Automatic Packet Reporting System
First what is APRS you are asking? APRS stands for Automatic Packet Reporting System, which was developed and is copyrighted by Bob Bruninga WB4APR. It is used to exchange real time information automatically across a digital packet network. For more info on APRS here is the url link. http://www.aprs.org/
Papers that I wrote up
What is APRS, By Russell Hall N8RSH
Relaying APRS off the International Space Station, by Russell Hall N8RSH
APRS Update at my shack, by Russell Hall N8RSH
Hardware that I recommend, and I am using
Mobile radio: Kenwood TM-D710G
Handheld radio: Kenwood TH-D72a
TNC Unit: ArgentData OpenTacker or OT3
Settings I role with…
National Frequency: 144.390Mhz @1200 baud rate
Network Path: WIDE1-1, WIDE2-1
Optional Tone: 100Hz
Recommend Beacon times
Fixed Stations every 30 mins
Mobile 1-5w every 1-3 mins
Mobile 5w + every 5 mins
Objects
repeater object aprs freq spec note
111111z4425.91N/08400.26WrPHG9470 147.080MHz T123 +060 R25m Lupton
bbs object
111111z4416.40N/08414.74WBPHG5130 145.09MHz K8DDX-1 PBBS, Come join us.
Bulletins
Bulletins are used to past general information on to the aprs network general once every few hours.
BLN1:Your mesage goes here.
Announcements
Announcements are used to send a message to a group of stations.
Visit aprsce document page for more info.
Telemetry
Telemetry is using to give status on your station, battery life, charging status, GPS status. With my fix & mobile stations, I just turn this part off. I don’t have a need to see if these status of my stations.
I-Gate & Digipeaters
Most radios that have a build in tnc with APRS function have a Digipeater option. A Digipeater will repeat an APRS packet by temporarily storing the info then retransmitted the modify packet out simplex. This option is recommended to help expand the cover area of the network. If you can setup an I-Gate at your location that is helpful as well. An I-Gate makes the connection between the RF network on 144.390Mhz and the internet. This will display on the maps of the internet and with other I-Gates in the area. APRSISCE/32 is a software program that I recommend that functions well as an I-Gate & Digipeater. http://aprsisce.wikidot.com/downloads
APRS.FI google map of aprs systems
Links
APRS.org
WA8LMF.net APRS Specs
ka1mzy.com
WisconsinAPRS
APRS.fi Google map lookup
Software
APRSISCE http://aprsisce.wikidot.com/downloads
UI-View32
WINAPRS
APRS iGate youtubes
Write up on iGate with APRS-IS from WCARES.org
AWE Packet http://www.sv2agw.com/downloads/
Radio Packet info
AX.25 Ubuntu Package: ax25-apps
Hardware
Byonics
Packet TNC MJF, AEA PK 232, KPC 3 Argent Data OpenTracker USB
Big Red Bee
VHF APRS
144.390Mhz 1200 baud
HF APRS
300 baud 7.085, 10.151, and 18.107 Mhz LSB
UHF APRS
446.176 Mhz 1200 baud
Contact N8RSH1 at YAHOO dot COM