO.

From: Bo Andersen (OZ1CPP) on Tue Jul 11 07:04:25 2000
Hi again !! Here comes another question : Once the TT is programmed with callsign and so on , do you need to do every time after you apply power to TT to be able to get it to transmit. ????
No, configuration data is stored in EEPROM, and will persist even when power is removed.

From: Phil Royce Palm Beach Trackers Society (ke4pwe (clubcall)KG4DWJ) on Sun Jul 9 15:13:55 2000
Byon what a great kit..took very little time to assemble, the other makeups took more time. (Explain)Set up the tiny with an Earthmate GPS so that meant to use a GST-1, worked great lol need power, made a power interface for that ..lol..GST-1 also needs power added power to serial port, put all this into a RadioSHK long box due to nullmodem and mod-ed gender conn. Added ultrabright blue TX LED for night use, reduced wattage leds for the rest. Ran it for 20minutes and had a yuk mess the hot glue from the power supplys added into the kit box created to much heat...grin..added a Pentium CPU heatsink and fan. Cool as IceTea in the summer..We did an APRS Demo at Field Day and it ran all day just like clockwork...thanks again for the effort.. We'll have photo on http://www.qsl.net/kg4dwj shortly. 73 de ke4pwe Palm Beach Trackers Society

From: Byon Garrabrant (N6BG) on Sat Jul 8 09:04:08 2000
I have just updated the User's Manual with a Hints and Troubleshooting section. This can be downloaded and found in TINYTRAK.ZIP.

From: Hans (NL) on Thu Jul 6 00:46:06 2000
CLAY: All garmin GPS work without any problems on TT.Some other GPS need to be inverted (TTL ouput) or put a 10K resistor in line with TT gps input.

From: Hans (NL) on Thu Jul 6 00:38:45 2000
RICK: Tip ! From a 9pin SUB-d NULLMODEM adapter we made a interface.Inside this adapter we reverse the pins 3>2 2>3.Itse simple Hi.

From: Rick (hr2kos) on Wed Jul 5 21:05:25 2000
hi all, i just got my kit today and am i excited...byon you rock! one question though: i bought the Rand McNally gps. if i reverse pins 2 and 3 on the TT's RS-232 conector so that the Rand McNally gps can plug straight in then how can i program the TT since the conector won't be compatible with the computer 9 pin serial port conector anymore? 73 - rick
If you modify TinyTrak to plug directly into the RM GPS, you will need a NULL modem / gender changer cable or adaptor to connect to the PC to configure TinyTrak.

From: Bruce Coates (VE5BNC) on Tue Jul 4 20:34:22 2000
There a few minor modifications needed to connect the Rand McNally GPS to the TinyTrak. First, both of these devices are wired as DCE devices so you will need to reverse pins 2 and 3 on the RS232 connector. I chose to change the connections at the board and use a male DB9 connector so I could just plug the GPS right into the TinyTrak. You will alo need to supply power to the GPS. I chose to install a PS/2 mouse connector in the cabinet I used for the TinyTrak. Don't try to use the 5v supply on the TinyTrak to power the GPS because the regulator on the TinyTrak was never designed for the extra load. Since the RandMcNally PS is rated to 15v, I just use the same 12v battery to power both the TinyTrak, the GPS and a hand held radio. It works great! Good luck. 73 Bruce

From: Clay Bartholow (W0LED) on Tue Jul 4 19:45:44 2000
Hi Byon - Maybe I'm just puttsie when I put a kit together - I spent a couple of hours doing the assembly. To all those who built this kit in an hour all I can say is WOW! Only two problems so far - first, I found a hairline short on the PCB between base and emitter of Q1 so the TT wouldn't key my 02AT - fixed that - second, with all of my adapters for RS232 I couldn't come up with anything to interface my GPS12 to the TT. Oh, well, I'll make a new cable tomorrow. Otherwise, it works great! Running on a 9-volt battery for now, it draws somewhere between 5.8 and 7.1 mA. I left the POWER LED off and used 10 Kohm resistors for the others - plenty good for basic troubleshooting and doesn't seem to add too much to the power budget.

From: Bo Andersen (OZ1CPP) on Mon Jul 3 22:50:20 2000
Does anybody know if the signals generated by Tinytrak interfaces with Oziexplorer . Thanks Bo

From: Steve Brockwell (KC5TTY) on Mon Jul 3 05:21:46 2000
Built the first of two tinytrak kits and I'm trying to configure them using the software on Windows 3.1. Is this a problem? I'm getting a quick flash on the screen and no configuration window. The software seems to work at the office (windows NT). Do I need to get newer Windows at the house or is there some kind of compatibility problem? Good kit by the way. 3 small solder trace gaps but I realize that with many boards made a few may have small problems. I will buy more. Steve
I have only used the software on Win98. Anyone else using Win95?

From: Jeff Kodysz (KB8YSV) on Sun Jul 2 18:17:31 2000
HI. I just finished building my TinyTrak and so far so good. Couple of questions: first, (Since I missed out on the $20 GPS and they're sold out :p) I plan on using the Rand McNally GPS unit. Anyone know if there are any mods which need to be made to this GPS or is it plug-and-play? Second, does anyone know of a small xmtr kit for 2 meters? Kantronics made one (in fact, they donated one to my club's hamfest), but I can't find any of them anywhere! My goal is to build a small tracking box with a radio board, TT and GPS with a NiCD to use for our club's functions (bike races, Skywarn etc...). Thanks for a Great Kit! Jeff
I cut both connectors off my RM GPS, and connected red to +12, shield to ground, and white to TinyTrak serial input and it worked great.

From: Hans () on Fri Jun 30 12:35:43 2000
Byon: When the new firmware come availeble for betatests ? Like calibration mode and new MIC-E func.
I will annouce it here when I am ready for testers.

From: Bruce Coates (VE5BNC) on Fri Jun 30 08:57:26 2000
Byon, I just wanted to mention how happy I am with your TinyTrack kit. I put it all together, connected it up to my Rand McNally GPS and radio, tuned the audio level and was on the air just in time for field day. The other club members at field day were suitably impressed with your kit and all rushed home to take a look at this web site. :-) Great kit. Bruce
Thanks, Bruce.

From: Bob Morehouse (KB7ADO) on Wed Jun 28 21:14:07 2000
Byon, re: the carrier detect circuit, I meant to say I had turned R9 just to the point where the light was on steady, then backed it off, but it still doesn't come on when there's other traffic on the frequency, and will transmit on top of other signals.
OK, make sure your receiver volume is at a maximum.

From: Ian Templeton (GM0JQE) on Wed Jun 28 15:18:08 2000
Hi Byon, Just a quick one to let you know I received the parts yesterday (27th), built it in about an hour and it's working a treat with Aisin $20 GPS and Standard C510 H/H. 73 - Ian

From: Pauline Moldon (G7SPT) on Wed Jun 28 06:03:22 2000
The OM is building a Tiny Trak, but we were wondering how to connect it to a Kenwood TH78E Handheld? Can anyone please help PS we are also using the Asin $20 GPS 73 Pauline
Remeber that you will need a protocol converter, like the GST-2, to use the Aisin GPS with TinyTrak.

From: Rick (hr2kos) on Tue Jun 27 18:37:31 2000
ok, i'm starting to like this! but, will TT work with a Magellan 310? specs only say it has a NMEA data output and PC interface capabilities...whatever that really means! i'm ordering a TT anyway! 73 - rick

From: ian hamilton-douglas (G6VND) on Tue Jun 27 11:37:40 2000
hi jack (KE4LWT) the top connections you metioned are correct,but the 7 holes in a row are from left hole1(switch1) hole2(switch1) hole3(ptt,input) hole4(audio,in) hole5(audio,in-screen) hole6(o volts)hole7 (+ volts) hope this helps 73,s

From: Jack Smith (KE4LWT) on Tue Jun 27 08:31:38 2000
Got mine yesterday, and after about an hour, had it up and running! Haven't interface to my radio yet, because the silke screening on my board seems to have "slid" a bit. Just need some confirmation on what holes do what. Looking at the board with J1 a the top, the four holes in the upper left corner are (L to R) #1 Audio -, #2 Audio +, #3 & #4 PTT out. Is this correct? Now, going to the holes just above D4, starting with the leftmost of the long straight row, #1 is SW1, #2 is SW2, #3 is Audio In, #4 ??, #5 & #6 V-, #7 V+. What is #4, and am I correct on the remainder? Byon, Could you publish an enlarged silk screen mask for those of us with less than perfect eyesight?
The top four, left to right, are: Audio Out - (ground), Audio Out +, PTT Out +, and PTT Out - (ground).
The lower seven holes, left to right, are: SW1 in, SW2 in, PTT In, Audio In +, Audio In - (ground), Power In - (ground), and Power In +.
I'll try to get a silk-screen from FAR Circuits, and put it up on the web page.

From: kevin Deckert (ve7whk) on Sun Jun 25 20:00:36 2000
put the tiny trak together and am having trouble getting audio out will key the yaesu ft416 but no data.I have tried it with the capacitor/resistor in mike wire and also tried it without, any suggestions?
If you can, check the audio out on a scope. Perhaps feed the audio out into a TNC input to see if it decodes. Other than that, double check the PCB solder joints, and your cable.

From: Bob Morehouse (KB7ADO) on Sun Jun 25 19:39:55 2000
Got my TT on Friday, worked on it Sat night, boxed it up today with connectors, got it to talk to the computer the 1st time! Had a problem with not being able to get a good 2d sat fix for a long time, though; when I finally did, the green light went steady, just like it should; I was surprised that it transmits without having a valid GPS position, though, as TigerTrak & KPC3+ don't; also, can't seem to get the carrier detect circuit to work, I adjusted R9 until it stayed on steady, still didn't help; I was showing around the bag of parts yesterday before assembling it & have several other people interested in getting one, so going to be some more business coming your way, Byon!
You need to adjust R9 so that it just turns OFF, rather than ON steady. Thanks for the orders!

From: M�rtn Persson (SM7SYX) on Thu Jun 22 12:31:32 2000
A site in the SWEDISH language is found at http://www.algonet.se/~sm7syx It contains more ham related stuff as well.
Thanks! I welcome any other TinyTrak related URLs here also.

From: Byon Garrabrant (N6BG) on Mon Jun 19 21:15:03 2000
Backorder Update: As of today, all orders recieved (except for those CCSLIDE orders mentioned below) have been shipped. I should now have enough stock to turn all future orders over within a couple days. Thank you for your patience.

From: Byon Garrabrant (N6BG) on Mon Jun 19 19:13:31 2000
Due to a recent problem at CCSLIDE, all orders placed there between June 9 and June 18 have been lost. Credit cards were not charged or compromised. If you placed an order between those dates, please replace your order. PayPal orders were not affected. Contact me if you have questions. Sorry for the inconvenience.

From: Dave Walmsley (VK2XPX) on Mon Jun 19 02:45:55 2000
Warren, Since the LED's flash (3 times?) at power on, the PIC outputs, LED's and resistors are OK. The Serial input/output must be OK since the PC can talk to it. I'd be guessing a bit, but it must be either the baud rate from the GPS (like I found), a cable problem (you need a crossover and sex change compared to the PC connection), or the wrong NMEA sentences (I think it likes $GPRMC). good luck. Dave
Good suggestions, Dave

From: warren holcomb (wr0s) on Sat Jun 17 12:01:33 2000
this is a repeat message I am having same trouble as Dave Walmsley the puter can write and read tiny trak and the test sequence completes itself ok but we cannot get a flashing, or solid green led to light up. We tested his reciver with a known good tiger trak and it works fine, is there a possibility of a defective ic in this kit can u send a new one or if you come up with our answer please let us know. thanks for an easy to assemble kit and 73 Warren wr0s wholcomb@gcnet.com mmiller@sunflower.net
Try sending the GPS data from a PC terminal program into the TinyTrak and see if you can get the LED to light. I don't think it is a defective chip, but I would be happy to test it and send you a replacement.

From: Warren Holcomb (wr0s) on Sat Jun 17 11:15:23 2000
hello having trouble with recieving data and getting green led to light any suggestions?? thanks
Can you receive your GPS data on a computer at 4800 baud? Does it send $GPRMC? Is the GPS data getting into PIC pin 3? Does the LED flash upon TinyTrak powerup?

From: ian hamilton-douglas (G6VND) on Fri Jun 16 23:29:45 2000
WELL! WELL! what can i say,built tiny-trak in 45mins and its up and working.super quality pcb as well thankyou FAR also excellent building instructions this has got to be the best kit ive ever bought,nice one BYON 73,s
Thanks Ian!

From: Dave (VK2XPX) on Thu Jun 15 04:59:13 2000
Hi Byon, I just got it... had to change GPS speed to 4800. CU Dave

From: Dave Walmsley (VK2XPX) on Thu Jun 15 04:50:37 2000
Hi Byon, Thanks I got the kit and have completed it. In testing I'm not sure if it's accepting NMEA from my GPS (the LED flashed on power up, but not when the GPS's connected). Anyone got experience using an Eagle/Lowrance GlobalNal 12?
The GPS valid LED is a good hint the the status of the GPS. If it is on solid, GPS data is received and locked, If it is flashing, GPS data is being received, but it is not locked onto satellites. If the LED is off, no GPS data is being received. GPS data must be 4800 baud N81 $GPRMC sentences.

From: Willie Peloquin (N8MDY) on Wed Jun 14 12:17:00 2000
I just received the TinyTrak and it certainly looks sweet. I am going to put it together before I leave work. A great feature would be smart beaconing similar to the HamHUD II, http://www.c2-tech.com/~steveb/hamhud/smartbeacon.html . I would rather just utiilize a TinyTrak, I don't think I would use most of the functionality of a HamHUD to it's fullest capacity. Although it is a neat toy!
Smart Beaconing is on the ToDo list.