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.

Screen shot : YAAC ( yet another APRS client )

I installed YAAC last night: http://www.findtheater.com/ka2ddo/YAAC.html

Program is written in Java and has a setup wizard.  Doesn't take long to set up and you're monitoring the APRS network via the APRS-IS server system. YACC uses OSM maps by default and you can add TNCs and radios when you're ready to.

Saturday Night Simplex #4

The last stop of the night was historic Reservoir Hill.
http://www.newson6.com/story/10748643/tulsa-aviators-arrow-restored-in-reservoir-hill

Saturday Night Simplex #3

After checking out the Shadow Mountain vicinity, we visited Turkey Mountain's parking lot. Through the trees were nice views of South Tulsa.

Saturday Night SImplex #2

Couple of interesting places to set up and listen for area signals proved to be Steak 'n Shake parking lot near 61st and Elm in BA and the hilltop the old Lutheran Church sits on (see Luther Drive). Both locales provided a nice line of sight right up the BA Expressway. You'll see many tall buildings in downtown Tulsa, for example.

We worked about 15 stations including:
• N5TEX Joe in Sand Springs
• WB5VST Ben in Skiatook
• The Emergency Operations Center in Tulsa WT5EOC

Saturday Night Simplex #1

Saturday Night the amateur radio emergency management folks got together to practice communication on the "2 meter band" (frequency: about 145 Mhz ). Simplex means that we transmit and receive on the same radio frequency.
Reading between the lines, that means that there is no technology between the two radio users. No repeaters or ways to boost a signal. Just two radio users with a clear line of sight to each other.
So, a couple of us went out to find "high ground" from which we could communicate with many "hams". In the photo, you can see one of many ridges in Tulsa where you can have a good time playing "walkie talkies".