What is APRS?
October 18, 07 by Iroquois County Amateur Radio ClubAPRS is the Automatic Packet/Position Reporting System. KB9YZI (Jeremy) has been integral in getting APRS up and running at the W9QKF shack. They shared the following article from http://www.aprs.org and http://www.ew.usna.edu/~bruninga/aprs.html that describes APRS.
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.
APRS is different from regular packet in four ways. First by the integration of maps and other data displays to organize and display data, second, by using a one-to-many protocol to update everyone in real time, third, by using generic digipeating so that prior knowledge of the network is not required, AND FORTH, since 1997, a worldwide transparent internet backbone, linking everyone worldwide. APRS turns packet radio into a real-time tactical communications and display system for emergencies and public service applications (and global communications). Normal packet radio is useful in passing bulk message traffic (Email) from point- to-point, but it does not do well at real time events where information
has a very short life time and needs to get to everyone quickly.
APRS is a LOCAL RF network. Although the Internet monitors APRS worldwide, this is not the primary objective. But like all of our other radios, how we use APRS in an emergency of special event is what drives the design of the APRS protocol. Although APRS is used 99% of the time over great distances, and benign conditions, the protocol is designed to be optimized for short distance real-time crisis operations on RF.
APRS provides universal connectivity to all stations in the net 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 transmits and captures the location and status of all stations. It can be used over any 2-way radio system including HAM, CB, Marine Band, etc. See CB.txt, Boats.txt, Aircraft.txt. APRS is on 144.39 throughout the North American Continent. Other countries may use other frequencies. Check locally.
Sam Ripple W9QKF KAE7607
