It’s easy to find lots of information about APRS.  Unfortunately, most of it terribly outdated and, quite often, just plain wrong.  A newcomer is completely overwhelmed and doesn’t know what to believe or where to start.

The APRS Foundation is attempting to produce high quality modern documentation and curate links to other quality resources.  This document is a high level index to additional details.

1. Introduction to APRS

 

What is APRS?

·        What is APRS?  -- “APRS is not a vehicle tracking system.”  “APRS is designed for local communication over radio links, not global messaging through the internet.”

·        APRS Demystified: The Versatile Tool for  Modern Ham Radio

Quick Start Guides

·        How to Get Started in APRS

Key Applications

·        APRS Local Info Initiative

·        Help Wanted - Documenting APRS Use Cases

·        Using Ham Radio for Internet of Things

 

2. Technical Overview

 

How APRS Works

Protocols & Packet Structure

·        Understanding APRS Packets – recommended reading for everyone

·        APRS Device Identification Database (aka tocalls)

Frequency Bands & Modulation

·        Need traditional description

·        Minimizing APRS Collisions

·        LoRa APRS: Bringing APRS into the 21st Century

 

3. Hardware & Equipment

 

Transceivers with Built-in APRS

·        APRS Radios

Legacy TNCs (Terminal Node Controllers)

GPS Integration

Mobile vs. Fixed Station Setup

4. Software Tools

 

Applications with Mapping & Tracking Interfaces

·        (e.g. XASTIR, YAAC, APRSISCE/32,  PinPoint APRS)

·        YAAC - Yet Another APRS Client

·        Polaric Server: A Versatile GIS and APRS Platform

Software TNCs

DTMF (“Touch Tone”) Usage

·        APRS[tt] without special equipment or software

Configuration & Logging

 

5. APRS Network Infrastructure

 

Digipeaters

·        APRS Digipeater Algorithm

 IGates & Internet Connectivity

APRS-IS (Internet System)

·        APRS-IS Overview.

Non-RF systems

·        APRS Information Services 

Regional/National Network Layouts

·        Staying Connected in Paradise: APRS in Hawaii

 

6. Data Types & Usage

 

 Position & Object Reports, Telemetry

·        Understanding APRS Packets

Messaging & Bulletins

·        Need more detailed explanation of messaging

·        APRS Message Authentication

Weather Stations

·        CWOP refers to Morse Code (continuous wave) operators?

·        Firenet is used catch people who jump out of burning buildings?

·        This might not be exactly right.  Can anyone improve?

Emergency & Search-and-Rescue

7. Global APRS Use

-

APRS by Country/Region

Satellites & Balloon Tracking

·        APRS in Space

Marine & Aviation Applications

 

8. Best Practices & Standards

 

Symbol Usage

Path Configuration Guidelines

 Etiquette in APRS Communication

·        APRS Worst Practices

9. Troubleshooting & Support

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

·        Where is the FAQ list?

Common Issues

·        Examples of What Not to Do   – currently in section 4.

Hardware Compatibility Tips

Online Communities & Forums

·        APRS at groups.io

·        APRS Foundation at groups.io

·        APRSISCE/32 at groups.io

·        Direwolf at groups.io

 

10. Resources & Learning

 

Technical Documentation

·        APRS101.pdf is Obsolete 

·        Most Recent APRS Protocol Specification

·        Re-Examining Ambiguities in the Automatic Packet Reporting System

Online Wikis & User Guides

General APRS Websites

·        APRS Chile 

Tutorials & How-Tos

·        APRS and Node Red

Events & APRS Contests

·        APRS Thusday

Presentations

·        The Best APRS Presentations - You Can Give at Meetings

 

Submit your Articles and Favorite Links

 

We can’t do it alone.  We need your help to fill in the gaps.  We are striving for modern top quality, not outdated mediocre quantity.   It is very easy to find the latter.   Submit your articles and favorite links for consideration to Contact Us.