[aprssig] Local Repeater Initiative Progress!

[Bob Bruninga]

Progress on Voice Repeater Objects!

This is good news for APRS mobile travlers to see the local recommended repeater frequency on the front panel of their radios no matter where they travel.

Just checked the web page and we are up to about 204 voice repeater objects from an initial 87 back when we started pushing this initiative in January.  The goal, is one local voice repeater frequency object for every APRS New-N digipeater.  (Probably about 1000).

See web page:
http://www.ew.usna.edu/~bruninga/localinfo.html

The breakdown down is as follows:

147 MHz = 61
146 MHz = 62
145 MHz = 33
44X MHz = 48

Of course, only the KPC3+, UIDIGI-ROM and probably DIGI_NED can do these objects, and that is OK.  That's most of the digipeaters in the USA.

The format is very specific to be compatible with D7, D700 and HAMhud mobile display devices.  See the web page.  The new D710 can even tune to these objects with the simple press of the TUNE button.

What we are trying to do is get human QSO's back into the mobile radio experience.  When you get this FREQUENCY object added to the digipeater in your area, then also monitor it and QSO those visiting APRS mobiles as they pass through...

Also run Voice Alert to pick up any simplex QSO's.  If you have a spare unused 2m rig in the shack, you can monitor Voice Alert (144.39 with CTCSS 100).  But please do not connect this radio to packet.  We do not want any home stations transmitting Voice Alert PL-100 packets 24/7 !!!

I'm visiting in Fredericksburg VA, and there is a signal TXing VOice-Alert PL-100 all day, and I cannot get any response from him.  REMEMBER!  Voice Alert is an active CQ and it is inconsiderate to other listeners to be banging out "CQ's" and not being there for a response.

WB4APR, Bob