PAKT
A compact APRS radio built for modern BLE-connected workflows.
PAKT combines ESP32-S3, an SA818 2-meter radio, GPS, and BLE to deliver a portable APRS device with native host integration and KISS-over-BLE support.
Product image coming soon
PAKT is a compact APRS radio platform built around ESP32-S3 and SA818 hardware. It is designed to send and receive APRS traffic, operate as a portable KISS TNC, and integrate cleanly with external software through BLE. With onboard GPS, it also works as a self-contained tracker for portable use. The current prototype has already cleared major codec, radio, GPS, and APRS milestones and is aimed at portable APRS operation with modern host connectivity.
What this enables
- Native BLE plus KISS-over-BLE makes the device useful both for dedicated clients and broader APRS software compatibility.
- Current value comes from a compact hardware path that avoids improvised field wiring and awkward adapter stacks.
- The strongest proof today is prototype hardware progress, not full consumer-ready maturity.
Best fit for
- APRS operators who want a compact portable TNC and tracker.
- Users who want BLE-connected host interaction instead of cable-heavy portable setups.
- Early technical adopters comfortable with a pre-order tied to active hardware validation.
Capabilities
Native BLE plus KISS-over-BLE
The platform supports both a native PAKT BLE protocol and KISS-over-BLE, making it useful for both purpose-built clients and broader APRS software compatibility.
APRS tracker and messaging foundation
The firmware stack includes APRS framing, TX scheduling, telemetry payloads, and message-ack handling, with reference host tools already present in the repo.
Hardware-backed progress, not just simulation
Current repo evidence says the prototype has proven SGTL5000 bring-up, SA818 UART control, APRS TX, on-device APRS RX, and live GPS telemetry on current hardware.
Current status: PAKT is a hardware product currently in active prototype validation. The features listed reflect documented repo milestones. Final consumer-ready status will be confirmed before fulfilment.
Regulatory notice: Operating PAKT on APRS frequencies requires a valid amateur radio licence. Transmitting without a licence is illegal in most jurisdictions.
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