[aprssig] digi and igate coverage in the plains

[Robbie - WA9INF]

Tyler,

Sounds like fun. Since no one else has responded yet, I would suggest 
running an APRS client program like WinAPRS or UI-View32 and connect to 
the APRS-IS filter server and use a range filter command that would pull 
all the aprs stations located in your intended area of coverage.

Watch this area for a couple days and make note of the digipeaters, 
I-Gates and so forth. Then you can pretty much determine how many hops 
needed in your UNPROTO path for the tracker. I would plan on using 
something like a 20 to 35 watt transmitter with a decent antenna. You 
can count on using at least 3 hops out in those boonies, but your area 
at the time of the event will change of course and if possible, use only 
the number of hops to hit an I-Gate.

Good luck and let us know how it goes...

Robbie

Tyler Allison wrote:
> I'm working with a storm chasing team (educational) from a local
> university that is considering outfitting one of their vehicles with an
> APRS tracker so their home based nowcaster (like forecasting but "now")
> can track their location for better storm forecasting and advice for
> positioning and safety.
> 
> One major concern is none of us hams in the group have run an APRS tracker
> in the plains so we are leary of the coverage.
> 
> Is there a way for me to put together a "likely" coverage map for APRS to
> see if running a tracker would prove useful or an excercise in futility as
> we blink in and out every couple hours?
> 
> Think of it as a SAR operation covering 11 states :)
> 
> The main states would probably be:
> Eastern Colorado
> Northern Texas
> OK, KS, NE, SD, MN, IA, MO, WI, IL
> 
> If you think it's worth it what path should we use for maximum chance of
> coverage?
> 
> -Tyler
>