getting started in aprs wcares university april 12, 2014
TRANSCRIPT
Getting Started in APRS
WCARES University April 12, 2014
What is APRS?
• Automatic Packet Reporting System• Amateur radio based, real time tactical
communications for the local area• Developed in 1982 to map HF Navy position
reports
APRS is a registered trademark of Bob Bruninga, WB4APR
Capabilities
• See who is in range• Track an operator’s position• Find out repeater frequencies, tones, and net
times in a new city• Check and send messages in Winlink• Send text messages via RF and the Internet• Display weather alerts• Share bearings and signal strengths for DF• Identify gaps in Search and Rescue operations
Limitations
• Packet collisions and finite bandwidth• No error correction• Packet delivery not guaranteed• Some objects aren’t “listening”• Reliability decreases with 60-120 users
Why APRS?
• Supplement voice channels during emergencies or special events
• Friends and family can find you when their phones are down
• Ever pass an antenna strewn vehicle and wonder how you can talk to them?
• It’s a great way to learn about VHF propagation*
How Does in Work?
Scenario 1 – New In Town
“144.50 PL 123.0Net Tue 7PM”
“144.50 PL 123.0Net Tue 7PM”
Scenario 1 – New In Town
Scenario 1 – New In Town
With the APRS-IS tie-in, you can identify ham assets in advance of your trip.
“K7DCC-9: Monitoring 146.20”
Scenario 2 – K7DCC Monitoring
“K7DCC-9: Monitoring 146.20”
Scenario 2 – K7DCC Monitoring
“K7DCC,this is KK4LNO…”
Scenario 2 – K7DCC Monitoring
TO: K7DCC
Scenario 3 – Text Message
TO: K7DCC
Scenario 3 – Text Message
Scenario 4 – Fox Hunt
Scenario 4 – Fox Hunt
“180 degrees”
“300 degrees”“45 degrees”
“80 degrees, low strength”
Scenario 4 – Fox Hunt
“180 degrees”
“300 degrees”“45 degrees”
“80 degrees, low strength”
Scenario 4 – Fox Hunt
“180 degrees”
“300 degrees”“45 degrees”
“80 degrees, low strength”
How Do I Get Started?
Checkout the WCARES.org APRS Special Interests Section
Cost
Capabilities
Hardwired Cell
*
Bluetooth TNC Adapter
*
* The Difference the Antenna Makes
4W HT Sitting in the Passenger Seat The same HT hooked up to a VHF antenna outside the vehicle.
Mapping/Tracking Programs I Can Recommend
• APRSISCE/32• APRSDroid• Xastir
APRSISCE/32
APRSDroid
Virtual TNCs
• Dire Wolf• AGWPE
APRS.fi
Deadspots – We Need Your Help
For More Information
• Mobilinkd.com• WCARES.org• APRS.org• APRS Beginner’s Guide
http://k9dci.home.comcast.net/• An example of regional coordination
http://www.nwaprs.info/
Questions?
Extra Credit
• Voice Alert• Frequency Agile Operation• Send a short email through Winlink
WLNK-1 SMS [email protected] A short message to Sam