Microsat

WX3IN1+2.0

My experience with shipping, delivery, as well as setup and use of the Microsat WX3IN1 Plus 2.0:


I was narrowing down hardware options for my iGate/Digipeater hardware. I was running an Rx only iGate (using hardware I already had on-hand), and afer realizing I was preventing the flow of traffic for -IS gated information and messages to RF; I realized I had to upgrade my hardware. It was time for an upgrade! Backordered in the states via hamradio.com at time of order, but available at Microsat's WebsiteMateusz Plocinski has done it right with this device! At first, I was hesitant at first to transact overseas, but got over it in short order due to the sheer amount of devices he has on the APRS network. My next concern was the shipping timeline. Figured it'd get stuck at customs or port for a lengthy amount of time.  I was extremely overjoyed when this showed up on November 5th...just a week and a half after I had placed my order! Shipping timeline:

Package information

Number RR983975784PL

Dispatch date 2022-10-28

Type of mail Priority registered letter

Dispatch country Poland

Country of destination USA

Dispatch post office FUP Poznań 54 (Osiedle Orła Białego 3, 61-250 Poznań)

Weight 0.42 kg

Package status

Event name Date and time Post office

Electronic shipment data received 2022-10-27 19:20 Elektroniczny Nadawca

Posted 2022-10-28 13:03 FUP Poznań 54

Package in transportation 2022-10-28 15:00 -

Item arrived 2022-10-28 19:10 Transshipment

Package sent 2022-10-28 22:16 Transshipment

Item arrived 2022-10-29 04:53 Transshipment

Sent from Poland 2022-10-30 00:01 WER Warszawa

Accepted in the destination country 2022-11-02 00:44 ISC NEW YORK NY (USPS)

Pre-customs declaration stage 2022-11-02 00:44 ISC NEW YORK NY (USPS)

Item arrived 2022-11-05 03:40 International Postal System

Handed over for delivery 2022-11-05 06:10 International Postal System

Item delivered 2022-11-05 13:48 International Postal System


Setup was a breeze. Don't dwell in the initial USB setup...it's unnecessary unless you're upgrading the firmware or setting a static IP address (I set DHCP reservations linked to MAC addresses on my home network), so if you're not doing either -- connect it to the network, check your router for the IP it was assigned and go to the IP address in your web browser! The device manual is a great resource to get in-depth knowledge of settings definitions and purposes. He has done a wonderful job developing it. I only got confused when I was trying to modify the packet string with a different icon. It was not his fault, but mine for not knowing the packet string  "language". Also, Zulu time cannot be modified, so if you use <time> it will report in "z" time. I was trying to change "z" to my time zone, but was unsuccessful -- and unnecessary, as aprs timestamps your local time, anyway.


Raw packets on aprs.fi need to see the following if you're reporting time and location with a black diamond and T overlay:  

@<time>z<lat>T<long>&

Where: <time> = Zulu time (if used in your string), z = text definition of Zulu time, <lat> = latitude of location, T = T overlay, <long> = longitude, & = Black diamond. I had a really hard time finding the black diamond with T overlay character combination.

In my scenario, I have setup a Tx iGate and digipeater. In my definitions the WX3IN1 will take "-IS" packets to RF in a 10 mile radius (programmable) and anyone in my radius I'm gating will be able to communicate with messages and the "-IS" network. I am no longer stopping the flow of messages and information. With this device I am bolstering the APRS network in my area, as I am the only iGate for >75mi. Enough cannot be said for the simplicity and functionality of this device and I whole-heartedly recommend. 

73,

Alan

KK7FIU