APRS.org
Maps – Mobiles - Users
APRS Dayton 2014
Human to human info exchange!
APRStt !!!
Appalachian
Trail Golden
Packet Event
May 2014
APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR
1
Who is WB4APR?
1980
1990
1970
2012
2010
2007
2013
Future?
2009
APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR
2
What can I do?
Energy and Ham Radio are both HUMAN Interest Activities!
APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR
3
APRS
Human to human info exchange!
Single channel info-resource!
 What you ARENT SEEING anymore… (frustrations) http://aprs.org...
 Single H.R. Info Resource Channel
…aprs-tactical.html
 Universal Text Messaging Initiative
…aprs-messaging.html

Local-Info (Freq Objects)
…localinfo.html
 Cave-Link Radio – 1 mi in Mammoth Cave
…cave-link.html
 Golden Packet Event (20 July 2014)
… at-golden-packet.html
 APRStt (Touchtone for any HT) !!!
…aprstt.html
 at Dayton
 for SAR
 AVRS! (universal voice network)
…avrs.html
APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR
4
Universal Ham Radio Text Messaging Initiative 2010
cell
wireless
APRS
DTMF
Send/RX anytime, anywhere, any device by callsign
26 separate systems!
APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR
5
VX-8GR
Universal Texting – Lots’a Radios!
VX-8DR
FTM-350R
All now come with GPS BUILT-IN!
TH-D72A
VX-8R &
APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR
6
FREQUENCY OBJECTS and POSITS
D72, D710 and FTM-350 all TX their voice Freq
and can QSY with one button…
APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR
7
Plug-n-play Audio Connection
APRS on ANY radio!
(using the RC-D710)
RC-D710 DISPLAY
Jeff KB2M
APRS channel
DSTAR channel
On IC-2820 DSTAR
APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR
8
APRS on ANY radio!
(using the RC-D710)
Attached to an
ALINCO HT
Simple SPKR/Mic connections
NiCd Battery Pack
APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR
9
TRACKERS
(Now are two-way!)
And should ALWAYS include their voice contact frequencyh in their packets
TT4 with $34 display and AVMAP G5 GPS
Argent Data Systems
APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR
10
Other APRS radios

Alinco DR-135T/EJ-41U

2 M Radio with optional TNC.

N1VG Scott makes an OT tracker module

No messaging/data display
But OT adds GPS map display


VX8R available since Dec 08.

Has GPS built-into speaker mic
 Or HAMHUD on any radio!
APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR
11
APRS for ALL Portable
Terminals & Phones!
OLPC -One Laptop Per Child




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$100 laptop per 3rd world kid
Low power, no moving parts
High power WI-FI and MESH net
Runs Linux
Sound Card to DC, volts, O’scope
Jack, KG4GJY’s APRS app:
APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR
12
Cave-Link Radio (APRS underground)
2 March 2013 Mammoth Cave
APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR
Cave-Link Radio (APRS underground)
2 March 2013 Mammoth Cave
Not Waveguide!... UHF best!
APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR
Cave-Link Radio (APRS underground)
2 March 2013 Mammoth Cave
APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR
Cave-Link (APRS 1 mi underground)
2 March 2013 Mammoth Cave
APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR
National Trail Golden Packet Event
26 July 2009
25 July 2010
2000 Miles
15 Stations
Two HOP7-7 paths
Golden Packets
end-to-end
Omni Antennas
aprs.org/at-golden-packet.html
Others can
Monitor!
APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR
17
Appalachian Trail Golden Packet
APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR
18
Appalachian Trail Golden Packet
APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR
19
Using Google Earth for Links
50,000 miles of national linear trails!
APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR
20
Appalachian Trail
Golden Packet
KX4O John Huggins
Complete RF Link Analysis!
APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR
21
Using ALT-INPUT on 144.99 (+600)
Hike
Across
Maryland
(40 miles)
Case Study in
proper use of
APRS and 144.39
All data/info on
144.39 MHz.
All participants
TX on 144.99 &
RX on 144.39
APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR
22
Using ALT-INPUT on 144.99 (+600)
30% of 144.39 TX packets captured
97% of 144.99 packets captured
Triple Performance using +600
On 144.99 the digi input only hears
the 20 event participants
On 144.39 a digi input hears over 300
users in 5 states (10 times the QRM).
http://aprs.org/HAMsupport.html
APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR
23
Using an HT to report ALL 100 runners!
Hike
Across
Maryland
(40 miles)
Location/time of
over 100 runners
reported by APRS
messages.
Hams (youth < 23)
agreed it was as
easy as Texting or
Tweeting.
APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR
24
What is APRS?



APRS = Automatic Packet
Reporting System (not position tracking!)
APRS since late 1980's was for local
tactical digital communications,
situational awareness and TWO-WAY
information exchange
Messages + maps for OBJECTS –
everyone sees the same situation and
Network Connectivity

A single Reference Resource for all HAM
activities

Not just GPS Vehicle Tracking!
APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR
25
The APRS Network
Information exchange between everyone
Aa
Digipeaters
And to the Internet
Gateway
Multiple Hops
APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR
26
Global Mobile/HT Position and
Texting Connectivity
APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR
27
Seeing the Network
(PHG data shows relative station performance)
50 mi
APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR
28
FINDU.COM (click to see all stations on map)
Google for “USNA Buoy” Select USNA-1
Also:
APRS.fi
OAPRS.net
Etc…
40 miles
APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR
29
Seeing the Situation
(Symbol Atributes)
APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR
30
Symbol Atributes
The original
Overlayable
Symbols
Since April 2007, all
alternate symbols
may now have overlays
Note, some popular “aprs” programs do not
display ANY of these 11 attributes on any
map! They show meaningless ICONS instead
APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR
31
APRS-IS (FINDU – Near)
Google for “USNA Buoy” Select USNA-1
* Click to see all stations on map
APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR
32
APRS-FI (anyone can see APRS)
Google for “USNA Buoy” Select USNA-1
APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR
33
APRS-IS (FINDU - Messages)
Google for “USNA Buoy” Select USNA-1
Also:
APRS.fi
OAPRS.net
Etc…
APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR
34
What is APRS all about?
(Humans communicating INFO with Humans)

Immediate local digital and graphical information exchange between all
participants in a local area or event. This includes:

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

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
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Positions of all stations and objects
Status of all stations
Messages, Bulletins and Announcements
Weather data and telemetry
DF bearings and signal strengths for quick transmitter hunting
RF Connectivity plots of all stations
Local OBJECTS on a common map display for all users
Local Freqs, IRLP, ECHOlink, Winlink, Nets, Meetings, events, Hamfests
Typical applications are:

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Routine local awareness of all ham radio events and assets around you
Marathons, races, events and public service
Search and rescue
Family communications and tracking and one-line emails
Mobile-to-mobile global text messaging
Weather data exchange and display
Efficient multi-user Satellite communications
APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR
35
Scope of APRS

Over 40,000 users
worldwide.

RELAYS every 20-30 mi
called “digipeaters.”

All linked by home
station Igates

Global links by Amateur
Satellites

Thousands of Weather
stations

Telemetry and data
everywhere
But, only 2% of local ham radio users…
(a side show)…
APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR
36
APRS = Events, Info and Objects!
Dayton Hamvention
APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR
37
APRS MisConceptions!
See aprs.org/APRS-tactical.html

That APRS is just Vehicle Tracking instead of a Real-Time Information Distribution System.

That APRS is dependent on GPS for its value (GPS is not needed. See Objects).

Failure to use the APRS built-in Mile-Marks for tracking all other non-APRS mobiles.

Using APRS clients that only do maps and ignored too many of the APRS fundamentals.

Ignored the fundamental Decay Algorithm to accelerate new data, and decay old data!

Failure to understand the importance of OBJECTS: . See Objects 101 and Operations

Failure to use real-time messaging: . See Messages 101 and Message Operations

Failure to implement the original APRS Centralized Common Bulletin Board concept.

Not understanding the APRS operator’s role as a Data Input (Objects, Bulletins and Messages)

Not using the D7 and D700 as data entry and clipboard display units at field events.

Too much focus on Large Screen Displays –vs- Individual Operator displays for events.

Failure to display APRS symbols with all their attributes and colors without clicking them

Failure to manage the network by adjusting the local digipeater for the situation at hand.

Not realizing the importance of Voice Operating frequencies in APRS.
APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR
38
APRS Growth Opportunities!

Global Email Done! (WU2Z) - Now Universal Text Messaging (any device)

CQSRVR (Global APRS CQ’s) Done! (AE5PL) & ANSRVR (KJ4ERJ)

APRStt (APRS touchtone) – APRS for Every Radio Done! (W4PC of CSSI)

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Simple DTMF memory for your Callsign – One Button Send

APRStt receiver converts to APRS Position, Time, Frequency and Status!

On IRLP nodes, Echolink nodes, some repeaters, anywhere on 146.58
AVRS (Automatic Voice Relay System) Global Callsign-to-callsign VOIP

Uses APRS message to set up call – APRS knows where you and callee are

Automatically links to Echolink or IRLP for nearest node and sends to APRS

APRS Radio auto-QSY’s to make link (= Ham Radio Cell phone from Mobile) (90% D710)
AI-FI (APRS WIFI) in every laptop

OLPC message client (APRS-XO) and XASTIR (50% …)

Other Systems (View on OpenAPRS, APRS-fi, FINDU)
APRS RFID for ARRL name tags (event locating)
APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR
39
Global
Mobile/HT
VOICE
Connectivity
AVRS
(www.aprs.org/avrs.html)
We can do this now with a
little software and some
incentive by a good
author!
APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR
40
Global APRS
Email!
To: EMAIL
MSG: wb4apr@amsat.org ET call home!


APRS Global Text Messaging since 1993; from HT’s since 1998!
Send Email from any APRS radio anywhere to anyone on the planet,
anywhere LIVE.

WU2Z Email Engine on the APRS-IS gates it to Internet

Great Demos. Send an Email to a Blackberry in the audience.
New Initiative! Universal Amateur Radio Text Messaging
APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR
41
APRS
Msgs/Email
MSG
menu
Send/Receive messages or email
Anywhere on the planet via APRS satellite
Confirmation of Relay =>
APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR
42
New APRS  SMS
APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR
43
APRS Global
CQ’s
www.aprs.org/cqsrvr.html
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We needed a CQ System for SCOUTS, JOTA, SATERN, IOTA, SCR and Field Day!
AE5PL responded with CQSRVR
Allows anyone to send a global message to everyone involved in an XXXXX activity
Just send a message to CQSRVR starting with CQ XXXX CQ XXXX message
Everyone who has sent a similar CQ XXXX message to CQSRVR will get your CQ
From then on, once you see callsigns, you message normally point-to-point
To limit load, only one CQSRVR message per 30 minutes is forwarded.
Can also be used any day, any time, anywhere! CQ CQ CQ CQ anyone around?
Can also be used for global GROUP comms if 30 minute timer is changed.
APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR
44
APRStt (Touchtone)
(every radio!)
See aprs.org/aprstt.html
•
CALLSIGN preloaded in DTMF memory: WB4APR =
A9A2B42A7A7C79#
•
This is converted to an APRS packet on the APRS channel as:
WB4APR-12>APRStt,WIDE1-1:!DDM_.__N/DDDM_.__W$146.58MHz HAMvention
•
Puts you on global map near Hara Arena, with your immediate calling frequency,
your Tone and your Echolink node number and that a Hamfest is going on.

That is everything you need to be known to the Global APRS system!

Exists since 2001 (in DOS w DTMF chip). Now we have a Hardware Version! Byonics

Also Needed in Echolink, IRLP, repeater controllers - ANYTHING with a DTMF decoder

APRStt gives 100% situational awareness participation not just the 10% with APRS radios.

Other Positions: #B95*234*1D => Milemark #234 on Route 95, northbound
APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR
45
APRStt (hardware)
See aprstt.html
Byonics
Marathon
DTMF
MM
Add-on
Converter
To TT4
And PACE
generator
APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR
46
APRStt (special event)
(every radio!)
See aprstt.html

Simple DTMF memory - One button puts you in APRS (Position, Frequency and Status)!

DTMF on voice freq translated to packet on APRS channel (or direct to APRS-IS)

Position is .1 mile LIST on map display adjacent to repeater or FREQ object

Frequency used is inserted in packet (for return contact)

If Echolink, IRLP or Autopatch, APRS packet includes node or Phone number!

All responses in Voice
APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR
47
DTMF users show on map

DTMF Report shows on APRS!
See aprstt.html
147.105MHz T107 R30m

CALLSIGN with date and time

Position LIST in vicinity of repeater or APRStt entry point

Voice Operating Frequency, Tone and local other info

Node number if Echolink or IRLP, or reverse patch number if Repeater
APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR
48
APRStt (Hamvention)
(Doug Quagliana)
See aprstt.html
APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR
49
APRStt!
Dayton Hamvention
APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR
50
APRStt
2x2 digit
reporting!
B2XXYY*
Dayton
APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR
51
APRStt (Simple Gateways)
See aprstt.html
As simple
as adding a DTMF
chip to a Micro-Trak
Or adding a DTMF chip
to an OT and HT for
use in the field at a
special event
APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR
52
APRStt (Freq Display)
See aprstt.html
For events, put
one on each
operating
frequency and
set posits along
unused edge of
map.
See who is operating where, on what frequency and when
APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR
53
APRS Event Data Entry
Score Message Sent
Score Data Received
APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR
54
APRStt for SAR XXX-YYY
Using ANY Radio
with a DTMF keypad
SAR groups are PRO’s at
using the UTM grid.
It gives resolution:
2 digits – nearest km
3 digits – nearest 100m
4 digits – nearest 10m
5 digits – nearest 1m
APRStt:
B3XXXYYY*
APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR
55
APRS (RFID)
See aprs-rfid.html
Hot Spot floor mat
For big events, put one at
each checkpoint or venue.
Every clubhouse/EOC door
See who is operating where, on what frequency and when
APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR
56
APRS (RFID)
(2011)
See aprs-rfid.html
Hot Spot
APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR
57
APRS Voice Alert!
(For all mobiles!)


Voice Alert is effectively 3rd Radio channel for
the D7 and D700 APRS radios
By setting the APRS Band A to CTSS-100,
but keeping the volume turned up:




*
You wont hear any packets on 144.39 *
But you will hear a voice call using PL-100 on 144.39
And you will hear* an occasional Ping packet if another D700 comes
in line-of-site to you, like a proximity radar alerting you to local
presence.
Great for long haul traveling and meeting other APRS users.
APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR
58
APRS – IS - Local Info!
(Freqs)
Last 100 stations!
Direction & Distance
Frequency and Tone
APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR
59
The New-N Paradigm 2004
Factor of 3 to 5 improvement!
 APRS Generic Paths evolved over 13 years and the presence of many
old legacy formats and procedures were really bogging down the
network making it saturated and unreliable in busy areas.
50% of repeaters still not configured right!
 In 2005 all old paths were declared obsolete (RELAY & WIDE) and
the entire APRS system in the US was then focused only on the WIDEnN type of generic paths with small values of N.
 WIDEn-N goes N hops outward in all directions.
 N=2 in most areas colored on next slide
APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR
60
APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR
61
APRS
(PHG Range Circles)
APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR
62
APRS
(ALOHA circle and digipeater hops)
[Your ALOHA circle is your 100% saturated channel range]
APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR
63
APRS
Range circles and Path tracing
APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR
64
APRS
( DFing by signal strength )
APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR
65
APRS
( Solo DF Fade Circle Technique )
APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR
66
APRS
( Solo DF Fade Circle Technique )
APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR
67
APRS Balloons
Very Simple
APRS transmitter
GPS
APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR
68
APRS
( Solo DF Fade Circle Technique )
APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR
69
APRS
( Solo DF Fade Circle Technique )
APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR
70
APRS
( Solo DF Fade Circle Technique )
APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR
71
APRS
3D views for Balloon tracking
APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR
72
APRS
Tracking with Milemarks
APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR
73
APRS – Traffic Speed Posts
Shows speed of traffic past special points
APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR
74
APRS is INFO.
not just tracking!
Field Data?
APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR
75
APRS Emergency Comms
Google for “USNA Buoy” Select USNA-1
Satellite-Simulated Emergency Test – SSET
- Send an emergency Email via Satelilite
Meteor-Scatter Monitoring Network (6 meters)
- Dozens of Igates monitoring 50.62 MHz
- Message Throughput in minutes
- Using surplus 110 Watt 6m radios
- Simple 100’ long wire gain antennas
APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR
76
APRS Emergency
Power
200W Solar Power
- Continuous
10 kW gas Generator 220 VDC
- Auto-runs as needed
$1 Universal Power Connector
- lightweight wires
Low Cost
APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR
77
APRS Home Power
Solar Power.. It aint
what it used to be!
 40% drop in price this year
 1% what it cost in 1970
 95% efficient now (no batteries (70%))
Low Cost
 50% total cost Government Rebates!
 $500-$3000 annual rebates
 FREE Electricity for LIFE
$1 Universal Power Connector
APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR
78
APRS Home Power
2010
Solar Power Now!
Down to $3/watt installed (1$/W deals)
My 8,000 Watt system (shown)
APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR
79
Solar Power = Emergency Power



COMPLETELY DIVORCE any thoughts of
“emergency power” from Economical power.
Solar power is for ECONOMICAL POWER
Emergency power has nothing to do with
it whatsoever. (Solve that problem separately)
APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR
80