BeeLine GPS

The BeeLine GPS is a self contained unit with GPS receiver, ceramic patch antenna, APRS packet encoder, and 100mw 70cm radio transmitter. The BeeLine GPS has on-board non-volatile memory that stores coordinates for download after your flight. At a one hertz record rate, more than 2 hours of position data can be logged. Download and view your flight profiles in Google Earth!

In addition to the BeeLine GPS transmitter, you will need a suitable receiver and APRS packet decoder (TNC). Most 70cm amateur radio transceivers/receivers will work, as long as they have an audio output connector (most do). The audio output connects to a PC/soundcard/smarthpone and is decoded using APRS software, or a dedicated (hardware) decoder like the TT4 from Byonics or the OpenTracker+ from Argent Data, just to mention a few. Some handheld radios contain integrated decodere (and GPS modules, too!). You can read more about the available radios here.

Here are some more pictures of the decoders in action, including the Kenwood TH-D7A(g).

This product will be made available to licensed amateur radio operators only, or others with the proper authorization to transmit on the desired frequency.

Features:

	Completely integrated: RF transmitter, GPS and RF antennas, GPS Module, and battery all in one small package.
	56-Channel u-blox 7 GPS engine.
	Lithium-Poly battery lasts for more than 8 hours.
	Transmits on ANY frequency in the 70cm band (in 125 hz steps)
	APRS compatible -- uses standard decoding hardware
	Included active patch antenna plugs into standard U.FL connector (100mw version only)
	Power Management: User programmable transmit rates and output power
	Compatible with existing BeeLine Serial / USB Adapters and Chargers
	User upgradeable firmware
	Range: >40 miles f
	Flight data stored in non-volatile memory (2+ hours @ 1 hz) -- compatible with Google Earth
	1.25" x 3", weighs about 2 ounces, and fits in a 38mm body tube (or a 54mm nose cone)
	Transmits latitude, longitude, altitude.

Uses:

High Power Rockets

RC Airplanes

UAV's

Hot Air Balloons

Fox Hunting

Law Enforcement / Asset Tracking

Wildlife Tracking

Current Software / Firmware / Documentation:

BeeFlash version 11: Flash update utility used to update the BeeLine GPS firmware

Or, look at ALL of the software versions

Tested TNC's (AX.25 packet decoders)

	Byonics PICPAC (Hardware)
	WINAPRS (Software w/ PC Sound Card)
	APRSDROID (Android Phone app)
	Mobilinkd TNC (Hardware with bluetooth connection to APRSDROID)
	MIXW (Software w/ PC Sound Card)
	AGWPE
	AEA PK-88 (Hardware)
	PacComm TNC (Hardware)
	Kenwood TH-D7A(g), TH-D72, (2M/70cm HT w/ integrated TNC), TM-D700
	Yaesu VX-8

Limitations:

Due to the power output levels of this transmitter, proper packet reception and decoding require a FREE AND CLEAR LINE OF SIGHT between the transmitter and receiver.

The typical usage model will be to capture and decode packets as the rocket descends under 'chute. Once your rocket hits the ground (or goes behind that ridge), it's likely that you will lose the ability to receive and decode packets. (But you can still track the transmitter as if it were a standard RF beacon).

Links:

Compare the prices!

GPS FLIGHT, Loki and ATHA products use a 900Mhz spread spectrum transmitter:

http://www.gpsflight.com

http://www.stephensonline.ca/atha-aerospace/agts1.html

http://lokiresearch.com/arts.asp

AED uses a a fixed frequency 433.92 Mhz transmitter module:

http://home.vianetworks.nl/users/aed/rdas/gps.htm

Contact Us