APRS Config software for TinyTrak

Documentation Version pTTConfig 1.5

Introduction

pTTConfig is a small application for the Palm OS® to handle the parameter of the TinyTrak radio controller. This module is designed by Byon Garrabrant, N6BG. You will find the manual for this module at http://www.byonics.com/tinytrak/index.html. Please read this first to make clear what we are doing here.

This program works with TinyTrak versions I, II, III (include the version 1.6 - modification by DK7IN) and the WXTrak. It can store more than one configuration for one or more modules and should run with Palm OS® version 2 or better.

Software

If you have an older version of the program please drop it first. This software generates a new database and other preferences than the old one.

These windows are available in the software:

Main Window - shows the standard value for your station: call sign, path, MIC-E values. This can be different in your config sets.
Select a version for your TinyTrak module first [1], [1.6], [2], [3], [3.1] or [WX]. Or press 'get Version' this will select the version number. The Primary/Secondary button will only work if the TinyTrak module 2/3 is present or selected.

TTConfig


When the get or set function is running first the version string is shown. This will tell you every thing is all right but the functions are not ready yet. Please wait for the message box.

Tap on the symbol bitmap to get the symbol select box. When the symbol value is changed in the field the bitmap will refresh only when the display is refreshed.

Timing Window - gives for all constellations the timing values. When you switch between the module versions please check this again. E.g. the quiet time is in seconds when module version 1 is active but it comes in milliseconds on the new version.
This Window belongs to the selected version.

Selected version is 1 or 1.6 you will get this window.

Timing TT 1

Selected version is 2 shows you more parameters.

Timing TT 2

Press the (Test) button to get a little idea of your values for the SmartBeaconing.

SmartBeacon


Parameter Window - This window holds the new TinyTrak III parameter 

Parameter for TT3


GPS Window - this is different from other TinyTrak software. You don't need a gps if you only transmit a fixed position. The gps dates are saved for the next time using. But you can also receive and display the gps dates. This belongs to your module and its wired constellation.
There is a battery indicator at the top of the date. The [S] button next to the time stamp synchronize the incoming GPS date with your Palm®. This only works when the preference are set to 'sync Time with GPS' and the GPS signal is ok.

GPS

The GPS routine uses $GPGLL, $GPGGA, $GPRMC and $GPVTG sentences at this moment to get its values.



Preference Window - holds your personal values. Time offset means the difference between your local pda time and UTC. This is filled by the program when your Palm OS® is 4.0 or better.

Check the 'sync Time' to have the possibility to press the [S]nychronize button in the GPS window. 
When the 'use Satellites for Quality' is checked you need more then 4 satellites for having a good position.

Here are also some parameters for the gps handling. You may select the 'auto power off' to disable this system function. So your display is always on when the gps runs. But this will cost you a lot of power. So this feature is stopped when your battery power is less then 40 percent. An other way is to set an auto off time (in seconds) and an alarm. For the alarm time the primary transmit rate is used.

It also offers you the test buttons for your system.

Preferences


The NMEA strings $GPGGA and $GPRMC are used for sending the position. So the altitude is already send but TinyTrak I ignores this.

WXTrak

The config program handles also the WXTrak module. The screens are a little bit different.

WXTrak


When this is selected or found by the 'get Version' function the 'GPS' button is changed to 'WX'. This and the menus reach now weather specific views.

WX values


The 'GPS' button now brings you to the GPS window but you can only receive GPS sentences in this situation. When the GPS windows is closed the status text is filled with the position and the symbol. If you don't want this please don't use the 'GPS' button.
The 'run WX' button simulates a WX200 or a Peet station. You have to select this first in the configuration of timing.

The weather value formats are selectable in the 'Parameter' menu.

WX parameters

These are the default values. The values are saved in this way. All other formats need a translation in the new format.

Hardware

The TinyTrak versions are normally wired as PC plug in module. The same is with the pda cradle and the GPS. So you can't connect direct to the Palm with your TinyTrak. You will need a null modem - same as you have for the GPS. In this situation I prefer to change the TinyTrak and give it a male connector and change the TX and RX cable.

There are some ways to use it with TinyTrak:


Known Bugs

Version 1.4


History

Version 1.5 -Issued in Feb, 2004.

Version 1.4 -Issued in May, 2003.


Version 1.3 -Issued in Feb, 2003.


Version 1.2 -Issued in Jan, 2003.


Version 1.1 -Issued in Nov, 2002.


Version 1.0


download pTTConfig

download older version 1.4

download older version 1.3

download older version 1.2

download older version 1.1

download older version 1.0


APRS® is a registered trademark of Bob Bruninga, WB4APR.


A. Fischer,afischer (at) dbServ.de

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