image: http://craiger.org/craiger/digipi.jpg We'll use a Raspberry Pi ZeroW, an FE-PI AudioZ audio board, and an Adafruit 1.3" tft display to create a full featured packet radio controller/TNC. This video will cover the hardware side of things and a quick test as an APRS digipeater using "direwolf". This is in addition to Linux-Node, Winlink Server, KISS TNC, Pat Email client, ardop modem, ax.25 network stack and rig control. Update: Software image and wiring diagram now available: http://craiger.org/patreon/
Oh no more/ Winlink I will just set back and review the post. 73 from, The K0UO " Rhombic Antenna Farm"
I don't mind paying for the instructions and software, but a monthly subscription fee even if it is only $5
Sounds like fun, especially since it utilizes through-the-hole components. My last project involved soldering multiple 0402 SMB IC components, an aggravating experience.
Those FE-pi audio cards are basically unobtainable right now... I think he posted a link to a person that is going to start having them manufactured, but it looks like you can only buy them as part of his other project. So. That's frustrating.
The middle board is an "FE-Pi Audio Z V2". If you search for that, you'll find the manufacturer went out of business. However, Budd https://www.wb7fhc.com/ managed to save the design files and makes limited runs. Contact him directly https://www.wb7fhc.com/about-the-fe-p... . i bought a few, i think they're about 18 bucks shipped.
Fun fact, three DigiPi APRS digipeaters are in service, using yaesu 2980 radios. Zero touch, for years at a time. Read-only filesystem and zero moving parts leaves nothing to fail. The Raspberry Pi Zero can draw as little as 100mA. Its a solar sipper. https://aprs.fi/info/a/GTOWN https://aprs.fi/info/a/MNDN https://aprs.fi/info/a/AVALN
What do people use APRS digipeaters for? I have tracked large and small ships with APRS, but I'm curious how hams use them and why? Thanks.
A digipeater, like a normal repeater, repeats your signal/packet over a much broader region. The goal is to reach additional receivers, some of which are connected to the Internet (igates) which forward your packet to the Internet for additional (global) routing. As such, I can send an APRS text message to a radio to anywhere in the world... or email, or sms, and receive replies. APRS digipeaters/igates are a physical bridge between the APRS RF network and Internet. It's highly underutilized imho. Practical examples; I sent an SMS message to my wife in California via my Yaesu FT1DR HT from old town square in Prague, Czech republic, and she replied. From Desolation wilderness, I sent a similar message, only via the digipeater on the International Space Station which is overhead several times a day.
