APRS an Overview John Galvin N5TIM * APRS is a registered trademark of WB4APR 1
What is APRS? APRS stands for Automatic Packet Reporting System (although it is frequently also called Automatic Position Reporting System.) APRS was developed in the early 1990's by Bob Bruninga, WB4APR, for digital communications and tracking mobile GPS equipped stations utilizing Amateur two-way way radio. May 26, 2008 2
APRS Is A real-time tactical communications and display system for emergencies and public service use A one one-to to-many protocol updating everyone in real time May 26, 2008 3
A Bit of History In the 16 years since its introduction, APRS has grown to the extent that it now encompasses just about every aspect of Amateur Radio. The APRS System was developed to provide local digital and graphical information exchange between all participants in an event without having to maintain packet connections. It utilized the standard Packet equipment and protocol. May 26, 2008 4
The Equipment The Computer Used to view data, initiate messages and configure Programs, TNC s s and Trackers The GPS Provides location information and input for tracking. The TNC Provides the analog (audio) to digital conversion and back as well as the processing firmware The Radio Any 2 meter transceiver able to transmit on 144.390 May 26, 2008 5
The Equipment (cont d) The Tracker A hybrid TNC TNC with no receive decode, but can encode data for transmission May 26, 2008 6
The Software UI-View A popular Windows based program with numerous add-ons. Runs TNC in KISS mode Intelligent Digipeate configuration Zoom able maps with Precision Maps Internet capable Internet capable APRS+SA APRS+SA A Windows based program that interfaced with Delorm Street Atlas 4.0 thru 9.0 May 26, 2008 7
The Software (cont d) WinAPRS/MacAPRS Windows and Macintosh similar programs with features similar to UI-View Can use Tiger Maps APRSdos APRSdos The original APRS program and runs on most any PC. Only program with all APRS features built in Crude Maps May 26, 2008 8
The Software (cont d) Xastir Collaborative software development that runs on many OS s Only UNIX like operating system. Supports a number of map formats and is Supports a number of map formats and is easily customized easily customized APRSPoint APRSPoint Another Windows based multi-featured program Zoomable maps using Microsoft MapPoint Does not support KISS function May 26, 2008 9
The Internet FindU A web application showing position reports, tracking, and raw data Many scripts available for customized reports and Many scripts available for customized reports and searches Uses Google, Topo, and other maps Aprs.he.fi. Uses Google, Topo, and other maps Aprs.he.fi. Another web application for position reports and tracking Novel tracking reports Uses Google maps Both have numerous features for customizing its use and views Both have numerous features for customizing May 26, 2008 10
The Internet (cont d) Aprsworld.com Developed by James Jarvis, KB0THN Allows simultaneous tracking of the various SSID s s used by a station Citizens Weather Observer Program (CWOP) An interesting outgrowth of the APRS program the APRS program Allows non Allows non-amateurs to use the APRS network to report and collect weather data Data is used by the NWS May 26, 2008 11
APRS Uses Situational Awareness, Tactical Position & Asset Tracking and Location Search and Rescue Bike rides, Walks, and Parades Balloon Festivals & Tracking Direction Finding and Foxhunts Weather Nets SkyWarn Damage Assessment Short Messaging Email Messaging May 26, 2008 12
Configurations The Home Station Computer running one of the current APRS programs for PC or MAC TNC or Similar Modem 144.390 TNC APRS Station Set-up * Transceiver and TNC need +12 VDC power. 2 M VHF Transceiver w / Antenna May 26, 2008 13
Configurations (cont d) The Field Station TNC or Similar Controller +12 V Battery 144.390 Laptop Computer TNC APRS Portable Station Equipment 2 M VHF Transceiver w / Antenna * Transceiver, TNC, and laptop need +12 VDC power. May 26, 2008 14
Configurations (cont d) The Tracker GPS with or without Display plus NEMA output. OR TinyTrak, Opentracker, or similar device OR 144.390 TNC APRS Tracker Set-up 2 M VHF Transceiver w / Antenna (Can be an HT) May 26, 2008 15
Weather Station Computer running one of the current APRS programs for PC or MAC and Weather Station Software Weather Station Sensor Set Up TNC or Similar Modem 144.390 TNC APRS Station Set-up * Transceiver and TNC need +12 VDC power. 2 M VHF Transceiver w / Antenna May 26, 2008 16
Typical Infrastructure Well Located Wide Local Digi Station Fill Fill-in in Area Digi (KK5PP-3) I-Gate KC5EOR; Home Digi Tracker using; W5IDn-9; WIDE1-1,WIDE2 1,WIDE2-1 Anyone s s Home Station Receives; W5IDN-9;WIDE2 9;WIDE2-0 May 26, 2008 17
The Network The Tracker Initiates one way position reports The Home Station Provides displays and two way reporting of Provides displays and two way reporting of weather, objects & messaging The DigiPeater Repeats weak or distant APRS data for all to use The I Gate Gates received data on the RF side to the Internet The Servers Internet based storage and retrieval of APRS data received from I Gates around the world Internet based storage and retrieval of APRS data May 26, 2008 18
APRS in the Garland Area May 26, 2008 19
APRS & Weather May 26, 2008 20
SkyWarn May 26, 2008 21
May 26, 2008 22
Typical APRS Settings APRS Path Settings RELAY (No longer recommended - Do not use - Digi's are being programmed to ignore) RELAY is being replaced by Wide1-1 1 (Should only be used in the first position) WIDE Should only appear once as first or second entry (Not Recommended) WIDEn-n Should only appear once as first or second entry TRACEn-n For temporary experimentation only (Also being phased out) GATE Means gate packet to HF NOGATE, RFONLY Mean don don t t gate to Internet TCPIP, TCPXX, qxx APRS-IS only May 26, 2008 23
Typical APRS Settings (cont d) Recommended Paths Mobile WIDE1-1, 1, WIDE2-1 Within the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex, WIDE1-1 1 should suffice. Within North Texas you should use WIDE1-1 1 or WIDE1-1, 1, WIDE2-1 Portable Same as Mobile Fixed DIGICALL, DIGICALL,WIDE1-1 1 or DIGICALL,WIDE2-2 Digis No path Special Events WIDE2-2 Airmobile WIDE1-1 Balloons WIDE1-1 May 26, 2008 24
Typical APRS Settings (cont d) Recommended Beacon Rates Mobile 3 minutes minimum, SmartBeaconing preferred with 3 minute minimum Portable 10 minute minimum, 20 minute preferred Fixed 20 to 30 minutes Weather 10 minute minimum, 15 minute preferred Airmobile 5 minute minimum May 26, 2008 25
Trackers May 26, 2008 26
Interesting Applications May 26, 2008 27
Track Yourself Single Point; http://www.findu.com/cgi- bin/find.cgi?call={yourcall&ssid} Breadcrumb Track: http://www.findu.com/cgi- bin/track.cgi?call={yourcall&ssid} Another neat locate and track web page http://aprs.fi/ Note You can use an * as a wild card for SSID May 26, 2008 28
Questions? May 26, 2008 29
Thanks The End May 26, 2008 30