presented by: tim cunningham - n8deu alabama aprs coordinator huntspac chairman amsat area...
TRANSCRIPT
Presented by:Presented by: Tim Cunningham - N8DEUTim Cunningham - N8DEU
Alabama APRS CoordinatorAlabama APRS CoordinatorHUNTSPAC ChairmanHUNTSPAC Chairman
AMSAT Area CoordinatorAMSAT Area Coordinator
[email protected]@arrl.net
Huntsville HamfestHuntsville HamfestAug 16, 2014Aug 16, 2014
Storm Seasons come and go…
Things happen every day...
Are you Equipped for Situational Awareness?
APRS - What is it ?
• APRS = Automatic Packet Reporting System
• Created by Bob Bruninga, WB4APR, early 1990’s
• Local Tactical data communications system
• Adds value to HAM radio in emergency situations or public service events
• Provides Situational Awareness
• Delivers Messaging Capabilities
• It is a mobile information network
Alabama Packet Radio System
• Delivers instant NWS weather bulletins and coordinates
• Informs you how close you are to the Area of Maximum Concern
• See where everybody is located without asking, especially SKYWARN weather spotters (GPS not required)
• Virtually any 2M or HF radio can be used for APRS
• more than just a simple tracking system…
APRS - What is it ?
National APRS Frequencies
• 144.39 MHz 2m FM (primary)• 10.151 MHz LSB
The New n-N Pardigm
• It Is not new anymore• We are 9 years into the plan (2005)• Still a number of non-compliant digi's• TRACE is obsolete• RELAY was replaced with WIDE1-1• WIDE was replaced by WIDEn-N
– WIDEn-N traceable using UITRACE
• SSn-N state, section, or regional routing– SSn-N used with UIFLOOD
N8DEU
WIDEn-n
WIDE1-1
WIDEn-n
WIDEn-n
WIDEn-n
WIDEn-n
No need to know any Call Signs
WIDEn-n
IGATE
N8DEU > APRS, WIDE1-1, WIDE2-1
N8DEU > APRS, DIGI1,WIDE1*,WIDE2-1: DIGI1,WIDE1,DIGI2 ,WIDE2*: WIDE1-1,WIDE2-1:
WIDE1-1
Generic Digipeater Routing
DIGI1,DIGI2,WIDE2*:
N8DEU
WIDEn-n
WIDE1-1
WIDEn-n
WIDEn-n
WIDEn-n
WIDEn-n
No need to know any Call Signs
WIDEn-n
IGATE
N8DEU > APRS, WIDE2-2
N8DEU > APRS, DIGI1*,WIDE2-1: WIDE2-2:
Generic Digipeater Routing
AL2-2: AL2*: AL2-1:
N8DEU
ALn-n
WIDEn-n
No need to know any Call Signs
WIDEn-n
IGATE
Sta
te B
ou
nd
ary
ALn-n ALn-n
ALn-n
ALn-n
N8DEU > APRS, AL2-2
N8DEU > APRS,
Generic Digipeater Routing
Local Suggested APRS paths
• Mobile• WIDE1-1,WIDE2-1
• Home• WIDE2-2
• Use common sense or whatever it takes to reach an IGATE or intended station in your area or the application requires
WIDE1-1 fill-in digipeaters
• Be a part of the solution
• If your home station still supports an obsolete RELAY alias, please change it to WIDE1-1
• That is all there is to it
• Your home station is a WIDE1-1 (fill-in digi)
• If your area is already covered by a digipeater or another WIDE1-1, your WIDE1-1 is not necessary
APRS Voice Alert! APRS Voice Alert!
Voice Alert is effectively a 3Voice Alert is effectively a 3rdrd Radio Radio channel for the APRS equipped radioschannel for the APRS equipped radios
By setting the APRS Band, A, to PL-100, By setting the APRS Band, A, to PL-100, but keeping the volume turned up:but keeping the volume turned up:
You wont hear any packets on 144.39 *You wont hear any packets on 144.39 * You will hear a voice call using PL-100 on 144.39You will hear a voice call using PL-100 on 144.39 And you will hear* an occasional Ping packet if another And you will hear* an occasional Ping packet if another
APRS equipped comes in line-of-site to you, like a proximity APRS equipped comes in line-of-site to you, like a proximity radar alerting you to local presence.radar alerting you to local presence.
Great for long haul traveling and meeting other APRS Great for long haul traveling and meeting other APRS users.users.
(For all APRS mobiles!)(For all APRS mobiles!)
Local Frequency Info Initiative
Information for the local area Objects created to inform everybody
Voice Repeater freq, tone, range SKYWARN net announcement Echolink and IRLP nodes Hamfest objects Local on the air Nets
Kenwood D710 and Yaesu FTM-350R can autotune a repeater object
Great for out of town travelers
APRS – IS - Local Info!APRS – IS - Local Info!
Last 100 stations!
Direction & Distance
Frequency and Tone
Mobiles and HT are 100%
compatible
APRS – IS - Local Info!APRS – IS - Local Info!
APRS – IS - Local Info!APRS – IS - Local Info!
APRS – IS - Local Info!APRS – IS - Local Info!
APRS – IS - Local Info!APRS – IS - Local Info!
Send E-Mail from APRS
Send messages from APRS to Internet EMAIL.
The EMAIL (OpenAPRS) MethodThe EMAIL-2 (javAPRSEmail) Method
Send a message address to EMAIL or EMAIL-2 instead of a callsign. In the message field, the Internet Email address should appear first followed by a space and the message you wish to send.
Address: EMAIL or EMAIL-2Message: [email protected] Hello Huntsville
The EMAIL server will acknowledge receipt of the message and it will return a message, "Email message delivered OK", in response if the message was delivered properly.
WHO-IS Callbook Server
• Send message to WHO-IS• Message just needs to contain a callsign or
“f callsign” for full details• Callbook server will return details• Great for those stations you know, but have a
senior moment– Send a quick message to WHO-IS– Nobody will know you forgot their name
NWS Weather Bulletins
• NWS messages are generated by Pete Loveall, AE5PL
• NWS message format can be found at:– http://www.aprs-is.net/Wx
• WX county watch boxes can be hi-lighted with Red, Yellow, or Green colors to visibly indicate WX activity type
• FinduU Server collects WX station data via APRS-IS
• FindU Server dumps WX data every 15 minutes to MADIS Server
• MesoWest gets data from MADIS Server
NWS Weather Bulletins
APRS is Clear and Concise
• The Severe Weather Warning is immediate on APRS
• The message is clear and concise• Relativity is crystal clear
– Maximum area of concern is immediately transmitted on the APRS network
– Location of spotters is known• Nothing is ambiguous!• No repeats required!
•APRS displays everything•Spotter Locations•NWS Bulletins•WX Stations•Digipeaters•Repeaters plus frequency and tone•Even non-APRS stations
•APRS users can add objects or other observers to the map•Data is transmitted for all stations to see any object or non-APRS user on the map•K4QF is added by N8DEU when his location is given on the Voice Net•Objects can be added for flooded areas•Objects can be added for downed power lines•Objects can be added for house fires•Everyone on the APRS networks gets the information with no ambiguity
APRS - 06-MAY-09
• The weather net was activated around 6:30am on 06-MAY-09
• Every county in the HUN NWS area in North Alabama had pending warnings except for 2 that had watches posted
• As the net became active some of the pending bulletins were announced
• With APRS we have a full view of what was active instantly to augment the Voice Net
• It was a busy morning• All those on the Voice Net did an
outstanding job
Alabama Packet Radio System
N4JDB requests how long it will be before the storm reaches Lawrence County. Net control does not have this information and things are getting busier.
Remember Sonny, N4JDB, who requested how soon the storm would reach Lawrence County. His home APRS weather station is right in the path of the NWS bulletin at 1213z, but Sonny does not know it yet and things are so busy nobody remembers his request. With APRS the message is clear and concise. This is information Sonny needs immediately. With APRS we know it immediately!
A spotter reports a Tornado heard near Browns Ferry Rd and Balch Rd. An object is placed on the map titled TOR_SPOTD. Just click on the location, select Object Editor from the Action menu, and enter the data and the symbol type.
If we know the course and speed of the Object we can make it move and update automatically. This is what APRS does when a beacon is not heard from a moving mobile station if enabled. A new post puts it back on course.
The storm spotter report results in immediate action by the NWS to issue a Tornado Warning at 1405z. Now we visibly see what is potentially in the path of the box. It is clear, concise, and immediate on APRS.
The third damage report comes in on the Voice Net and intercepted by an APRS users who places object DAMAGE3 on the display for everybody on the APRS network to see. It is tagged with WB8ELK voice report of trees and out-buildings down.
A Tornado sighting in the sky is reported at Moores Mill Rd and Winchester Rd on the Voice Net. This report is intercepted by an APRS user and placed on the map. The path starts to visibly take shape.
• It should be clear APRS delivers real time information
• We know where the NWS bulletins are located
• We know where the spotters are located
• We know where damage has been reported
• The picture of danger is clear and concise
• APRS fills in the missing gaps of the picture
• Messages can be sent via the APRS data network when the voice repeater is out of range for some spotters
• APRS augments the SKYWARN Voice Net
• A Voice Net can be up an running quickly with all the NWS bulletins at their fingertips with APRS
• Why wait until somebody staffs the NWS station
• The time between danger and death is too short
APRS – Get the Picture?
• Situational awareness is key to precise and timely information
• What happens when an area is so devastated and there are no street signs– With APRS we know where you are– Reports can be plotted easily
– Information is immediate
• Want NWS bulletins with more meaning to situational awareness?
• Get on the APRS tactical communication data network
APRS – Get the Picture?
The Balloon Chase using APRS
Space Applications
• APRS digipeater is active on the International Space Station
• Frequencies– Packet: 145.825 MHz – Packet uplink : 145.990 MHz– Voice uplink : 144.490 MHz
• ISS ground station Internet Gateways are feeding APRServe with ISS digipeated signals
International Space Station
Space Applications
• Designed for:– country travelers– sea travelers– travelers in remote areas of the world– mobile or handheld users equipped with GPS
• Frequencies– 145.825 MHz downlink– 145.825 MHz uplink for HT’s (1200 baud)– 435.250 MHz uplink for mobiles (9600 baud)
• Launched on 30-SEP-01 from Kodiak Alaska Launch Complex
PCSat
Alinco DR-135T with T2-135
Next Step?
• Who needs a radio when you have the Internet ?
• No Radio required with a computer and the Internet
• What about Software Requirements ?• What about Hardware Requirements ?
Watch APRS live on the Web at:
http://www.aprs.fi
APRSISCE
• It is FREE !• Yahoo GROUPS• Developed by Lynn, KJ4ERJ• Windows Mobile Phone• WiFi• Internet enabled phone• Will not support Windows Phone 8• Moving to Android
APRSIS32
What were all those symbols ?
• Map Symbols– Automobiles– Emergency Vehicles– Satellite Stations– Weather Stations– Houses– Red Cross – Ham Store– too many to list...
How active is APRS ?
APRS MAP
CELL MAP
Various APRS Stations Various APRS Stations (two-way)(two-way)
APRS is a Network intended for real-time Tactical INFORMATION exchange. This means TWO-WAY.
TRACKERS TRACKERS (two-way)(two-way)
Trackers have no APRS data display. So the receiver should be tuned to a beaconed Voice frequency so the operator can be involved in the Net! The only value for these units are tracking some non-manned assets at large movement events such as marathons, bike-a-thons, parades and other community events, and maybe search & rescue teams.
One-way APRS is not normally recommended. APRS is a Network. We want good communications among all participants for maximum utility.
Kenwood TM-D700AKenwood TM-D700A
Built-in screen display of other APRS stations Built-in screen display of other APRS stations and front-panel send/receive messaging.and front-panel send/receive messaging.
Other APRS station locations are sent to the Other APRS station locations are sent to the attached GPS map for display.attached GPS map for display.
Dual band 144/440 MHz 50/35 WattsDual band 144/440 MHz 50/35 Watts Built-in 1200/9600 bps TNC including Built-in 1200/9600 bps TNC including
digipeaterdigipeater
Kenwood TH-Kenwood TH-D7A(G)D7A(G)TM-D710TM-D710
Mobile/Portable Satellite Terminals
Adds operation Freq to every Adds operation Freq to every posit !posit !
Auto tunes to others with Freq!Auto tunes to others with Freq! Shows local Voice Repeaters !Shows local Voice Repeaters !
• Supports APRS• 2 serial ports for
computer and GPS• No message display• Works as basic tracker • 1200/9600 baud built-in
TNC option (Argent (Argent makes a T3-135 drop in makes a T3-135 drop in TNC to add functionality)TNC to add functionality)
Alinco DR-135T/EJ-41UAlinco DR-135T/EJ-41U
Allows direct input from any Allows direct input from any standard GPS.standard GPS.
Basic 1200/9600 bps TNCBasic 1200/9600 bps TNC
Basic 2 M Radio with optional TNC. Basic 2 M Radio with optional TNC. (Argent makes a T2-135 drop in TNC)(Argent makes a T2-135 drop in TNC)
Unlike the Kenwood radios, it requires a PC equires a PC to set it up, and there is no APRS display to set it up, and there is no APRS display directly on the radio.directly on the radio.
Argent Data Systems Tracker2/3
• KISS Support• WX Station support • Free Firmware updates• Advanced APRS features• Intelligent digipeater support• Smart beaconing• Remote Configuration• Built-in voltage and temp monitor• Small 5-watt VHF transceiver with integrated
Tracker2 available
https://www.argentdata.com
Byonics Tiny Trak III Plus
• $33 kit / $42 built
• Adjustable TX rate
• Based on PIC 16F628
• Carrier detect to avoid collisions
• Normal APRS or MIC-E operation
• Time slotted reporting or SmartBeaconing• Can power a 5V GPS (Byonics GPS1, Garmin
GPS18 or a Deluo GPS WAAS)
• $98 kit or $107 built with Byonics GPS2 small GPS
http://www.byonics.com
Byonics Tiny Trak4
• $65 kit / $75 built• Field upgradeable• TX and RX packet data• Analog telemetry support• Supports NMEA, MIC-E, and Tracker modes• Based on ATMEGA324P20U (40 pin DIP) microcontroller
• Time slotted reporting or SmartBeaconing• Can power a GPS
• DSP Packet Decoding – 300/1200/9600 baud packet, DTMF, and new demodulation techniques can be added since it is not hardware based
• Most of TinyTrak3 functions added
http://www.byonics.com/tinytrak4
Byonics WX Trak
• $33 kit / $42 built
• Based on Tiny Trak III design
• Supports connected WX Stations– Radio Shack WX200
– Oregon Scientiic WM-918
– Peet Brothers U100, U800, U2000, U2100
– Davis WX station with WeatherLink APRS adapter
http://www.byonics.com
OpenTracker+ (OT+)
• Kit $32 or assembled $46• Based on the Freescale MC908JL16CSPE
microcontroller • Supports the following features:
– Free firmware upgrades– RX capability– Analog inputs– APRS Telemetry output– Supports 1-wire and Peet Bros WX station– SmartBeaconing– PSK31 support for PropNet^31 Operation– On-board temperature and voltage sensors
http://n1vg.net/opentracker
TNC-X KISS only TNC
• $48 kit• Based on Microchip PIC 16F628A and a CML
MX614 Bell 202 modem • Supports the following options:
– uSmartDigi– X-Digi– X-Track– Rasbery Pi– Bleak Beagle
• TNC can be powered by the USB port• BlueTooth now available
http://www.tnc-x.com/
• Supports APRS
• 1200 / 9600 built-in TNC
• Displays symbol and distance from other stations
• Display up to 40 messages
• 2 serial ports for computer and GPS to display waypoints
• APRS® ready (position / message / operation frequency etc.)
• 1200 / 9600 built-in TNC AX.25• Dual receive on same band (VxV,
UxU)• 1,000 memory channels• Support for EchoLink system• Decay algorithm when sitting still• NMEA0183 GPS port• APRS weather station ready• SmartBeaconing implemented• Auto Tune Repeater Objects (freq,
tone, offset)
• Add Kenwood TM-D710 APRS like capabilities to virtually any 2M FM radio
• APRS® ready (position / message / etc.)• 1200 / 9600 TNC AX.25• Provides full control of TM-D700A and
TM-V71A• Replaces TM-V71A control head• Decay algorithm when sitting still• NMEA0183 GPS port• APRS weather station ready• Requires PG-5J cable interface or
equivalent
• Supports APRS
• 1200 / 9600 built-in TNC
• Displays symbol and distance from other stations
• Display up to 40 messages
• 2 serial ports for computer and GPS to display waypoints
• Quad Band HT 6m,2m,220,70cm 5W, 1.2W on 222MHz
• Slimmer than the VX-7R• Dual receive (V+V or U+U)• AM/FM broadcast receiver• Supports APRS 1200/9600 baud (B band
only)• Weather Alert receiving• High-rez spectrum analyzer +/- 60
channels• Optional Accessories
– Bluetooth headset support– GPS unit and antenna
• Dubbed a devoted APRS user version of the VX-8R
• Smart beaconing added• Updated digi path settings from 1 to 7 • Updated message buffer from 20 to 30• Updated station list from 40 to 50• Added digi path route indiaction• Optional Accessories
– Bluetooth headset support– GPS unit and antenna
• An excellent competitor of the Kenwood D-710• GPS/APRS Bluetooth features• Dual band 144 (220) / 430 MHz 50W• Built-in barometric pressure sensor• 500 independent memory channels• Smartbeaconing• Cross band repeat• 12000 / 9600 baud
APRS WEB Sites
• www.aprs.org• www.openaprs.net• www.aprs.fi• www.findu.com• www.tapr.org• www.qsl.net/n8deu• www.sv2agw.com/ham/default.htm• www.xastir.org• www.eskimo.com/~archer/aprs_capabilities.html• www.ui-view.org
News Groups
• APRS News• APRS SIG• APRS HT• APRS Spec• APRS Sat
Sign up at http://www.tapr.org
Software for APRS
• APRSdos• MacAPRS (old)• WinAPRS (old)• javAPRS• palmAPRS (old)• Waypoint (old)• APRS Plus (old)
• APRSdigi• UIView (old)• APRSPoint• AGWTracker• AGWTracker PPC• XASTIR• APRSISCE
Software downloadable from the Web
APRS CoordinatorsCommissioned by WB4APR
State Name Call
Alabama Tim N8DEU
Arkansas Richard
Steve
Travis
KB4YTM
N5JPL
KB5ILY
Florida NA NA
Georgia NA NA
Mississippi (north) Jeff
Richard
KB5NMB
KB4YTM
Tennessee (east) William KI4HDU
Tennessee (west) Richard KB4YTM
How can APRS Help ?
• It is clear and concise• Repeat of information not required once heard• No words need to be spoken or repeated• Response time is immediate
– Beats NOAA WX radio alert every time– Beats Voice Net Alert every time
• Relativity is always known– How far am I from the storm– Key spotters are instantly identified– Non-APRS users can be placed on the map– Every APRS user views the same data (RF or Internet)– Nothing compares to the speed of information
– Tactical Communications Network
• Augments a Voice Net with critical Real Time Information
Presented by: Tim Cunningham – N8DEU
Alabama APRS CoordinatorAlabama APRS CoordinatorAMSAT Area CoordinatorAMSAT Area Coordinator
[email protected]@arrl.net