LightAPRS Gateway is a Linux-based APRS gateway development board featuring an SA818V VHF transceiver module, built-in WiFi 6, Direwolf software and a web-based management interface. Powered by the Rockchip RV1106 processor, it operates as a fully standalone APRS digipeater and iGate.
LightAPRS Gateway will be available on https://shop.qrp-labs.com for order soon.
Important: LightAPRS Gateway 1.0 operates on the amateur 2-meter (VHF) radio band with a 30 dBm (1W) output power, which typically requires an amateur radio license to operate in many countries. Therefore, if you are not a licensed HAM operator, please ensure to check local regulations and laws before purchasing the module.
LightAPRS Gateway is plug and play. Everything is pre-installed and pre-configured out of the box.
1. Connect an antenna to the SMA connector
2. Power it up via USB-C (any 5V USB adapter or computer)
3. Set your callsign and location — open http://lightaprs-gateway.local in your browser, go to Direwolf Config, and update MYCALL with your callsign and PBEACON with your coordinates. Click Save.
That's it — your APRS digipeater is on the air! For detailed instructions, see the Getting Started section below.
- SA818V VHF Transceiver (1W) with SMA Antenna Connector
- Pre-installed Linux OS (Ubuntu 22.04)
- Web-Based Configuration Interface and Local RF APRS Monitoring Map
- Built-in APRS Digipeater & iGate via Direwolf
- WiFi 6 (2.4 GHz) + Ethernet for Network Connectivity + USB Type-C for Direct Connection
- SHTC3 Environmental Sensor (Temperature & Humidity)
- Auto-Recovery After Power Outage — Ideal for Unattended Remote Installations (rooftop, hilltop, etc.)
- ABS Enclosure with Laser-Cut Openings for SMA, USB and Ethernet Connectors
- Software : Open Source
- Dimensions : 58 x 82 mm
- Platform : Luckfox Core1106 (Rockchip RV1106G3)
- OS : Linux (Ubuntu 22.04)
- CPU : ARM Cortex-A7 @ 1.2 GHz
- NPU : 1.0 TOPS (supports int4, int8, int16)
- Ram : 256 MB DDR3L
- Storage : 8 GB eMMC
- WiFi : 2.4 GHz WiFi 6 (AIC8800DC)
- Bluetooth : 5.2 / BLE
- Input Voltage : 5 Volt via USB Type-C 2.0
- VHF Radio Module : SA818V
- VHF Operating Frequency : 144-146 MHz (configurable)
- Low Pass Filter : Available (7 elements)
- VHF Max Power : 30 dBm / 1W
- Environmental Sensor : SHTC3 (Temperature & Humidity)
- Antenna Connector : SMA Female (VHF), IPEX 1.0 (WiFi)
- Ethernet : 10/100M
- Enclosure : ABS Enclosure (88.5 x 63 x 27.5 mm)
The board exposes an extended pin header for custom projects and expansion. See the pinout diagram above for available GPIO, SPI, I2C, UART, and other interfaces.
- APRS : Digipeater & iGate operation via Direwolf 1.9 (dev)
- Web Interface : Built-in web UI for configuration and monitoring
- APRS Monitor with live map and station list
- Direwolf configuration editor
- Radio settings (frequency, squelch, volume)
- Wireless configuration
- System information and diagnostics
- Networking : WiFi, Ethernet, USB RNDIS, mDNS discovery
- How to Connect for the First Time — Power up your board and access the web interface or SSH
- How to Change Passwords — Change default SSH and web interface passwords
- Direwolf Configuration Guide — Set up Digipeater, iGate, or both with sensor data
- Firmware Image Update Guide — Re-flash the factory image if you need to restore the operating system
- F.A.Q. — Frequently asked questions about radio, antenna, licensing, hardware, and software
- Firmware Repository — System internals, configuration files, and web interface source code (for advanced users)
If you have any questions or need support, please contact support@lightaprs.com