[aprssig] APRS messaging (was Re: How to do a HIKING APRS event!)

[Lynn W. Deffenbaugh (Mr)]

On 5/10/2011 2:30 PM, Guido Trentalancia wrote:
>
> So, I am quite sure there is nothing wrong with the protocol itself. We
> could extend it one day to support longer messages, exactly as it
> happened for GSM SMS but this is not urgent or strictly necessary.

APRSISCE/32 allows entry of up to 5 lines of maximum length text 
according to the protocol and automatically word breaks it up into 
multiple APRS messages for delivery, each piece with its own ack request 
to guarantee sequentiality.  A + is added at the end of all parts but 
the last one to indicate that more is coming.

> The point is that, where technically feasible, vendors should really
> come up with an accessory which provides a small detachable keyboard to
> enter APRS text messages easily and conveniently. But this has nothing
> to do with the APRS protocol.

It's called a bluetooth to serial link on the radio paired to APRSISCE 
running on a Windows Mobile device.  Alternatively, it's a Nuvi 350 tied 
to an OT2m using the native FMI (Fleet Management Interface) messaging 
system built by Garmin directly on the Nuvi's touch screen.  Or even a 
full-sized netbook or laptop with a direct serial (or bluetooth) link to 
your favorite APRS TNC tied into your radio for full-up mapping and 
messaging interface via xastir or APRSIS32.   Is there a messaging 
interface on the Avmaps?  If so, there's another option if you've got 
the $$$ to dedicate to the function.

It CAN be done, and is being done, today,with the hardware/software 
that's already available.  Granted, it might be less "pretty" than a 
manufacturer-supplied detachable keyboard, but it's completely doable 
for those that want it to happen.

Lynn (D) - KJ4ERJ - Author of APRSISCE for Windows Mobile and Win32

> 73,
>
> Guido IZ6RDB