[aprssig] Use call without SSID?

[Robert Bruninga]

> Locally there has been an explosion of interest 
> in APRS, [and] the inevitable argument about 
> using SSIDs... In fact, we already have a budding 
> "SSID Nazi" wanting to dictate.... Any definite 
> suggestions about a good... Reference?

Sure the APRS1.1 addendum:  www.aprs.org/aprs11.html
Under CORRECTIONS there is a link to the SSID conventions...

> Frankly, there is no reason to use 
> one SSID over another.

I disagree.  Every APRS client and every APRS web page and every
APRS mobile radio presents APRS information in a variety of
displays and windows and lists (not just maps!).  Being able to
make a first order guess at the application of that callsign
based on SSID alone is very handy across all APRS applications. 

Most of my operataion is mobile, and so most of what I see of
"APRS" are stations poping up on my mobile display radio front
panel display (on the dashboard). It is very nice to know that
when I see a -9 it is a mobile, when I see a -7 it is usually a
handheld (usually someone doing something interesting) or -14 is
a trucker (again, somoene usually worth a QSO or doing something
outdoors, etc).

I think it would be nice to even pick a good one for Weather
which is also a major category that some of us ignore
completely, and others of us seek out ambitiously.

There should be no "SSID Nazies", but education to newcomers
about these common conventions is always a good idea.

The home station is best used without any SSID or if on-line,
then use -10 helps us see who is on-line only and not even
playing on RF...

Bob, Wb4APR