APRS GPS Position Beacon Kit with Arduino Nano
Build Your Own APRS GPS Position Beacon and Track on aprs.fi with Arduino Nano
Every part needed, pre-tested for compatibility, with an AI build companion trained on this exact project. Shipped from Bengaluru in 3-5 days.
Imagine placing a small waterproof box on your bicycle or at a remote weather station, and seeing its live GPS location on the APRS map — no cellular network needed. This kit lets you build exactly that: a self-contained position beacon that reads coordinates, forms a standard APRS packet, and transmits it over the 433 MHz band. Any APRS iGate or digipeater within range will pick it up and push it to aprs.fi, making your device visible on a global tracker map.
What You'll Build
A portable, battery-powered APRS GPS position beacon in a waterproof enclosure. The assembled device parses NMEA data from the NEO-6M GPS, builds an AX.25-compliant APRS position packet, and sends it via the long-range HC-12 433 MHz radio. As soon as an amateur radio APRS station receives the transmission, your beacon’s icon appears on aprs.fi. Use it for trekking, drone tracking, vehicle monitoring, or any outdoor application across India where regular networks fail.
What You'll Learn
- Format GPS coordinates into APRS packets using Arduino code
- Configure and tune the HC-12 433MHz radio module for UHF data communication
- Interface with a NEO-6M GPS receiver and parse real-time NMEA sentences
- Design a low-power portable beacon with LiPo battery and charging circuit
Kit Contents
| Component | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Arduino Nano | 1 |
| HC-12 433MHz | 1 |
| NEO-6M GPS | 1 |
| 433MHz Antenna | 1 |
| 3.7V LiPo 1000mAh | 1 |
| TP4056 Module | 1 |
| 100nF Capacitors | 5 |
| PCB Prototype Board | 2 |
| Waterproof Enclosure | 1 |
| Soldering Iron | 1 |
| Solder Wire | 1 |
Why Buy This Kit Instead of Sourcing Parts Separately
| Factor | Sourcing Separately | Compoden Kit |
|---|---|---|
| Compatibility checks | You verify every part | Pre-tested as a system |
| Build support | Forums and scattered tutorials | AI companion trained on this exact project |
| Time to first working build | Days of debugging | Hours, with step-by-step guidance |
| Shipping coordination | Multiple sellers, multiple delays | One shipment from Bengaluru in 3-5 days |
Who This Kit Is For
CBSE Class 11-12 students exploring radio communication for projects, B.Tech ECE/EEE undergraduates testing GPS and wireless protocols, and Ham radio operators looking to build their own APRS tracker. It suits Smart India Hackathon teams working on remote telemetry, ATL Tinkering Lab mentors, and anyone at IIT, NIT, VIT, BITS running an amateur radio club — a practical, ready-to-build beacon kit for Indian conditions.
Built and Backed by Compoden
Every Compoden kit ships with an AI build companion trained on this exact project — accessible via a QR code on the box, with WhatsApp and email backup. We've spent 10 years building projects for makers, schools, and institutions across India. If a part fails because of a manufacturing defect, replace it free within 7 days.
What if I get stuck during the build?
Our AI companion offers step-by-step debugging; you can also message us on WhatsApp for real-time human guidance from our Bangalore team.
Do I need a ham radio licence to operate this beacon?
Yes, APRS operates on amateur radio bands. You must hold at least a Restricted Grade ASOC licence from the WPC, Government of India. The kit does not include the licence; check with your local ham club for exam details.
What range can I expect from the HC-12 radio?
With the included antenna, expect 1–2 km open-air range. With an external antenna and elevated position, range can extend to 5+ km, depending on terrain and line-of-sight.
Can I track the beacon on my phone?
Yes, as soon as the position appears on aprs.fi, you can view it in any browser. Apps like APRSdroid can also receive packets directly if you connect a compatible radio interface.
NEO-6M GPS position formatted as APRS packet and transmitted over HC-12 radio. Visible on aprs.fi map.
What's in this kit
Choose your assembly option:
- Soldering Kit — 25W soldering iron, 60/40 solder wire, flux, and small perfboard for permanent assembly.
- Breadboard Combo — 800-point full-size breadboard with 65-piece jumper wire pack for solderless prototyping.
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Shipping Information
- Prepaid Orders: ₹75 for orders up to ₹999, FREE shipping above ₹999
- COD Orders: ₹125 shipping + ₹50 COD fee = ₹175 total
- Delivery Timeline: Dispatch in 1-2 days, delivery in 2-7 days depending on location
Returns & Warranty
- 7-Day Return: Manufacturing defects only (approval required)
- Warranty: 7 days from delivery
- Non-Returnable: Batteries, consumables, cut wires, clearance items