Quick Facts on APRS

Some quick facts regarding APRS:

• 1. Automatic Packet Reporting System developed by Bob WB4APR for real-time data.
• 2. There is a world-wide network of APRS "digipeaters" that boost the signal of APRS transmitters. ( in North America, the network is on 144.390 MHz )
• 3. Numerous "i-gates" allow APRS messages to cross back and forth from the Internet-based APRS-IS network to the conventional (radio-based) APRS network.
• 4. Several websites provide a convenient interface to the APRS-IS network.
• 5. APRS client software exists for a variety of operating systems.
• (java) YAAC : http://www.findtheater.com/ka2ddo/YAAC.html
• (windows) APRSIS32 : http://aprsisce.wikidot.com/
• (linux) XASTIR : http://xastir.org/index.php/Main_Page
• Android and iOS apps available too.
• 6. APRS has been used for
  • SMS-like messaging,
    
    http://w5drz.org/sending-a-message-from-the-internet-to-rf-aprs-users/
    
    http://aprs.fi/?c=message&call=
    

  • vehicle tracking,
    http://aprs.fi/moving/
    

  • weather stations,
  • and even telemetry from balloons,
  • rockets
  • aircraft
  • and space craft.