LoRa APRS Tracker (Part 10)

Continuing the discussion from LoRa APRS Tracker (Part 9) - #101 by MW0IDX.

Previous discussions:

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Ok, thanks…

Got the pics to work now!


Ill have a look for IPEX, see what it spits out!

Thanks again

Alan

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They are also known as U.FL connectors

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When a board comes with a tiny hellical antenna on the end of a U.FL lead, I just snip off the antenna and fit a bulkheadconnector:

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A new LoRa distance record:


Perhaps Wales has managed to leave the union…

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I have 1 Ipex to SMA F as picured above, seems they are only a couple of quid a pice, so if i need any more ill use them, that said I have some Bulkhead BNCs! so that may change… Thanks Ross!

Alan

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Does anyone know if the boot-loop problem previously discussed has been fixed?

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im not certain, however It didnt seem to effect mine when i programmed mine!

HTH - Alan

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Explains why the temperatures dropped here the other day

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I programmed mine yesterday using the new web interface. Today it started with a few boot loops so I don’t think it’s fixed. Heltec Wireless Tracker.

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My Heltec tracker booted up fine for the first day after using the new software/interface. Unfortunately it has reverted to the boot loop syndrome since.

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Am I the only one using a T-beam?

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I’ve been using a T-Beam since September 2023, programmed with the OE5BPA firmware. I must have used it about a hundred times since and have only had two issues with it - both hardware. I swapped to a larger GPS antenna as it was slow to lock with the original and once had to re-solder the battery holder after it came adrift when I dropped the unit!

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I NEARLY went for a T beam, but the Heltec was cheaper and im a tight bu**er!

Alan

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Me too. Had to strengthen antenna connector and also replace the screen after slashing the ribbon cable with a scalpel! Otherwise, pretty reliable and over 24 hrs uptime on a single 18650 cell.

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My tracker is a T beam, although it hasn’t seen much use for a while.

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Nope, I am and so is M7SDO that I know of
No problems at all

Rick

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Yes I have one as Rick says with a great case! I also have a Heltec Wireless Tracker. I’ve had no issues with either and not seen the boot loop on my Heltec . Advantage of the T-beam is the long uptime with the 18650, but the supplied GPS unit is naff, flapping around in the breeze and needs upgrading. Also the SMA placement is prone to breaking. Advantages with the Heltec is that it’s v small and the GPS unit is built in and works really well.

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hi, you @MW0IDX and @G3CWI are the only ones I’ve known to have any problems with Heltec Wireless Trackers “loop”. So I would love to know what configurations similitudes do you have. Please write me privately about them to gather as much info I can to stop this problem.

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Maybe this helps …
I use a Heltec Wireless Tracker with Ricardos’ firmware, and it got in a boot loop at first, until I figured out I had to upload the tracker_config.json file separately. Then it has worked without problems since.
Luc ON7DQ

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