en 06 sd card

6. SD Card Setup

The SD card is optional but strongly recommended for maps and data persistence.

Required format: FAT32

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Folder Structure

/LoRa_Tracker/
├── config.json          ← Device configuration
├── stats.json           ← Station statistics
├── MapTiles/            ← Raster tiles (JPEG/PNG)
│   └── REGION/
│       └── Z8/
│           └── X/
│               └── Y.jpg
├── VectMaps/            ← Vector tiles (NAV)
│   └── REGION/
│       ├── Z9.nav
│       ├── Z10.nav
│       └── ...
└── GPX/                 ← Recorded tracks
    └── track_YYYYMMDD_HHMMSS.gpx

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Raster Tiles (JPEG/PNG)

Raster tiles are standard OpenStreetMap images (XYZ/TMS format). They are displayed for lower zoom levels (Z6 to Z8).

Method 1: Graphical Interface with MOBAC (Mobile Atlas Creator)

This is the easiest method. Use MOBAC:

1. Launch MOBAC and select map source: OpenStreetMap Mapnik
2. Select the desired geographic area on the map with your mouse
3. Check zoom levels: 6, 7, 8 if you plan to use vector tiles, and add 10, 12, 14 if you exclusively use raster tiles (bitmap/image)
4. Set atlas format: OSMTracker tile storage
5. Click Create atlas
6. Copy the generated folder contents to the SD card: /LoRa_Tracker/MapTiles/YOUR_REGION/

For lucky Linux users, you can use the mass copy program from JGauchia (masscopy) located in tools/mass_copy/.

Method 2: Command Line with Python (Advanced)

The project source code includes a ready-to-use script. Requires Python installed on your machine.

Open a terminal in the source code folder:

cd tools/
# Download tiles for a custom bounding box (min_lon, min_lat, max_lon, max_lat)
python download_tiles.py --region MY_AREA --bbox 1.4,48.1,3.6,49.2 --zoom 6,7,8

The script will create an output_dir/ folder that you simply copy to your SD card.

File Naming

/LoRa_Tracker/MapTiles/FRANCE/Z8/X/Y.jpg

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Vector Tiles (NAV)

NAV tiles offer more detailed rendering at high zoom (Z9+). They are based on the work of JGauchia IceNav-v3.

Generation

.nav files are generated from OpenStreetMap data using the conversion tool Tile-Generator.

/LoRa_Tracker/VectMaps/FRANCE_SOUTH/Z9.nav
/LoRa_Tracker/VectMaps/FRANCE_SOUTH/Z10.nav
...
/LoRa_Tracker/VectMaps/FRANCE_SOUTH/Z15.nav

One .nav file per zoom level per region.

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Fonts

The Fonts folder is required to display place and waterway labels on vector tiles.

Download it here: drive.proton.me Password: F4MLV Just place it on the SD card in the LoRa_Tracker/ folder.

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APRS Symbols

The Symbols folder is required to display APRS icons on the map.

Download it here: drive.proton.me Password: F4MLV Just place it on the SD card in the LoRa_Tracker/ folder.

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Without SD Card

The tracker works without an SD card with reduced functionality:

Feature	Without SD
Raster map	Grey background only
Vector map	Not available
APRS symbols on map	Red circles
Messages	Not persistent (lost on reboot)
Station stats	Not persistent
GPX tracks	Not available
Configuration	Saved in internal flash