[FARC] APRS vs. Packet

[Kirk Talbott]

Yes and I think there is a piece of the puzzle which I am missing.  VHF phone is the primary ecomm communication system for emergencies and other systems like APRS/Packet come in to play in a backup role.    Is this correct?  

And there is the argument I've heard passed around and that is APRS is Packet.  I would concede two different implementations of Packet.  One system (old 1200 baud Packet) physically connects to another station via TNC's and exchanges packets and the other system (APRS) throws out Packets in a barrage of digipeating in hopes that another APRS station will receive them, vastly oversimplified of course.  

I suppose one could argue on technical merit alone which is a better system, but that is pointless.  Each system has its strengths and weaknesses which begs the question as to why both aren't considered as backup ecomm systems.  
What one system can't do well the other system might and the bottom line in emergency communications is getting the message across.  

Check out Outpost with old 1200 baud Packet and the possibilities become apparent, for ecomm messaging at least.  I probably should come up with another term for messaging with Outpost and 1200 baud Packet, such as OutPack or something otherwise catchy to differentiate it from the old Packet system which has everybody recoiling in disgust.   

73
KB3ONM
Kirk



----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Joseph M. Durnal<mailto:joseph.durnal at gmail.com> 
  To: Frederick, Maryland ARC<mailto:farc at mailman.qth.net> 
  Sent: Saturday, April 25, 2009 8:23 PM
  Subject: Re: [FARC] APRS vs. Packet


  Yeah, my APRS statioon used linux :)  It is hard to confiugre, but I
  really do like it.

  The APRS message to the internet is pretty limited.  APRS messages are
  pretty short, and the message text has to include the e-mail address
  and some of them can be long.  APRS is not an ideal messaging
  platform, but having an NTS protocol and e-mail gateway is just
  another tool in its toolbox.  Fortunately, APRS can do a bit more.

  I better get setup for the packet net tonight!

  73 de Joseph Durnal NE3R

  On Sat, Apr 25, 2009 at 8:05 PM, Kirk Talbott <KirkTal7237 at msn.com<mailto:KirkTal7237 at msn.com>> wrote:
  > Joe, after talking with you tonight you jogged my memory about APRS. After not using APRS for about a year, I had forgotten that APRS can send E-mail to the Internet. So via this method APRS users could send NTS formatted messages to Winlink 2000 nodes and on to the NTS system via the Internet. This must be why local ARES/RACES groups aren't interested in the old 1200 baud Packet, APRS can do it via Packet and the Internet.
  >
  > But hold on.....I think old Packet can still trump APRS in this regard. There is no easy to install, configure, and use APRS software out there; it certainly isn't UI-View and Precision Mapping as I've learned from experience. With Outpost and old Packet messaging is simple by comparison.
  >
  > Try this, with the K3ERM Packet station in the clubhouse install and configure Outpost on the computer there. May take you all of 10 minutes. It's so neat to configure and easy to use I don't understand why it isn't catching on. Outpost was purpose built for ARES/RACES groups and purpose built to be easy to use..and it is.
  >
  > 73
  > KB3ONM Beating a dead horse
  > Kirk
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