Posted: 8/12/2008 6:37:46 AM EDT
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Anyone here into APRS? I've never done it before, but last night started looking into it. I've got an IC-2710 in the truck, and it does'nt look like it'll easily work with APRS. But my base rig most likely will. Anyone run it? worth it? More less for shits and giggles? Preferred software? tips and tricks? |
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I myself am more into the Weather aspect of it, but use to run it mobile. Nice little controller is from Byonics www.byonics.com called TinyTrak. You can either get it as a kit or already built. Simple to interface and program. My kids use to watch grandma and I travel all over the US knowing where we were at times. John K6YDW wx.findu.com/k6ydw |
There are a few different routes you can go. For a mobile tracker, all you need is a unit like the TinyTrak, along with an interface for your radio. If you want to set up a base/tracking station, you'll need a computer, a couple pieces of free software, and a radio-soundcard interface. KG4PEQ has a good writeup on getting started on computer based APRS: www.stevecrow.net/aprs-primer/ Can't tell you much about weather. |
As I mentioned in the trucker thread, I run an APRS internet gate. It's a blast. I have trackers in my motorcycles, car etc. I'm running UIVIEW32 on the computer at home to route the APRS traffic to the APRS servers. The best way to get into it is to buy a low cost Yaesu 1802 or similar 2m rig, either make or buy a cable to interface the radio to a TNC and connect it to your computer with one of several programs. I'm using an old PK232 TNC however you can buy new TNCs for 200$ish which I will do when my old one here dies. ETA: This is a snapshot of the APRS activity in the San Antonio area where I live.  SA-TX is kind of the trailer park of APRS in this region. Theres not much going on here for some reason. However if you go to Austin or Houston, there's twice if not three times as much activity. The GOOD part is, there are fewer packet collisions in an area where there is less activity. |
At my weather setup, I am using a Peet U2000 weather station, a Icom 2A 2m ht (144.39mhz) and a Kantronics KPC-3 tnc for interface. Checkout www.byonics.com and look at their WXTrak board setup. It is able to setup using different types of weather stations. Actually the Radio Shack stuff isnt available anymore, but can be found on eBay or other locations. Byonics gives good info on interfacing. I've had my setup for 5-6 years now. It reports to NWS via internet also. Quite abit of stuff on Google about it also. |