Introduction to APRSBen Townsend AK2XSteve Piotrowski KC2QZF

Major Credit to Bob Bruninga WB4APR the inventor!

Automatic P_ Reporting SystemSo What’s the “P_”?Position?The “P” is for Packet because:APRS IS FOR MORE THAN POSITION!Position IS what we use the most and

it’s pretty easy to get started

Introduction to APRS

The “S” is for SystemWhat are the components and what

do they do?There are transmitters and receiversThere are repeaters but it works

simplex There are internet gateways In North America, it’s all on the same

frequency

Introduction to APRS

The transmit end is pretty simpleA 2M radio on 144.390 (unless you

want to run a private network, which you can)

A TNC (terminal node controller)A GPS if you want to send live

position updatesYou can use a PC for a fixed stationA TNC like a KPC3+ can work without

a PC

Introduction to APRS

On the Receive endA 2M radioA TNCA PC to display the data

OR you can view it on the internet as long as there is an internet gateway in the area of the transmitter

Introduction to APRS

Introduction to APRS

Introduction to APRS

DigipeatersTraditional Packet you had to know

the callsign of the digipeater and then connect or use “via”

With APRS and current guidelines, make it a LOT easier.

Whether you are in Albany, Anaheim, or Ann Arbor, your “path” can be the same

Introduction to APRS

Wide1Wide2Wide3Wider than that?

Be careful with your tracker and digipeater programming

Follow published standards to avoid becoming a QRM factory!

Introduction to APRS

So if the Digipeaters all have the same call sign, why don’t packets go on FOREVER?

Packet aging! We all get older and so do APRS packets.

Wide1-1wide2-1Wide2-2Wide3-3?Responsibilities of the digi owner!

Introduction to APRS

Internet Gateways (iGates)Need Antenna, Radio, TNC and PC.Automatic Packet Reporting System-

Internet ServiceRelays local RF APRS traffic to APRS-

IS network,Some relay APRS-IS Data to local RF.

Not all Digis are iGatesAppend string to APRS packetqAR,iGateCall

Introduction to APRS

Many websites store/display APRS-IS Data.

Different features and abilities on each site.

I prefer openaprs.net and aprs.fi.See all activity on local map.Track specific call signs.View log of packets and historic

data.

Introduction to APRS

Introduction to APRS

Introduction to APRS

New York QSO PartyMobile Contest StationOther Stations can track progress, new counties.Status Messages, Operating FrequencyDigi Coverage?

www.nyqp.com Third Saturday in October

Introduction to APRS

Useful Links•http://aprs.org/•http://aprs.fi•http://www.db0anf.de/•http://www.ui-view.org/•http://aprs.net/•http://findu.com/http://openaprs.net•http://aprs-is.net•http://ak2x.bentownsend.com•Email Me: ak2x@bentownsend.com

Introduction to APRS