Telemega Compatible With Non Altus Metrum Receiver?

[JoePfeiffer]

I recently got an Altos Metrum TeleMega, planning to use it with my existing handy talky and APRSDroid to track an upcoming flight. While I am receiving packets from it on my HT, APRSDroid is unable to decode the packets. Reading the documentation, it looks like it may use a nonstandard encoding -- APRS is supposed to use AFSK at 1200baud, while the Telemega appears to be using a 4 convolution code -- so, questions:
1. Is anyone using a TeleMega with a non Altus Metrum ground station?
2. If so, how? Is there a setting that can use a standard code? Or do I need to just turn its transmitter off and continue to use my Big Red Bee?

 

[cls]

Connect to the telemega via USB, run their app, configure it to also xmit aprs. By default it doesn't. You'll also want to configure your call sign, SSID, and perhaps change frequency.

You'll hear the aprs tones at the end of the altus metrum data transmission.

 

[troj]

In the configuration options, you can enable APRS. This causes the TeleMega to transmit both their telemetry packets and the APRS data.

You can find info about APRS with the TeleMega here.

The AltusMetrum telemetry protocol is unique to them, but I wouldn't call it "proprietary" as all their software and hardware is open source, and someone could create an alternate device or application to decode the packets.

 

[JoePfeiffer]

Yes, I've enabled APRS and set the parameters. I'm getting what sounds like digital data on my HT but APRSDroid isn't decoding it. So... is anyone actually using a Telemega with a non-Altus Metrum ground station?

 

[K3LAG]

I use the Altus Metrum ground station but I also receive APRS packets from my TeleMetrum and TeleMega on a Yaesu FT3DR and on a Kenwood TM-D710G both with built in APRS.

I've never used APRSDroid, if it doesn't support compressed packets make sure compressed packets aren't enabled in the TeleMega.

 

[RocketDestroyer]

What TNC are you using with your handheld? If I remember correctly, APRSDroid is a software package but you still need hardware, ie a TNC between the radio and the software.

 

[JoePfeiffer]

I use the Altus Metrum ground station but I also receive APRS packets from my TeleMetrum and TeleMega on a Yaesu FT3DR and on a Kenwood TM-D710G both with built in APRS.

Thanks, this is the information I was looking for, which tells me it may be possible and I should keep experimenting with settings.

I've never used APRSDroid, if it doesn't support compressed packets make sure compressed packets aren't enabled in the TeleMega.

I've tried with compression turned on and off.

 

[JoePfeiffer]

What TNC are you using with your handheld? If I remember correctly, APRSDroid is a software package but you still need hardware, ie a TNC between the radio and the software.

Yes, APRSDroid is software but includes the TNC functionality. It just needs a cable from the HT to the phone.

I've been using it successfully with my Big Red Bee for years.

 

[Art Upton]

What TNC are you using with your handheld? If I remember correctly, APRSDroid is a software package but you still need hardware, ie a TNC between the radio and the software.

That used to be true, but the newer versions have a software modem:

 

[RocketDestroyer]

That used to be true, but the newer versions have a software modem:

View attachment 656688

Thanks for the update, I haven't looked at that system in many years. I do use my Yaesu VX8-GR to receive APRS data from my TeleMini. It is the backup to my TeleBT.