If WiMo’s PicoAPRS transceiver were a member of the Marvel Universe, we highly suspect it would be Ant-Man—small, versatile, deceptively powerful, and easily stepped on if you’re not careful. In fact, the device measures a matchbox-sized 1.3″ wide x 2.6″ high x 1″ deep—about as long of one of the world’s largest ants, the bullet variety of Central and South America, which can grow to about 1.2 inches.
With transmit power of approximately 1W (switchable to about 0.5W), this amazing device can be used as an APRS tracker and receiver, GPS tracker (e.g., for Geocoaching), pager, and now even more.
What’s New
In this latest model (version 4) of the world’s tiniest APRS transceiver, the device includes a TNC and GPS receiver, but developer Taner Schenker, DB1NTO, has upped the ante by adding a VHF two-meter handheld transceiver with a PTT button, microphone, speaker, stored memories, color display, and much more—all without adding much girth to its svelte housing.
Also new for version 4 is the KISS data protocol for packet radio, which is available via a side-mounted USB-C socket, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi, making it easy to set up an APRS IGate (previously not possible in such a small housing). U.S. customers can change the APRS frequency and frequency range to match U.S. allocation directly on the unit when it’s received. CTCSS and repeater offset settings are also available. It also comes with 21 memory locations; APRS Fill-In Digi; a “Follow” function that allows you to track the location of other callsigns by the press of a button; scan function; depending on configuration, run time of up to 10 hours with its built-in and removable 850 mAh Li-Ion battery; easy recharging with the built-in USB-C jack; and seven-pole harmonic filter to suppress unwanted spurious emissions. The unit comes almost completely configured. Simply enter and save your callsign and you’re good to go.
Other additions include:
- The WLAN interface simplifies software maintenance. Updates can now be installed with a built-in web server, the same web interface which allows convenient management of the memory channels and other functions.
- Larger 240 x 240 pixel color display can show incoming APRS packet data such as position messages, APRS messages (like SMS), and status messages. For position messages, the distance and compass direction to the transmitter are also displayed. The last stations heard, including distance and compass direction, as well as messages received are stored and retrieved from the menus.
- New joystick-style buttons on the front of the unit provide enhanced functionality.
Unlike its insectile superhero counterpart, the PicoAPRS does not come with an antenna, though any antenna with an SMA connection can be installed. Charging cable is also not included.
What’s next for the PicoAPRS? Stay tuned! Read many more details and check for availability of version 4 at DXEngineering.com.
