Download Print this page

micro-trak 8000 FA Manual

Frequency agile and programmable miniature aprs (automatic position reporting system) transmitter

Advertisement

Quick Links

The Micro-Trak 8000 FA is a frequency agile and programmable miniature APRS (Automatic Position
Reporting System) transmitter capable of operating from 144 to 148 MHz. (foreign and gornmental agencies
may contact us to discuss out of band operation, but the Micro-Trak products are not FCC certified for use
outside the ham bands in the United States) The transmitter utilizes a special version of the TinyTrak3
controller and is not compatible with any other version of TinyTrak firmware or config software. The entire
assembly measures only 1 X 4.5 inches, and weighs less than two ounces. The Micro-Trak 8000 FA is a
creation of VHS Products, and is distributed exclusively by Byonics at
The power output may be adjusted with a trimmer potentiometer located on the printed circuit board's amplifier
section. This version of the Micro-Trak 8000 FA has been provided with an external, user adjustable deviation
control, which should ordinarily be left rotated completely clockwise. Certain areas (Europe, etc.) may have
digipeaters that prefer a slightly more narrow-band deviation level. Using a receiver, you can set your deviation
level to the approximate deviation of users in your area.
Because of its small size and light weight, the MT-8000 FA is ideal for portable and airborne operations. Small
size not withstanding, the Micro-Trak 8000 FA is capable of power output in excess of 8 Watts, and is capable
of operating at extremely long ranges. An on-board 5 volt regulator provides an optional 200 mA, power output
for your GPS receiver. (Many applications, including the use of the device with hand-held GPS units, will not
require the 5 volt output of the Micro-Track.) The entire system runs well on 9-13.2 volts DC, and draws only
about 15 milliamps in standby, and increases to 1.7 amperes during transmissions (which last approximately
1/3 of a second using MIC-E) when set for full power operation. The Micro-Trak 8000 has easily adjustable
power settings for responsible and energy saving operation. The Micro-Trak utilizes a combination green/red
LED: green LED for the green GPS detector light and red LED transmit light.
No case or package is provided with the Micro-Trak 8000 FA, allowing the user to package the device
according to their own unique needs. The design philosophy called for as small, light and basic a package as
possible, with a high enough output for more critical and remote operations. The programming and GPS input
connection is set up to use a DB9 Male connector (The same as a standard TinyTrak 3) by simply sliding the
connector over the tabs, soldering may be required for a good connection. The Micro-Trak can connect to a
standard GPS receiver directly through the DB9 connector, but it is important to remember that computer
programming and communication uses a reversed connection, meaning you will need a female to female null
modem cable, or a null modem adaptor and a gender-changer connector for programming your Micro-Trak.
These cables and/or connectors are available from Byonics. A 6 pin 1 mm style connector is mounted on the
MICRO-TRAK 8000 FA MANUAL VER 2.0
http://www.byonics.com
The MT-8000 FA is extremely compact
and light, due in part to the enclosed RF
section. The Micro-Trak 8000 FA is
provided as a fully assembled and
populated printed circuit board assembly.
Completion and operation of the device
will require simple programming, and
providing power, antenna, and a GPS
input. The Micro-Trak 8000 FA is shipped
wired and tested, but should be adjusted
by the user for the desired output power.

Advertisement

loading
Need help?

Need help?

Do you have a question about the 8000 FA and is the answer not in the manual?

Questions and answers

Summary of Contents for micro-trak 8000 FA

  • Page 1 Because of its small size and light weight, the MT-8000 FA is ideal for portable and airborne operations. Small size not withstanding, the Micro-Trak 8000 FA is capable of power output in excess of 8 Watts, and is capable of operating at extremely long ranges. An on-board 5 volt regulator provides an optional 200 mA, power output for your GPS receiver.
  • Page 2 Do not operate the device into very high SWR antenna connections. This can destroy not only the amplifier module but the entire RF section of the Micro-Trak 8000, and will not be serviced as a warranty repair. Contact with the device during transmissions may result in RF burns.
  • Page 3 MICRO-TRAK 8000 FA SCHEMATIC...
  • Page 4 300ms gate turn-on pulse. Operating Voltages The Micro-Trak 8000 FA will run with reduced power at lower voltages, and should not be powered by voltages exceeding 13.2 volts, including unregulated automotive voltages. Like all MOSFET devices, the device can be damaged by static or high voltages, including static charges that may build up on mobile antennae in thunderstorms or dry areas.
  • Page 5 your own risk. VHS Products and Byonics are not responsible for any damage resulting from the use of this device. Printed Circuit Board Layout...
  • Page 6 Amplifier RF Module Equivalent Circuit This circuit reflects the basic components of the MOSFET RF module used in the Micro-Trak 8000. The pins shown are 1 through 5. Looking at the module from left to right, you will see pins 1 through 4, with the metal case and mounting flanges represented by pin 5, Ground.
  • Page 7 MICRO-TRAK 8000 FA PROPRIETARY CONFIGURATION SOFTWARE The configuration software for the MT-8000 FA appears to be very similar to the standard TinyTrak3 software, but is not compatible. Note that this version has a field for setting the frequency of one of two channels. Any frequency in the range of 144 to 148 MHz using 5 KHZ channel spacing may be programmed into the device.