APRS Micro Gateway

[VK5MW]

Hello to all. For my first post I thought I might put something up  that may be of interest to APRS users.

I am currently working on a new project for APRS. A full APRS iGate that can fit inside a lunchbox. Reasonably low cost and practical for remote stations/sites. Current draw should be less than 1A standby. Have the option of mapping and GUI for mobile use.

The backbone for this project is the ARM9 Mini2440 Micro Controller. The chosen OS will be a ported version of Debian Lenny and running Xastir.

See the Computer here. http://www.friendlyarm.net/products/mini2440

I have added a GPS to it. http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/product_info.php?products_id=9566

The current status is really conceptual so far. I have the ARM working with Qtopia Linux and proved the GRS to work fine with the TTL serial interface.

The next thing I need to do is get Debian ported onto it. It has been done on the 3.5 inch version of the ARM2440 but I cant find any packages to just flash onto the board. Unfortunately this is my weakest area as my Linux skills don't compare to a shorted feedline. Hi Hi

If any Linux gurus are willing to throw in some time I would be most appreciative. I think I have bitten off more than I can chew on this one.

The idea does work. Well for the OS at least.

icewm and debian on mini2440 friendlyarm video 1

Direct chat is available via Skype.  Bush.bugga

[VK4MDX]

I love it. It is exactly what I have been looking for.

[VK5MW]

Great! I thought people would be interested in the concept. Some things I forgot to add is that I am currently working with the 7 inch LCD version and have the whole thing mounted in a 190 x 150 plastic enclosure. I will try to get a picture up shortly.

[VK5MW]

This is only the Qtopia OS running. Unfortunately I dont think there is a version of Xastir that will run on it.


(On the left) The GPS just after I installed it. The CF card is not currently in use. I just tested it with the Qtopia OS and it actually found everything on it without issue. Even when it is formatted FAT

Note the USB port on the right. Very handy for keyboard input. A mouse also works but is not really needed as it has touchscreen interface.


From the Left. Audio Out - USBB - Network - Serial RS232 - Power 5V - GPS Circular Antenna.

[ZS1JHG]

Hi Michael looks like an interesting project, way over my head but I operate APRS and iGates provide a vital link, so I will follow your progress with interest. Some evenings running HF APRS from the home QTH I get ported by VK iGates on the West coast near Perth. For mobile use I have built an Opentracker which I have only used on VHF so far and on HF from the home QTH. Greetings John

[VK5MW]

Interesting indeed John. There are a few VK's very interested as this idea (should it work) as it can bring good functionality to a remote solar digipeater site. As you would appreciate, many nice repeater sites are missing the luxury of mains supply. Pictured is the seven inch version but I have another on the way with a 3.5 inch display. I ordered the smaller on as the current demand for it should be about 600 mA +/- Not bad at all if you ask me. When I get the OS sorted I will be looking into turning off the display all together as is uses more than the controller.

Anyway, More to come as it happens.

[VK5MW]

Well I am almost ready to turn against Linux! I have wasted 2 full days trying to compile a debian install and have run into so many roadblocks. Some of the code is ridiculous. Especially for a bloke who has only used windows in the past. There are a few fairly good guides available but every time I try one, there is an error message tied to a penguin who is pecking my eyes out.  See the problem is that linux is command line based and little can be done in the GUI except format the SD card for the install. I did almost make it one time. But then was not able to use the setenv command in the arm controller. I dont think there is a command I can judt download either, Oh well... Back to it...............................

PS. Please help if you know s little Linux

[VK5MW]

No real progress as yet but I have managed to get the bootloader working. This makes the ARM board boot from a SD card. Now I need to figure out how to set the Debian Kernel with the right modules onto the SD so that it will install. Sorry the progress is so slow but I am at trade school so rather busy.

 

[ZS1JHG]

Hi Michael . Its a hobby so no time frame I am always slow on my projects. Neat to have the ARM board booting on an SD card and I am sure you will figure out how to get the kernel set up to instal. Greetings John

[VK5MW]

Thanks for the vote of confidence John. I guess time is not so much the issue as allocating it to priority tasks Hi Hi. I am currently studying for trade qualifications in electro technology communications. And I thought my full call exam was difficult. This stuff is hurting my brain.

[VK5MW]

Just an update that the project is currently on hold. I need to devote my time to trade school. Just a couple more weeks until this term is finished. Back to work for a few weeks and then my final term begins near the end of January. I night get a little done over Christmas but you all know what that time of year is like no doubt.

[ZS1JHG]

Hi Michael thanks for the update, work related study comes first and I am sure you will nail your Electro Tech Comms exams. Greetings John

[VK5MW]

Well better late than never I suppose. Trade school is complete and have been deemed as competent as a communications technician. I have also been looking at the friendly arm board again and have now found that I can indeed get Linux to run on it quite well. Unfortunately my programming talents are limited to what you can write on the back of a postage stamp. That means that I have been unable to port Xastir at all. The next step will be to post the 2 FriendlyArm boards on eBay and start a new project.