[aprssig] what is "testCHO" station

[Steve Dimse]

On Jun 7, 2009, at 8:53 AM, Lynn W. Deffenbaugh (Mr) wrote:

> Looks like someone (possibly N9ZLI-1 or KG4IJB-3) is testing some  
> APRS server and neglected to configure it properly.

I'm guessing you picked those two callsigns because they appear in the  
path, like these

testCHO>APD225,TCPIP*,qAI,testCHO,KG4IJB-3,FIRST,findu:! 
3802.21NI07830.61W& APRS Server
testCHO>APD225,TCPIP*,qAI,testCHO,N9ZLI-1,FIRST,findu:! 
3802.21NI07830.61W& APRS Server

These calls are APRS IS hubs, they are simply the place where the  
packets are entering the APRS IS. These hams are no more likely to be  
the ones owning this than any other APRS user.

On the other hand, using the near.cgi

http://www.findu.com/cgi-bin/near.cgi?call=TESTCHO

shows the position is the same as N9TN-1.  This is who is likely to be  
operating the station.

 From the raw packets seen, there is no evidence this is anything  
other than an internet only station. It could be, with dup checking  
removing the RF packets. There is no proof either way. If it is  
internet only, then there is nothing improper about how the station is  
configured. Many internet only stations operate under an alias only.  
If it is transmitting on RF, it could be set up to produce a beacon  
under the user's call, in which case it would not appear in the raw  
packet listing. This would also be perfectly legal.

The APRS Internet System was never designed to be an enforcement or  
propagation tool, so drawing conclusions about the network  
configuration or legality are simply not possible.

Steve K4HG

PS Or maybe it is not N9TN. Just I was about to hit send the position  
on this station was changed to coincide with W5CDN-15, so who knows...

Steve K4HG