00 APRS Resources
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 Unfortunately, most of it terribly outdated and, quite often, just plain wrong.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
Key Applications
· 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
LoRa
· LoRa APRS: Bringing APRS into the 21st Century
· Is LoRa (Long Range) Technology Magic?
· Chirps Aren't Just for Birds and Bats (no bees)!
· LoRa - The Settings Under the Hood
3. Hardware & Equipment
Transceivers with Built-in APRS
Legacy TNCs (Terminal Node Controllers)
LoRa APRS
· Finding 70 cm equipment for LoRa APRS
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
IGates & Internet Connectivity
APRS-IS (Internet System)
· APRS-IS Overview.
Non-RF systems
Regional/National Network Layouts
· Staying Connected in Paradise: APRS in Hawaii
6. Data Types & Usage
Position & Object Reports, Telemetry
Messaging & Bulletins
· Need more detailed explanation of messaging
Weather Stations
· If all the weather stations transmitted on APRS, there would be little bandwidth available for anyone else. APRS is only for ham radio use. Most weather stations are not run by hams. Weather reports are collected by the same APRS-IS software running on a different set of servers.
· CWOP - Citizen Weather Observer Program
· Firenet is used catch people who jump out of burning buildings? This might not be exactly right. Can anyone improve?
Emergency & Search-and-Rescue
· Net Central - Up your APRS / EmComm Game!
7. Global APRS Use
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APRS by Country/Region
Satellites & Balloon Tracking
Marine & Aviation Applications
8. Best Practices & Standards
Symbol Usage
Path Configuration Guidelines
Etiquette in APRS Communication
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 Foundation at groups.io
10. Resources & Learning
Technical Documentation
· Most Recent APRS Protocol Specification
· Re-Examining Ambiguities in the Automatic Packet Reporting System
Online Wikis & User Guides
General APRS Websites
Tutorials & How-Tos
Events & APRS Contests
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.