[aprssig] APRStt (Touchtone) on the air in Annapolis

[Mark Smythe]

Maybe someone could get a websdr setup in Annapolis so others could hear
the activity? Websdr.org

Mark - WA7URJ
On Nov 24, 2015 8:02 PM, "Robert Bruninga via aprssig" <aprssig at tapr.org>
wrote:

> We just put the APRStt (touchtone) transponder on the air in Annapolis for
> locals to try out the new QIKCOM-2 satelliite transponder.  But there's
> more!... WoW!
>
> Here is the announcement, and then at the end is the brand new idea how we
> will use this terrestrially while waiting for the satellite to be launched!
>
>  ----------- First, the anouncement --------
> The next Ham DTMF satellite is on the air for testing in Annapolis.
>
>
>
> Anyone can use this transponder from their DTMF radio. (don’t need an APRS
> radio).  Just enter your DTMF callsign and GRID into a DTMF memory
> (formatted per the web page below) and send it on the 144.33 uplink and
> listen for the voice response on 144.39 (amongst all the packet clutter
> too).
>
>
>
> Not only does it convert the DTMF to a voice CQ, but it also sends back an
> APRS packet copy of the CQ on 144.39  into the global APRS system.  If
> successful, you should see it in the ten minute Bulletin update:
>
> http://aprs.fi/info/a/QIKCOM-2
>
>
>
> So just program your DTMF memory once, and try it any time you drive by
> Annapolis (its on my building roof at USNA).
>
>
>
> And not only can you send your grid, you can send any of the ARL
> radiograms both emergency and general, but any of a few dozen more typical
> messages just by entering the 2 digit message number in DTMF followed by
> your DTMF callsign….
>
>
>
> See how on http://aprs.org/qikcom-2.html
>
>
>
> We just delivered the flight unit to the launch integrator 18 Nov, and so
> now we can sit back and actually TEST the prototype on the air and see how
> it works under user load.  It is only 4 Watts, so you probably have to be
> within a few miles or so.  Something to entertaiin you while sitting in
> traffic.    I have worked it from a high spot in Glen Burnie (bridge over
> Rt 10) about 12 miles away, but you have to have a good shot to Annapolis.
>
>
>
> You only have to enter your grid and call into your DTMF memory once.
> Then, anytime you are mobile near the Severn bridges or near the Academy,
> just send out the DTMF memory and listen for the response.
>
>
>
> If there are thunderstorms in the area, I should disconnect it… but will
> try to leave it on.
>
>
>  -----------Now the new idea! --------------
>
> But here is the NEW idea of how to use its 2 digit message capability
> locally...
>
>
> 1) Have it listen from a very high central metro area location for DTMF on
> 146.58
>
>
> 2) The two-digit messages (01 to 99) can be used to trigger the APRS and
> voice response of "CALLSIGN, LISTENING ON XXX.XXX MHz"
>
>
> 3) then ALL APRS mobiles in the area will see the message on their radios
>
> 4) AND he messages goes worldwide in the APRS-IS system
>
> 5) You could be called back via Echolink for example
>
> 6) AND if anyone is monitoring 146.58, they will hear EVERYONE on the air
> and where they are listening.
>
>
> In our area with over 50 repeaters, we are so spread out, hardly any
> repeater is being used.  But this way, everyone's "presence" on the air is
> announced on APRS and the single 146.58 just like APRS was always intended
> to be... a single clearing house channel for everything happening in ham
> radio.
>
>
> But now you only need a DTMF radio.  Not a full APRS rig.
>
>
> Oh, we just make a local list 01 to 99 of the different frequencies.
> Every local list is different, but so are the repeaters in every local
> area...  Though I am starting to think it can be quite universal!  Wow, Il
> start now... for example 76 is 146.76 and 94 is 146.94, etc!
>
>
> You just program  your DTMF memory with the few repeaters you use, and
> then sending out your message is just one button.  Send the DTMF memory
> with your chosen "monitoring frequency!
>
>
> for more info on APRStt see http://aprs.org/aprstt.html
>
>
> Bob Bruninga, WB4APR
>
> USNA Satellite Lab
>
>
>
>
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>
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