ptFlex APRS Tracker

The ptSolar from Project: Traveler is a compact, battery-powered APRS tracker designed for high-altitude weather balloon flights. With an all-in-one design, it's intended for tracking your weather balloon to the edge of space.

• Compact Design: xxx grams ready-to-fly (not including battery or antenna).
• Uses light weight and readily available 7.4V LiPo rechargable batteries.
• APRS Compatibility: Transmits on 144.390 MHz (North America) and configurable for other regions.
• Open Source: Firmware and schematics available on GitHub.

The ptFlex series of trackers have successfully flown dozens of high altitude missions.

To successfully configure and launch the ptFlex APRS tracker, you'll need the following:

• Amateur Radio License*. A valid FCC Amateur Radio license of at least Technician class is required to legally transmit APRS signals in the U.S.
• Configuration Cable Used to program the tracker with your callsign, transmission frequency, and other flight parameters. Available separately via our eBay store.
• A 7.4V (2-cell) LiPo battery (sold separately).
• A suitable battery charger for the LiPo battery.
• A 2m antenna** with SMA connector.
• Basic Tools
  • Soldering iron and solder – for attaching the transmitter, super capacitor, solar panels, and antenna.
  • Small hand tools – optional, for fine adjustments or mounting
• Latex Balloon - A latex weather balloon suitable for high-altitude, typically 600g to 1500g. Sold separately.
• Lifting Gas Either helium or hydrogen is required to fill the balloon. Ensure proper safety precautions when handling gases.

Tracker kits are available for purchase on the Custom Digital Service's eBay store. The kit contains an APRS tracker unit and takes less than 30 minutes to assemble. The only other items required are:

• Configuration Cable, also available in the eBay store.
• A 2-cell LiPo Battery.
• A battery charger suitable for the LiPo battery selected.
• An antenna** suitable for 144MHz.
• Latex balloon (sold separately).

* Users are responsible for ensuring compliance with local amateur radio regulations. International users should verify APRS frequency allocations in their region.

** If you are using a handheld-style "Rubber Ducky" antenna, note that you NEED to provide a counterpoise to the ground side of the antenna. This can be as simple as soldering a 19.25" wire to the ground leg of the SMA connector.

ptSolar is intended for experimental and educational use. Flight results may vary depending on environmental conditions and launch parameters.