[CALV-ARES] APRS

[N3QHC]

Jim, EVERYTHING is important!  

 

I was pointing out how the APRS application is correctly pronounced.  I
think it very important to call it by its proper term, hence, as EC, I took
an opportunity to convey this to CALV-ARES Stations.  The other name I hear
too often by CALV-ARES members ONLY makes people from CALV sound like
hillbillies.  One needs a translator to figure what one is trying saying. 

 

I realize that some people here say the wrong pronunciation so often that
CALV hams more or less have learned to recognize what is being conveyed so
on one hand one might think this is a non-issue.  However, if we are
pronouncing this application by some another term during EmComm situation to
people in other jurisdictions then critical time can be wasted on the air
waves explaining ourselves.  That time could be perilous when real emergency
traffic needs to be sent or received.  

 

In my opinion, it far better to correct this issue now than in a
circumstance when dangerous conditions of Life & Property looms.  By not
pointing this mispronunciation out creates a bad habit that could be used by
some during an EmComm.  All I am saying is some of us for whatever reason
are not calling APRS by its proper term & by doing so can waste cherished
air time because a receiving station(s) are confused with a term being said
incorrectly.  By doing so necessities more radio air time to explain oneself
when time is vital.  A teachable moment via email now is much better served
than when Life & Property are threaten!   

 

Some emails lately received  are not acceptable during EmComms.  Radio
silence is the objective so that emergency and critical traffic can be
transmitted when needed.  I do thank-you for bring up trepidations because
they are teachable moments for many.

 

During SKYWARN Activation years ago in CALV a local ham reported from Owings
to SKYWARN NCS that the sky was 'bright and sunny' at his house while lower
CALV and parts of STMA were experiencing severe weather conditions.  SKYWARN
NCS states what reports they need from the affected area Spotters so that
they can update their emergency message to protect Life and Property.
'Bright and Sunny' was not one of those reports SKYWARN NCS was demanding.
They told us in SKYWARN class not to report on conditions other than those
that are requesting to keep the air waves open for real-time ground reports
to be given to Meteorologists at NWS Sterling, Virginia. 

 

Many of the new CALV-ARES hams have not experience any EmComms.  Count our
blessings!  We are in an area of the country that has been lucky for many
years not having manmade or natural disasters occurring.  When EmComm are
activated there are times when nothing is happening then all of sudden there
are radio reports coming from everywhere.   It takes training, education,
practice, experience, discipline and many other learned skills to be a good
commutator during an emergency situation(s).  This is why I say EVERYTHING
is important!

 

Our job as EmComm commutator's during emergencies is keep the Amateur Radio
frequencies being utilized for critical reports, traffic and messages OPEN
for EMERGENCY TRAFFIC, i.e., no rag chewing or unnecessary communications.

 

BTW, CALV has an APRS Station recently online located in Prince Frederick,
another coming to Huntingtown very soon, others going up in Sunderland and
Owings.  So there is progress occurring locally.  Keep in mind, one does not
need an APRS radio to provide APRS reports.  

 

I strongly suggest ALL those interested in APRS to watch Bob
Burninga/WB4APR, the inventor of APRS , who lives in the Annapolis area,
YouTube's presentation mentioned in an earlier email from me.  Go to >
<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CdmJKuvbvgg>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CdmJKuvbvgg to watch.  Good information with
lot of misconception of APRS being explained by Bob/WA4APR.

 

73, Dennis/N3QHC

 

When All Else Fails.Amateur Radio

 

---eom---

 

From: CALV-ARES [mailto:calv-ares-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Jim
Tetlow
Sent: Monday, September 22, 2014 10:51 AM
To: 'Calvert County, MD ARES'
Subject: Re: [CALV-ARES] APRS

 

Maybe we would be better served in actually using APRS on a daily basis; and
understanding its uses; instead of worrying about how to pronounce the
acronym!

 

Regards,

Jim Tetlow

 

From: CALV-ARES [mailto:calv-ares-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of
N3QHC
Sent: Saturday, September 20, 2014 10:16
To: 'Calvert County, MD ARES'
Subject: Re: [CALV-ARES] APRS

 

Thanks for taking your time and equipment Bob to do this!  

 

This will is a very  huge benefit for Simulated Emergency Test,
<http://www.arrl.org/chapter-2-simulated-emergency-test-set> SET, held
yearly on the first Saturday of October. 

<click 'SET' for more information>

 

Automatic Packet Reporting System, APRS, was designed by local ham who lives
in Glen Burnie, Bob Burninga/WB4APR,  He is a member of AARC and MDC Section
Technical Director.  APRS is used worldwide now.  It is used to provide
universal text messaging to all devices that can text message.  

Watch Bob's APRS explanation of APRS  >
<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CdmJKuvbvgg>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CdmJKuvbvgg .  

 

I inputted paragraph two for those new to APRS.  Also to clear up what APRS
is to many that have a misconception of APRS.  APRS is a very powerful tool
for hams.  Very useful for Public Service events and EmComms.

 

BTW, this acronym is pronounced, "A" "P" "R" "S" not "ape-rest" or some such
term. 

 

73, Dennis/N3QHC

 

From: CALV-ARES [mailto:calv-ares-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Bob
Sheskin
Sent: Saturday, September 20, 2014 7:34 AM
To: CALV-ARES at mailman.qth.net <mailto:CALV-ARES at mailman.qth.net> 
Subject: [CALV-ARES] APRS

 

I have setup a APRS digipeater with iGate for testing. I decided to put it
up early and let it run to see how it covers. First time I have done this so
suggestions are welcome. I do plan to have this running through the SET even
though I won't be here.

 

 

--

73,

Bob N3PPH

 

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