Telemetry for backcountry navigation

Apr 27, 2005 1 Replies
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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


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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

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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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