LORA APRS - iGate & Tracker Configuration & Test

[@AndreasSpiess]

Glad you covered it. We have 7 or 8 igates in our area, also on repeaters. The coverage is very good. Better than standard 2m APRS

[@TechMindsOfficial]

Thanks Andreas! As soon as my NOV is approved I’ll have an iGate on permanently. Unfortunately it’s a new thing here in the UK so Ofcom are taking their time. Thanks and love your content sir 🙏

[@pascals.5409]

I saw your videos about Lora APRS and I ordered two TTGO's with a 433MHz module and when I receive them the Lora APRS coverage in my area will be a bit larger. 73 de PB1SAM

[@pascals.5409]

Thanks for your video. I hope to be soon on air when I receiver the TTGO's. 73 de PB1SAM

[@MrMiniPetie]

Greatings! I have a question about how yey or ney it would be to use the 868mhz t-beam for the same project. I own a couple of those boards and want to do the same.. but unsure about the mixing of license free to ham system and used by a ham.. That's all from Curious George, thank you guys for amazing content, LB4XG ,73

[@lmaoroflcopter]

​@@MrMiniPetie868 sits in the I&S spectrum. I think you'd be just fine. Check your spectrum allocations locally.

[@bobbryce8674]

Thanks for the time and effort invested Mat. I'm a big fan of the TTGO modules and have learnt a lot from them. Most advanced project to date was an accurate test oscillator using processor and a PLL chip all packaged in a custom design box that I designed and 3D printed and running software that I wrote. It's so fulfilling seeing the odd project through from start to finish. Bob MM0MMQ

[@dxscotland5901]

That’s pretty cool Mat and handy that you can add the wee amp to increase the range! Thanks Gm4zji Chris

[@TechMindsOfficial]

Sure is mate! 👍

[@johnmilner0859]

This was very interesting. I couldn't see any later videos as you suggested you were going to test the boards without amplification. Even if you did not do a follow up video, are you able to share anything further? Your channel was a great Monday afternoon discovery. Subscribed.

[@krelis77]

Nice to hear your health is increasing and your strenght is getting better. Also great topic only my wife doesn’t like all this electronics around the house. Back in the days (30 years ago) i used a 27MC all the time and the frequenties where pretty crowded. I still have this 27MC around but that frequenties are very quiet nowadays from where I live. Maybe this new lora devices become more and more used. It’s great tech. Thanks for showing us 👍

[@aldrinbiatonaldoza3743]

What a nice module... thanks for the review

[@markg6jvy135]

Interesting video Matt thanks for showing us this use case 👍👏👏

[@yv6eda]

So nice! Thanks!

[@TechMindsOfficial]

You’re welcome!

[@vica153]

Is there an APRS Igate out there that works with both LORA and 'classic' packet types?

[@m1geo]

The module you show at around 2:50 is TX only though, it doesn't have any TRX switching, meaning it will deafen the RX (since it will have to listen "backwards" through the amplifier"). You need a module with TRX switching.

[@TechMindsOfficial]

Hey George, this was some time ago, but if I remember correctly then I was only using the amplifier on the “tracker” device, which ONLY transmitted. But yes, not good for use with an iGate that also beacons or digipeats. Cheers

[@m1geo]

@@TechMindsOfficial Ah right. The current tracker firmware receives, too, hence my question! Still, useful video, thanks!

[@doncoker]

Great, concise info to get started with LoRa APRS. Was aware it existed but first video I have seen that makes it "less scary" to get started. I have been using the 915mhz boards here in the USA for various projects including Meshtastic. Time to give this a go. One question...since you have found a decent quality amplifier, can you let us know where you source it from? Thanks, take care of yourself and keep the great content coming . 73 de Don KM6TRZ

[@TechMindsOfficial]

Thanks Don! I have just added a couple of Amazon links to the video description of the amp. The UK link is the exact model and the USA link is the closest I could find on Amazon US. They are relatively the same. I do have some more amps like this on order and will be making a video on these amps with the lora boards in the near future. Thanks for watching Don :-)

[@grindz145]

AFSK is the worst. Link budget is abysmal. This is amazing forward progress! With the data rate you can really send a lot more too!

[@GregoryWellington]

To use the amp did you reduce the power level in the tracker.json file. I assume the 20 in the stock config is 20dBM so 100mW so it needs reducing to 0dBm / 1mW so as to not overload the amp input?

[@simoncollins6650]

Hi Tech Minds . I have just set up a Lora APRS iGate in Chippenham Wiltshire and seems great in tests. I am interest in two things .1 What format of Notice of Variation did you use a Draft copy would be good. 2. What frequency are you intending to use ? the standard one in Europe of 433.775 MHz ?

[@TechMindsOfficial]

439.9125 is the frequency allocated by Ofcom. Mine is not operational at the moment, but it will be soon. ukrepeater.net/my_repeater.php?id=4698

[@erwinvanderhaar6683]

Is there a video on the SmartBeacon settings and the effects on changed numbers? Erwin, PA3EFR

[@945-b2m]

Hi there, in the USA APRS is on 144.390Mhz. I really like this setup you created and am looking for a 2m LoRa but can’t seem to find. Any ideas on how to handle? Thanks

[@WA4OSH]

LoRa APRS in the US is on 433.775 MHz (some countries don't use the world wide frequency) Find the CA2RXU firmware for iGate and tracker. 73

[@RichardMontgomery67]

Did you test the digipeater functions? I tried this setup early last year and didn't seem to work when using it as an Igate also

[@welshbikepackingadventures]

Very interesting

[@SpookieNZL]

Hi very informative video thanks. Was wondering have you done any further more distance test as you said you would? Be interesting to see what it is like in comparison to the old 2m VHF APRS. 73

[@Abbici]

Hallo! Sorry if I bother. I don't understand one argument: Can I use it directly with satellite? Or I need G2 either ? Thanks. @}-,-'---------- Gianfranco

[@404-Error-Not-Found]

It's cool stuff, but I don't like the idea of being dependent on the internet. I'd much prefer the ability to take this offline and have local history of location pings. That's the only way I really see this being useful in say a hurricane Katrina situation. A base station, not dependent on the internet, able to plot and track locations of several parties. I'll likely try to do something like that.

[@michaelglenning5107]

ATAK on Mastastic, is this what you are talking about ? kzbin.info/www/bejne/o5OVgHV_rJJkhcU

[@ks23770]

I think people use ATAK with these for that.

[@tatankahanhepi]

Hi Matt, here is F4GVO, Thierry. thanks for your video. Very interesting. I just setup my LoRa APRS project a few days ago, with Digipeater, i-Gate and trackers (mobile) and walk. I was looking for amplifier so I found your video. So you make my day ! Can you just tell me what you used to power the amplifier ? External 12v battery ? Thanks and 73

[@TechMindsOfficial]

The amplifier was just a cheap, wideband 3 watt amp from China, I think you may be able to find one on Amazon maybe. Glad my video helped!

[@RussellThomas]

Is there a Lora board with 144mhz? US uses 144.390

[@aldissmans3859]

Can such an antenna (HYS Amateur Dual-Band SO239 17 inch Antenna with VHF 144 & UHF 430MHz for Mobile Radios in Amazon) be used for a base station?

[@TechMindsOfficial]

Absolutely yes. Although it may not work as well as a high up antenna, but defo worth a go.

[@aldissmans3859]

@@TechMindsOfficial , planned above the roof, about 12 m. Maybe this option is better (HYS 433Mhz 3dbi Omni Antenna 50 Ohm GSM Aerial W / 3M (9.8ft) RG58 Coaxial Cable SMA Male Plug and Mounting Bracket in Amazon)? P.S I am a beginner in these issues.

[@johnsteele3488]

Question. Do you hook this up to your 2 Meter antenna that your radio is using? If so can you use the radio at the same time?

[@TechMindsOfficial]

You could use an outside antenna that another radio uses, but NOT at the same time unless you are using different bands on each radio and using a Di-plexer

[@wild-radio7373]

Thank you ♡

[@oncomics1128]

Awesome vid! Are there LORA modules that would help track lake levels, wind speed, and temp?

[@TechMindsOfficial]

Yep, you can connect all sorts of sensors to Lora boards, it’s all about the application running on them. Take a look at IOT applications online

[@sm3shg]

Can the TTGO Board also be used as a Digipeater?

[@TechMindsOfficial]

Originally the firmware did support Digipeating, but I think it was removed a short while ago. Although I did read on Github they are bringing it back. Best to check the Github page for the latest information on features. Cheers

[@clwydianuk]

Firmware notes say you can igate or digipeat but not both. Digipeating requires trackers to set a path (and since this lengthens the packet and reduces reliability it's often omitted)

[@frankhovis]

Do we have a standard frequency/spreading in the UK? I'm seeing 433.775 here and 439.9125Mhz 125khz 1200baud on some Igates

[@merlinonline67]

You can't get an NOV for 433.775 MHz

[@Rockn-UV]

I had formerly thought that the frequency selection was 433 or 470. But from your video it appears that the Lora board allows a frequency range from 433 to 470. Is there any loss in RF output if you choose the middle of the range?

[@WA4OSH]

The UK is one of those countries that for some reason don't use the world-wide LoRa APRS frequency of 433.775MHz. The CA2RXU fw has options for them.

[@TechMindsOfficial]

@WA4OSH the reason is that that frequency is close to our repeater outputs and very close to the ISM band.

[@WW5RM]

My idea is for Drone tracking. 100mw should suffice at those altitudes. 440mhz for reduced size. I'm running a dual band base antenna on my 2M igate now so turning on RX on 440mhz is simply a push of a button.

[@WA4OSH]

I have a LoRa APRS tracker board attached to the legs of my DJI Phantom 4 drone. I would love to run digipeater to provide temporary coverage Eg during a search and rescue mission.

[@WW5RM]

@WA4OSH what kind of flight time does it have? Even with my Mavic 3 and 32 min flight time that would be a ton of battery swapping and charging! Seems like some type of balloon would be a better idea.

[@alvarogaitan2529]

fantastic video thanks 73 from kb2uew

[@TechMindsOfficial]

You’re welcome!

[@silverscooby09]

I assume you only need the NOV if you are going to set this up as a repeater? to play with one as receive or even as a tracker for your own use (with a foundation lic) you would not need a NOV am I correct?

[@TechMindsOfficial]

I believe that’s true. I want to enable the Digi and Beacon, so an NOV would be required if it’s going to transmit while not attended.

[@silverscooby09]

@@TechMindsOfficial Thanks for the speedy reply I have only had my lic just over 12 months and this sort of project has caught my eye but did not realise we (uk lic holders) could us it as until your great video. (I have now subscribed :) )

[@TechMindsOfficial]

Welcome John and thanks for watching, hope to catch you on the bands sometimes. 🙏

[@NicksStuff]

The range without the amplifier is a bit disappointed. Especially at SF12!

[@PawelRozenek]

do we have any standard frequency in the UK for LoRa? Thanks, M0PPR

[@TechMindsOfficial]

Depends what for. I managed to get an NOV for a Lora APRS gateway, which I had to take down due to moving home. This was on 439Mhz.

[@W9HJBill]

Do you have a link to the adapter cable you used to go between the active external GPS antenna (SMA) to the TTGO LoRa board (I'm not sure of the other connector)?

[@TechMindsOfficial]

Here you go: amzn.to/3qVQ1hO

[@W9HJBill]

@@TechMindsOfficial Thank you!

[@FlyingJay33]

Is there a way to have the APRS data received on a tracker or IGate sent out the USB port or over the network to an APRS mapping tool (Xastr say) without using the internet to gate the traffic for mapping. My use case is, I am in an environment where the internet connection is not good but need to map the tracker data like you can with a 2m APRS setup without the internet.

[@WA4OSH]

The older OE5BPA tracker code is transmit only. The CA2RXU iGate and tracker code can tx+rx. The iGates connect to the APRS network via WiFi. The trackers can connect to keyboards and displays .. winlink.

[@lubanskasolarigrafia3164]

Is it for SX1268 or SX1278?

[@davidlee50]

I guess the question will arise as to how this will effect RC Planes that use the .915 to communicate.

[@Un_Pour_Tous]

Can an amp work in full duplex with the T-Beam?

[@TechMindsOfficial]

With the right amplifier then yes, you would need to use the GPIO pin on the Lora board to control the amps PTT. The amp shown in the video would not be suitable though without some form of switching relay.

[@merlinonline67]

Why hasn't anyone developed a 2M version? There is now reason why LoRA cannot operate on 144.800 alongside normal APRS

[@dougbas3980]

Bandwidth? and interference?

[@stewartrv]

You should stick this in a weather balloon and let her rip! 😜

[@TechMindsOfficial]

Yep, that’s one of the good uses for this project. Plus the Lora boards are extremely cheap. 200mw from hundreds of feet above the earth would reach quite far.

[@m1geo]

Useful video, thanks! 73, de M1GEO.

[@jamesotisjr2322]

I just had a revelation in this regard: 4 of my TTGO T3_V1.6 ESPs require /dev/ttyUSB0 as a com port. 4 others did not work, and a TTGO Meshtastic GPS LoRa ESP refused to communicate with the computer. Then I tried connecting via /dev/ttyAMAO. it appears that Lilygo switched from CP2102 serial chips to CH340s at some point. open up your IDE without the ESP plugged in, see what ports are available, then plug in the ESP. either /dev/ttyUSB0 or /dev/ttyAMAO will show up. use that port. anybody knows where the I2C port pins really are, speak up, please

[@WadeAbout]

I am suffering that too _ I am not very good with JSON - how did you define the port?