OpenTracker APRS Experiment

I was recently contacted with a request for a cable to interface an APRS tracking module to an Icom mobile radio. I had prior knowledge of the subject after reading about a group experimenting with 9600 baud UHF APRS using Icom radios and Kantronics TNCs. I did some research and found that the interface connections for most popular APRS tracking modules and packet radio TNCs are the same. The logic connections are generally made through a single DB9 connection which also can be used to supply power the tracker or TNC. I thought this would be great because it allowed for a single point connection to the Icom radio without the need of seperate TNC power wiring. The result of this project was an interface cable which allows for logic and power connections using a single cable and the option of remote ignition control of the radio and TNC/tracker (GPS also). The listed parts below is what I used to get my APRS tracker on the air.

Parts List
Icom IC-F121S (also the "F" jumper mod)
OpenTracker+ kit (easy to assemble.)
Deluo GPS unit (you need the adapter also)
Interconnect cable
Null-modem cable (used for programming only)

Works like a charm! Click here to track my car live using GoogleMaps. The entire system is "plug and play" and does not require any technical knowlege to configure.

Also, the interconnect cable works great on the Kantronics KPC3+



In order to power the Kantronics KPC3 via the DB9 connection, the jumpers must be configured on the main board. I searched the internet and could not find any guides on how to do this. At any rate, the pic below shows proper jumper setting to power the TNC through the DB9 connector.