This used to be Node 3222 which was used in a mobile-node capacity before being replacement by a nano-node. This is being kept for reference so others can use it for suggestions and ideas on their own builds. Prices are likely out of date by the time you read this.

MOBILE NODE INSTALL NOTES, PICTURES etc.

Some of the design ideas on my node were taken from VK3JD ( photos are in a link at the bottom of this page ), with the exception that I used a mobile radio in my installation. The DC power distribution box is powered with a cigarette lighter plug. It will never draw more than the 5-7 amps that a plug of this nature is designed for so this was perfect for this application The milk crate ( Idea from K1BDX ) is from office depot and was $8.00. Portability was required for me, I never leave anything in my vehicle. I tied the radio down with zip ties and the radio is screwed to the top of the ATX case with factory bracket and some bolts. A 60MM fan is placed on the top with sticky tape and the + / - connections are made at the plug on the radio so it runs at all times when the radio is powered up. These radio's get pretty warm even at 5w so a fan is needed. The zip ties go up and over the radio not to hold the radio down, but to keep the whole unit from sliding around. Holes in the bottom of the crate let the straps go through. The Cradle Point router is on the side with velcro and the power is being supplied by a DC/AC converter with factory plug. A Y-Splitter Cigarette plug is direct wired to the DC power supply box for powering the AC/DC converter, and the GPS puck's factory plugs. I hate cutting and splicing wires if I can avoid it. While the plugs are bulky, it is less chance for loose connections if you use the stock wiring in my opinion. The reason for the cradle point router is because it allows the 3G VERIZON stick to plug into it directly which provides the internet connection. VERIZON is, so far, one of the only ones that works with IRLP due to IP and port issues with other carriers. I tried a VIRGIN MOBILE 3G stick and these DO NOT work without using a VPN to pass the data. If you have technical questions on this, email me basic questions on the VPN option as I have not used one so far. Or, email DAVE or CRAIG shown below.

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Craig, K1BDX and Dave, KL7M contributed significantly to the design and testing as well as configuration of this mobile IRLP system.

This is a recent track of the mobile node from Houston back to San Antonio. Each red dot is the APRS beacon being sent to the APRS-IS, courtesy of K1BDX and his aprs script. I am currently using a Virgin Mobile 3G stick with a VPN connection. As you can see, the data coverage is pretty good however it is not always running at 3G speeds. It is, however at least 1x, allowing the APRS script to report to the server. Click it for full screen.

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The screen shot above is my APRS track to NY and back to TX with the GPS script provided by K1BDX reporting my position every minute or so. It painted a pretty nice line.

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