ESP32s3APRS

The ESP32s3APRS project aims to develop an open-source APRS (Automatic Packet Reporting System) beacon/tracker/logger, USB kiss TNC , USB audio FM tranceiver with Micropython shell based on the ESP32-S3 microcontroller.

Project Overview

The ESP32s3APRS is a comprehensive solution that combines hardware and software components to create a versatile packet radio. The main features include:

• APRS and AX.25 Capabilities: The device can transmit and receive APRS and AX.25 frames, allowing for bidirectional communication over radio.
• USB Connectivity: The tracker connects to a computer via USB, providing two CDC-ACM ports:
  • One port for a TNC KISS protocol interface
  • One port for a MicroPython console
• UAC2 Audio Support: The USB implementation includes the UAC2 protocol, enabling direct audio streaming between the device and the computer.
• GPS: Integrated GPS with embeded antenna.
• Sensor Integration: The tracker can integrate various sensors, to enrich the data transmitted over the APRS network.
• USB-C battery charger: can accept power input from 5v to 14V
• User Interface: The device features an e-paper display and three buttons for configuration and control.
• Power Management: The system is designed for low power consumption, allowing for extended autonomous operation.

Hardware Components

The ESP32s3APRS hardware consists of the following main components:

• ESP32-S3 microcontroller
• SA868 radio module
• Quectel L86 GPS receiver
• E-paper display
• 3 buttons
• USB-C battery charger

The schematic and PCB are designed with Kicad (https://www.kicad.org). The hardware design files are distributed under the CERN-OHL-S v2 license (or later)

Software

The software for the ESP32s3APRS is released under the GPL v3 (or later) license. It includes:

• Embedded firmware for the ESP32-S3
• APRS and AX.25 frame processing
• Data storage in flash memory
• Configuration via the user interface and MicroPython console

Getting Started

To get started with the ESP32s3APRS project, please follow these steps:

1. Clone the repository: git clone https://github.com/mcapdeville/esp32s3aprs.git
2. Change to project directory: cd esp32s3aprs
3. Initialize submodules : ./init.sh

Compile

From the project directory :

1. Load the environment variables: . ./esp-idf/export.sh
2. Compile the project: idf.py build

Flash the device

1. Put the switch on 'Boot' position
2. Connect USB cable
3. Run: idf.py flash

Contributing

The ESP32s3APRS project welcomes contributions from the community. You can contribute by:

• Reporting bugs or issues
• Suggesting new features or improvements
• Submitting pull requests for code or documentation changes

License

The ESP32s3APRS software is licensed under the GPL v3 (or later) license. The hardware design files are licensed under the CERN-OHL-S v2 license. See the LICENSE-GPL-V3.txt and LICENSE-CERN-OHL-S-V2.txt files for more details.

Acknowledgments

The ESP32s3APRS project was created by Marc CAPDEVILLE (F4JMZ).