blog @ dk7xe: AP510 / AVRT5 APRS tracker

The AP510 / AVRT5 APRS tracker is a tiny APRS tracker with built in GPS and bluetooth.
Transmitting power is around 1W (detailed measurement result available on ap510-avrt5-aprs-tracker-hf-signal).

The official website is http://www.y027.com/dvbbs8/dispbbs.asp?boardid=5&Id=829 (chinese) / webshop at http://avrtt.taobao.com/ but there is an english group on Yahoo https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/AP510/info
You will find the latest firmware / configuration software there as well.

For the German's: Klaus, DJ7OO hat einen Erfahrungsbericht auf seiner Homepage.

I got mine from a Taiwanese Hamradio friend while being there on a business trip in June 2014.

Some details

Transmission can be set to a fixed timing, smart beaconing or triggered manually via button.
Built in GPS.
Acts as a WIDE1-1 or WIDEn-n digipeater if needed.
Fixed position can be programmed (e.g if used as a fixed station).
Tracks can be stored on MicroSD card.
Built in Battery
Configuration / Charging to be done via serial connection (miniUSB connector).
KISS / Waipoint / UI frame output on serial (4800Bd) and Bluetooth.
Works perfectly with APRSdroid as BluetoothTNC (Output to be set to KISS).
Operating frequency can be set via configuration program.
Some parameters can be set via AT commends

I'm really happy with this device since it works perfectly with APRSdroid and fit's in every pocket.

Remarks

Bluetooth connection only works after GPS lock therefore you have to wait some seconds before connecting to the device. Bluetooth pairing code is 1234.
miniUSB connector is a Serial Port therefore the included USB cable needs to be used for programming (charging works with every standard USB cable).
Help is provided via the AP510 / AVRT5 Yahoo Group.
Be aware that the TX power is low compared to other stations therefore not every transmission might reach a Digi/Gate when being in a busy APRS area.
If you have problems on connection via serial take a look at the Video on AP510 APRS tracker configure software and firmware

Serial / BT commands

According the info on http://avrtt.taobao.com/ some settings can be changed by sending AT commands.
Either you connect via the serial (USB) port with following settings 4800Bd 8N1. Or you use a bluetooth, e.g. BluetoothTerminal on Android.
Import: serial/bluetooth communication seems to work ONLY after GPS lock.

To make it work you have to follow the steps below
1) connect
2) send ^M
3) send the AT command. E.g. AT+BEEP=0
4) the device will send OK back.
5) reboot the device to have the NEW settings active.

The following commands are currently known

setting the callsign
AT+CALL=BG6QBV7

setting frequency
AT+FREQ=144.6400

switch tone on
AT+BEEP=1

switch tone off
AT+BEEP=1