WB0SMX

  APRS I-Gate Filed in Microcontrollers on Jan.05, 2022 Introduction In early 2021, I was approached to build a small, easy to use version of an APRS I-Gate. This device listens for APRS packets from your radio receiver, and forwards them to the internet to be displayed at the aprs.fi website. In this post I will detail the steps used to build and program this APRS IGate that runs on a Raspberry Pi Zero-W. The goal is to have a headless device (when desired) which automatically boots up the necessary programs and runs them when powered up. It will connect to a preferred network to forward the packets to the internet. Also included is a simple one-button shutdown routine, so there is no need for a keyboard in day-to-day operation. This process is documented on a Linux Mint machine. Utilities and details may differ for other architectures Here are links to PDF documents with build/configuration instructions… RaspberryPi_Zero_W_OS_Setup Rasp

  IC-2720 Installation in 2012 Ram-1500 Filed in IC-2720 on Jan.02, 2022 I was reviewing my photos folder today, and ran across this project from 2016 that I never made a blog post on. Here is a brief overview of that installation. I’m not providing many details, as this was done several years ago, and I can’t remember many of them. Maybe it will be useful for others with this vintage of Dodge Ram pickups. I had been using magnetic mount antennas on my 2012 Dodge Ram pickup since the time I had bought it new. I was concerned with running RF coax near any airbags that might be in the side panels of the truck. It had some badges on the side panels indicating there might be some. After owning the truck for four years, I decided to take a chance on making my antenna connections more permanent. I started by removing the dome light from the roof. I don’t remember now if I had to remove screws or not to do this.   Remove Dome Light I used a Unibit to dril