LightAPRS is one of the most 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/supercapacitors or just 4xAAA batteries.
**Important :** LightAPRS uses the amateur 2 meter radio band which requires an [amateur radio license](http://www.arrl.org/getting-licensed) to operate.
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 Arduino board, you don't have to install it again.)
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 v1.8.7 or newer.
- Type "MightyCore" in the search bar until you see the **MightyCore** entry and click on it and select version **2.2.2**<imgwidth="797"alt="image"src="https://github.com/lightaprs/LightAPRS-1.0/assets/48382675/bf89169c-7419-425f-ac0d-5a47803926c2">
- Click **Install** . (Do not install version 3.0.0)
- 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 the green "[clone or download](https://github.com/lightaprs/LightAPRS-1.0/archive/master.zip)" button.
- There are more than 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\
- First attach an antenna (at least 50cm monopole wire) to your tracker. Radio module may be damaged if operated without attaching an antenna, since power has nowhere to go.
- Connect LightAPRS Tracker to your computer with a micro USB cable.
- If you have successfully installed the 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 because this makes your payload lighter. So just cut a light 50 cm. wire and solder it to the middle pad of the antenna footprint (A1). Since your payload is airborne and wavelength is 2 meters, you don't need a wire for ground.