[W8MWA] APRS Apps and Info

[Josh Prichard]

Wanted to follow up with some aprs info as we had some questions....

To give everyone an idea on what we are talking about doing for the
marathon/other events.....

APRS isn't meant to replace voice operations and will still need people out
in the field.  It is used to supplement voice operations.

APRS will allow event coordinators to help track people in the field.
Instead of taking a long time to explain where a person is or if no one
knows where they are..... the coordinator can look on a map and relay the
information.
Example 1: A walker needs EMS.  Voice operator calls the coordinator and
says we need EMS at X location.  Coordinator can look at a map and tell EMS
exactly where to go instead of asking the voice operator to explain their
location.  Saves on voice traffic and possible confusion.
Example 2: Where is the resupply vehicle or where is the start/end of the
walkers.  Instead of asking for reports and having a ham in every vehicle,
we could just throw a tracker on a person/vehicle.  Sometimes events can be
short handed and need people in more important places.  No guessing where a
vehicle is.

If your are interested have a listen to this podcast that details using
aprs for a race:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yKLYvqzLB-Q


*Current APRS map:*
https://aprs.fi/#!lat=39.64560&lng=-79.94330

*Routes for the marathon from the latest information I had:  *
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1TEnvQXEW-_H3_3chC9TSDR9y9nF0FrUI&usp=sharing
The marathon covers a lot of area!


*Software list:*
Software for phones/tablets.... All below software supports internet rx/tx
which will get sent out by active igates.  They also support radio tx/rx
using certain hardware.
To enable internet connection you will need an aprs passcode.  You can get
that at the following link: https://apps.magicbug.co.uk/passcode/

*Android Phones/Tablets*
APRSDroid
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.aprsdroid.app&hl=en_US
Also available for free from their website but you have to enable unknown
sources.
https://aprsdroid.org/
Click on download apk and choose the latest release at the bottom of the
files list.  Your phone/tablet will ask for you to enable unknown source
before installing.

*Apple Phones/Tablets*
Pocket Packet *Seems to be the most popular paid version for rx/tx via
radio*
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/pocketpacket/id336500866?mt=8

PulseModem A *New and free and also supports rx/tx via radio*
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/pulsemodem-a/id1424005647?mt=8

*Windows PC*
There are many many versions of aprs software out there.  I have tried
quite a few of them but not all of them.  The quickest I have found to get
working was aprsisce/32
http://aprsisce.wikidot.com/

If you need help reply to this email and we will try our best to steer you
in the right direction.

Josh Prichard
KC8TAI
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