[aprssig] Its time for new Igates...

[Robert Bruninga]

> When I've tried messaging/email from remote 
> locations via I-Gates, I can often get a 
> message out, but can't receive replies because 
> the I-Gates restrict the number of hops on a reply.

The problem is, we need new Igate software that takes advantage
of the New-N paradigm and better implements APRS messaging and
acking.  

1) Few IGates do reverse-pathing for messaging as an Igate.  The
new-N paradigm assures that ALL packets are traceable, so reply
messaging should work much better than it does now.

2) Uiview does not do many of the APRS techniques for improving
ACK reliabiility so acking suffers significantly.  Uiview does
not do reply-acking which would also help

3) Most Igates do not allow for separate IS-to-RF paths separate
from the stations own RF path.  There should also be separate
paths for objects.  

4) Also, there should be specific techniques for assuring that
the local IRLP and ECHOlink APRS objects get to RF in each Igate
area (and only 1 hop usually)...

5) Any other lessons leared?  I'm sure there is a wish list
somewhere?

Bob, WB4APR
> 
> I've asked about this before, and the answer has been,
"contact the 
> I-Gate op and have him tweak his settings for your call and 
> location." 
> That can certainly work, *if* I know in advance what I-Gates 
> I will be 
> able to reach and can actually contact the operator :)
> 
> How are the I-Gates configured for messaging in NWAPRS land?
(didn't 
> see it offhand on the website.)  Are the settings something 
> that can be 
> generalized for other places - or will they only work with 
> your region's 
> particular set of mountaintops and high-octane coffee? :)
> 
> The I-Gate ops that I have talked to have been more than 
> happy to adjust 
>   settings to meet my needs.  But they are generally not 
> knowledgeable 
> about what settings *should* be.  If we had some standards 
> listed on the 
> "settings cheat sheets" posted by nwaprs, kcaprs and others,
maybe we 
> would have more reliable messaging coverage.
> 
> Thanks!
> 
>    --Jeff, N0JUH
> 
> 
> Herb Gerhardt wrote:
> > ...
> > Now regarding the I-Gate statement, the beauty of APRS is 
> that it uses RF
> > and even if the local I-Gates are down, the radio signals, 
> at least in our
> > NW APRS network can reach out over 100 miles via RF.  
> Emergencies generally
> > effect a local area and not all areas within 100 miles, so 
> generally, you
> > will be able to still hit an I-Gate to send and receive 
> APRS and WinLink
> > Email messages via your APRS radio like the Kenwood D7A, 
> D700 and D710 or a
> > home APRS station if it is still operational.
> > 
> > I use this method for sending emails from the mountains in 
> Western WA where
> > there is NO cell phone coverage but if you know how to make 
> the APRS system
> > work, you can generally get a digital message out even when 
> it is not
> > possible to make any voice contact!  I regularly go hiking 
> or hunting for
> > more than a week at a time and do want to "keep in touch" 
> with my wife.
> > 
> > No if you don't have enough I-Gates or APRS stations in 
> your area, that is
> > another problem which your local hams must resolve in a 
> cooperative effort.
> > Fortunately we have quite a few APRS stations and high 
> mountain digipeaters
> > set up in our network that we can cover our area fairly 
> well and that covers
> > several states including portions of Canada.
> 
> 
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