[W1SMH] APRS NETWORK CHANGE, PLEASE READ

[Clayton L. Coleman]

After giving this a lot of thought, I am in the process of modifying the configuration of our local APRS network.  Sometime in the month of September, I will be upgrading a couple of smart digipeaters with DIGI_NED software modified to accept WB4APR’s “new paradigm.”  This will eliminate a lot of duplicate packets traversing our local APRS network.

Many of you have heard my philosophies about APRS and its inherent flaws.  The network has changed evolved quite rapidly over the past couple of years and without much planning.  Most of us simply put our stations online with MYALIAS RELAY and paths of RELAY,WIDE.  

What changes do you need to make to your systems?  

Home users:
---------------
Your alias must be: WIDE1-1
- Immediately stop using RELAY or WIDE as an alias.  Change this in your TNC, Kenwood radio, or APRS application (UI-View, WinAPRS, etc.)
Your path must be:
WIDE2-2

Mobile users:
----------------
Your path must be:
WIDE2-2 or WIDE1-1,WIDE2-1
- Use the latter when you are not receiving any digipeated packets.  This will utilize local stations previously using RELAY as an alias.

NEVER use WIDE1-1 as a path beyond the first hop.

You can make these settings changes at ANY TIME because the current configuration of our smart digipeaters will accept all WIDEn-N packets.  If you need assistance changing these settings in  your Kenwood radio, WinAPRS, or UI-View, feel free to contact me.  Changing these settings will also enhance your APRS repeat-ability when traveling in other areas, as most have already made the switch to the “new paradigm.”

Reference links:
http://www.ew.usna.edu/~bruninga/aprs/fix14439.html
http://webs.lanset.com/wa8lmf/DigiPaths/index.htm

I’d also like to announce the APRS “voicealert” capability for those who aren’t already “in the know.”  You can set your TM-D700A or TH-D7A’s APRS frequency with a PL/CTCSS of 100 Hz.  This will allow you to keep your volume turned up on the radio and be able to speak with other mobiles on frequency if an emergency arose.  Never run APRS voicealert at a fixed station, as it is intended to let you know when someone is actively at their station only.  You CAN, however, run voicealert in a fixed station if you use a tone other than 100 Hz.

Reference link:
http://nwp.ampr2.net/nwaprs/VoiceAlert

Thank you & 73,
Clayton KB5TBB