WiMo PicoAPRS and VHF Transceiver with GPS Receiver - The world's smallest APRS transceiver gets even better with the introduction of Version 4 of this great little device! As in previous versions, a TNC and a GPS receiver are still included with the addition of a VHF 2-meter handheld transceiver that includes features like a PTT button, microphone, speaker, stored memories, color display and much more! Even with all these great features added, the size of the housing has not significantly increased.

The APRS function is certainly the most important and most used feature of the PicoAPRS. The transceiver can be used not only as an APRS tracker and receiver for APRS data but also as a TNC for the computer. The KISS data protocol for packet radio is now available in the new version 4 via the now side-mounted USB-C socket, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi making it easy to set up an APRS IGate, which has never been possible in such a small housing! US customers will be able to change the APRS frequency and frequency range to match US allocation directly on the unit when it’s received. CTCSS and repeater offset settings are also available.

The WLAN interface simplifies software maintenance. Updates can now be installed with a built-in web server, the same web interface which allows convenient management of the memory channels and other functions.

The larger 240 x 240 pixel color display with increased real estate will display incoming APRS packet data such as position messages, APRS messages (like SMS) and status messages. For position messages, the distance and compass direction to the transmitter are also displayed. The last stations heard, including distance and compass direction, as well as messages received are stored and retrieved from the menus.

The GPS coordinates received via the built-in GPS receiver can be displayed and thus the Pico-APRS can be used as a GPS tracker, e.g., for Geocaching. If desired, one's own position can be permanently stored in the device, for example, if no GPS position can be determined. The permanently stored position is then only used to display the distance and compass direction of stations received. A speedometer display is also available and the units of the speed display can be changed between km/h, MPH and knots.

The new joystick-style buttons on the front of the WiMo PicoAPRS and VHF Transceiver provide better functionality than its predecessor. With these five simple keys, the menu is easily controlled and all settings are accessible, even without a computer. When delivered, the unit is almost completely pre-configured, simply enter and save your callsign and you are ready to go.

Transmit power is approximately 1 Watt (switchable to about 0.5 Watt). The position data is sent compressed in MIC-E format to keep the frequency as short as possible and to save battery power. Both received packets with MIC-E compression and uncompressed APRS packets can be decoded and displayed.

Dependent on the configuration, the WiMo PicoAPRS and VHF Transceiver boasts a run time of up to 10 hours with its built-in and removable 850 mAh Lithium Ion battery and is easily recharged with a built-in USB-C jack located on the side and with a standardized USB-C connection, the charging cable of a newer mobile device can be used for charging. Alternatively, the device can be charged using any USB charger or the USB port of a PC. Radio operation is possible during charging.

The PicoAPRS can also replace a pager (POCSAG). Unlike a pager, the device also sends back an acknowledgment of receipt. This lets the sender know whether the message has arrived or not. Messages can be sent directly from the PicoAPRS to other radio Amateurs as well as to any e-mail address and Easily reply to received messages by selecting one of the predefined reply texts by pressing Reply, selecting one of the texts and pressing Send. On the way to a destination? It’s possible to use the aprs.fi function to send an e-mail with a link so that anyone with the link can track your vehicle on the web. Of course, this can be done worldwide without a mobile phone network, roaming costs, without a smartphone, and without an Internet connection. The pre-programmed callsign with SSID is automatically incorporated into the link. The recipient needs to only click on the link.

The "Follow" function is useful, for example, when skiing with a partner. Simply press FOLLOW on the partner's callsign and see how far and in which direction the partner is. When new position messages are received, the display is updated automatically. This function is handy when on vacation with several people, or when driving to the same destination in several cars.

The transmitter features a 7-pole harmonic filter to suppress unwanted spurious emissions. The main processor is an ESP32D with 16 MB RAM and the HF board uses an AtMega 328P. The current software does not fill the available memory, there is still plenty of room for future updates, functions and expansion.

Similar in size to a matchbox, the WiMo PicoAPRS and VHF Transceiver measures approximately 1.30 x 2.60 x 1.00 in. At the same time, the device (without an antenna) weighs a mere 2.10 oz.!

The PicoAPRS is supplied fully assembled. A charging cable and antenna is NOT included with the unit. Any antenna with an SMA connection can be used as an antenna. This tiny device naturally tempts you to use a small antenna, but small antennas typically have comparatively poor efficiency and with only 1W transmission power, antenna choice is important. For use inside of a vehicle, an external antenna is highly recommended.

The Pico-APRS was developed by Taner Schenker (DB1NTO) and is far from the end of its development life cycle. The developer, DB1NTO is planning other variants, for example with LoRa function on 433 MHz, or as a receiver for long, medium and shortwave.

Be sure to always keep a WiMo PicoAPRS and VHF Transceiver with GPS Receiver with you during your adventures. Order a WiMo PicoAPRS and VHF Transceiver with GPS Receiver from DX Engineering today!

Note: Whenever the DX Engineering "Documentation" tab is available, please look at the associated files for additional product information.

Additional Features and Specifications:

• APRS + VHF FM

• 144-148 MHz

• Power Output - 0.5 / 1 Watt

• 21 Memory Locations

• Scan Function

• APRS IGate

• APRS Fill-In Digi

• WiFi (TNC function, updates, settings)

• Bluetooth (TNC, Control)

• USB-C Jack (battery charging, TNC)

• Color display 240 x 240 Pixels

• 850 mAh Li-Ion Battery