Skip to content

Tracker3

The Tracker3 is the successor to the Tracker2 APRS tracker/TNC. It is based on the Freescale MCF51JM128 microcontroller, with a 32-bit ColdFire CPU core running at 48 MHz.

Tracker3 official product page

Tracker3 Hardware Variants

There are presently five products in the Tracker3 series:

  • OT3m: Standalone version in metal case with telemetry inputs and solid-state relay
  • T3-301: Integrated 5-watt VHF transceiver
  • T3-135: Plug-in board for Alinco DR-135T
  • T3-Mini: Tracker module measuring 1.72" by 1.12"
  • T3-Micro: USB dongle form factor tracker

This page covers material common to all variants. For hardware-specific info, see the links above.

User's Manual

USB Support

The rear panel of the OT3m includes a standard USB 'B' connector. USB functionality is identical to that of the OpenTracker USB.

The USB port can be used for:

  • Configuring with otwincfg
  • Accessing the command prompt
  • KISS interface mode with a PC

When connected via USB, the tracker draws power from the host — no additional power connection is required.

Note: The OT3m is not a USB host and cannot connect to USB GPS receivers.

Windows

Windows 2000, XP, Vista, and 7 require the INF file for USB recognition.

For help, see the Windows INF File Installation article (manual linking needed).

Linux

Most modern Linux distros should recognize the OT3m automatically and assign it as /dev/ttyACM0. If not:

sudo modprobe usbserial vendor=0x134a product=0x9000

macOS

Should assign a device like /dev/cu.usbmodem*. Cancel if prompted for a dial-up setup.

Other Operating Systems

The OT3m is a USB CDC ACM serial device with:

  • VID: 0x134A
  • PID: 0x9000

Most OSes include class drivers for this type.

Configuration

The otwincfg utility should always detect the device regardless of mode. If a COM port above 16 is assigned, you'll need to reassign it in Device Manager.

The USB port mode is controlled by a setting: - Checkbox in otwincfg: USB KISS - Command line: USBKISS ON

When in KISS mode, the port works with AGWPE, UI-View32, etc.

If the host program sends a KISS exit command, the tracker exits KISS mode and returns to the command prompt.

You can access the command prompt through the USB port using any terminal program. Baud rate settings are ignored on USB.

Note: When USBKISS is off, the command prompt is accessible only via USB — not through Port A.

Hardware Configuration Flags

Certain hardware behaviors are controlled by a byte at flash address 0x005FFF (0x002FFF in builds prior to 56398). Normally you do not need to change this.

Bit 0 - Reserved
Bit 1 - Invert serial RX polarity
Bit 2 - Invert serial TX polarity
Bit 3 - Reserved
Bit 4 - Reserved
Bit 5 - FC-301/D radio present
Bit 6 - KYL-600 series radio present
Bit 7 - Reserved

To set the configuration byte, use the PATCH command. Example:

PATCH 005FFF0106

This sets both TX and RX invert bits.

Scripting

The Tracker3 includes a simple scripting engine for automation and customization.

See also: Script Examples