LightAPRS-W 1.0 is an affordable, smallest, lightest, powerful and open source APRS tracker with WSPR. It makes tracking pico balloons 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.
LightAPRS-W 1.0 is available on http://shop.qrp-labs.com/aprs/lightaprs-w for order. If you don't need WSPR, than check out APRS only tracker [LightAPRS](https://github.com/lightaprs/LightAPRS-1.0) or LoRa/LoRaWAN only tracker [LightTracker](https://github.com/lightaprs/LightTracker-1.0).
**IMPORTANT:** Do not forget to check out new LightAPRS-W 2.0 Tracker: https://github.com/lightaprs/LightAPRS-W-2.0
The CH340 chip is used by a number of Arduino compatible boards (and by LightAPRS-W) 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:
- 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-W-1.0/assets/48382675/e0e57d86-fab0-4267-b875-a9d958fefc2f">
- 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-W-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 the LightAPRS-W tracker for a pico balloon project, then use the "[LightAPRS-W-pico-balloon](LightAPRS-W-pico-balloon)" 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\
**IMPORTANT :** LightAPRS-W 1.0 uses more libraries than LightAPRS. So if you purchased LightAPRS and copied libraries before, do it again for LightAPRS-W. Otherwise you get a compile error.
- Then open the *.ino file with Arduino IDE and change your settings (Callsign, SSID, comment, etc.)
- Click **Verify**
### 6.Upload
- First attach an VHF 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.
- 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.
A. You can use any type. For airborne projects (such as pico balloons) we suggest quarter wave monopole antenna for VHF (2m APRS) because this makes your payload lighter. So just cut a light 50 cm. wire and solder it to antenna footprint (VHF) Since your payload is airborn and wavelength is 2 meters, you don't need a wire for ground.
But for HF length the antenna depends on your band chosen for WSPR. For example if it is 20 meters, you need 5m for TX RF output and 5m for ground. Tie one end to the balloon and solder the other end to the ground plane of the PCB. Then solder another 5m of wire to the TX RF output on the PCB, and let it hang below.