Universal Contact by Callsign
wireless
Anywhere, Anytime Any Device, any system
?
Human to human info exchange!
Sept 2011
APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR
1
TWO SEPARATE TOPICS !!!
Universal Texting
begets
Signalling
begets
End-to-end VOICE (VOIP)
Millions of systems!
APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR
2
APRS
Human to human info exchange!
Single channel info-resource!
 Universal Ham Radio Text Messaging Initiative
 aprs.org/aprs-messaging.html
 Universal VOIP connections via APRS signaling
 aprs.org/avrs.html

APRStt (Signaling, Texting for any HT) !!!
aprs.org/aprstt.html

APRS-RFID! (walking by)
aprs.org/aprs-rfid.html

A-Star Nodes! (universal voice network)
aprs.org/avrs.html
Sept 2011
APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR
3
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
4
All telephones communicate
Your telephone Number is Universal !
Millions of systems!
APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR
5
Why cannot all Ham Radios Communicate ?
RF
RF
RF
We have
Universal
RF
Callsigns !
APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR
6
We have the Last Mile covered! 2011
We have Caller ID! 2011
26 separate systems!
APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR
7
Why cannot all Ham Radios Communicate ?
They can!
APRS –to- 300,000
DTMF
DTMF signaling Radios!
APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR
8
Why cannot all Ham Radios Communicate ?
APRStt
APRStt
They can!
APRS –to- 2,000,000
Radios with DTMF (every ham)!
APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR
9
Why cannot all Ham Radios Communicate ?
APRStt
They could!
APRS –to- 1000 Dstar Radios with
An A-star gateway !
APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR
10
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
11
Universal Ham Radio Text Messaging Initiative 2010
26 separate systems!
APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR
12
VX-8GR
Universal Texting – New Radios! 2011
VX-8DR
FTM-350R
All now come with GPS built in!
TH-D72A
VX-8R &
And text entry and display
APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR
13
APRS for ALL Portable
Terminals!
OLPC -One Laptop Per Child






$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
14
APRS for ALL
wireless
Terminals!
Georg Lukas
APRSdroid

Use APRS.FI for
situational
awreness

Send Receive Text

Send Receive Voice
APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR
15
APRS is
not the
Maps…
It’s the Network!
Can you see APRS
Stations?
No!
Can you see APRS
network?
No!
APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR
16
The Automatic Packet Network


APRS = Automatic Packet Reporting
System
Since late 80's was for local
Tactical digital communications, Situational
awareness and
TWO-WAY information exchange

Beacons, Messages, OBJECTS – Everything
Going On in ham radio Around YOU

A single Reference Resource for all HAM
activities

Not just GPS Vehicle Tracking!
APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR
17
Global Mobile/HT Presence and
Texting Connectivity
APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR
18
Seeing the Network
(PHG data shows relative station performance)
50 mi
APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR
19
APRS-Internet (APRS-IS)
Google for “USNA Buoy” Select USNA-1
& situational
awareness
This data is LIVE
http:// Pcsat.aprs.org
APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR
20
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
21
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
22
APRS-FI (anyone can see APRS)
Google for “USNA Buoy” Select USNA-1
APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR
23
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
24
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
25
APRS, Maps, Events and Objects!
Dayton Hamvention
APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR
26
TRACKERS
(should be two-way)
One-way APRS is not normally recommended. APRS is a Network. We want
good 2-way communications among all participants for maximum utility.
Trackers have no
APRS data display.
So the receiver
should be tuned to a
beaconed Voice
frequency so the
operator can be
involved in the Net!
One-way trackers are good for non-manned assets at large
movement events.. Not as the only APRS asset for a ham.
Trackers may be his 2nd, 3rd or 4th unit for APRS support… not his 1st!
APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR
27
TRACKERS
(Now are two-way!)
TT4 with $34 display and AVMAP G5 GPS
APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR
28
YAGtracker
$GPWPL waypoint output string (map stations on GPS)
Holds a station list of last 50 heard stations in EEPROM
Station list sorting by last heard or distance
Digipeat histogram shows digipeat "health" of your own station and others
Map plot screen plots all in station list
Full messaging with on-board keyboard-like layout
Messaging "chat" screen for quick replies
Stores up to 10 canned messages (can be edited by user)
APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR
29
Mobile/Portable APRS Terminals
Kenwood TM-D700A
 Dual band 144/440 MHz 50/35 Watts
 Built-in 1200/9600 bps TNC including digipeater


Built-in APRS Displays and messaging.
Other APRS stations show on attached GPS map
TM-D710



Adds operation Freq to every posit !
Auto tunes to others with Freq!
Shows local Voice Repeaters !
Kenwood D7
Yaesu VX8R
APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR
30
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
31
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
32
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
33
More INFO Display radios!
TH78 and FT51,41,11 Display text messages
Can also display local APRS!





Traveler’s Freqs
IRLP or Echolink freqs
Messages
FTM-10R uses DCS texting


ANY RADIO WITH DTMF! (see APRStt)
See
www.aprs.org/aprs-messaging.html
APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR
34
APRS Growth Opportunities!

Global Email Done! (WU2Z) - Now Universal Text Messaging (any device)

CQSRVR (Global APRS CQ’s) Done! (AE5PL)

APRStt (APRS touchtone) – APRS for Every Radio Done! (W4PC of CSSI)




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
35
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
36
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
37
APRS Global
CQ’s
www.aprs.org/cqsrvr.html









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
38
APRStt (Touchtone)
(every radio!)
See aprs.org/aprstt.html
•
For WB4APR, the DTMF Sends:
•
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.


A9A2B42A7A7C79#

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 Windows Version! By W4PC

Also Needed in Echolink, IRLP, and some repeater controllers with a serial port!
APRStt and therefore 100% situational awareness of any Ham mobile or HT then APRS will
always be a side show only used by 10% of any club or organization.
Other Positions: #B95*234*1D => Milemark #234 on Route 95, northbound
APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR
39
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
40
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
41
APRStt (Hamvention)
(Doug Quagliana)
See aprstt.html
APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR
42
APRStt!
Dayton Hamvention
APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR
43
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
44
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
45
APRStt
(DTMF messaging)
See aprstt.html
300,000 TH-78 and FT-51R’s have DTMF Messaging
APRStt sends APRS info to TH-78 and FT-51R Displays
APRStt receives APRS info from TH-78 and FT-51R users
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
46
APRS Event Data Entry
How to use APRS HT’s for keypad entry of Troop data at camporees.
20 stations, 40 troops, 800 scores all day long. Use keypads!
APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR
47
APRS Event Data Entry
Score Message Sent
Score Data Received
APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR
48
Event Data Entry (DTMF)
Using ANY Radio
with a DTMF keypad
Troop Number and
Score received at
Net Control
APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR
49
APRS  DTMF Gateway!
Gates all Local APRS traffic to the DTMF radio!
APRS
Packets
gated to
DTMF
channel!
See
www.aprs.org/aprs-dtmf-gate.html
APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR
50
APRS  DTMF Gateway!
Simple PIC processor added to any Radio/TNC
APRS
Packets
gated to
DTMF
channel!
See
www.aprs.org/aprs-dtmf-gate.html
APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR
51
APRS (RFID)
See aprs-rfid.html
Hot Spot
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
52
APRS (RFID)
See aprs-rfid.html
Hot Spot
APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR
53
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
54
APRS – IS - Local Info!
Last 100 stations!
Direction & Distance
Frequency and Tone
APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR
55
APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR
56
APRS
Tracking with Milemarks
APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR
57
APRS – Traffic Speed Posts
Shows speed of traffic past special points
APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR
58
APRS IGates (Global APRS!)


An IGATE is a local APRS station that utilizes
the APRS-Internet network to pass all packets
heard on their local RF back to the Internet.
(Gives global views to local activity.
Also act as two-way gateways for ALL APRS
MESSAGES worldwide (Internet  RF).
APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR
59
APRS is INFO.
not just tracking!
Field Data?
APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR
60
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
61
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
62
Solar Power Now!
2010
Down to $3/watt installed (1$/W deals)
My 8,000 Watt system (shown)
APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR
63
Off - Grid . . . !!! NOT !!!
Forget your HAM Radio lifetime of experience….
There is NOTHING economical about battery storage !!!
APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR
64
Battery storage has four very major shortcomings:
*
*
*
*
High initial and maintenance costs
They cannot save up the 2X or 3X summer excess for winter
They lose 30% of all energy in charge/discharge losses
Battery Maintenance and replacement problems for life
APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR
65
GRID-TIE is what makes Solar Economical
There is no “buying and selling” of electricity.
* Grid Tie simply works by pushing your meter backwards when sunny
* And letting it run forwards when you use power.
* Unlimited storage capacity,* unlimited time*, 100% efficient storage
* (on annual solar cycle)
APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR
66
When the Grid Goes Down?
Whole House
Off Grid System
$50,000
Cost per KwH
during outages
$2400.00/KWH
$250
With Battery
60 cents/KWH
OR! Backup =
On Grid 15 cents/KWH
APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR
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
68
Solar Power *is* Economical
Look at it this way:
Keep $24,000 in a bank at 1%. Continue to pay $200/m for Electricity
* After 10 years, you have paid $24,000 with NOTHING to show for it
* And every year you have uncertainty in ever rising prices
Buy a $48,000 solar system now, ( With incentives, Pay only $24,000)
* Have maintenance free electricity for LIFE
* It is generating $2400/year return on investment (10%) for LIFE
* OWN this $48,000 energy system and all it’s equity for life
* After 20 years it is still producing 80% of today’s power! (and will continue)
APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR
69