[aprssig] APRS Network Consistent Operations

[michaelcarey at internode.on.net]

> If we're going to pester digipeater operators about their
> settings, let me throw out an idea (not original to me,
> but I like it more and more): 
> 
> Digipeaters should (almost) never beacon more than DIRECT.
> 
> Think about it - a digi's beacon, other than to the
> mobiles that can hear it direct, is pretty much just
> wasting precious channel. Either there is coverage or
> there isn't.
> 
> Yes, digi operators would like to see their digi's call on
> findu, so once every six hours or so, beacon with enough
> hops to reach an igate. If you have WX data, by all means,
> send it with a long enough path to reach an igate.
> 
> But, really, I don't need or want to see your digi
> advertised on my mobile 500 miles away ... and I often see
> them from even farther away!
> 
> Discuss :-)
> 
> 73 de chris K6DBG
> 
I look after an I-Gate and two (soon to be three APRS
digi's) in my local area. I understand you not wanting to
see where distant digi's are located, but I quite often
travel away from home without any of my APRS gear and it's
very handy being able to get on the 'net, and within seconds
see if any of the equipment I look after is up or down. If
my digi's weren't gated to the 'net, then I would have no
idea that they were down and needed attention.(unless of
course other users gave me a phone call!)
On the other hand, in VK5 (South Australia) we don't have
that much local APRS traffic so it doesn't really impact the
availability of the APRS frequency. 
I can sort of understand other users in other areas might
not be interested in my beacons... but on the other hand,
potential visitors to my area can look on FindU and see in
an instant the extent of APRS coverage I provide and where
the digi's are located. 
Maybe you can contact the local IGate operator to add a
distance filter to stop distant stations from appearing on
the IGate and your mobile screen. 
Regards,
Michael.
VK5ZEA