Build an APRS Tracker with a Raspberry Pi Zero

Use a Pi Zero, a Digirg Lite, and a Baofeng to build an APRS tracker. This is a great Raspberry Pi project for ham radio.
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Want your raspberry pi to play nice with your ham radio? Are you into digital modes like FT8, JS8Call, FLDIGI, Winlink, APRS, Digipeaters and others? Each week I put out new content showing you exactly what steps to take to get the latest ham radio software on your raspberry pi. Whether you just want to ragchew or are seriously into emergency preparedness, emcomm, or ARES and want to learn all you can about using the raspberry pi to drive your ham radio, this channel has something for you. Be sure to click the subscribe button and ring the bell before heading off. That way you will get notified of all future videos.
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[@KM4ACK]

Build Notes - simp.ly/publish/Zp8Fvl APRS Tracker Startup Script - kzbin.info/www/bejne/rqWbmp6VqbmJnrM

[@RookieLock]

I think I said it before, but I'll say it again.. I love how you actually explain what each command does. As someone trying to learn more about linux, this is apricated ! Another great tutorial, and that digirig lite looks slick! Thanks Jason !

[@KM4ACK]

Check out the companion video in the description which helps you build the auto start. I go into great detail as to what each step does in the script.

[@RookieLock]

Perfect, I actually need to do that to my Igate.

[@elodiemirza]

Thanks Jason, great video. Very clear step by step instructions. 😊

[@matsherwood6277]

This is a timely video. I was just looking at the production version of the digitig lite and wondering if i could use it for aprs. Thanks!

[@rafaelgcpp]

Thank you Jason. I did almost all of that myself but some tips were invaluable: using serial/by-id, and setting the index on the usb card!

[@jeffsims4540]

Great presentation! I was looking for a dedicated APRS system for my Jeep so I would not have to tie up a sub-band on my FTM-400. I think this is better than re-purposing a Motorola radio. Thanks!

[@rv6amark]

Good descriptions of what, how, and why you are using the commands. I use your videos, and those from other YT contributors, to learn about Linux. I am a long-time MS-DOS (since MS-DOS 1.0) and Windows user, but Windows 11 has STRONGLY driven me to convert to Linux. Now about 90% there. I have a few Win programs that do not have Linux counterparts, so I am learning to use Wine for them. I have several Pi Zero W's laying around and I love messing around with APRS, so now I will see if they still work.

[@PaulCarff]

So I love these videos. One thing missing is the set up of the radio. I am using a baofeng UV-5R - can someone point me to a good source for the configuration of the radio. I am using the digirig lite and baofeng cable. The transmits but my Yaesu FT2DR does not receive any data. Nor does the Baofeng receive the data that the FT2Dr is receiving from other stations. Appreciate any help.

[@Indigenous_Patriot_1175]

Excellent video I truly enjoyed the content that you share. I do have a question , What could be a good use case for the tracker?

[@KM4ACK]

We will be using it later this year for the Christmas parade. It will give us the ability to track the lead and tail of the participants.

[@FooBar89]

the card id from arecord is not guaranteed to stay the same, it can change

[@KM4ACK]

true

[@jamesrospopo3137]

Found a Pi Zero 2 W with header. But in looking at the build notes I see pick apart foam. What are we suppose to do with that ?

[@KM4ACK]

I used the foam when mounting the components in a case.

[@G0TT3RFUNK3N]

Just buy a lilygo T-Twr Plus and flash with APRS firmware. Already has radio and GPS and cheaper than pi zero

[@FLHamExtra]

I’m new to using raspberry PI computers. I only have a windows laptop and Linux is new to me. Are you using one or two monitors and does the Pi have its own?

[@KM4ACK]

For this build, I wasn't using a monitor on the Pi at all. It is completely headless. To install and configure, I used an SSH connection from another computer to the Pi which gave me command line access to the Pi.

[@davidrothman187]

I have a DigiRig and decided to use it while I wait for the DigiRig Lite. I set PTT to use CM108 but the radio doesn't key when Digirig sends the transmit string. I am using the Baofeng black cable plugging to the Audio port on the Digirig. I don't think I missed any steps and rechecked. I figured the DigiRIg would work, until I get the Lite. Do I need to change anything in the setup? I Been playing with Linux and Unix for a while so I am not new to this. 73 De N3SRZ

[@KM4ACK]

The Digirig uses RTS PTT instead of CM108. Only the Digirig Lite uses CM108 for PTT.

[@davidrothman187]

@KM4ACK Thanks. I will wait for the Lite to come in . I tried to use RTS, but got a message the usb was in use or some such.

[@davidrothman1222]

Fixed it. Thanks again.

[@jamesrospopo3137]

Does anyone has a source for a Pi Zero 2W with the header. Amazon is out. But they do have a Pi Zero W with the header. Would that work ?

[@KM4ACK]

This will work with or without the header

[@SMShannon55]

Adafruit has them for the best price. I bought two without the header this week for $15 each plus shipping, but they also have the header model.

[@LeeMcc_KI5YPR]

Bullseye > Bookworm

[@KM4ACK]

Actually I choose Bullseye for this project. Bullseye can still be downloaded

[@KM4ACK]

Sorry, I totally think I misread your comment. Ignore previous reply :-)