[aprssig] Mobile Power Output

[Ev Tupis]

 Hi Michael,You don't mention who that local is, and if they are using the APRS network themselves or not.
If they are APRS users and are speaking from *informed* experience, then athe 50 watt power requirement is likely true.  HOWEVER...

On the other hand, there are enough uninformed generalities in what you say that he said, I would suggest that you could take time to understand to gain your own independent understanding of the available APRS network.
For example, listen to the APRS channel using an HT.  If you hear packet, then observe to see what digipeater(s) serve your area.  Look them up on the APRS.FI website and see how much power they are running as a "baseline".
Alternatively, start with an HT-based system (3-watts?) with a good antenna (not the rubber-duck).  Again, observe the outcome.  If not sufficient, add 10 dB's by adding a 30 watt amplifier.  If not sufficient, then you don't have a usable APRS network in your area.  The difference between 30 and 50 watts is insignificant (~2 dB's).
Unless you are running "absurd" power levels, it is not your power that will harm the APRS network.  It is your ID interval and choice of digipeating path.
Kindly,Ev, W2EV

    On Sunday, February 4, 2018, 11:10:50 PM EST, Michael Barnes <barnmichael at gmail.com> wrote:  
 
 I was mentioning to a local ham I was interested in putting APRS in my truck. (I'm still digesting all the great comments from my previous query.) He said I will need a minimum of 50 watts and the frequent transmissions will pretty much eliminate the possibility of other 2 meter operations while I have the APRS running. This news is certainly disconcerting. My original intention was to use a Raspberry Pi with a TNC-Pi connected to a Kenwood HT with an external antenna. Having to add another full sized mobile radio and running that much power with all the other radios in my truck might be an issue.

So, is the need for 50 watts realistic? I do live in a rural area, but other 2 meter use seems to get by quite well with handheld radios.

Thanks,
Michael WA7SKG
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