BYONICS TinyTrak3Plus User manual

- 1 -
BYONICS
TinyTrak3Plus Owner's Manual
Version 1.03
http://www.byonics.com/tinytrak

- 2 -
Overview ....................................................................................................................................................................................................2
Acknowledgments................................................................................................................................................................ 2
Construction ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 3
Schematic ............................................................................................................................................................................ 3
Parts List.............................................................................................................................................................................. 3
Printed Circuit Board............................................................................................................................................................ 4
Upgrading from an older TinyTrak....................................................................................................................................... 4
Assembly Instructions.......................................................................................................................................................... 4
Assembly Completion .......................................................................................................................................................... 7
Interfacing ............................................................................................................................................................................ 7
Radio – J1 ........................................................................................................................................................................ 8
Serial – J2 ........................................................................................................................................................................ 8
Power – J3 (also J1 and J2)............................................................................................................................................. 9
LED Control – J4.............................................................................................................................................................. 9
Primary/Secondary Switch SW 1 – J5 ............................................................................................................................. 9
Power Switch – J6............................................................................................................................................................ 9
Serial Power Enable – J7................................................................................................................................................. 9
Operations.................................................................................................................................................................................................. 9
Configuration Software ...................................................................................................................................................... 9
Primary / Secondary....................................................................................................................................................... 10
Callsign .......................................................................................................................................................................... 10
Digi Path......................................................................................................................................................................... 10
Symbol & Symbol Table / Overlay..................................................................................................................................10
Timing ............................................................................................................................................................................ 10
Status ............................................................................................................................................................................. 11
Checkbox Options.......................................................................................................................................................... 11
MIC-E Settings ............................................................................................................................................................... 12
Time Slotting .................................................................................................................................................................. 12
SmartBeaconing............................................................................................................................................................. 13
Power Switch ................................................................................................................................................................. 13
Configure........................................................................................................................................................................ 13
Tone Test....................................................................................................................................................................... 14
Save / Load .................................................................................................................................................................... 14
Windows XP Issue ......................................................................................................................................................... 14
TinyTrak3 Adjustment........................................................................................................................................................ 14
Troubleshooting .......................................................................................................................................................................................15
Frequently Asked Questions ....................................................................................................................................................................16
Hints, Tricks, & Notes...............................................................................................................................................................................17
Overview
TinyTrak3Plus is a small, inexpensive radio controller designed to receive and broadcast position reports from a GPS
receiver. It removes the need for a full TNC (terminal node controller) in an APRS tracker. When combined with an
NMEA-0183 compatible serial GPS receiver, and a radio transmitter, TinyTrak3Plus will key the radio at user-defined
intervals, and transmit the GPS’s current position. The position can be sent as text, or in the compact binary MIC-E
format, and can include position with altitude, speed, heading, a status message, and a timestamp. TinyTrak3Plus can be
configured for time slotted reporting, or the dynamic reporting rate of SmartBeaconing. TinyTrak3Plus can conserve radio
battery use by turning the radio on just before a transmission will be sent, and can be configured to transmit a 1/3 sec
position burst after unkeying after voice traffic, or to send positions on command. It supports most RS-232 and TTL GPS
receivers, and can provide power to many 5 volt and 12 volt receivers. All TinyTrak3Plus operating parameters are stored
in the internal EEPROM, and will persist even when power is removed. TinyTrak3Plus is the same as TinyTrak3 except
for a different circuit board which can power a GPS, and a larger voltage regulator to do so. This TinyTrak3Plus manual is
a copy of the TinyTrak3 manual with the assembly section re-written for the TinyTrak3Plus. The two units use the exact
same microcontroller and configuration software. TinyTrak3 and TinyTrak3Plus were created by Byon Garrabrant, N6BG.
More information can be found at the Byonics web site at http://www.byonics.com/tinytrak.
Acknowledgments
Thank you to Tony Barrett, N7MTZ, and all the other beta testers and users of the TinyTrak3, TinyTrakII, and TinyTrak. Without your
suggestions and support, TinyTrak3Plus could not have been created.

- 3 -
Construction
Schematic
Parts List
U1 PIC16F628-20/P programmed with
TinyTrak3 firmware
U2 7805 +5V voltage regulator
Y1 10 MHz ceramic resonator
Q1 2N2222A NPN transistor
R1 8.2K ohm resistor (gry-red-red)
R2 3.9K ohm resistor (org-wht-red)
R3 2K ohm resistor (red-blk-red)
R4, R10, R11,
R12, R13
1K ohm resistor (brn-blk-red)
R5 220K ohm resistor (red-red-yel)
R6, R9 10K trimmer potentiometer (103)
R7, R14 10K ohm resistor (brn-blk-org)
R8 2.2K ohm resistor (red-red-red)
C1, C2, C3,
C4, C5
0.1 uf capacitor (104)
D1, D4 Red T1-3/4 LED
D2 Yellow T1-3/4 LED
D3 Green T1-3/4 LED
D5, D6, D7 1N4148 diode
J1 Radio/Power DB9 female connector
J2 Serial/Power DB9 male connector
18 Pin DIP socket
PCB TinyTrak3Plus Printed Circuit Board
Hardware #4-40 5/16” screw, washer, nut

- 4 -
Printed Circuit Board
The TinyTrak3Plus printed circuit board (PCB) is double sided, silk-screened, and solder masked. It may be slightly
different from the one pictured below as new board are created. If TinyTrak3Plus is ordered without a case, the PCB MAY
be a bit wider and have mounting holes in the four corners.
Upgrading from an older TinyTrak
TinyTrak3 chips can run on the same circuit board as TinyTrak and TinyTrakII. Owners of these can upgrade to TinyTrak3
functionality by simply replacing the microcontroller with a TinyTrak3 chip, and using the TinyTrak3Config program.
Assembly Instructions
TinyTrak3Plus is a fairly simple construction project that can usually be built in less than an hour. You will need a low
wattage pencil-type soldering iron with a small tip, some thin solder, and a pair of diagonal cutters. The microcontroller
(U1) is static sensitive, so use standard precautions. For each item, insert on the component side (white silk-screened
side), then turn the board over and solder the leads to the pads on the trace side. Be sure to only solder the correct pad,
and do not let any solder touch any other pad or trace. Trim any excess leads with diagonal cutters after soldering each
component. The following checklist will be useful to insure all components are properly assembled. This list is ordered by
component height, which is a convienent way to build, but componets can be added in any order.
Install 5 capacitors C1 – C5. (0.1uf,
104). Direction does not matter. Bend
the leads apart slightly after insertion to
prevent them from falling out when the
PCB is upside-down for soldering.
Install voltage regulator U2 (7805).
Bend the leads so that the large
mounting hole at the top is aligned with
the hole on the PCB. There are 3
holes under the U2 leads for a smaller
regulator option, but they will not be
used. If desired, you can not cut the
U2 leads after soldering to help with
heat disapation.

- 5 -
Install 3 glass diodes D5 – D7
(1N4148). Direction is important. For
each diode, bend the lead nearest the
black stripe 180 degrees at the end of
the glass so that both leads are parallel
and 0.1 inch apart. Install vertically on
the board such that the bent lead (on
the stripe side) goes to the hole
nearest the left edge of the PCB. See
the image to the right.
Install transistor Q1 (2N2222A), which
provides Push-To-Talk (PTT) for the
radio transmitter. Be sure to orient flat
side to match the flat side shown on
the silk-screen pattern. The middle
lead will need to be bent back slightly
to align with the hole.
Install the 18-pin IC socket for U1. Be
sure to align the notched end of the
socket with the marked end on the silk
screen. First solder just two diagonally
opposite pins of the socket, and check
that the socket sits flat on the PCB.
Then solder the remaining socket pins.
Do not insert the chip into the socket at
this time.
Install potentiometer R6, (10K, 103)
which adjusts audio output level. Make
sure the short middle lead pokes
through the hole enough to be
soldered.
Install potentiometer R9, (10K, 103)
which adjusts carrier detect sensitivity.
Install resistors R1 (8.2K gry-red-red),
R2 (3.9K, org-wht-red), R3 (2K, red-
blk-red), R4 (1K, brn-blk-red), & R5
(220K, red-red-yel) which create the 4–
bit digital to analog resistor ladder.
Bend like the diodes. Direction does
not matter.
Install resistors R7 and R14 (10K, brn-
blk-org).
Install resistors R10 – R13 (1K, brn-
blk-red). These limit the current
flowing into LEDs D1 – D4.
Install resistor R8. (2.2K, red-red-red)
which is used for PTT on some radios.
If TinyTrak3Plus will be used with a
radio that does not key via current
through the mic line, R8 can be easily
cut out of circuit later by cliping the
resistor at the top of the bend and
pulling the leads apart slightly.

- 6 -
Install ceramic resonator Y1 (10 Mhz),
which provides the clock oscillation for
the chip. Direction does not matter.
Install Power Display LED D1 (red).
This LED will light when device is
powered. Be sure to align the flat side
of all LEDs with the shape on the silk-
screen, nearest the top edge of the
PCB. The short lead on an LED is
nearest the flat side (square hole). The
LED should be touching the PCB.
Install Carrier Detect LED D2 (yellow).
This LED will light constant when audio
is detected from the radio receiver, and
flash during the quiet time before
transmitting.
Install GPS State LED D3 (green).
This LED will light constant when
receiving good (locked) GPS data, and
flash when receiving bad (unlocked)
GPS data. It will be off when no GPS
data is received.
Install PTT LED D4 (red). This LED will
light when the radio is keyed via PTT.
Install female DB-9 radio connector J1.
This is the connector with the holes.
Wedge the board in between the two
rows of solder cups, with the 5 pins
aligned with the 5 pads on the PCB.
The connector must be completely
against the PCB edge. Solder just one
pin first, and insure the connector is on
straight. Then solder on both sides of
the PCB, all nine cups to the pads. It is
not important that the cup be filled with
solder, but rather that the cup be
soldered to the pad.
Install male DB-9 serial connector J2 as you did for J1. This is the
connector with the pins.
If TinyTrak3Plus will be providing power to a GPS via J2 pin 4, J7
on the back of the PCB must be jumpered. There are 3 square
pads. To provide 5V to the serial GPS, short the two lower pads by
placing a drop of solder that connects these two, as shown to the
right. To provide 12V (+V) to the serial GPS, short the top two
pads. Be sure that only 2 of the pads are shorted. The top pad
must not be connected to the bottom pad.
Add the #4-40 screw through the hole on U2 to mount the voltage
regulator to the PCB. On the bottom side, use a washer and a nut.
Do no over tighten.

- 7 -
Assembly Completion
After all components have been installed, inspect the solder side of the board for poor or cold solder joints. All pads
should be shiny and smooth. Inspect for any undesired solder bridges. Use an ohmmeter to be sure power (socket pin
14) and ground (socket pin 5) are not shorted, and have about 3K ohms across them. You can then also provide power to
the board (see below), and confirm +5 volts between socket pins 14 and 5. Pin 1 is nearest R14, pin 9 is nearest R5, pin
10 is nearest Y1, and pin 18 is nearest J4. If the board looks ready, complete the assembly as follows.
Insert programmed microprocessor U1. The chip is static sensitive, so ground yourself by touching a large metal
object before touching the chip. The rows of pins may need to be bent slightly. Be sure to align the notch on the
chip with the notch on the socket, as well as the notch on the silk-screen (nearest the LEDs). An improperly
inserted chip may become permanently damaged. When powered, the green and yellow LEDs should flash 3
times, which means the TinyTrak3Plus is running.
TinyTrak3Plus can now be put into the case. Remove the screw on the bottom center of the case to open. Apply
the case label to the top side of the case.
GPS Assembly
TinyTrak3Plus should be connected to a serial GPS sending NMEA 0183 sentences at 4800 baud. Both RS-22 and TTL
logic and levels are supported. TinyTrak3Plus can be configured to provide the supplied power to the GPS (typically 12
volts), or a regulated 5 volts. This selection is done via the J7 jumper on the bottom of the TinyTrak3Plus PCB. If the 3
pads are unconnected, no power is provided via pin 4 of the J2 serial connector. If the top 2 pads are shorted with a bead
of solder, the supplied power is sent to J2 pin 4. If the bottom 2 pads are shorted, 5 volts is connected to J2 pin 4. A 5V
GPS connected to J2 pin 4 should not draw more than about 120 mA (if TinyTrak3Plus is given a 12V supply). If it draws
more than about 60 mA with a 12V supply, it will get warm, or even hot, but this is OK.
Three 5 volt GPS receivers have been tested with TinyTrak3Plus and are
recommended.
The Garmin GPS18 LVC small black round 2 3/8” diameter puck GPS with a
magnetic base. It can be purchased as the GPS18 PC version with a cigarette
lighter plug and DB-9 connector with will work with the original TinyTrak3, but with
the TinyTrak3Plus, the LVC version is usually cheaper and will work fine. The
GPS18 LVC comes with bare wires, so a connector will need to be added. The
black ground wire should be soldered to pin 5 of a female DB-9 connector. The
red power wire is soldered to pin 4, and the white serial output wire soldered to pin
2. Do not feed this GPS more than 6 volts.

- 8 -
The Deluo GPS Lite is a small blue 1.5” square GPS. It normally comes with a 6 pin
mini din connector. It can be used with the original TinyTrak3 when purchased with a
cigarette lighter adapter cable and a serial adapter cable, but for use with the
TinyTrak3Plus, these adapters are not needed. Simply cut off the 6 pin mini din
connector, and replace it with a female DB-9. The black ground wire should be
connected to pin 5, the red power wire to pin 4, and the green serail out wire to pin 2.
There is a red LED inside the GPS which will be lit or flashing when the GPS has power.
Do not feed this GPS more than 6 volts.
The GlobalSat BR304 is a small black 1.5” x 2.25” GPS receiver. It comes with an RJ-
12 connector that can be cut off and replaced with a female DB-9 connector. Solder the
black ground wire to DB-9 pin 5, the red power wire to DB-9 pin 4, and the green serial
out wire to DB-9 pin 2. There is a red LED on the GPS which will be lit or flashing when
the GPS has power. Do not feed this GPS more than 6 volts.
Interfacing
The following are the interface connections for the TinyTrak3, which are needed before operation.
Radio – J1
Female DB-9 connector J1 is used to interface TinyTrak3 to a radio transceiver. It is compatible with the radio connector
on Kantronics TNC, such as the KPC-3. Connect AUDIO OUT (J1 pin 1) to the radio’s mic input. If the transmitter
transmits when the microphone input is grounded (most handheld (HT) radios do, except the Kenwood brand), resistor R8
must be installed, but PTT OUT (J1 pin 3) will not need to be connected to the transmitter. For all other transmitters, PTT
OUT (pin 3) will be needed, and should be connected to the transmitter’s PTT input. PTT OUT is grounded when the
transmitter is to be keyed. To prevent transmissions over other stations, connect the receiver’s squelched audio out
(earphone) jack to the AUDIO IN (pin 5). Also connect J1 GROUND (pin 6) to the radio’s ground. Note: TinyTrak3 cannot
decode the incoming packet data. Instead, it just watches for audio energy (voice, data, or static) to hold off transmitting
over other stations. Refer to the transceiver’s manual for more information, and look for a section on installing a terminal-
node controller (TNC) for packet operation, as TinyTrak3 is interfaced in a similar manner. J1 can also be used to supply
or receive TinyTrak3’s power, via pin 7 and pin 6.
If R8 is used, you should not wire PTT OUT to the radio.
J1 also provides a PTT INPUT (pin 8) to allow TinyTrak3 to transmit a data burst after the microphone is unkeyed after
voice traffic. This input should be grounded when PTT is pressed, and floating when PTT is released. This input is not
needed for normal operation. J1 also can optionally interface to a radio’s carrier detect output via the CARRIER DET input
(pin 2). To use this option, CARRIER DET should be grounded when the channel is busy. If the radio asserts CD output
high when the channel is busy, use the Invert CD option in the configuration program. R9 should be removed, or set to
center when using J1 pin 2. In addition, SW1 is available on J1 via pin 4. Some example radio interface diagrams are
available at http://www.byonics.com/tinytrak/wiring.php and at http://www.packetradio.com/tnc2rad.htm.
Serial – J2
TinyTrak3 must be connected to a computer for configuration of call sign and other operating parameters, and then
connected to a GPS to receive position data. The male DB-9 J2 serial connector is used for this purpose. J2 pin 3 is used
to transfer serial data from the TinyTrak3 to the computer. J2 pin 2 is used to transfer serial data from the computer or
GPS to the TinyTrak3. J2 pin 5 is serial ground. Both a gender-changer (female-to-female) AND a null-modem adapter will
be needed to interface the computer to TinyTrak3. A null-modem adapter swaps pins 2 and 3, and connects pin 5. Use a
DB-9 serial extension cable if it is difficult to connect the gender-changer, null-modem adapter, and TinyTrak3 directory to
the computer 9-pin serial port. Due to the TTL voltage levels used, some laptop computers may not be able to
communicate with the TinyTrak3.
If using a GPS that plugs directly into a computer serial port, that GPS can be plugged directly into TinyTrak3’s J2 serial
connector. If the GPS does not connect directly into a computer’s serial port, an interface will need to be built. The GPS
should have a female DB-9 with GPS serial data out wired to pin 2, and ground to pin 5. GPS serial input is not used. J2
can also be used to supply or receive TinyTrak3’s power. If this is desired, J7 on the back of the PCB can be shorted to
provide 5V or 12V to the GPS via J2 pin 4. Drop a bead of solder across the two bottom square pads for 5V, and the two
top pads for 12V. When selecting 5V, do not use a GPS that draws more that about 120ma. The TinyTrak3 will get warm
when providing 5V to most GPSs. The GPS must output the $GPRMC sentence or the $GPGGA sentence or both at
4800 baud N81. The $GPRMC sentence provides position, speed and direction. The $GPGGA sentence provides
position and altitude.

- 9 -
Power – J3 (also J1 and J2)
TinyTrak3 must be powered with an external source of 7-35 volts DC, such as a 9-volt battery, or a 12-volt cigarette lighter
plug. TinyTrak3 is NOT powered via a computer’s serial port. Power can be applied via J1, J2, or J3. J1 is the most
common way to power the TinyTrak3. To use J1, connect pin 7 to positive voltage and pin 6 to ground. To use J2,
connect pin 4 to positive voltage and pin 5 to ground. Also, short J7 on the back of the PCB by dropping a bead of solder
across the two square pads. To use J3, apply positive voltage to the plus (+) hole, nearest the LEDs, and ground to the
minus (-) hole. Only one of the three jacks J1, J2, and J3 should be used to supply power to the TinyTrak3. If power is
applied via J2 or J3, the same power will be available on J1 to power a radio. If power is supplied via J1 or J3, the same
power can be retrieved via J2 to power a GPS, if J7 is shorted. Be sure not to draw more current than your supply can
handle. At 12 volts, current draw is 6.6ma + 3ma for each LED lit. If desired, the 4 1K LED resistors can be replaced with
10K resistors, which will cause the LED to only draw about 0.5 ma each.
LED Control – J4
This optional jumper is normally bridged on the PCB, but if desired, can be cut, and replaced with a true jumper. This will
allow easy disconnection of the LEDs if current saving is important. If desired, cut the trace between the two J4 holes, and
insert a 1x2 header.
Primary/Secondary Switch SW 1 – J5
This switch input will select the primary or secondary operating parameters. When left floating, or at 5 volts, the primary
parameters are used. When grounded, secondary parameters are used. Whenever this switch is changed, the timers
are reset, the Carried Detect LED (D2) will blink rapidly for a short time, and then a transmission will be sent. SW1 is also
available on J1 pin 4. This switch input is optional, and can be left unconnected.
Power Switch – J6
J6 can be used to control power to the radio and/or GPS. TinyTrak3 can be configured to assert J6 with 5V just before a
transmission is sent. After the transmission, J6 will drop back to 0 volts until the next transmission is ready. Be sure to
choose a relay that can handle the power requirements of the radio and GPS. A Radio Shack 5VDC Reed Relay (275-
232) can be used to control power to a radio that draws less than 1 amp. J6 can only supply 25ma. This output is
optional, and can be left unconnected. See the Power Switch section in the Configuration Software.
Serial Power Enable – J7
To bridge serial power J2 pin 4 to TinyTrak3 power J3 and J1 pin 7, this jumper on the bottom of the PCB should be
shorted by dropping a bead of solder across the two square pads. This will allow the GPS to receive power from the
TinyTrak3 power source, or let the TinyTrak3 be powered from the serial connector. If serial power is not needed, leave
this jumper open.
Operations
Configuration Software
To set user options, such as call
signs and transmit rates, use the
TinyTrak3Config.EXE program,
available from www.byonics.com.
First, power TinyTrak3 via an
external battery or other power
source and connect it to a
computer serial port. The computer
serial port wil NOT power the
TinyTrak3. Be sure to use a
gender-changer, and a null-modem
adapter. Launch
TinyTrak3Config.EXE, and select
the connected serial port. Click
“Version” to confirm the config
program can communicate with
TinyTrak3. If a firmware version
number is reported, the software
and circuit are communicating. If

- 10 -
not, re-check all previous steps. Click Read to upload the current configuration, edit all fields for desired options, and click
Write to download options to the chip. Reading the Configuration is always performed twice and compared in the program
to insure correct data. Writing the configuration is always followed by a read and compared to insure correct data. A dialog
will notify the user when the read or write is complete, and if it was successful. A read or write operation may fail if the unit
is transmitting. If this happens, simply try again. Detailed information about each configuration parameter is included
below.
Primary / Secondary
These tabs select whether the software is viewing and setting the primary or secondary parameters. All parameters can
be adjusted independently in the two configurations. The primary settings will be used if the SW1 input is left floating or
connected to 5 volts. The secondary settings will be used if SW1 input is grounded.
Callsign
This is the identification of the transmitting station. It can be an amateur radio call sign such as N6BG, or a tactical call
such as BUS. No more than 6 characters (excluding SSID) may be used. If a tactical call is used, an amateur radio call
sign should be included in the status beacon for compliance with FCC identification requirements. As with normal packet
radio, an optional SSID between 1 and 15 can be included, such as N6BG-2 or BUS-15.
Digi Path
This optional path will allow the transmission to be repeated by digipeaters. It should be entered in the form of call signs or
aliases with optional SSIDs, separated by commas, such as RELAY,WIDE,WIDE. WIDEn-n format is also supported,
such as WIDE3-3. More call signs in the digipeater path will limit the space available for the status beacon.
Symbol & Symbol Table / Overlay
These settings set the symbol most APRS programs will display when this tracker’s
position is received. The symbol table / overlay will modify the display of the symbol by
switching to the APRS Alternate Symbol Table, or adding an overlay character. Use /
for the primary symbol table, use \ for the alternate symbol table, and use a number (0-
9) or a letter (A-Z) for an overlay on the symbols that allow it. The table on the right
shows some symbol examples. Other symbol characters can be found in the APRS
documentation, as well as APRS receiving programs, and
http://www.jarviscomputer.com/jim/aprs-symbols .
Timing
Auto TX Delay
This sets the delay in milliseconds after the transmitter is keyed, until the data begins. It is similar to the TXD setting in
most TNCs. A value of 200 ms would be equal to 1/5 second. Maximum delay is about 1700 milliseconds.
Auto Transmit Rate
This setting controls how often, in seconds, a position transmission will occur. Valid range is between 1 second and 65535
seconds (18.2 hours).
Manual TX Delay
This sets the delay in milliseconds after the transmitter is keyed, until the data begins when a transmission is manually
triggered via PTT IN. It should be set to a value less than the Auto TX Delay when using PTT IN for data burst after voice.
If PTT IN is not used, the setting doesn’t matter.
Manual Transmit Rate
This setting controls how often, in seconds, a manual position transmission can occur. If the PTT IN line is grounded, and
it has been at least this long since the last transmission, TinyTrak3 will transmit. CD input is ignored when checking for
manual transmissions.
Quiet Time
This setting controls the approximate delay in milliseconds that must occur after the receiver squelches, before a
transmission will occur. It can keep transmissions from occurring on a busy channel. During the quiet time, the CD LED
will flash quickly.
Symbol Table/Overlay Icon
> /
j /
< /
[ /
k /
S \