Low-power APRS Tracker Digipeater and Igate
Using a low power ESP32 as an all-in-one APRS device
The Tech Minds youtube channel released a video on low-power, low-cost APRS trackers using Lilygo TWR Plus ESP32 devices.
This is made possible by an open-source firmware released by nakhonthai (HS5TQA). From the firmware’s README:
ESP32APRS(T-TWR Plus) works in 3-modes: APRS internet gateway, digital repeater, tracker, with built-in TNC and radio transceiver. which is used with the ESP32-S3 LILYGO T-TWR Plus V2.0 board.
The included screen and jogwheel provide on-device configuration and there is a web interface you can use from your phone/computer.
I’m intrigued by this project and have added the parts to my “future projects” list to buy and try out. This could be a low-power replacement for my Raspberry Pi and Direwolf based portable digipeater/igate for APRS.
Video from Tech Minds is below: