APRS Tracking

After some minor hurdles I now seem to have my OpenTracker USB working correctly. So I am a lot closer to having a tracker ready for extreme testing.

Current setup contains a Garmin GPS-18x-PC connected directly into the Open Tracker via the serial connector. The Open Tracker then connects into a Yaesu VX-7R handheld.   The GPS and Tracker are connected to a bank of AA Batteries supplying 12volts, whilst the handheld uses its own battery.

Initial tests have been using the same AA's for several months with tests over that time being for several hours. I have been monitoring the voltage over this time dropping from 12volts , down to 9 volts and this morning on a drive to work , the voltage was at 7 volts. All the while the tracker and GPS were still operating. I am still only using standard AA's so nothing like what will be in the final version, but so far happy that the battery should last the trip.  I do hope to connect a few more devices up to the same power source such as a data logger, so this may test this power supply some more.

I have also discovered that the GPS seems to take time to obtain a GPS fix, this seems to add delay to the initial transmission. I need to nut this out further to ensure that it is just a GPS visibility problem as when the GPS was in clear view of the sky I couldn't reproduce the problem.  But want to ensure all is good for launch day otherwise its a waste of battery power waiting for a GPS fix before launch.