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Automatic Packet Reporting System

APRS utilizes radio equipment, the Global Positioning System and computers to broadcast information concerning real time events.  The information is transmitted and received by radio in the form of digital data and displayed graphically on computer terminals.  

Here is an example of the APRS data displayed on a computer terminal:

Each icon represents an individual APRS station with particular information: vehicle tracking, weather data, fixed station location, digital repeater locations and their capabilities.  The map and data change as often as the information is broadcasted.  As you can see, a wealth of information can be disseminated.

KE8NK-3 Digital Repeater

A digital repeater or "digi" extends the range of mobile and portable stations transmitting digital data just as a conventional repeater extends the range of voice transmissions.  The Ritchie Amateur Group APRS digi was implemented on April 20, 2006 and operates on the standard APRS frequency of 144.390.  The recommended path to program into your TNC is WIDE1-1,WIDE2-2. 

KD8AMN-5 Citizen Weather Observer Program Station

APRS has the unique ability to record and track weather conditions.  

Here is an example:

James Mossor, KD8AMN, has installed a weather station and is a member of the Citizen Weather Observer Program (CWOP).  This program is a private-public partnership that collects weather data contributed by citizens, makes the data available to weather services and Homeland Security and provides feedback to the contributors to improve the quality of their data. 

You may visit the KD8AMN-5 link below to view current and historical weather conditions.

Equipment Needed for APRS

A typical APRS station consists of a two meter radio, a Terminal Node Controller (TNC), a GPS unit and a computer or display terminal.  Depending on the application, however, all of these components may not be necessary.  For instance, any licensed amateur operator with an internet connection can use APRS software to input their position into an APRS server.  There are other numerous options with pros and cons.  First, determine your application, then, acquire the components that will suit your needs.

What's a TNC?

TNC is an abbreviation for Terminal Node Controller.  It works much like your computer modem.  If you didn't know, modem is a word that developed from the words modulate and demodulate.  In other words, a TNC modulates, converts digital data to audio tones to be transmitted, and demodulates, converts the audio tones back to digital data to be received and displayed on a terminal.

Local Activity

APRS was interfaced to the internet in the 1990s.  Internet Gateways or I-Gates, make it possible for anyone with an internet connection to view APRS activity. 

Here are some links where you may view local activity:

Local Stations - A view of local APRS stations.

KE8NK-3 Digi - The Ritchie Amateur Group wide digital repeater:  Equipment: Yaesu FT-3000 2 meter transceiver and a Kantronics KPC 3+ TNC.  Output power is 10 watts. 

KE8NK-1 - Don's Home Station: Equipment: Kenwood D700 dual band transceiver connected to a PC running UI-View software.

KE8NK-5 - Don's Mobile Station: Equipment: Yaesu FT-90 dual band transceiver, Tiny Trak 3 Plus TNC and a Deluo GPS.

KD8AMN-5 - Jim's Weather Station: Equipment: Oregon Scietific Deluxe Weather Station connected to a PC running UI-View software.

KN8J  - Mike's Portable Station: Equipment: Yaesu VX7R dual band transceiver, Tiny Trak 3 Plus and a Deluo GPS.

KN8J-1 - Mike's Home Station: Equipment: Kenwood D700 dual band transceiver connected to a PC running UI-View software.

KC8URS - Donna's Mobile Station: Equipment: Kenwood D700 dual band transceiver and a Garmin GPS III.

More APRS Information

APRS is one small part of the Amateur Radio Service, but it combines several aspects into one mode.  This system can be a particularly useful instrument for aiding public service applications.  Tracking and weather observation can compliment search and rescue missions.  The messaging capabilities, voice and text, of APRS can pass traffic efficiently in and out of disaster areas.  The ability to place objects on maps in real time is a powerful tactical tool.  The possibilities are endless and the end users may choose what suits their application best.  

You may visit the following links for more information:

APRS - Bob Bruninga's (the creator of APRS) website.

APRSWORLD - An internet database of APRS activity; simple search by call sign.

Find U - Another internet database; searches are a little more complex, but has more features.

CWOP - The Citizen Weather Observer Program.

UI-View 32  - APRS computer software.

APRS Equipment Links

TM-D700A - An APRS ready dual band transceiver.

TH-D7AG - An APRS ready portable transceiver.

DR-135T/EMKIII - A mobile transceiver that can be ordered with an optional TNC for APRS operations.  Also includes a GPS input.

KPC-3+ - A popular Terminal Node Controller (TNC) commonly used as an APRS Digipeater.

Tiny Track - An inexpensive solution for position tracking.

TigerTrak - Another moderately priced position tracker.