Tracer2: A Versatile APRS Smart Tracker for Android

Tracer2 is a powerful mobile application designed for HAM radio enthusiasts who wish to track vehicles using either a radio transmitter or an internet connection. This innovative app serves as a complete APRS (Automatic Packet Reporting System) tracker, offering users the ability to monitor and record the movement of vehicles in real-time. Whether you're using it for personal or professional purposes, Tracer2 provides a cost-effective and user-friendly solution for setting up a temporary or permanent tracking system.

The primary functionality of Tracer2 lies in its ability to utilize the GPS receiver built into most smartphones. By determining the precise location and movements of the vehicle, the app generates APRS packets that can be broadcasted via a HAM radio transmitter operating on VHF or another frequency band. These packets are then received and forwarded by gate stations to the broader APRS network. As a result, users can view the tracked vehicle's location on various APRS client maps or specialized websites such as aprs.fi and aprsdirect.com. This feature makes Tracer2 an excellent choice for those seeking to implement a low-cost yet reliable tracking solution.

One of the standout features of Tracer2 is its flexibility in operation modes. Users can choose between traditional radio transmission and direct internet mode, depending on their requirements. In direct internet mode, the app offers an additional indicator light to monitor the quality of the internet connection. Additionally, the app includes a comprehensive interface with two main indicators: one for GPS signal strength and another to denote whether the vehicle is in motion (green) or stationary (orange). Adjacent to these indicators is a wind rose that shows the direction of travel, providing users with a clear overview of the vehicle's trajectory.

Another key aspect of Tracer2 is its operational continuity. Even when navigating away from the main screen, the app continues to run in the background, ensuring uninterrupted tracking. To access the main page again, users simply need to tap the service icon located in the Android status bar. The app also maintains an event hub that logs movement and stop events, although it does not report events generated when the app is closed. For extended use, it is advisable to connect the smartphone to a charger or a power bank to maintain consistent performance.

To ensure seamless integration with existing HAM radio setups, Tracer2 requires a standard audio cable to connect the phone's audio output to the transmitter's microphone input. The app provides a straightforward guide for creating this connection, along with recommendations for optimizing the transmitter's VOX function for optimal packet transmission. Users should also adjust the phone's multimedia audio volume to prevent over-modulation, which could compromise signal quality.

Tracer2 operates with high-accuracy location data, requiring sufficient time to establish a stable GPS signal before initiating tracking. While this ensures precision, indoor use is not recommended due to limited GPS visibility. Furthermore, the app employs a sophisticated position algorithm that dynamically determines significant points along the vehicle's path, such as turns, stops, and additional checkpoints, rather than adhering to fixed time intervals. This approach enhances the clarity and relevance of the transmitted data.

Users have the option to customize privacy settings through the app's configuration page, allowing them to define exclusion zones where the vehicle's position will remain undisclosed. Permissions granted to the app include access to the device's location services, which are essential for transmitting accurate GPS coordinates in APRS packets.

Tracer2 also offers a free trial version called Tracer2 Pro, available for purchase on the Google Play Store. The full version removes the 50-packet limit imposed on the free trial and unlocks all advanced features. Additionally, the app has been rigorously tested on Android devices running versions 5 and above, ensuring compatibility across a wide range of devices. If users encounter issues on specific devices, they are encouraged to contact the developer directly for assistance.

For those interested in complementary applications, Tracer2 is part of a suite of tools designed to enhance APRS capabilities. Related apps such as IGate2 provide additional functionalities, including the use of radio receivers or Software Defined Radio (SDR) dongles for enhanced reception and processing of APRS signals.

In summary, Tracer2 stands out as a versatile and accessible tool for HAM radio operators looking to implement an efficient tracking system. Its combination of affordability, ease of use, and advanced features makes it an invaluable asset for both casual hobbyists and professional users alike.