MICRO-TRAK 8000 FA MANUAL VER 2.0
The Micro-Trak 8000 FA is a frequency agile and programmable miniature APRS (Automatic Position
Reporting System) transmitter capable of operating from 144 to 148 MHz. (foreign and gornmental agencies
may contact us to discuss out of band operation, but the Micro-Trak products are not FCC certified for use
outside the ham bands in the United States) The transmitter utilizes a special version of the TinyTrak3
controller and is not compatible with any other version of TinyTrak firmware or config software. The entire
assembly measures only 1 X 4.5 inches, and weighs less than two ounces. The Micro-Trak 8000 FA is a
creation of VHS Products, and is distributed exclusively by Byonics at http://www.byonics.com
The MT-8000 FA is extremely compact
and light, due in part to the enclosed RF
section. The Micro-Trak 8000 FA is
provided as a fully assembled and
populated printed circuit board assembly.
Completion and operation of the device
will require simple programming, and
providing power, antenna, and a GPS
input. The Micro-Trak 8000 FA is shipped
wired and tested, but should be adjusted
by the user for the desired output power.
The power output may be adjusted with a trimmer potentiometer located on the printed circuit board’s amplifier
section. This version of the Micro-Trak 8000 FA has been provided with an external, user adjustable deviation
control, which should ordinarily be left rotated completely clockwise. Certain areas (Europe, etc.) may have
digipeaters that prefer a slightly more narrow-band deviation level. Using a receiver, you can set your deviation
level to the approximate deviation of users in your area.
Because of its small size and light weight, the MT-8000 FA is ideal for portable and airborne operations. Small
size not withstanding, the Micro-Trak 8000 FA is capable of power output in excess of 8 Watts, and is capable
of operating at extremely long ranges. An on-board 5 volt regulator provides an optional 200 mA, power output
for your GPS receiver. (Many applications, including the use of the device with hand-held GPS units, will not
require the 5 volt output of the Micro-Track.) The entire system runs well on 9-13.2 volts DC, and draws only
about 15 milliamps in standby, and increases to 1.7 amperes during transmissions (which last approximately
1/3 of a second using MIC-E) when set for full power operation. The Micro-Trak 8000 has easily adjustable
power settings for responsible and energy saving operation. The Micro-Trak utilizes a combination green/red
LED: green LED for the green GPS detector light and red LED transmit light.
No case or package is provided with the Micro-Trak 8000 FA, allowing the user to package the device
according to their own unique needs. The design philosophy called for as small, light and basic a package as
possible, with a high enough output for more critical and remote operations. The programming and GPS input
connection is set up to use a DB9 Male connector (The same as a standard TinyTrak 3) by simply sliding the
connector over the tabs, soldering may be required for a good connection. The Micro-Trak can connect to a
standard GPS receiver directly through the DB9 connector, but it is important to remember that computer
programming and communication uses a reversed connection, meaning you will need a female to female null
modem cable, or a null modem adaptor and a gender-changer connector for programming your Micro-Trak.
These cables and/or connectors are available from Byonics. A 6 pin 1 mm style connector is mounted on the
