[aprssig] information of voice repeaters on APRS

[Lynn W. Deffenbaugh (Mr)]

The Frequency Specification for APRS objects is actually in a state of 
flux at the moment.  It turns out that Bob's original specification was 
implemented by Yaesu in their FTM-350 with a few extra constraints like 
the frequency MUST be in the comment (not just in the object name) and 
MUST be followed by MHz (case sensitive).  Please check the following 
links for some additional information:

http://aprsisce.wikidot.com/doc:qsy - Examples of objects/comments known 
to work

http://aprsisce.wikidot.com/freqspec - a work in progress tracking how 
different radios handle different things

http://www.aprs.org/localinfo.html - Original Initiatives page by Bob

http://www.aprs.org/info/freqspec.txt - Bob's more detailed page 
including some description of the FTM-350 issues

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

PS.  APRSISCE/32 parses these frequency specifications and can run a 
live "Frequency Monitor" showing the QSY information.  It will also 
highlight stations with "issues" related to the Frequency Specification 
(like missing MHz, decimal tones, and others) to allow locals to work 
with locals to get existing stations updated to support the broadest 
spectrum of APRS-capable radios (read: FTM-350s).

On 3/30/2013 9:22 AM, Kristoff Bonne wrote:
> Hi All,
>
>
>
> Can somebody help me understand what is exactly the possibilities of 
> adding information about voice (FM or DV) repeaters on APRS.
>
> This question is the result of a small discussion I had with a couple 
> of fellow hams on finding a way to feed information about what 
> repeaters into a handheld radio.
>
> What is done now (manual lists or "chirp" images) is not the most 
> handy thing to use, requires additional devices and is not really 
> standardised that can be used on all handhelds.
>
> One idea was to use APRS for that:
> - Some information about Repeaters is already found on APRS (be it 
> limited). This information can be cached in the local APRS node or 
> stored in the APRS-IS archive
>
> - A handheld could send out a query "please provide list of repeaters" 
> on the local APRS frequency; which would be received by the local APRS 
> node
>
> - these can then return that information: frequencies/shift/tone, mode 
> (FM, D-STAR, MotoTbro, ...), echolink/IRLP/... info
>
>
>
> D-STAR repeaters already post their existance on APRS, as does some 
> echolink software (like "thelinkbox").
>
> However, if I am correct:
> - the information send to the APRS node is not really standardised (it 
> seams to be an "object", but information like frequencies, supported 
> modes, ...) are in freeform text.
>
> - There does not seams to be a way to query the APRS network "give me 
> a list of repeaters"
>
>
> There also seams to be a type-of-object "voice repeater", but I cannot 
> find the exact information in the specification on what is exactly in 
> there?
> Does it also contain information like modes; is it extendable towards 
> digital voice (including non-D-STAR systems)
>
>
>
> Any help appriciated.
>
> 73
> kristoff - ON1ARF
>
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