[aprssig] APRS SSID List, Symbols Etc

[WD8ARZ]

On Sundays the Off Road Ham Net have been having a continuing discussion 
about APRS for the last several weeks now. Many members either were 
using APRS already, or got on as a result of the discussions. Some use 
only the RF side of APRS, some only the cell phone side and a growing 
number are doing both. All gained useful info, even the long time users.

Of course there was frequent discussion of programs, equipment, 
configuration, beacon timing, voice alert, etc etc

A couple of topics that have come up several times are about SSID usage 
and Symbols to represent the type of station. Recommended usage for 
these topics is at:

SSID's (Secondary Station Identifiers)
http://www.aprs.org/aprs11/SSIDs.txt
http://info.aprs.net/index.php?title=SymbolsAndSSIDs

and

APRS Display Symbols
http://aprs.net/vm/DOS/SYMBOLS.HTM

Many of the newcomers were surprised to learn that APRS location 
features is Not the primary purpose of use, but it is about COMMUNICATIONS.
http://www.aprs.org/localinfo.html
" *APRS is a /two-way local Information Distribution and Communication 
System /
(not just a vehicle tracking system). *See APRS misconceptions!* 
<http://www.aprs.org/APRS-tactical.html>
The objective is Human-to-human local real-time info and communications!* ."

*APRS Tactical Real-Time Operations*
http://www.aprs.org/APRS-tactical.html

Also keep in mind some of the primary aspects of the APRS world, is the 
Mobile / Portable / Special Event / Providing Local Info world. Mobiles 
passing through your area can learn a lot of amateur activities and 
events from the APRS provided information your area provides. Mobiles 
need to configure properly on their end using a CTCSS 100 squelch pl, 
and base stations need to NOT use the 100Hz pl tone on their end UNLESS 
providing important information or making a communications contact. If 
all stations were transmitting the 100Hz pl, most mobile stations will 
turn their receive volume down, thus missing the benefits of the voice 
alert feature.

Have had personal experience with many many mobile trips using APRS, and 
am very grateful to all those stations / systems that provide 
information about the weather and other concerns in there area in real 
time. APRS allowed me to see weather data around me, and especially for 
the travel path ahead of me. Weather Alerts also would activate my 
system with out intervention on my part from those stations. Many times 
this was my only source of information that applied to the safety and 
situational awareness in real time. Even the national weather 
frequencies 162.xxx are not as complete as APRS.

Another very very nice feature I love about the Kenwood Dual Band 
mobiles that support APRS, is receiving text messages from others that 
not only display on the radio, but also are read out to me in voice. 
Great for the safety of the driver keeping distractions to a minimum and 
yet staying situational aware.

Bottom line is that there is a lot to APRS. It is up to the operator to 
select the equipment and configure it for the features they like best. 
Keep in mind, this can be done with out computers or the internet!

There is much much more, but this is just an interest topic here, not 
meant to be the do all detail info found on the web and the main aprs site.

73 from Bill - WD8ARZ
WD8ARZ-7    HT TH-D7AG
WD8ARZ-9    Mobile TM-D700AG
WD8ARZ-10  Android Smart Phone - APRSdroid  and U2APRS
APRS Viewer on Android for displaying APRS stations only, no beacon / 
transmitting.

Off Road Ham Net - http://offroadham.com - Login and tell em WD8ARZ sent 
ya  ;-]
Wednesday 7pm EST
Sunday 11am EST
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