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The TinyTrak3 from Byonics
is now up and running with my Yaesu FT-8800R! Look for me as KC9AXZ-4 on
your maps! The kit wasn't too hard to build. I had the kit and null modem
soldered together in a hour or two. I didn't go fancy with a switch to
toggle between primary and secondary setups. I also didn't have a
need to power my GPS (Garmin eTrex Legend) through the TT3's power. I also
built the interface cable from scratch. I used a old 6 foot extension
from a KVM (keyboard,video,mouse) switch. I no longer have the KVM so I
used the keyboard/mouse extension. I cut the cord in half, and bought a 9
pin sub D from Radio Shack to solder on the other end. By building my own
cable I saved myself some time from ordering the CT-39A packet cable. I'm
going to post the pin wiring information below. I will also am going to
note a few "tips" for people who are looking to interface their
TT3 with a Yaesu 8800 dual band rig.
UPDATE (January 2005): I now added a switch for the primary and secondary beacon settings. I made this change since I had to open my TT3 up to solder J7 to be able to power my Radio Shack Digitraveler PDA GPS through the TT3 unit. I replaced my Garmin GPS with the Digitraveler, which is less eye candy for the low life thieves. The Digitraveler is also a 16 channel unit compared to the Garmin 12 channel unit. The Digitraveler has been modified to power off of J1 pin #4 of the TT3. The modification is well published. The only info that I can add to the modification that I would find useful is the Radio Shack part number. You can get the 5 Volt regulator at Radio Shack for less than $2, the catalog number is #276-1770. On the radio side, I set Menu #26 to 1200 BPS, and #27 to L-Fix. That is to be using the left side on 144.390 for FM APRS. On the right side I set the "SUB" control (the "main" display blinks) . This way all the microphone can still be used to start or stop scan, while the left side still remains the "MAIN" band. Basically all the microphone controls work on the right side. The only control that doesn't work on the right side is the PTT. The PTT still only works on the left side (MAIN side). Don't forget to set your GPS to NMEA @ 4800 Baud. This is usually done in the "Setup" menu under "Interface", on Garmin GPS units. Don't forget to set it back to "Garmin" for use with MapSource uploads and downloads. I don't have any other GPS units, so I don't know how they are configured.
The information below worked for my setup. I do not make any promises that this information is complete, or correct for your application. Use this information with caution! I will not be held liable for any damages you may cause your own equipment. I did not install "R8" the 2.2K ohm resistor on my build. The rest of the build was exactly as stated in the instructions. I ran a short zip cord out a hole I drilled for power to "J3" on the circuit board. The pictures below show a lighted blue switch. That switch is used to power my TT3 on or off, so the radio can be used for FM phone also. The switch also helps if I would like to "force" a beacon. The TT3 does send a beacon immediately after being turned on.
I don't know if there is a standard on what color wires are used in these patch cords, so treat that info as not important. it is suggested that each cord and plug be tested with a VOM for pin and wire connections. The important info is the pin connections between the connectors. I had very little in the way of calibration."R6" is set to about 10:00, and "R9" to about 4:00. I put it all togather and couldn't figure out why the Yellow LED wouldn't shut off. After reviewing the instructions again, I found I have to check "Invert CD IN" in the configuration software. Bingo, it's fixed! I hope some of this information was useful. Happy APRSing!
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Copyright © 2005 Jon Rohde KC9AXZ
