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 sam@iam.com A short message to Sam