[NLRS] Any APRS experts in NLRS land ?

[Mike King - KM0T]

Gentlemen,

I did APRS (HamIM) for one contest.  It did not work here.  It worked when 
rovers were within about 30 miles or so, and I was running a high gain yagi 
(vert polarized) and high power.  Of course, the rover needs 100 watts and a 
gain vertical, but it still does not matter.

By the time the rover gets in range to really use HamIM, then you can hear 
them off the side on any band other than 5 and 10 GHz dish bands.  You end 
up spending too much time trying to find the rovers on HamIM in lieu of 
calling CQ and working QSOs.

I scrapped it....

APRS however would help, as the network would bring in the data.  I for one 
dont think this is a bad thing, and it will not keep me from keeping my butt 
in the seat to find the rovers, but it sure would be reassuring to know 
where they are.

Perhaps APRS for fixed stations should only be RX and APRS for rovers should 
only be TX.  Therefore no direct communicaitons take place, other than 
location data.

Just a thought.

All a fixed station needs to get location of APRS is freeware software, a 
TNC and a FM 2M radio.

I am not aware of all the coverage of the network, but I think down here in 
EN13, the closest node is Sioux Falls perhaps.

73

Mike - KM0T


----- Original Message ----- 
From: <w0zq at aol.com>
To: <nlrs at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Thursday, August 09, 2007 11:05 AM
Subject: [NLRS] Any APRS experts in NLRS land ?


>
>
> OK guys. As you may be aware, the rover rules are once again being 
> discussed by the VUAC. One aspect (of many) is the use of APRS (not HamIM 
> which is already allowed).
>
> Here are my question to those who are knowledgeable in APRS. Most of you 
> know what our rover range and rover conditions are like here in the Upper 
> Midwest.
>
> Question # 1. What kind of station would a rover need to have to support 
> APRS in his/her rover ?   Power, equippment, and antenna ?
> Question # 2. From EN22 to EN37, from EN04 to EN55 (etc), what kind of 
> coverage can we expect ? 100%, 80%, 50 % ? Just a rough idea would be 
> helpful.
> Question # 3. What equipment does a fixed station need to have to use the 
> rover's APRS info ?
>
> Any other insight and comments are welcome.
>
> 73, Jon
> W0ZQ
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