One objection to installing an aprs tracker that is sometimes presented by prospective
users is a reluctance to delve into geekdom and software setup. The traditional trackers
are quite
easy to configure, but I guess even that degree of customization is intimidating to
some.
The Byonics MT-RTG is the answer
to those who express technophobia but still wish to have the safety enhancement of an
onboard tracker. The heart of the MT-RTG is the TinyTrac3 encoder which carries
well-proven technology. This encoder is paired with a ten-watt transmitter and regulated
power supply which provides a package that is RTG (read to go).
Since the tracker is delivered with the user's callsign and a generic config that is
suitable for aviation tracking, there is no need to crack open the case or do any
programming. However, the RTG is fully programmable like the other Byonics trackers for
the user who wishes to customize the config. The software and user manuals are
downloadable from the Byonics website.
One end of the high-impact plastic case carries an SMA antenna connector.
The other end has a standard 6 pin mini DIN connector for the supplied harness for 12v
aviation or auto bus power and serial GPS data input. Since this is a readily available
connector, it will be easy to fabricate a harness if a particular installation requires
customization. The serial connector is also used for custom programming like the other
Byonics trackers. Also visible in the photo is the dual-color LED that indicates valid GPS
data and transmitter operation.
The MT-RTG is available either with just the harness, or as a bundle that includes the
GPS2 mini GPS receiver/antenna and a 20" magnetic base transmitting antenna.
So....what we have is a very neat package that is about as close to plug-n-play as we can
get. How does it fly?
Very nicely, thank you. I slapped a magnetic 5/8 wave antenna on top of the car and took
to the road to see if the little black box could land some beacons on the local digis. It
had no problem hitting a couple of digis about thirty miles away.
The MT-RTG was tested in the aircraft with a belly-mounted VHF-band whip antenna. The
first flight was with the Byonics GPS2. The second was with the Garmin GPS35 that usually
provides data for my tracker. In both cases the MT-RTG delivered flawless tracking.
Aprs tracker packaging has been advanced several steps with this tracker. It is compact,
ruggedly housed, preprogrammed, offered by a reputable vendor, and based on proven
components. And the icing on the aprs cake...the price including the GPS and antenna is
under $200!
From now on, the MT-RTG is the device I will recommend to pilots who want the easiest aprs
tracker installation for their aircraft.
Highly recommended.
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Please submit all questions and comments to sbuc@hiwaay.net
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Table of Contents
RV6 Home
Who is Sam?
The Hangar
Getting Ready to Build
Odd 'n Ends
Building the Tail
Horz. Stab Log
Vert. Stab Log
Rudder Log
Elevator Log
Uh-Ohs
Building the Wings
Wing Spars
Wing Assembly
Flaps
Ailerons
Fuel Tanks
Building the Fuselage
The Finish Kit
Links
Flight of Rediscovery
The Beat Goes On
The RV Journal
Front Page
Talk
to Sam
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