LightAPRS is one of the affordable, smallest, lightest, powerful and open source APRS trackers available. It makes tracking pico balloons, weather balloons, model rockets, RC aircraft, and anything else that flies simple and easy.
It is able to report location, altitude, temperature and pressure to the internet ([APRS-IS](http://status.aprs2.net)) or direct to an amateur radio once a minute with a solar panel/super capacitors or just 4xAAA batteries.
Because LightAPRS is open source you can add your own custom sensors via I2C/SPI pins.
LightAPRS is available on http://www.qrp-labs.com/lightaprs.html for order. If you need an APRS+WSPR tracker than checkout our new module [LightAPRS-W](https://github.com/lightaprs/LightAPRS-W-1.0)
To programme LightAPRS Tracker, all you need is a micro usb (B type) cable, a few installations and configurations.
### 1.Install CH340G Driver
The CH340 chip is used by a number of Arduino compatible boards (and by LightAPRS) to provide USB connectivity, you may need to install a driver. (If you have installed it before for a clone Android board, you don't have to install it again.)
Don't worry, it's really easy. Just download the following driver from sparkfun.com and install it.
Download and install [Arduino IDE](https://www.arduino.cc/en/Main/Software). If you have already installed Arduino, please check for updates. Its version should be at least v1.8.7 or newer.
### 3.Install MightyCore
- Open the Arduino IDE.
- Open the **File > Preferences** menu item. [[Screenshot]](images/arduino-preferences-boards-manager-url.png)
- Enter the following URL in Additional Boards Manager URLs:
- Separate the URLs using a comma ( , ) if you have more than one URL
- Open the **Tools > Board > Boards Manager...** menu item. [[Screenshot]](images/arduino-tools-boards-manager.png)
- Wait for the platform indexes to finish downloading.
- Type "MightyCore" in search bar until you see the **MightyCore** entry and click on it. <imgsrc="images/arduino-boards-manager-mightycore-install.png">
- Click **Install** .
- After installation is complete, close the **Boards Manager** window.
### 4.Configure MightyCore
- Open the **Tools > Board** menu item and select **ATMega1284** from the end of the list. [[Screenshot]](images/arduino-boards-manager-mightycore-select.png)
- After selecting **ATMega1284** you will see new options under **Tools** menu. Select these options as follows:
- First download the repository to your computer using green "[clone or download](https://github.com/lightaprs/LightAPRS-1.0/archive/master.zip)" button.
- There are more then one Arduino projects optimized for different use cases. For example if you are planning to use LightAPRS tracker for a pico balloon project, then use "[LightAPRS-pico-balloon](LightAPRS-pico-balloon)" folder, for a hab (high altitude balloon)/weather balloon project, then use "[LightAPRS-hab](LightAPRS-hab)" folder.
- You will notice some folders in the "libraries" folder. You have to copy these folders (libraries) into your Arduino libraries folder on your computer. Path to your Arduino libraries:
- **Windows** : This PC\Documents\Arduino\libraries\
- Then open the *.ino file with Arduino IDE and change your settings (Callsign, SSID, comment, etc.)
- Click **Verify**
### 6.Upload
- First attach an antenna (at least 50cm monopole wire) to your tracker. Radio module may be damaged when not attaching an antenna, since power has nowhere to go.
- Connect LightAPRS Tracker to your computer with micro USB cable.
- If you have succesfully installed CH340G driver explained in the first step, you should see a COM port under **Tools->Port** menu item. Select that port.
**Q. Do I need a permission to launch a pico balloon?**
A. No you don't. Since pico balloons are very small and light, you are FAA 101 exempt. Please check out [this page](https://medium.com/loonar-technologies/faa-101-how-to-legally-get-your-high-altitude-balloon-to-near-space-742a0acf0c45) for detailed info.
A. You can use any type. For airborne projects (such as balloons, rockets, rc planes, drones, etc.) we suggest quarter wave monopole antenna becuase this makes your payload lighter. So just cut a light 50 cm. wire and solder it to antenna footprint (A1) Since your payload is airborn and wavelenght is 2 meters, you don't need a wire for ground.