[aprssig] [APRS] DIGIPEATER Callsigns (by location)

[Robert Bruninga]

Selecting a unique name is easy.  Just browse aprs.fi/NAME where NAME is
the location one wants to use for the given digipeater.  If nothing else in
the world matches, then the name is unique.  If there is a match, then
change the name to make it unique.

Being able to instantly see what are humans (ham communicators) among a 100
deep list of callsigns (half of which are digipeaters or other inannimate
objects is a useful capability when trying to actually communicate using
APRS.  It also makes it instantly obvious where one's signals are being
digipeated (by location) instead of some random collection of letters
(callsigns). Bob, WB4APR


On Fri, Jul 18, 2014 at 3:02 AM, SARTrack Admin <info at sartrack.co.nz> wrote:

> I so totally disagree with this.
>
> The 'From' callsign in AX25 packets is the UNIQUE callsign of the station.
> All existing APRS gear is based on this.
> When people are going to make up their own 'From' callsigns, and some of
> them use the same name, chaos is the result.
> It is the ONE field which should be always unique, and therefore the
> amateur radio callsign.
>
> I already have enough trouble on my own private APRS network for Search
> and Rescue users, where many stations are not HAM stations, and they either
> make up their own callsign or I have to allocate them one.
>
> SARTrack uses a 'Tactical' callsign which is added in the Information
> field, and this shows up on the Maps etc. It also supports the Xastir
> system of Tactical calls which are transmitted as Messages.
>
> And no, they are not showing up on Kenwood radios.. If that was required,
> it should have been included in the original spec as a special addition to
> the Information field (and that would have been a good idea).
>
> Bart
> SARTrack Developer
> www.sartrack.co.nz
>
> On 18/07/2014 08:01, Robert Bruninga wb4apr at amsat.org [APRS] wrote:
>
>> While driving in the wilderness in Montana, Wyoming and Idaho, I was
>> reminded how nice it is when DIGIPEATERS ID with their location name
>> instead of callsign.
>>
>> When I get back, I am going to revise ALL my recommendation pages over
>> the years to reflect this.
>>
>>  --
>
> SARTrack Developer and CEO
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>
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