TinyTrak4

I got my TinyTrak4 up and running.  What is it you ask?  It is an APRS^TM GPS position encoder which, when connected to a serial GPS and a radio, will transmit its location at an adjustable rate.  I am using it as a way to report my position automatically while we go on our trip.  I know, some of you say "Use your smartphone's GPS app so people can track you that way".  Well, the good thing about this little device is that when there is no cell phone coverage, more than likely there will be radio coverage.  When I talk about radio, I mean HAM radio, specifically 2 meter. 
   For the geeks in the audience, you can go to : http://www.byonics.com/tinytrak4/ and check it out for yourself.  Kind of a nifty little gadget.  I got the optional display and have connected a keyboard to it, which allows me to see decoded packets, send short text messages, and to adjust settings on the fly.  A very cool addition to the TinyTrak4.  The display and keyboard adapter don't come with an enclosure, so I bought one and fit the TT4, LCD and the keyboard adapter into one box.  See below pictures of my little project.

WTF?!?!? What is a HAM?

Well, it appears that I've been lax at writing in the ol' Blog. Of course there is always lot's going on, I just haven't had the inclination to sit here and type.
Anyway, the reason for this entry is to share some info (if you're interested). After many years of procrastination I finally made the effort to get my Amateur Radio License. My call sign is KF7HVQ. Of course the basic license gives you just enough taste of the hobby to make you want to go for the other license classes.

So, I've got my license and two new radios, both of the Yaesu variety. My handheld is the FT-60R and what I'll use as a base/mobile unit is the FT-857D. So far both radios have been great, although there is a little bit of a learning curve as you can imagine.
With my limited knowledge and priveledges, I've been able to talk to people from all over the world. Of course that was sort of cheating as HAM radios nowadays can be linked via the Internet. IRLP and Echolink are two examples of this technology. I am waiting right now for my HF antenna to arrive in the mail. This antenna(when properly set up), will allow me to reach out hundreds and even thousands of miles.
So far I am pretty happy that I've invested a little of my time into learning about this hobby. I am currently studying for the General License, and am thinking of learning Morse Code.
Here are a couple of links related to the hobby, as well as some of the manufacturer websites:

http://www.arrl.org
http://www.eham.net
http://www.yaesu.com
http://www.hiqantennas.com
http://www.echolink.org
http://www.irlp.net
http://www.narri.org/reflector_map.html
http://status.irlp.net