aprs is a registered trademark bob bruninga, wb4apr aprs adapted from bob bruninga’s frostfest 08...

APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR

APRAPRSS

Adapted from Bob Bruninga’s FrostFest 08 presentation - by K9DCI July 2008-May 2010

May 2010, K9DCI

Introductory Introductory OverviewOverviewIntroductory Introductory OverviewOverview


What is APRS?What is APRS?● APRSAPRS = Automatic = Automatic

PacketPacket Reporting System Reporting System

● APRSAPRS was developed in the was developed in the early 1990's for local early 1990's for local tactical tactical digital communications,digital communications, situational awareness and situational awareness and TWO-WAYTWO-WAY information information exchangeexchange using Amateur using Amateur radio.radio.

● Not just Vehicle Not just Vehicle Tracking!!!Tracking!!!


What is APRS all about?What is APRS all about?● The APRS System was developed to provide immediate local digital and The APRS System was developed to provide immediate local digital and

graphical information exchange between all participants in an event. graphical information exchange between all participants in an event. This includes not only tracking and monitoring position data, but also This includes not only tracking and monitoring position data, but also status, messaging, bulletins all without having to maintain packet status, messaging, bulletins all without having to maintain packet connections.connections.

● Typical data:Typical data:Local information of value e.g. Meetings, Repeaters, IRLP Nodes, StormsLocal information of value e.g. Meetings, Repeaters, IRLP Nodes, Storms Positions of all stations and objectsPositions of all stations and objectsStatus of all stationsStatus of all stationsMessages, Bulletins and AnnouncementsMessages, Bulletins and AnnouncementsWeather data and telemetryWeather data and telemetryDF bearings and signal strengths for quick transmitter huntingDF bearings and signal strengths for quick transmitter hunting

● Typical applications are:Typical applications are:Routine local awareness of all ham radio events and assets around youRoutine local awareness of all ham radio events and assets around youMarathons, races, events and public serviceMarathons, races, events and public serviceSearch and rescueSearch and rescueFamily communications, tracking and emailFamily communications, tracking and emailMobile-to-mobile global messagingMobile-to-mobile global messagingWeather data exchange and displayWeather data exchange and displayEfficient multi-user Satellite communicationsEfficient multi-user Satellite communications

May 2010, K9DCI


Scope of Scope of APRSAPRS

● APRS consists of a very large APRS consists of a very large land based wireless network. land based wireless network. Almost 30,000 users around Almost 30,000 users around the world.the world.

● This network works via This network works via Repeaters every 20-30 miles Repeaters every 20-30 miles called “digipeaters.” And called “digipeaters.” And Globally via IGates to the Globally via IGates to the internet (APRS-IS).internet (APRS-IS).

● APRS is also used via some of APRS is also used via some of the Amateur Satellites. the Amateur Satellites.

● It is also used to monitor It is also used to monitor telemetry values of weather telemetry values of weather stations for the National stations for the National Weather Service (NWS) Weather Service (NWS)

● APRS has the capability to APRS has the capability to quickly relay telemetry values quickly relay telemetry values to research centers without the to research centers without the Internet.Internet.

APRS stations in the US

Feb 2009, K9DCI


APRS MisConceptions!APRS MisConceptions!● That APRS is just Vehicle Tracking instead of a That APRS is just Vehicle Tracking instead of a Real-Time Information Distribution Real-Time Information Distribution

SystemSystem..

● That APRS is dependent on GPS for its value That APRS is dependent on GPS for its value (GPS is not needed. See Objects)(GPS is not needed. See Objects)..

● Failure to use the APRS built-in Failure to use the APRS built-in Mile-MarksMile-Marks (file) for tracking all other non-APRS mobiles. (file) for tracking all other non-APRS mobiles.

● Using APRS clients that only do maps and ignored Using APRS clients that only do maps and ignored too many of the APRS fundamentalstoo many of the APRS fundamentals..

● Ignored the fundamental Ignored the fundamental Decay AlgorithmDecay Algorithm to accelerate new data, and decay old data! to accelerate new data, and decay old data!

● Failure to understand that APRS is all about OBJECTS: . See Failure to understand that APRS is all about OBJECTS: . See ObjectsObjects 101 101 and and OperationsOperations

● Failure to use real-time messaging: . See Failure to use real-time messaging: . See Messages 101Messages 101 and and Message OperationsMessage Operations

● Failure to implement the original APRS Centralized Failure to implement the original APRS Centralized Common Bulletin BoardCommon Bulletin Board concept. concept.

● Not understanding the APRS operator’s role as a Not understanding the APRS operator’s role as a Data InputData Input (Objects, Bulletins and (Objects, Bulletins and

Messages)Messages)

● Not using the D7 and D700 as Not using the D7 and D700 as data entry and clipboard display unitsdata entry and clipboard display units at field events. at field events.

● Failure to understand how to best use Failure to understand how to best use APRS APRS DisplaysDisplays in support of real-time events. in support of real-time events.

● Failure to display APRS Failure to display APRS symbols with all their attributessymbols with all their attributes and colors without clicking and colors without clicking

them them

● Failure to manage the network by Failure to manage the network by adjusting the local digipeateradjusting the local digipeater for the situation at hand. for the situation at hand.

● Not realizing the importance of Not realizing the importance of Voice OperatingVoice Operating frequenciesfrequencies in APRS. in APRS. See APRS-tactical.html


Various APRS Stations Various APRS Stations (two-(two-way)way)

APRS is a Network intended for real-time Tactical INFORMATION exchange. This means TWO-WAY.


What’s a TNCRadio

Audio

Modem uP

Bytes, Words, Packets, ProtocolTNC

BitsMessages, Control, Mailbox, interface

Packet Messages & Commands

PC

Terminal Node Controller

End PointPacket Station

Well ... Controller

APRS Client Software

Control

Feb 2009, K9DCI


Comparison to Comparison to OrdinaryOrdinary Packet PacketPacket APRS

•MOSTLY One-to-One (connected) To specific station via specific digipeaters Request, ACK, Confirm, Message

•Requires knowledge the RF networkMust specify specific call signs Must specify specific digipeaters. Smart nodes began to auto-rout.

•Can do (Ham) Broadcasts Has bulletin and Message groups

•APRS is a Group (subset) of Packet

•Fading out of usage

•MOSTLY (Ham) Broadcasts Send & PrayAll APRS transmissions go to “APRS”

•Little knowledge of the RF networkAll digipeaters have the “same” call. Ham only specifies # of hopsStandard Path Settings.

•Can do One-to-One MessagesSends 5 times or until ACK

•APRS is its own Supergroup

•Growing in Popularity & FunctionsDF assistanceSatellite DigipeatersInternet Backbone > World-Wide contactsStation location map/Image (Google)

E-Mail (send only) & WinLink2000QRZ QueryCQ Server (world wide)

For Ex-Packeteers and Newbies

May 2010, K9DCI


Add the Kenwood D72Add the Kenwood D72


Kenwood TM-D700A Kenwood TM-D700A DiscontinuedDiscontinued

● Built-in screen display of other APRS stations Built-in screen display of other APRS stations and front-panel send/receive messaging.and front-panel send/receive messaging.

● Other APRS station locations are sent to the Other APRS station locations are sent to the attached GPS map for display.attached GPS map for display.

n

● Dual band 144/440 MHz 50/35 WattsDual band 144/440 MHz 50/35 Watts● Built-in 1200/9600 bps TNC including Built-in 1200/9600 bps TNC including

digipeaterdigipeater

Kenwood TH-Kenwood TH-D7A(G) D7A(G)

DiscontinuedDiscontinued

TM-D710TM-D710● Adds operating Freq to every Adds operating Freq to every

posit !posit !● Auto tunes to others with Freq!Auto tunes to others with Freq!● Shows local Voice Repeaters !Shows local Voice Repeaters !

KenwoodKenwood

Discontinued as of June 2008

Discontinued

Feb 2009, K9DCI


Alinco DR-135T/EJ-41UAlinco DR-135T/EJ-41U

● Allows direct input from Allows direct input from any standard GPS.any standard GPS.

● Basic 1200/9600 bps TNCBasic 1200/9600 bps TNC

● Basic 2 M Radio with optional TNC. Basic 2 M Radio with optional TNC. (Opentrack makes a drop in tracker TNC)(Opentrack makes a drop in tracker TNC)

● Unlike the Kenwood radios, it requires a PC to equires a PC to set it up, and there is no APRS display directly set it up, and there is no APRS display directly on the radio.on the radio.


Yaesu VX-8R Yaesu VX-8R Quad bandQuad band

Feb 2010 K9DCI

● TX Range: 50-54 144-148 222-225 440-450 ● Power max: 5 W FM 1 W AM 5 W 1.5 W 5 W ● RX: AM FM WFM 500 kHz - 999.99 MHz. (Cell blocked)● Dual Independent Ham Receive (V/V, V/U, U/U )● Simultaneous AM/FM stereo broadcast Rx● CTCSS DCS Encode & Decode● APRS 1200/9600 bps (B band only)● Weather Receiving with Weather Alert● Barometric (altitude) and Temperature sensors● 1267 Memories (some are frequency specific)● Memory name 16 characters● Spectrum Display ±50 channels ● Time domain display (O-scope) of received modulation● Submersible IPX57 (3 feet for minimum of 30 minutes)● 7.4 V 1100 mAh 1800 mAh Lithium-Ion batteries 3.7” x

2.4” x 0.9”● VOX, ARTS, AM Band Bar Antenna, CW Practice, Emergency CW Tx, Rx

Atten Clock timer, TOT, APO, Mic gain, Bat saver, Fixed Tx offsets. Int/Ext

Charge● Options:

● 3x AA battery pack (reduced Tx power 1.5W 50/144/440 0.5W 222)● Bluetooth hands-free with BU-1 and BH-1 (stereo) or BH-2 (mono)● GPS unit [Requires Bluetooth mic or remote mic]


Yaesu FT-350 Yaesu FT-350 tri-tri-bandband● TX Range: 144/220 and 430 MHz Power: 50 W 144 & 430, 1W 223

MHz● RX: 0.5-1.7 AM, 76-108 WFM, 108-250 , 300-1,000MHz (Cell block) FM

WFM● 1051 Memories (500 each side and specific function memories)● Dual Independent Ham Receive (V/V, V/U, U/U )● Cross Band Repeat [?? Digi ??]● Simultaneous AM/FM stereo broadcast Rx● CTCSS DCS Encode & Decode● APRS & Packet capable 1200/9600 bps ● Weather Receiving with Weather Alert● Memory name 8 characters● 9 DTMF memories 16-digit ● Front panel DTMF or hand held Mic DTMF● Barometric sensor (for altitude) and Temperature● Band Scope

● Options:● Control Head Separation – 20 ft cable● Bluetooth hands-free with BU-1 and BH-1A (stereo) or BH-2A (mono)● FPR-1 Remote Monitor – allows others to listen remotely● Two Line inputs, GPS unit ? Information from: http://www.yaesu.com/

Mar 2010, K9DCI


APRS – is APRS – is LocalLocal Info! Info!Last 100 stations!

Direction & Distance

Frequency and Tone

Mobiles and HT are 100%

compatible


TRACKERS TRACKERS (two-way)(two-way)

Trackers have no APRS data display. So the receiver should be tuned to a beaconed Voice frequency so the operator can be involved in the Net! The only value for these units is tracking some non-manned assets at large movement events such as marathons, bike-a-thons, parades and other community events, and maybe search & rescue teams.

One-way APRS is NOT normally recommended. APRS is a Network. We want good communications among all participants for maximum utility.


Voice Alert!Voice Alert!

● Effectively a 3Effectively a 3rdrd Radio channel. Radio channel. D7, D700, D710 radios.D7, D700, D710 radios.

● Great for meeting APRS users while traveling.Great for meeting APRS users while traveling.For For MobilesMobiles OnlyOnly. Fixed stations . Fixed stations SHOULDSHOULD NOT NOT send send

ToneTone..

● Set Set MobileMobile APRS Rx APRS Rx (144.39(144.39) to PL-100 CT ) to PL-100 CT (in U.S.)(in U.S.), , but keep the volume turned up:but keep the volume turned up:

You’ll only hear You’ll only hear nearbynearby mobile Beacon squawks on mobile Beacon squawks on 144.39 144.39

Answer and QSY to a voice channel.Answer and QSY to a voice channel.

● Fixed APRS & NON-APRS mobiles Fixed APRS & NON-APRS mobiles maymay listen for listen for transient APRS mobiles.transient APRS mobiles.

But But NOTNOT transmit APRS beacons. This is a “Human Listening” transmit APRS beacons. This is a “Human Listening” signal.signal.

● Trackers & NON-APRS mobiles Trackers & NON-APRS mobiles Warning: be very careful if using Speaker Jack and CTCSS !Warning: be very careful if using Speaker Jack and CTCSS !

Automatic Automatic CQCQ for Traveling APRS for Traveling APRS MobilesMobiles

Also usable by Also usable by NON-APRSNON-APRS mobiles! mobiles!

Mar 2010, K9DCI


APRS Event MesagingAPRS Event Mesaging

Score Message

Score = 42 for troop 874

Score Data ReceivedScores being reported

Feb 2009, K9DCI


users per degree of lat/long

Feb 2009, K9DCI


Software “Clients” add Software “Clients” add featuresfeatures

Software “Clients” add Software “Clients” add featuresfeaturesAPRSDos

Has the Most Features

APRSDos

Has the Most Features


ALOHA circle and digipeater hopsALOHA circle and digipeater hops[Your ALOHA circle is your 100% saturated channel range][Your ALOHA circle is your 100% saturated channel range]


Range CirclesRange Circles


Range circles and Path Range circles and Path tracingtracing


DFing by signal strengthDFing by signal strength

Gray = Not heard (phg circles) Colored Heard circles = inverse signal strength.

Feb 2009, K9DCI


Solo DF Fade Circle TechniqueSolo DF Fade Circle Techniquewhite dots are fade-out locations

Feb 2009, K9DCI


Solo DF Fade Circle TechniqueSolo DF Fade Circle TechniqueAlternate display in APRSDosAlternate display in APRSDos


3D views for Balloon 3D views for Balloon trackingtracking

This is part of APRSdos software

Feb 2009, K9DCI


Tracking with MilemarksTracking with Milemarks


Traffic Speed Posts Traffic Speed Posts

Shows speed of traffic past special points

(captures APRS mobile’s speeds)


APRS Event Data EntryAPRS Event Data EntryArial Map View

Compare carefully with next slide.

Feb 2009, K9DCI


APRS Event Data EntryAPRS Event Data EntryFlip between the two

But this is only HALF of the APRS function!

Feb 2009, K9DCI


The New-N Paradigm 2005The New-N Paradigm 2005

● APRS Generic Paths evolved over 13 years and the presence of many old legacy formats and procedures were really bogging down the network making it saturated and unreliable in busy areas.

● In 2005 all old paths were declared obsolete (RELAY & WIDE) and the entire APRS system in the US was then focused only on the WIDEn-N type of generic paths with small values of N.

● A WIDEn-N path goes N hops outward in all directions.

● WIDE1-1,WIDE2-1 Currently Recommended Path concept

● Users NEED to understand this.

Factor of 3 to 5 Factor of 3 to 5 improvement!improvement!

IMPORTANTIMPORTANT

Feb 2009, K9DCI


Aa

The APRS Land NetworkThe APRS Land Network

Multiple Hops

And to the Internet Gateway

Digipeaters

aprs is a registered trademark bob bruninga, wb4apr aprs adapted from bob bruninga’s frostfest 08...

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