"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!
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.
