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Robert Bruninga wrote:
<blockquote cite="mid:016601c88ec1$7b6b6fd0$42577a83@ewlab.usna.edu" type="cite">
<pre wrap="">
</pre>
<blockquote type="cite">
<pre wrap="">A far simpler "lite" installation would consist of
running UI-Instant Messenger on a WiFi-equipped laptop.
</pre>
</blockquote>
<pre wrap=""><!---->
Except that it requires internet access.
</pre>
</blockquote>
Internet access is becoming ever more ubiquitous via WiFi in public
places and/or over cellphones. <br>
<br>
<br>
FYI, quasi-dialup Internet access is available over Verizon or Sprint
CDMA cellphones connected to a laptop with a USB cable, WITHOUT signing
up for a data plan. You set up a standard Windows dialup
"connectoid" to dial the number #777 (or you can actually have it dial
an existing dialup ISP number) using the simulated modem inside the
phone. The only cost is airtime minutes, meaning that after 9PM or on
weekends, it doesn't cost anything. You get a "blistering" 14.4K
connection that is nearly useless for web surfing but is entirely
adequate for blasting off a few APRS packets to a web server. (It's
faster than 1.2K over the air......)<br>
<br>
<br>
WiFi access is almost everywhere now on the road. (Highway dept rest
stops in Iowa and some in Texas offer free acess from your car.) An
increasing number of independent coffee shops and restaurants offer
free WiFi. The latest development is that Starbucks WiFi hotspots
previously operated by T-Mobile (for an hourly or monthly charge) are
being taken over by ATT. If you have ATT/Yahoo DSL service at home,
you will be able to use the Starbucks hot spots FOR FREE by using your
own email address and password for login. <br>
<br>
<br>
<blockquote cite="mid:016601c88ec1$7b6b6fd0$42577a83@ewlab.usna.edu" type="cite">
<pre wrap="">
I guess I am still trying to appeal to the ham radio operator
that does have a TNC somewhere in his piles of junk, and should
be reminded to exercise it now and then for RF digital comms.
Hummh... MAYBE... What we need to define is the minimum setup
of AGWPE so that a laptop with sound card plugged into the
mobile Mic jack could do the above, that is, send out a grid
square posit, some objects, and some messages without all the
other APRS bloat?
</pre>
</blockquote>
<br>
The ]free edition of AGWpe + UI-Instant-Messenger is all you need. Any
P-II or higher laptop has enough processor horsepower to run the AGW
interface. The most hassle-free soundcard interface would be the
Tigertronics Signalink. This $69 interface uses a tone-detecting
VOX-operated interface to eliminate the hassle of a serial port
connection to key the radio PTT. Or my own homebrew tone-keyed
interface at:<br>
<br>
<br>
<a class="moz-txt-link-rfc2396E" href="http://wa8lmf.net/ham/tonekeyer.htm"><http://wa8lmf.net/ham/tonekeyer.htm></a><br>
<br>
<br>
Or "shoot the moon" for the Tigertronics USB interface which
incorporates an entire second "sound card" and interface at the end of
a USB cable for about $100. <br>
<br>
Assuming the laptop is a modern one with built-in WiFi, you have all
you need to message EITHER through the Internet -or- over-the-air since
UI-Instant Messenger can work over either AGW or TCP/IP. <br>
<br>
<br>
If you opt for the paid "Pro" version of AGW (rather than the freeware
version) , you can even do this on HF with the sound card interface
since AGW Pro will generate 300 baud packet with standard 1600/1800 Hz
"KAM-style" packet tones. [The freeware version of AGW will generate
300 baud but it does it with the 2100/2300 Hz tone pair that is
problematic with the SSB passband of many HF rigs.]<br>
<br>
<br>
<blockquote cite="mid:016601c88ec1$7b6b6fd0$42577a83@ewlab.usna.edu" type="cite">
<pre wrap="">
Actually, that would be the better minimilist subset for
maintaining one's own map.find.com/callsign web page via RF
while traveling...
Bob, Wb4APR
</pre>
</blockquote>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
--<br>
<br>
Stephen H. Smith wa8lmf (at) aol.com <br>
EchoLink Node: 14400 [Think bottom of the 2M band]<br>
Home Page: <a class="moz-txt-link-freetext" href="http://wa8lmf.com">http://wa8lmf.com</a> --OR-- <a class="moz-txt-link-freetext" href="http://wa8lmf.net">http://wa8lmf.net</a><br>
<br>
NEW! World Digipeater Map<br>
<a class="moz-txt-link-freetext" href="http://wa8lmf.net/APRSmaps">http://wa8lmf.net/APRSmaps</a><br>
<br>
JavAPRS Filter Port 14580 Guide <br>
<a class="moz-txt-link-freetext" href="http://wa8lmf.net/aprs/JAVaprsFilters.htm">http://wa8lmf.net/aprs/JAVaprsFilters.htm</a><br>
<br>
"APRS 101" Explanation of APRS Path Selection & Digipeating <br>
<a class="moz-txt-link-freetext" href="http://wa8lmf.net/DigiPaths">http://wa8lmf.net/DigiPaths</a> <br>
<br>
Updated "Rev H" APRS <a class="moz-txt-link-freetext" href="http://wa8lmf.net/aprs">http://wa8lmf.net/aprs</a><br>
Symbols Set for UI-View, <br>
UIpoint and APRSplus:<br>
<br>
<br>
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