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Description: APRS - Automatic Packet Reporting System.
APRS is a real-time tactical digital communicatons protocol for exchanging information between a large number of stations covering a large (local) area. As a multi-user data network, it is quite different from conventional packet radio. It is really an extension of traditional packet radio with a number of features added to enhance packet functionality for multiple users. When GPS products became reasonably affordable in the early 1990s, ham radio operators extended APRS to report position information. With position information via GPS, weather information via serial weather monitoring systems, and connections to the internet, APRS networks have become a useful utility to ham radio operations in both casual and in emergency data-management.
APRS is a real-time tactical digital communicatons protocol for exchanging information between a large number of stations covering a large (local) area. As a multi-user data network, it is quite different from conventional packet radio. It is really an extension of traditional packet radio with a number of features added to enhance packet functionality for multiple users. When GPS products became reasonably affordable in the early 1990s, ham radio operators extended APRS to report position information. With position information via GPS, weather information via serial weather monitoring systems, and connections to the internet, APRS networks have become a useful utility to ham radio operations in both casual and in emergency data-management.
APRS provides universal connectivity to all stations by avoiding the complexity and limitations of a connected network. It permits any number of stations to exchange data just like voice users would on a voice net. Any station that has information to contribute simply sends it, and all stations receive it and log it. Secondly, APRS recognizes that one of the greatest real-time needs at any special event or emergency is the tracking of key assets. Where is the Event Leader? Where are the emergency vehicles? Whats the Weather at various points in the County? To answer these questions, APRS is a full featured automatic vehicle location and status reporting system too. It can be used over any 2-way radio system including Amateur Radio (Ham), CB, Marine Band, and Cellular Phone.
APRS is on 144.39 throughout the North American Continent. Other countries often use other frequencies. Check to see what frequency is used in your country for APRS.
WEATHER STATION REPORTING: APRS position reports can also include the wind speed and direction, as well as other important weather conditions. Most APRS software programs support a serial interface option to the ULTIMETER and DAVIS and other home weather stations to do this automatically. All weather stations show up as a blue circle, with a line indicating wind speed and direction. Many APRS programs also have a database of the locations of most NWS sites and can crunch a file of NWS hourly WX conditions for display. Finally, APRS users can set WX alarms and be alerted when WX conditions exceed those values.
DX CLUSTERS: APRS an ideal tool for the DX cluster user. Not only does a user get to see all DX spots on the map, but by operating in the monitor only mode, a user has reduced the overall packet load on the DX cluster. This is a benefit to everyone on the channel. Also the APRS monitoring station will see the SPOT as soon as the first station gets it, rather than later on down the list.
INTERNET: Most all APRS software programs can access the worldwide APRServe system and allow a user to display VHF and HF stations on a map from anywhere in the world allowing you to see who is on the air. Using the normal 144.39 channel, you can send and receive message traffic to ANYONE on APRS anywhere in the world.
APRS is on 144.39 throughout the North American Continent. Other countries often use other frequencies. Check to see what frequency is used in your country for APRS.
WEATHER STATION REPORTING: APRS position reports can also include the wind speed and direction, as well as other important weather conditions. Most APRS software programs support a serial interface option to the ULTIMETER and DAVIS and other home weather stations to do this automatically. All weather stations show up as a blue circle, with a line indicating wind speed and direction. Many APRS programs also have a database of the locations of most NWS sites and can crunch a file of NWS hourly WX conditions for display. Finally, APRS users can set WX alarms and be alerted when WX conditions exceed those values.
DX CLUSTERS: APRS an ideal tool for the DX cluster user. Not only does a user get to see all DX spots on the map, but by operating in the monitor only mode, a user has reduced the overall packet load on the DX cluster. This is a benefit to everyone on the channel. Also the APRS monitoring station will see the SPOT as soon as the first station gets it, rather than later on down the list.
INTERNET: Most all APRS software programs can access the worldwide APRServe system and allow a user to display VHF and HF stations on a map from anywhere in the world allowing you to see who is on the air. Using the normal 144.39 channel, you can send and receive message traffic to ANYONE on APRS anywhere in the world.