[aprssig] Use of XXX devices for APRS

[Phil N6TCT]

Georg Lukas DO1GL wrote:
> I think the combination of a smartphone with a bluetooth-rs232-tnc-radio
> setup is the smallest possible way to achieve RF coverage (except for
> buying an APRS HT). However, this is still very cumbersome for portable
> operation.

Actually, you can eliminate the TNC.  PocketPacket for the iPhone has a
software TNC that runs on the phone. You merely connect a cable between
the speaker/mic on your iPhone to the speaker/mic of your HT -- the
phone generates and decodes all the tones needed for APRS modulation and
demodulation.  And since the iPhone has a built-in GPS, you have a
pretty nifty little APRS tracker setup.  It's not quite as small or
clean as an HT with built in APRS, but at $4.99 for the software and a
few bucks for a cable, you can't beat the price.  The latest version
supports APRS messaging as well, though I've not yet tried that.

It's pretty slick!

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/pocketpacket/id336500866

Phil, N6TCT