[Scan-DC] Tracking Helo on 44.74

[Wally Frank]

 For some time I've contemplated running the audio from my scanner to my packet equipment because the short data bursts I heard on 44.74 MHz sounded very much like the AX.25 we use on ham radio.  I was especially tempted to do so since I have been using a program called APRS (Automatic Packet Reporting System) which was developed by a local ham several years ago.  The purpose of APRS is to track assets.  His software draws the maps for you and follows the objects in real time.  Position data can be generated from a GPS unit (using the NMEA output that is common on most GPS devices) or an individual can manually enter the positional data from his computer terminal.  Once the data is entered, it appears on everyone's computer screen/map. We've used APRS to track the runners, medical facilities, and other resources at the Marine Corps Marathan, to follow the game ball as it travelled from Annapolis to New York for the annual Army Navy game,  to track weather balloons and other flying objects, etc. Now I just have to find out if the helo on 44.74 MHz is using APRS or something similiar.  For more detailed info on APRS, how it functions, software availability, and a live display of APRS activity in the Washington, Maryland, Virginia area, check out the following web page: http://web.usna.navy.mil/~bruninga/aprs.html  73, Wally 

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