The AP510 / AVRT5 APRS tracker is a tiny APRS tracker with built in GPS and bluetooth.
Transmitting power is around 1W (detailed measurement result available on ap510-avrt5-aprs-tracker-hf-signal).
The official website is http://www.y027.com/dvbbs8/dispbbs.asp?boardid=5&Id=829 (chinese) / webshop at http://avrtt.taobao.com/ but there is an english group on Yahoo https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/AP510/info
You will find the latest firmware / configuration software there as well.
For the German's: Klaus, DJ7OO hat einen Erfahrungsbericht auf seiner Homepage.
I got mine from a Taiwanese Hamradio friend while being there on a business trip in June 2014.
Some details
- Transmission can be set to a fixed timing, smart beaconing or triggered manually via button.
- Built in GPS.
- Acts as a WIDE1-1 or WIDEn-n digipeater if needed.
- Fixed position can be programmed (e.g if used as a fixed station).
- Tracks can be stored on MicroSD card.
- Built in Battery
- Configuration / Charging to be done via serial connection (miniUSB connector).
- KISS / Waipoint / UI frame output on serial (4800Bd) and Bluetooth.
- Works perfectly with APRSdroid as BluetoothTNC (Output to be set to KISS).
- Operating frequency can be set via configuration program.
- Some parameters can be set via AT commends
I'm really happy with this device since it works perfectly with APRSdroid and fit's in every pocket.
Remarks
- Bluetooth connection only works after GPS lock therefore you have to wait some seconds before connecting to the device. Bluetooth pairing code is 1234.
- miniUSB connector is a Serial Port therefore the included USB cable needs to be used for programming (charging works with every standard USB cable).
- Help is provided via the AP510 / AVRT5 Yahoo Group.
- Be aware that the TX power is low compared to other stations therefore not every transmission might reach a Digi/Gate when being in a busy APRS area.
- If you have problems on connection via serial take a look at the Video on AP510 APRS tracker configure software and firmware
Serial / BT commands
According the info on http://avrtt.taobao.com/ some settings can be changed by sending AT commands.
Either you connect via the serial (USB) port with following settings 4800Bd 8N1. Or you use a bluetooth, e.g. BluetoothTerminal on Android.
Import: serial/bluetooth communication seems to work ONLY after GPS lock.
To make it work you have to follow the steps below
1) connect
2) send ^M
3) send the AT command. E.g. AT+BEEP=0
4) the device will send OK back.
5) reboot the device to have the NEW settings active.
The following commands are currently known
setting the callsign
AT+CALL=BG6QBV7
setting frequency
AT+FREQ=144.6400
switch tone on
AT+BEEP=1
switch tone off
AT+BEEP=1
