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Android Coordinate Conversion App for 99 Cents!

"Coordinates NOW!" converts quickly between coordinate systems. Push ONE BUTTON to get all six coordinate systems at once, the FASTEST way to convert when seconds count!

Inputs: DD.dddd / DD MM.mmm / DD MM SS.s / UTM

Outputs: DD.dddd / DD MM.mmm / DD MM SS.s / UTM / MGRS / USNG

Latest feature: "Get GPS Location" which quickly fetches the current GPS location, turns off the GPS (to save power), and instantly converts to six coordinate systems. Coming soon: INPUT screens for MGRS and USNG.

Why I wrote the app: Oso, WA, mudslide mission (2014)... The SAR deputy would run to the command truck, hand me a scrap of paper, and say, "Convert these coordinates now!" After conversion with a laptop he'd run to the helo, hand the paper to the crew, and they'd take off. "Coordinates NOW!" is a much faster and more portable conversion method for future missions, which he (and you) can use now too. Get it here:


SAR Team or Public-Service-Event Tracking Hardware

A ruggedized lightweight radio tracker carried by SAR teams or public-service-event hams allowing Command to see their positions in real-time(1). Teams carrying the device can view other team positions via cellphone or tablet or send messages to other teams or Command(2).

Attach it to a SAR pack and you're off and running, sending positions -plus- repeating other team positions. It's like carrying a "mesh" network into the woods with you!

Have teams deployed on the other side of a ridge? Deploy an extra unit at the top of the ridge to digipeat positions back to command!

Preliminary specs: Nearly waterproof/crushproof. 1W or 4W transceiver (most likely only one of them will reach production). Each unit is also a digipeater. Estimated 20+ hours runtime on rechargeable lithium battery. Final weight unknown yet: Trying for less than 10 ounces / 284g. SiRFStar-V GPS/GLONASS built-in. Flash for storing detailed tracks. Transmits position, speed, altitude, messages (If cell/tablet connected wirelessly), battery voltage, satellites visible, satellites used in fix, ambient temperature.

Status 01/24/2018: First built prototype w/4W radio is functional. Second unit w/1W radio is not functional yet but hope to have it running this week for RF and digipeater testing. Building/testing will proceed through mid-to-late February 2018, then will advance to second prototype or first production boards.

NOTE (1): Additional H/W & S/W is required at Command to view the real-time positions. S/W is readily available from open-source or commercial sources. Minimal hardware needed: 2-meter ham radio plus a soundcard (Use Direwolf soundmodem program), or a radio plus a hardware TNC such as the OT3m or T3-Mini from Argentdata.com. Also a computer.

NOTE (2): Additional S/W (APRS app) is required on team cell-phones/tablets to view other team positions or messaging other teams/Command.

Curt Mills