[aprssig] Barcodes, D7 msgs and APRStt

[kc9umr at freqradio.com]

Bob-

I think having D7's and/or D700's at every checkpoint would be GREAT, the
problem is getting that many people with those radios.  As it is, we often
run short of radio equipment, let along specialized equipment...

at this point, i'm just looking for something that would help keep things
in order, and given the rush at the start/finish points, APRStt isn't the
best option...speed is a little better.



>> /*SEND K9FRT START 9 CAR 43*/
>>
>> which would result in car 43 put into the "START 9"
>> (stage 9 start) column at the net control's (K9FRT) computer.
>
> I am all in support of a barcode scanner application, so don't
> take this wrongly, but don't overlook that you can do all of
> this today with the D7 (or any HT) at each checkpoint, just like
> we do it for reporting scores at a scout event.
>
> See:  http://www.ew.usna.edu/~bruninga/aprsevent.html
>
> In this case above, the D7 operator could enter this message on
> his keypad as just "S9 43" And that would be transmitted as an
> APRS message to Netcontrol computer as meaning START 9 CAR
> number 43.  And without any of the dangling cables of a barcode
> thinggy.
>
> Not only that, but using my APRStt program at net control, ANY
> HT with a DTMF pad could send the same APRS message.  Still 7
> years after APRStt was introduced, we still need someone to
> write a Windows version (mine is DOS) that implements it all in
> software on a soundcard (mine used external DTMF chip).  Then
> ANY HT can be used by EVERYONE at any event for 100% APRS data
> entry at all stations.  Please see the
> APRStt system:
> http://www.ew.usna.edu/~bruninga/aprstt.html
>
> In anycase, it would be best to design for all data entry
> methods so that you can have a higher probability of
> participation at as many points as possible.  Field as many
> barcode scanners as you can and also D7's.  Getting enough
> equipment at every station is the hard part, so plan on multiple
> methods. That is why APRStt (IMHO) is the single biggest need in
> APRS today.  It would bring in ALL volunteers at an event into
> DATA ENTRY mode, not just the D7 and barcode users.
>
> For known events, some very powerful data reporting can be done
> in some very short codes.  So in addition to adding a barcode
> scanner to an opentracker, I'd like to see a TTpad added to the
> handheld tracker so that APRS messages (and in this case data
> entry) can be done by anyone with any HT.  (though again, with
> APRStt software at Headquarters, any HT with a DTMF pad can do
> the same thing).
>
> APRStt is a very powerful system to bring in ALL users at an
> event and allow EVERYONE to be seen on APRS and to enter data
> with just a standard HT and no cables.  It is long past time to
> get this implemented in windows so people can use it.  Until we
> get closer to 100% data entry from APRS, APRS will remain a cute
> sideshow at most events... APRStt and ideas like this barcode
> scanner can do it.
>
>
> Bob, WB4APR
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> aprssig mailing list
> aprssig at lists.tapr.org
> https://lists.tapr.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/aprssig
>