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
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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 123.0
Net Tue 7PM”
Scenario 1 – New In Town
“144.50 PL 123.0
Net Tue 7PM”
Scenario 1 – New In Town
With the APRS-IS tie-in, you can
identify ham assets in advance of
your trip.
Scenario 2 – K7DCC Monitoring
“K7DCC-9: Monitoring 146.20”
Scenario 2 – K7DCC Monitoring
“K7DCC-9: Monitoring 146.20”
Scenario 2 – K7DCC Monitoring
“K7DCC,this is KK4LNO…”
Scenario 3 – Text Message
TO: K7DCC
Scenario 3 – Text Message
TO: K7DCC
Scenario 4 – Fox Hunt
Scenario 4 – Fox Hunt
“180 degrees”
“80 degrees,
low strength”
“45 degrees”
“300 degrees”
Scenario 4 – Fox Hunt
“180 degrees”
“80 degrees,
low strength”
“45 degrees”
“300 degrees”
Scenario 4 – Fox Hunt
“180 degrees”
“80 degrees,
low strength”
“45 degrees”
“300 degrees”
How Do I Get Started?
Checkout the WCARES.org APRS Special Interests Section
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
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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 sam@iam.com A short message
to Sam