[aprssig] Slashdot article

[aa8ei]

It is important to remember that APRS clients and networks do not need any 
GPS units to be made management tools by displaying all kinds of 
information, including placement, movement and activity of assets. 
Monitoring the voice network(s) and using APRS technology to send 
network-wide location and activity information graphically can be of 
important use.

In that instance, displaying location and activity data alone makes APRS a 
serious tool.

The other use of the technology, messaging, statistics and so on, increases 
utility.

"Map" info may always be a problem in areas, but that can be overcome too. 
I think overcoming the "map" problems should be of primary interest now. 
Worldwide, of course, and for instantaneous use in places with no industry 
computer mapping compatible with APRS clients. Should be the challenge of 
the year for APRS software gurus.

Since the APRS hardware can also be used for connected packet, stations can 
handle multiple networks. Since digital displays are silent, packet and 
voice networks can be used by one operator, admittedly three arms might be 
handy. Time-based switching of operating modes can get out a variety of 
data from a minimum of network nodes, even if the operator has to push the 
buttons manually.

Even 300 baud packet is very useful in specific circumstances. Development 
of the technology across a broad response is worthwhile. 300 baud data, if 
critical, can feed Internet nodes faster than walking or drum talk over HF 
distances.

I believe it's time to develop capability for setting up quick local 
networks, instead of national displays like the IS. That means taking the 
lessons learned thus far and making it possible for APRS to work with what 
is available or quickly obtainable in any geographic area, which is what 
Bob originally designed. That doesn't imply denigrating the IS. Far from 
it. I just believe the energy needs to go somewhere else for a while.

We're going to need a professional quality client developed this year. I 
would suggest paralleling the work Bob has done in DOS (DOS based work is 
still highly useful, especially where no mapping software exists), which 
seems to have so many features, in XP. Since the Sprouls were able to make 
both Mac and PC software, making the XP software work in the Mac world is 
good. Linux of course is necessary. What counts is that the operation and 
display of the client appears the same to the operator for any OS, if 
fancier outside of DOS. Learning should be programmed for ease and rapid 
setup and use. Serious use of Human Engineering should be mandatory. 
Heavy-duty programmers should make the use of the software fit the needs on 
utterly non-programmers.

The key is usability across any old computer, TNC, operator and radio 
combination. That means no demand for specific mapping software, though 
such compatibility is a plus. Massive file distribution, graphics and other 
'connected' datatypes should be included, with off/on switching to go 
between UI and connected modes.

UIview is developmentally dead, only PM map software appears developable, 
the Sprouls have found it necessary to do something else so Win/MacAPRS is 
developmentally dead. Street Atlas is DIW regarding ham use of the 
commercial software, although DeLorme's new Topo looks very useful if we 
could use it. TIGER looks good, but we need resources that fit the entire 
planet.

Just say I wanted to send complete stations to Sri Lanka, what would I send 
in hardware and software to establish a useful field network? How would I 
train operators? What parms would be inserted in the hardware and software 
before shipping? Rhetorically, of course.

Same questions apply to sending a network system to Florida. Having the 
answers and resources readily available is non-trivial. Local existing 
networks cannot be relied upon, nor local operators, not even similar 
languages among the providers and recipients.

APRS, in simplest form, is very useful. All the fancy stuff makes it 
better. But, I think...we need commonality, appliance-ware thinking and 
simplicity of training to fit emergency and other special situations. Time, 
I think, to get back to basics. If we get to do that with higher speed 
throughput, so much the better, but we need real-time working systems ASAP. 
The sexier stuff can happen as it does. I'm not sure nationwide networks 
are of equal importance as portable, set it up and communicate networks. I 
think we can find better use for our APRS/Packet energies.


73,

Tony
AA8EI

At 08:11 PM 1/3/2005, Chris Rose wrote:
>John,
>No flames at all buddy, but I don't know where APRS would be of great use 
>specifically, but packet of some sort would be in my opinion.  If APRS 
>equipment was available it could track supply vehicles and provide shelter 
>communications of a non critcial nature. Otherwise packet could be set up 
>at shelters, supply depots, shipping and receiving locations and EOCs for 
>point to point communications.
>
>Chris
>KB8UIH