[aprssig] Hamfest and Local info

Tue Jun 15 13:38:56 EDT 2010

Bob,
Why not have someone (one of the coders like Lynn) write a script (like
dx-satellite) that queries the ARRL Hamfest database and injects this data
onto the APRS-IS by some sort of identifier that local IGATES can push out.

Ie.  MIHFEST-ddx

Then I can setup my IGATE to push out all objects with MIHFEST* and therby
auto publish them.  The script could send them with a decay pattern based on
the start date of the hamfest.  Regular intervals for the 3-4days leading up
to it, quick intervals during, and then decay 12hours after the event.

I don't know if it is possible, but I always find it hard to get the enduser
interaction you are requesting.  I find it much easier to get the
cooperation of the IGATE owners and operators for a given state.

Here is an example of the data that could be queried from ARRL easily by
someone with some database, web and scripting skills.  It could then easily
be mined to create the packets.  It is not too much data for the APRS-IS I
don't think, but if that is a concern then why not setup an "offnet" server
that all the IGATEs can add a second session too for data and deliver
locally over RF.

A return to the APRSData concept, just on a larger scale.  It allows a
central server to hold all the data mined from the web and then we could
even grab from it using separate filters.  So, if I am an Igate operator I
connect to aprsdata.aprs.net with my IGATE software and it sends me a second
stream of data for the world.  I can then filter this down to just Michigan
stuff or just certain Counties or using a standard range from coordinates
filter.

Anyways, just some thoughts I have been considering.  I know it is not an
instant solution.  I am working on the same thing for IRLP which is a set of
scripts allowing users on my repeater to query for the closest hamfest in
Michigan to my repeater.  It then uses Cpestral to play back the closes ARRL
listed hamfest on any given date.

Mike
kb8zgl

> From: Robert Bruninga <bruninga at usna.edu>
> Reply-To: <bruninga at usna.edu>, TAPR APRS Mailing List <aprssig at tapr.org>
> Date: Tue, 15 Jun 2010 12:41:01 -0400
> To: 'TAPR APRS Mailing List' <aprssig at tapr.org>
> Subject: [aprssig] Hamfest and Local info
> 
> Are you doing your job for APRS in your area?
> 
> I was driving up I-81 in VA, and it was midnight.  But I noticed
> on the front panel of the radio, HFEST-13 pop up.  I was going
> right past it in about 30 minutes, and tomorrow was the 13th and
> I had to stop for the night anyway, so I stopped and next
> morning got to do a hamfest!
> 
> Without APRS, I would have missed that opportunity.  And I did
> not even have to bother the talk-in, because I could see exactly
> where it was on my GPS and just tell my GPS to go there!
> 
> That is why we ask that EVERY hamfest organization (YOU!) to do
> These things for APRS!
> 
> 1) Begin posting an HFEST.... object IN ADVANCE showing the
> hamfest.
> 2) Use the standard format HFEST-ddx
> 3) Where "dd" is the day of the month,
> 4) and "x" is a unique identifier if there are others on your
> same day
> 5) Inlcude FFF.FFFMHz as the first 10 bytes of text for the
> talk-in freq.
> 
> THen also
> 
> 6) Make sure that the TALK in operators have an APRS map in
> front of them so that they  can SEE at least the APRS mobiles.
> This benefits the mobiles, and lets the operator learn about
> APRS, and as he finds out how valuable it is to him, he tells
> others.  Then the club learns the value of APRS...
> 
> YOU need to make sure YOUR group is doing this.
> 
> To see all the hamgest obejects, just do a wildcard search on
> HFEST* if someone else has the same date, then change your final
> "x" byte to be unique.
> 
> For example map.findu.com/hfest* curently shows about...
> Hummh... Exactly one, and it is in Puerto Rico.  SURELY THERE
> ARE MORE HAMFESTS THIS MONTH IN THE USA AND WORLD!
> 
> This just shows us how many APRS operators are not doing their
> job of making APRS useful and practical to other users. Come on
> guys.. Sheesh...
> 
> IF YOU DON'T DO IT, WHO WILL?
> 
> If we do not put out USEFUL INFROMATION ON APRS, then there is
> NOTHING TO DO!
> 
> See www.aprs.org/localinfo.html
> 
> While I am ranting, is YOUR DIGI in your area putting out the
> receommended frequency objects for travelers?  What about the
> Echolink or IRLP object.???  Your digi will NEVER do it unless
> YOU take some initiative and make sure it is getting done or get
> things going.
> 
> Frustrated..
> Bob, Wb4APR
> 
> 
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