Operation Team

What is APRS? :

APRS stands for Automatic Position Reporting System. In its simplest implementation, APRS is used to transmit real-time reports of the exact location of a person or object via a data signal sent over amateur radio frequencies. In addition to real-time position reporting capabilities using attached Global Positioning System receivers, APRS is also capable of transmitting a wide variety of data, including weather reports, short text messages, telemetry data, short e-mail messages (send only) and storm forecasts. Once transmitted, these reports can be combined with a computer and mapping software to show the transmitted data superimposed with great precision upon a map display.

What do I need for APRS? It really depends on what type of station. For fixed or base stations you will need a transceiver and a terminal node controller (TNC). Just about any radio will work providing you have the right cables. As for the TNC, Kantronics, AEA (Timewave), MFJ are some of the namebrands. You will not need the most expensive TNC on the market. Finally, you'll need a personal computer with APRS software. There are a variety of APRS software to choose from. WinAPRS, MacAPRS, UIVIEW32, and Xastir for Linux just to name a few. With the proper setup, your station is complete. If you would like to go mobile or portable, then add a Global Positioning System (GPS) to the equation and you are all set.
What is APRS used for? This program is mainly used for public service events to prepare for times of disaster. Net control can keep track of SAG vehicles, water stations, first aid station, and sweep vehicles. This way, net control is not taking up air time on the voice repeater possibly preventing the report of a medical emergency.

So you've learned that you need a TNC and Radio. Wouldn't it be cool if there was equipment that has them both is one package? Well there is. Kenwood is the only manufacturer with this package. The TH-D7A(G) and the TM-D700A. The D7A is a dualband portable with simultaneous receive and a built-in TNC. The D700 is the same but a mobile version. You do not have buy these radios unless you can afford them. Both radios are below the $500.00 mark.

Some terms you should know. Digipeater (digi) - a "repeater" used to transmit / receive packet data. A digi is crucial to APRS networks. Beacon - transmission containing data like callsign, coordinates, course, speed, altitute or elevation, and any comment text. IGate - this is a portal to the internet. Some IGates are digipeaters. IGates are typically two-way streets. When the IGate reveives a beacon, it will feed it to the internet. Path(unproto) - this determines how your beacon is received and sent through the network.

Now for some specifics. APRS Frequency - 144.390 MHz simplex. TNC Packet Baud - 1200 baud. Packet Path (unproto) - fixed WIDE1-1,WIDE2-2. mobile/portable WIDE1-1,WIDE3-3. RELAY,WIDE IS OBSOLETE.

The OPERATION Team runs a closed APRS system seperate from the national grid.

We run TinyTrak3 Trackers from www.byonics.com for our portable trackers.

We also use UIVIEW32 which can be found at www.uiview.org.

APRS EQUIPMENT IDEAS:

The picture below represents a typical station.

The picture below represents a typical APRS tracker. Garmin GPS on the right with its antenna on top of the Alinco radio. The Kantronics KPC3+ TNC is mounted on the bottom. This is a very nice setup and looks versatile.