- Do I need
to learn "Programming" to use the TigerTrak?
- What cables and
connectors will I need?
- Can I power
the TM-1 from the radio's mic connector?
- Can the TM-1
supply power to my GPS receiver?
- What NMEA
string does the TM-1 require for tracking?
- Will the TM-1
work with my Tripmate GPS receiver?
- Is there a DOS
configuration program available?
- Is there any
easy way to attach to the mic circuit?
- What is
the main difference between a TM-1 and TM-1+?
- Can my TM-1 ever be
upgraded to a TM-1+?
- Can I get a
firmware upgrade for new features?
- How do
I remove the TigerTrak software from my computer?
- How do I get Technical Support?
Absolutely Not! While the TigerTrak is technically "programmable", it
comes with a simple to use Windows configuration program
that does all the work for you! Programming or "Configuring" the TM-1
is very easy. For example: To configure the TM-1 for APRS® tracking,
all you have to do is enter your callsign, digi path and transmit timer
interval. Then just click the "Write" button. Thats all there is to
it!
The TM-1 is supplied with a radio cable. One end of the cable already has a
connector installed that plugs directly into the TM-1. The other end of the
cable is unterminated. You will need to install whatever connector is
appropriate for your particular radio on the open end. Exactly what connectors
you'll need will depend on your radio and your specific application. In
installations where the TM-1 is used for both voice and data (ie: APRS®),
you will need some kind of junction box or splice that will allow the unit to be
connect in parallel with the microphone lines. In data only applications
(telemetry, etc.), you can plug directly into the mic connector. On radios that
do not have speaker audio available on the mic connector, you will also need to
plug into the radios external speaker jack.
Your GPS receiver or other data source must be plugged into the "Data /
Control" connector on the rear of the TM-1 using a female DB-9 connector.
This connector is not supplied with the TM-1. The pin-out of the Data/Control
port is unique to the TM-1. If the device you are connecting already has a
connector, then you may have to rewire it or make an adapter cable. Refer to the
TM-1 Installation Manual for detailed wiring info.
Powering the TM-1 is normally done through a 2.1mm coaxial power plug on the
rear panel. A plug is supplied with the unit, but the user must provide wiring
and a fuse. On radios that have accessory power available on the mic connector,
it may be possible to power the TM-1 from that source. Refer to the power
section of the Installation Manual for further details.
Yes, if adequate voltage and current is available. The TM-1 requires 8 to 15 VDC
at about 45 milliamps for operation. If your radio can supply this power, then
you can power the TM-1 from it. You will need to check your radio's manual to
verify power availability. WARNING: Overloading the mic
connector power supply will damage your radio!
The TM-1 and TM-1+ can both be configured to supply power to a GPS receiver
through pin #9 on the Data/Control connector. The power is supplied directly
from the 2.1mm power jack on the rear of the TM-1. The voltage at pin #9 will be
about 1 volt less than the applied voltage, because of a series protection
diode. The power at pin #9 is limited to 250 ma by a self-resetting PTC circuit
breaker. In the TM-1+ (ONLY) the power to pin #9 is controlled by a solid state
switch that turns on with the front panel switch. This feature allows power to
the GPS to be controlled by the TM-1+. This is an especially attractive feature
if you are using an OEM receiver like the Garmin GPS-25. Refer to the
Installation Manual for additional information.
Both the TM-1 and TM-1+ require the NMEA "GPRMC" string for Tracking
Mode. This string MUST be available from your GPS for Tracking Mode to work!
There are very few GPS's receivers that can not be configured to provide this
string.
In order to work with any tracker, the Tripmate must undergo a simple
modification. Information on this modification can be found at numerous
locations on the Internet. One such location is: Tripmate
Tracker Modifications.
Currently there are no plans for a DOS version of the Configuration Program.
Commercial users requiring software for a special application are invited to
contact us for availability or a quote on custom software.
Getting attached to the mic lines, while keeping the mic connected, can be a
surprisingly difficult project! In response to many requests for ideas,
Tigertronics has just introduced a "Mic Adapter Kit". This is a small
and inexpensive unit that plugs in-line between the mic and radio. It works with
both 8-Pin and RJ-45 type mic connectors and greatly simplifies connecting the
TM-1 tracking applications. Refer to our product listing for further
information.
The TM-1 only supports Tracking Mode, while the TM-1+ supports tracking and
several additional modes. The TM-1+ also has solid state switching to control
power to the GPS.
There are both hardware and firmware differences between the TM-1 and TM-1+.
However, it is possible to upgrade. The cost will be slightly more than the
original cost difference between the two units. Contact our Technical Support
for the exact upgrade cost and procedure.
Even though the TM-1 has no plug-in "EPROM", it can be easily upgraded
with the latest features. The TigerTrak uses advanced memory technology called
"FLASH". The Flash memory can be reprogrammed to provide new features
many thousands of times before it has to be replaced, so the cost of an upgrade
is very low. Upgrade notices will be posted on our web site. If you see
something that interests you, contact our Technical Support Department to
schedule the upgrade.
To remove the TigerTrak software from your computer, do the following: Click on
the "Start" button and select "Control Panel" from the
"Settings" menu. When the Control Panel window opens, double-click the
"Add/Remove Programs" icon and select "TigerTrak TM-1
Configuration Program" from the files list. Click the
"Add/Remove" button to remove the program.
It is not very likely that you will need to contact us if you read your
Installation Manual and this web site. However, if you have a problem that you
can't resolve, feel free to call our Technical Support Department for help. The
procedure for doing that is available on our Technical
Support page.
Tigertronics - All Rights Reserved | BayPac, SignaLink, and
TigerTrak are trademarks of Tigertronics
APRS is a trademark of Bob Bruninga | All other trademarks are the
property of their respective owners