Freetrak16 (FT-16) Users Manual 10/21/14

This project is intended for builders with experience or with an Elmer's help.
Build the circuit according to the schematic, parts list and silkscreen on the PCB.
Use a 20 pin socket for the PIC micro programmed with MFSK16_690_A.HEX.
Most users will install wire jumpers from center to right on JP1 and JP2.
This sets it up for use with a hand held GPS connected to the serial port.
If you plan to use the Spark Fun GPS module option, install 3 pin jumper headers in JP1
and JP2 as well as optional resistors R6 and R10.
This will also require different firmware – Look for MFSK16_690_ubloxA.HEX.
Double check your wiring and voltages before installing the PIC.
Program the PIC 16F690 with the included hex file and install it in the circuit.
The jumper JP7 and SW1 are read at power up.
JP7 off = track mode. SW1 toggles report type, Mic-e or conventional.
JP7 on and SW1 on = configure mode.
JP7 on and SW1 off = Idle mode. SW1 is on/off.

FT-16 wired for hand held GPS

Configuring the FT-16.
Before you get on the air, you must configure the tracker's non-volatile memory with
your call sign, transmit interval, APRS track symbol (default is > for car) and optional tail
message (up to 20 bytes) that will be added on to every 5th packet.
The symbol table is at the end of this document.

The 2 jumpers on J3 (serial line swap) should be turned so they're both aligned with the
short side of the board. (II)
This allows it to “talk” serially to a computer by connecting to the proper pins.
Connect the tracker serially (RS-232) to a computer running a terminal program like
Hyperterminal set to 4800,8,N,1.
If your PC doesn't have a RS232 port, use a Keyspan USB to RS232 dongle.
Power up the circuit with JP7 shorted and SW1 on.
You should see a sign on message like the four lines shown below. Follow the instructs.
Backspace works to correct a typo. <CR> is ENTER.

N0QBH MFSK16 APRS Tracker Rev A

Stored call> symbol msg Y/N :delay
MYCALL-16>>N:50
Enter new call-16 <CR> to store
>

Below I have entered a sample configuration.

>URCALL-16
Enter delay (3 - 99)
>25
Enter symbol
>s
Trailing Msg? Y/N
>Y
Enter up to 20 bytes
>Your message here
Done, Remove jumper and cycle power

I entered “Your message here” as an example tail message.

To check your configuration, power back up with JP7 shorted and SW1 still on.
It should display the new configuration.
Don't enter anything unless you want to redo the settings.

N0QBH MFSK16 APRS Tracker Rev A

Stored call> symbol msg Y/N :delay
URCALL-16>sY:25 Your message here
Enter new call-16 <CR> to store
>
The call sign was changed from MYCALL-16 to URCALL-16.
It is recommended we use the “-16” SSID in order to denote MFSK16 as the APRS
transmit mode. Presently, the code supports a call length of up to 9 characters total.
Delay can be any value between 3 and 99 (36 sec to 20 min).
The delay is in 12 second increments. For example, a one minute delay is 5.
The delay interval has been set to 25 (5 min) and the symbol is now “s” (motorboat).
The optional message has been selected by typing “y” and “Your message here” was
entered.
The settings are stored and retained in non volatile EE memory.

Connecting the GPS.

The TX and RX serial lines will have to set for GPS connection using J3.
Both jumpers should be aligned length ways with the PCB. (=)
Insure the GPS serial cable is plugged into the FT-16 and set to output NMEA serial
data containing the GPRMC sentence at 4800 baud.
The LED will flash 5 times when turned on in “track” mode. If it doesn't see serial data,
it will time out in a few seconds and go to sleep, waking and flashing the LED twice every
2 seconds as an indication.
When serial input from a GPS becomes valid, the FT-16 should start sending beacons.
The LED goes on solid while transmitting. Afterwards, it goes back to sleep, waking
every 2 sec to flash the LED once.
It will wake to transmit at the interval you selected, repeating the process.
If the serial data is invalid, the FT-16 LED will stay dark until it gets good data, then
transmit.

Off air testing.

With good GPS input, you can test the beacon's output by connecting the FT-16 audio
out to the mic in of a computer sound card. With APRS Messenger 3.26 or the MFSK16
program of your choice, you should be able to copy the beacon text. Be sure to set the
program receive frequency to 1118 Hz and adjust the FT-16 R25 variable resistor to
centered or lower in order to prevent over driving the sound card.

Connecting the radio.

If you don't plan on using the 6 pin mini DIN jack, the easiest method is to connect the
appropriate wires from your radios data cable directly to JP3 (Data-GND-PTT).
Else JP3 will be jumper wired to J4. This lets the user select which pin does what.
Consult your radios manual for the correct pins on J4 – its pin numbers correspond to
the jack (J5).
Type of data sent.
When the tracker is running, SW1 off selects the Mic-E compressed option.
This APRS compatible data compression algorithm shortens the position and
coarse/speed to a very small (<30 bytes) transmitted packet.
Example: K0CQW-16>T5QT2Q:'zTBo?k>/
SW1 on selects conventional (readable by humans) lat & long only output.
Example: K0CQW-16>APSK16:!4517.70N/09456.97W>

Getting on the air.

You'll probably have to adjust the output level to match the microphone or digital input
sensitivity of the transmitter your using in order to get the proper transmit levels.
Usually, this is done by sending idle tone (1 KHz) while a second station monitors the
signal. Unlike PSK, MFSK is a single tone mode making drive levels much more forgiving.
Follow the radio mfg instructions for digital modes.
I usually start with the R25 pot centered.
Max output with 10k R24 and 2k R25 is about 250 mV p-p.
R25 variable resistor is turned CCW to increase drive level.
R25 can be substituted with a 5k pot to get more drive.
Max output with 10k R24 and 5k R25 is about 570 mV p-p.

Idle Mode
Turn on the FT-16 with JP7 shorted and SW1 off (open).
The LED will NOT flash.
SW1 keys the radio on and off, sending the lowest (1000 Hz) tone when on.
The LED on indicates the radio is keyed.
Turn off the FT-16 power switch to exit idle mode.

PTT
- Is an active low, open collector transistor switch controlled by the PIC.
- FT-16 starts sending data 300 milliseconds after PTT asserted.
- Is released .5 sec after the last character has been completely sent.

Inadvertent configuration
-At the beginning of configuration the program looks for serial data sent too fast for
someone typing. If it encounters this overrun, it bails and returns to normal track mode.
This is to prevent inadvertent overwrite of the configuration data by a GPS.
I recommend keeping JP7 an inside the case jumper as it is only used when configuring
or adjusting modulation level. Then the case must be opened to change settings or turn
on idle mode.
Symbol Table
The symbol table overlays the symbols in order to determine what letter or character is
used. For example, a semi truck would be entered as a lower case “u”.
The forward slash is not entered as the FT-16 takes care of it.

mikeberg@ringolake.com