Overview

WiMo PicoAPRS Transceiver with GPS Receiver

WiMo PicoAPRS Transceiver with GPS Receiver - The World's smallest APRS 144-148 MHz transceiver with a built-in TNC - offers many applications in a small matchbox-sized unit. Just add the appropriate optional 2 meter or dual-band stubby antenna and use any micro-USB cable to charge.

With its onboard Li-ion battery that can last up to 10 hours, this version 3 PicoAPRS transceiver can be used as APRS tracker, a receiver for APRS data and as a TNC for your computer using the KISS protocol. The graphical OLED display (128x64 pixels) shows received APRS packets such as position reports, APRS messages and status information. When receiving position reports the distance and cardinal direction to the sender is shown. Each of the four most recently received stations including distance and cardinal direction as well as received messages are saved and can be retrieved via the menu. GPS coordinates are also shown, allowing the PicoAPRS to be used as a GPS receiver as well, for example for Geo Caching. It's possible to save a fixed GPS position. This position is used when GPS positioning is not working. The fixed GPS position is then only used to show distance and cardinal direction of received stations. A speedometer is also included. You can choose to have your speed displayed as km/h, mph or knots.

All commands are accomplished with two push buttons. With the help of a versatile menu system the transceiver can be individually configured and operated without using a computer. The device comes almost fully preconfigured. Just save the call sign and you're ready to go.

The transmit power is approximately 1 Watt and can be switched down to 0.5W. Position data is transmitted as compressed MIC-E APRS messages to keep transmit duration as short as possible. This also helps to save battery power. Of course, received messages in compressed MIC-E can be decoded and displayed as well. The built-in 850mAh Li-ion battery allows operation up to 10 hours depending on the configuration. The HF receiver can be deactivated to save a lot of power, the Pico-APRS then functions as a pure APRS tracker. To extend battery lifetime even further the GPS receiver can be turned on and off in programmable intervals and the display can be dimmed. While charging the charge current is being displayed. A buzzer used for alarms which also confirms button touches may be turned off.

The PicoAPRS can now fulfill functions of a POCSAG pager. In contrast to a normal pager the device can even send an acknowledgement when receiving a message. This shows the sender that his message has been received successfully. Messages can be sent directly to other radio Amateurs in the APRS system, or even to E-mail addresses. A simple reply function allows the use of pre-made standard replies. Just select "Reply", select the prepared text and send. Ready! While en route you can send a link to your position on aprs.fi to your destination by e-mail. With this function the people you are visiting can easily see where you are and when to start brewing fresh coffee. This works worldwide without a mobile phone system, without roaming bills, without a mobile phone. The owner's callsign including SSID is embedded in the link, the recipient just needs to click on the link.

The new tactical 'follow' function is helpful for example when skiing with a partner. Just select the call sign of the partner, select 'follow' and you will continuously see the position and direction of the followed station. When receiving new position reports the display is updated automatically. Or you can use this function while driving in a convoy with multiple vehicles. The built-in micro USB connector is not only used to charge the built-in battery and for upgrading the firmware, but also to use the transceiver as a USB-GPS mouse or as a TNC at a computer. This allows you to quickly set up your own APRS Digipeater or iGate!

Documentation

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