[aprssig] APRS on Rovers -- Pt 2

[Ev Tupis]

My original "Pt 2" bounced due to my error.  I'm resending it.  I apologize for any malformatting that may occur.  Yahoo web mail doesn't like cut-and-pastes from e-mails.  -= Ev =-

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Thanks to a conversation with Mark (N2MH), a few other items came to
 light that will help to maximize your contest-APRS effectiveness.  These
 apply only to APRS on 144.39 MHz because it deals with DIGIpeating, not
 HamIM (which is simplex on 147.585 MHz and has none of these issues).

1. If you are using a TNC, do *not* set it up to be a DIGIpeater to
 other stations for any reason or on any alias.  The APRS frequency of
 144.39 MHz is waaaaaaaaaaaaay too close to the SSB sub-band centered on
 144.200 MHz and I'm betting that the self-QRM from your *own* APRS
 station's ID will cause you fits...let alone the traffic caused by having it
 DIGIpeat others.

2. When launching on APRS, use the path of "WIDE1-1,WIDE3-3".  This
 will provide you with 4-hops of DIGIpeating, which will be about what your
 SSB/CW RF range will be during the contest (yes, this is a
 generality).  This is *different* than the suggested pathway of "WIDE1-1,WIDE2-2"
 because there is a tactical need for it to be...but *only* for the VHF
 contest this weekend.  Do not leave your Rovers APRS configuration in
 that state, after the contest.

3. Test your APRS ID QRM now, before the contest begins.  Set your TX
 interval to something that won't make your head explode as you have your
 volume turned up on 144.200, trying to dig-out a weak one and it
 kicks-in.  Under no circumstances should your ID be any more frequent than
 every 5-minutes.  Even when travelling at 60MPH, that is a location
 error of only 5-miles.  Frankly, every 10 to 15 minutes is probably plenty.
  The only risk that you'll assume by longer ID intervals is that you
 won't show as having moved from your hilltop until it ID's again.

4. Lastly...remember that APRS is supposed to HELP.  If you find that
 the self-QRM is unbearable to your contest operation, SHUT IT OFF and
 contest.  Just remember to turn it on while travelling and not operating
 so at least we know you're out there. :)

Have fun!

Regards,
Ev, W2EV






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