APRS beacon testers needed

[F1RMB]

You don't need to enable the GPS if you're static.
Change the APRS settings to use the 'Channel' location in this case, or turn off the GPS module, you will save the battery power (of course the GPS module drains power). Even using Smart beaconing mode supports GPS off, it will just use the latest known position, and use the lowest beaconing rate.
Also, using full RF power will drain more power. Don't forget to enable Eco mode too.

[N1LSJ]

You don't need to enable the GPS if you're static.

Not quite sure what use it is to Beacon if you are static?

Also, using full RF power will drain more power. Don't forget to enable Eco mode too.

The APRS transmission is so short that I don't think it would have any appreciable effect on the battery life between full power and low power? In any case I wasn't able to hit the APRS net until night even at full power so suspect I need it.

[F1RMB]

You don't need to enable the GPS if you're static.

Not quite sure what use it is to Beacon if you are static?

Also, using full RF power will drain more power. Don't forget to enable Eco mode too.

The APRS transmission is so short that I don't think it would have any appreciable effect on the battery life between full power and low power? In any case I wasn't able to hit the APRS net until night even at full power so suspect I need it.

You mentionned to be indoor, hence you're static (is there any point beaconing because you're moving from the kitchen to the toilets ?)
Hence, there is no need to enable the GPS when you're static.

Short transmission or not, it's math.
You're asking about battery power life, I told you how to save it.

EDIT: BTW, you can also save more battery dimming the backlight.

[yo3gwm]

Now I discovered this thread on the forum. First of all congratulations for the work done.
Today I used the station on APRS all day (YO3GWM-9) I didn't know that automatic beaconing is being tested.

1) I downloaded the latest version of CPS, I downloaded and I wrote the firmware. I wrote the station with the previously saved frequencies and settings. I set in options menu - APRS options - mode : Smart. I confirmed all the settings with the green key. Exactly what OK2MOP described happened to me.

[*] The sending seemed to be stuck in a TX loop sending something (probably the message) every second or two.
[/list]

I deactivated the smart beacon "with difficulty", because the program cycle was blocked with the TX routine. I let the GPS have a valid position and then I reactivated the smart beacon. Everything is back to normal.

2) Every time when I turn on the radio after 2 seconds, it transmits a position, but the GPS does not have a valid position.

3) It would be great if the PTT will be also active in smart mode. When I'm on the top of a bridge or I have a good opening, I would like to force the transmission of the position.

Tomorrow I will test more and come back with information.

Thank you

Cristi YO3GWM (Retevis RT3s)

[OK2MOP]

I have mentioned it earlier, after turning on the radio on APRS channel or switching to it, it transmits the last known position stored in memory (you can set it before activating APRS in the status screen with the position value to avoid the TX bug).

[K6DRK]

I have a TYT UV390 GPS and would love to test. I'm already using OpenGD77 on a Baofeng 1701, so I'm familiar with the firmware. I also do a lot of APRS work here, building iGates and digipeaters.

…doug

Doug Kaye, K6DRK
DMR ID: 3196950
doug@rds.com

[OK2MOP]

The firmware for testing has already been posted, it is on second page of this thread. AFAIK there is no newer testing release that the one there.

[N1LSJ]

APRS beacon experimental verisons can be downloaded here
MD9600/RT90
https://opengd77.com/downloads/MD9600/F ... 928ab18996

Do I want the "JA_" version or the non-"JA_" version?

[F1RMB]

Depends of your Japanese skills

[N1LSJ]

Depends of your Japanese skills

Thanks! I have a RT90/GPS coming in.
"2023-11-06 13:21 AVENEL, NJ, Departed Shipping Partner Facility, USPS Awaiting Item"