APRS™ is a trademark of Bob Bruninga
Looking for a computer for APRS that is cheap, reliable and versatile? I think we may have just what you need! A simple, diskless, computer that runs on 12v and has a touch screen that is bright enough to view in direct sunlight. Custom configured with Bob Bruninga's APRStch (touch screen version) pre-installed!
In early 2000, we (my friend and fellow ham, Chris) acquired a number of used industrial computers that were used by a local major freight company that used them for tracking shipments. Many of these computers were mounted on forklifts and used at the freight docks all around the USA. They also had wireless network cards but we were not able to get them with these cards. However, a large number of these, what we call Type 2 systems, do have the tokin-ring network cards still in them.
We have three types of computers. They are different in size and processing power and are categorized as follows:
- Type 1 - 386 33 MHz computer. Diskless. Single ISA slot. 2 serial ports, 1 printer port, PS2 keyboard port, 2 PCMCIA slots. Room for internal Hard Drive (w/controller card). Manufactured by Citadel Corp.
- Type 2 - 386 33 MHz (some 25 MHz) computer. Diskless. Single ISA slot. 1 serial port, 1 printer port, keyboard port, external floppy drive port. Manufactured by Citadel Corp.
- Type 3 - 586 75 MHz computer. Flash Drive (~ 20MB). Multiple ISA slots, VGA port, 2 serial ports (4 on board), Printer port, keyboard port, external floppy drive port. Manufactured by National Integrated Services.
What we did is to take the Type 1 and 2 computers and turn them into APRS computers. These systems will work very well in the field. We took the old operating system off of them, put PCDOS back on and installed APRStch. Also, we installed Interlnk.exe and Intersvr.exe so that you can customize the maps and update them if need be. (We actually open the computers an use floppy and hard drives to install the software. You may prefer to do the same.) The computer arrives, ready to run APRS! All you need to do, is wire in 12v (our supply of 12v power supplies that came with these machines have long been exhausted.) and turn it on! APRStch will boot up automatically and be ready to use.
The Type 3 systems are being offered as is. These systems work very well with Linux and APRSd software for setting up a IGATE. We have an IGATE running, KK5XF-10, here in north central Arkansas, near Harrison. It has been running 24/7, without problems, for a number of months. Initially we offered these with custom configurations, but have found it cheaper for you to do so yourself. However, if your not capable to install hard drives, linux and aprsd, then we will for a nominal fee.
Here you can find links to additional pages that show these computers, inside and out.
The prices are as follows:
Type 1 - $80
Type 2 - $80
Type 3 - $300
Shipping is done via UPS.
If you have a club or group that wishes to buy these systems, we offer a price break at a qty of 8. In fact, if you order 8, we will throw in two for free (type 1 and 2 only)!
To order send us email here and request a total price. Include your name, call, address and zip code. Orders are shipped upon receipt of your check or money order. Please no C.O.D.'s.
This link will take you to the support pages for these machines.