Maker Pro
Maker Pro

Telemetry for backcountry navigation

N

nathan

Jan 1, 1970
0
I have a Garmin eTrex GPS that I would like to use to send my location
to someone during real time. A TNC and a 2 meter transmitter could
send my location to someone with a 2 meter receiver and laptop with GPS
software. Ramsey has a rocket tracker package that transmits on the 2
meter band but the range is small. Is there a simple way to amplify the
transmitter signal? Since this is for a motorcycle and I wipe out
frequently, I do not want to use an expensive radio. The goal is for
it to be cheap, power efficient, simple (One fixed frequency will do),
and a reasonable size/weight for motorcycling.

Thanks,
Nathan
 
nathan sez..."have a Garmin eTrex GPS that I would like to use to send
my location to someone during real time....Is there a simple way to
amplify the transmitter signal? "

There are two ways to increase radio range; more powerful transmitter
or more sensitive receiver (or antenna). Since the general direction
of the transmitter will be known, I'd go with option number 2. 400MHz
transmitters with serial input are relatively inexpensive
(www.abacom.com, linx technology, etc). Most police band scanners will
receive 400MHz as well. A very sensitive (and directional) yagi
antenna can be made from pvc pipe and wire, I've mdae one for
rocket-tracking. The reason I'm recomending 400MHz over 2 meter
(~150MHz) is that the wavelength is shorter, as well as the antenna
elements.
 
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