aprs is a registered trademark bob bruninga, wb4apr aprs aprs applications in space dayton 2008...

APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR

APRSAPRS

APRS Applications in SpaceAPRS Applications in Space

Dayton 2008

Mobile Satellite Operations


What is APRS?What is APRS? APRSAPRS = Automatic = Automatic

PacketPacket Reporting System Reporting System

APRSAPRS was developed in the was developed in the early 1990's for local early 1990's for local tactical tactical digital communications,digital communications, situational awareness and situational awareness and TWO-WAYTWO-WAY information information exchangeexchange using Amateur using Amateur radio.radio.

Not just Vehicle Tracking!Not just Vehicle Tracking!


What is APRS all about?What is APRS all about? Immediate local digital and graphical information exchange Immediate local digital and graphical information exchange

between all participants in a local area or event. This includes:between all participants in a local area or event. This includes: PositionsPositions of all stations and objects of all stations and objects StatusStatus of all stations of all stations MessagesMessages, Bulletins and Announcements, Bulletins and Announcements WeatherWeather data and data and telemetrytelemetry DF bearingsDF bearings and and signal strengthssignal strengths for quick transmitter hunting for quick transmitter hunting RF Connectivity RF Connectivity plots of all stationsplots of all stations LocalLocal OBJECTS OBJECTS on a common map display for all userson a common map display for all users Local Local Freqs, Nets, MeetingsFreqs, Nets, Meetings

Typical applications are:Typical applications are: Routine local awareness of all ham radio events and assets around youRoutine local awareness of all ham radio events and assets around you Marathons, races, events and public serviceMarathons, races, events and public service Search and rescueSearch and rescue Family communications and tracking and one-line emailsFamily communications and tracking and one-line emails Mobile-to-mobile global messagingMobile-to-mobile global messaging Weather data exchange and displayWeather data exchange and display Efficient multi-user Satellite communicationsEfficient multi-user Satellite communications


Scope of Scope of APRSAPRS

APRS consists of a very large APRS consists of a very large land based wireless network. land based wireless network. Almost 30,000 users around Almost 30,000 users around the world.the world.

This network works via RELAYS This network works via RELAYS every 20-30 miles called every 20-30 miles called “digipeaters.” And Globally “digipeaters.” And Globally via IGates to the internet.via IGates to the internet.

APRS is also used via some of APRS is also used via some of the Amateur Satellites. the Amateur Satellites.

It is also used to monitor It is also used to monitor telemetry values of weather telemetry values of weather stations for the National stations for the National Weather Service (NWS) Weather Service (NWS)

APRS has the capability to APRS has the capability to quickly relay telemetry values quickly relay telemetry values to research centers without to research centers without the Internet.the Internet.

But, only 2% of local situation…

(a side show)…


APRS MisConceptions!APRS MisConceptions!

That APRS is just Vehicle Tracking instead of a That APRS is just Vehicle Tracking instead of a Real-Time Information Distribution Real-Time Information Distribution

SystemSystem.. That APRS is dependent on GPS for its value That APRS is dependent on GPS for its value (GPS is not needed. See Objects)(GPS is not needed. See Objects).. Failure to use the APRS built-in Failure to use the APRS built-in Mile-MarksMile-Marks for tracking all other non-APRS mobiles. for tracking all other non-APRS mobiles. Using APRS clients that only do maps and ignored Using APRS clients that only do maps and ignored too many of the APRS fundamentalstoo many of the APRS fundamentals.. Ignored the fundamental Ignored the fundamental Decay AlgorithmDecay Algorithm to accelerate new data, and decay old data! to accelerate new data, and decay old data! Failure to understand the importance of OBJECTS: . See Failure to understand the importance of OBJECTS: . See ObjectsObjects 101 101 and and OperationsOperations Failure to use real-time messaging: . See Failure to use real-time messaging: . See Messages 101Messages 101 and and Message OperationsMessage Operations Failure to implement the original APRS Centralized Failure to implement the original APRS Centralized Common Bulletin BoardCommon Bulletin Board concept. concept. Not understanding the APRS operator’s role as a Not understanding the APRS operator’s role as a Data InputData Input (Objects, Bulletins and (Objects, Bulletins and

Messages)Messages) Not using the D7 and D700 as Not using the D7 and D700 as data entry and clipboard display unitsdata entry and clipboard display units at field events. at field events. Too much focus on Too much focus on Large ScreenLarge Screen DisplaysDisplays –vs- –vs- IndividualIndividual Operator Operator displays fordisplays for events. events. Failure to display APRS Failure to display APRS symbols with all their attributessymbols with all their attributes and colors without clicking and colors without clicking

them them Failure to manage the network by Failure to manage the network by adjusting the local digipeateradjusting the local digipeater for the situation at hand. for the situation at hand. Not realizing the importance of Not realizing the importance of Voice OperatingVoice Operating frequenciesfrequencies in APRS. in APRS.

See APRS-tactical.html


APRS, maps and eventsAPRS, maps and events

That APRS is dependent on GPS for its value That APRS is dependent on GPS for its value (GPS is not required to put things on maps)(GPS is not required to put things on maps)..


Simple DTMF memory - One button puts you in APRS (Simple DTMF memory - One button puts you in APRS (Position, Frequency and Position, Frequency and

StatusStatus)!)! DTMF on voice freq translated to packet on APRS channel (or direct to APRS-IS)DTMF on voice freq translated to packet on APRS channel (or direct to APRS-IS) Position is 10 mile ambiguity using repeater posit (Position is 10 mile ambiguity using repeater posit (or 60 mile ambiguity out westor 60 mile ambiguity out west)) Frequency in packet is Frequency of RepeaterFrequency in packet is Frequency of Repeater If Echolink or IRLP, APRS packet includes node number!If Echolink or IRLP, APRS packet includes node number!

APRStt APRStt (Touchtone)(Touchtone)See aprstt.html


DTMF Report shows on APRS!DTMF Report shows on APRS! CALLSIGN with date and timeCALLSIGN with date and time Position in vicinity of repeater or APRStt entry pointPosition in vicinity of repeater or APRStt entry point Voice Operating Frequency, Tone and other infoVoice Operating Frequency, Tone and other info Node number if Echolink or IRLP, or reverse patch number if RepeaterNode number if Echolink or IRLP, or reverse patch number if Repeater

APRStt APRStt (Touchtone)(Touchtone)

See aprstt.html

147.105MHz T107 R30m


APRStt APRStt (Touchtone)(Touchtone)

See aprstt.html

For big events, put one at each checkpoint or venue.

See who is operating where, on what frequency and when


Various APRS Stations Various APRS Stations (two-(two-way)way)

APRS is a Network intended for real-time Tactical INFORMATION exchange. This means TWO-WAY.


TRACKERS TRACKERS (two-way)(two-way)

Trackers have no APRS data display. So the receiver should be tuned to a beaconed Voice frequency so the operator can be involved in the Net! One-way trackers are good for non-manned assets at large movement events.. Not as the only APRS asset for a ham.

Trackers should be his 3rd,4th,5th etc tools for APRS support…

One-way APRS is not normally recommended. APRS is a Network. We want good communications among all participants for maximum utility.


Global Mobile and Portable Global Mobile and Portable SatcomSatcom


Kenwood TM-Kenwood TM-D700AD700A

Built-in screen display of other APRS Built-in screen display of other APRS stations and front-panel send/receive stations and front-panel send/receive messaging.messaging.

Other APRS station locations are sent to Other APRS station locations are sent to the attached GPS map for display.the attached GPS map for display.

Dual band 144/440 MHz 50/35 WattsDual band 144/440 MHz 50/35 Watts Built-in 1200/9600 bps TNC including Built-in 1200/9600 bps TNC including

digipeaterdigipeater

Kenwood TH-Kenwood TH-D7A(G)D7A(G)

TM-D710TM-D710

Mobile/Portable Satellite Terminals

Adds operation Freq to every Adds operation Freq to every posit !posit !

Auto tunes to others with Freq!Auto tunes to others with Freq! Shows local Voice Repeaters !Shows local Voice Repeaters !


Alinco DR-135T/EJ-41UAlinco DR-135T/EJ-41U

Allows direct input from Allows direct input from any standard GPS.any standard GPS.

Basic 1200/9600 bps TNCBasic 1200/9600 bps TNC

Basic 2 M Radio with optional TNC. Basic 2 M Radio with optional TNC. (Opentrack makes a drop in tracker module)(Opentrack makes a drop in tracker module)

Unlike the Kenwood radios, it requires a PC to equires a PC to set it up, and there is no APRS display directly set it up, and there is no APRS display directly on the radio.on the radio.


Yeasu VX8R ?Yeasu VX8R ?

““APRS” ?APRS” ? Bluetooth enabled?Bluetooth enabled? Wireless GPS?Wireless GPS? Nothing about receipt, Nothing about receipt,

display or messaging?display or messaging?


APRS Voice Alert! APRS Voice Alert! **

Voice Alert is effectively 3Voice Alert is effectively 3rdrd Radio Radio channel for the D7 and D700 APRS channel for the D7 and D700 APRS radiosradios

By setting the APRS Band, A, to PL-100, By setting the APRS Band, A, to PL-100, but keeping the volume turned up:but keeping the volume turned up: You wont hear any packets on 144.39 *You wont hear any packets on 144.39 * But you will hear a voice call using PL-100 on 144.39But you will hear a voice call using PL-100 on 144.39 And you will hear* an occasional Ping packet if another And you will hear* an occasional Ping packet if another

D700 comes in line-of-site to you, like a proximity radar D700 comes in line-of-site to you, like a proximity radar alerting you to local presence.alerting you to local presence.

Great for long haul traveling and meeting other APRS Great for long haul traveling and meeting other APRS users.users.

(For all mobiles!)(For all mobiles!)


APRS – IS - Local Info!APRS – IS - Local Info!

Last 100 stations!

Direction & Distance

Frequency and Tone

Mobiles and HT are 100%

compatible

But via Satellite, Local is all of the USA!


Aa

The APRS NetworkThe APRS Network

Multiple Hops

And to the Internet Gateway

Digipeaters

An APRS satellite is just a very high Digi!


The New-N Paradigm 2005The New-N Paradigm 2005APRS Generic Paths evolved over 13 years and the presence of many old legacy formats and procedures were really bogging down the network making it saturated and unreliable in busy areas.

In 2005 all old paths were declared obsolete (RELAY & WIDE) and the entire APRS system in the US was then focused only on the WIDEn-N type of generic paths with small values of N.

A WIDEn-N path goes N hops outward in all directions.

N=2 in most areas colored on next slide

Factor of 3 to 5 improvement!Factor of 3 to 5 improvement!


APRS APRS (Range Circles)(Range Circles)From space, covers all of the USA at once!


APRS APRS (ALOHA circle and digipeater hops)(ALOHA circle and digipeater hops)[Your ALOHA circle is your 100% saturated channel range][Your ALOHA circle is your 100% saturated channel range]


APRS APRS Range circles and Path tracingRange circles and Path tracing


APRS APRS ( Solo DF Fade Circle Technique )( Solo DF Fade Circle Technique )


APRS APRS 3D views for Balloon tracking3D views for Balloon tracking


APRS APRS Tracking with MilemarksTracking with Milemarks


APRS – APRS – Traffic Speed PostsTraffic Speed Posts

Shows speed of traffic past special points


APRS Event Data EntryAPRS Event Data Entry

How to use APRS HT’s for keypad entry of Troop data at camporees.

20 stations, 40 troops, 800 scores all day long. Use keypads!


APRS Event Data EntryAPRS Event Data Entry

Score Message Sent

Score Data Received


APRS IGates (Global APRS!)APRS IGates (Global APRS!)

An IGATE is a local APRS station that utilizes An IGATE is a local APRS station that utilizes the APRS-Internet network to pass all the APRS-Internet network to pass all packets heard on their local RF back to the packets heard on their local RF back to the Internet.Internet.(Gives global views to local activity.(Gives global views to local activity.

Also act as two-way gateways for ALL APRS Also act as two-way gateways for ALL APRS MESSAGES worldwide MESSAGES worldwide (Internet (Internet RF) RF)..


APRS-Internet APRS-Internet (Satellites)(Satellites)

Google for “USNA Buoy” Select USNA-1

This data is LIVE

& situational awareness

www.arris.net - Downlink from ISS

Pcsat.aprs.org - Downlink from PCSAT

http://mangrove.findu.com/cgi-bin/pcsat.cgi - GO32, AO51, PCSAT


APRS-IS (FINDU –Stations APRS-IS (FINDU –Stations Near)Near)

Google for “USNA Buoy” Select USNA-1


APRS-IS (FINDU – Near Map)APRS-IS (FINDU – Near Map)Google for “USNA Buoy” Select USNA-1


APRS-IS (FINDU - Messages)APRS-IS (FINDU - Messages)Google for “USNA Buoy” Select USNA-1


APRS for Special UsesAPRS for Special Uses Bicycle rallies, racesBicycle rallies, races Walk-a-thons, ParadesWalk-a-thons, Parades SkywarnSkywarn Weather NetsWeather Nets Crime prevention patrolsCrime prevention patrols Damage assessmentDamage assessment Direction Finding – FoxhuntsDirection Finding – Foxhunts Voice for communications, APRS for visual Voice for communications, APRS for visual

mappingmapping Now integrating into APRN (Automatic Picture Now integrating into APRN (Automatic Picture

Relay Network)Relay Network)


Sensor Buoy PrototypeSensor Buoy Prototype

Piggrem

See Buoy Location and Telemetry at

http://www.ew.unsa.edu/~bruninga/buoy.html


Findu.com Telemetry Findu.com Telemetry PlotsPlots Google for

“USNA Buoy”

Select USNA-1


Into Space… PCSATInto Space… PCSAT The Prototype The Prototype

Communications Communications SatelliteSatellite,, is a US Naval is a US Naval Academy Aerospace Academy Aerospace student project.student project.

APRS space frequency is published as APRS space frequency is published as 145.825145.825

ANDE and RAFT in Dec 2006


APRS via APRS via SpaceSpace

APRS space frequency is APRS space frequency is 145.825 MHz145.825 MHzAlso via GO-32 on 435.225 downlink, Also via GO-32 on 435.225 downlink, 145.85145.85 MHzMHz up up


PCSAT SatellitePCSAT Satellite Launched Sept 2001 Launched Sept 2001

from Kodiak Alaska from Kodiak Alaska The first APRS satellite, The first APRS satellite,

and has since been and has since been joined by 5 other such joined by 5 other such satellitessatellites

It still works during It still works during mid-day sunny passes.mid-day sunny passes.

See live downlink on http://pcsat.aprs.org

Can capture Can capture Emergency /Priority Emergency /Priority messages from messages from THD7 / D700 radios THD7 / D700 radios anywhere on the anywhere on the globe and retransmit globe and retransmit these signals on the these signals on the USA VHF 144.39 USA VHF 144.39 APRS frequency. APRS frequency.


International International Space StationSpace Station

ARISS supports ARISS supports APRS on 145.825 APRS on 145.825 too!too!

Use digipeater path Use digipeater path VIA ARISS. VIA ARISS.

PCSAT2 was also on PCSAT2 was also on ISS 2005-2006ISS 2005-2006

See live downlink on www.ariss.net

PCSAT2, was the PCSAT2, was the second APRS second APRS digipeater satellite.digipeater satellite.


Now GO-32Now GO-32TECHSAT-1bTECHSAT-1b

GO-32 now supports GO-32 now supports APRS on its APRS on its 435.225/145.85 435.225/145.85 packet system.packet system.

APRS up on 145.85 APRS up on 145.85 (PC’s and messages)(PC’s and messages)

Mic-E up on 145.93 Mic-E up on 145.93 (D7 and D700’s)(D7 and D700’s)

See live downlink on www.ariss.net

9600 Baud!9600 Baud!


GO32 -EZ - MOBILE SatelliteGO32 -EZ - MOBILE SatellitePrediction and TrackingPrediction and Tracking

No computer neededNo computer needed Two or more solid TX/RX passes every dayTwo or more solid TX/RX passes every day Two additional TX passes 100m before and after!Two additional TX passes 100m before and after!

Fri 26 Oct is day8Fri 26 Oct is day8

http://www.ew.usna.edu/~bruninga/MobileLEOtracking.html


GO32 -EZ - MOBILE GO32 -EZ - MOBILE SatelliteSatellite

Prediction and TrackingPrediction and Tracking

No computer neededNo computer needed Two or more solid TX/RX passes every dayTwo or more solid TX/RX passes every day Two additional TX passes 100m before and after!Two additional TX passes 100m before and after!

Fri 26 Oct is day8Fri 26 Oct is day8



Tracking ECHO (AO51) Tracking ECHO (AO51) too!too!

No computer neededNo computer needed Two or more solid passes every dayTwo or more solid passes every day

Friday October 26Friday October 26thth is day 4! is day 4!



LEO Pass GeometryLEO Pass Geometry

Bottom line:Bottom line:

10 dB gain Horizon-to-horizon

98% of all in-view times

Using $75 TV rotator only


Omni Antenna Gain 7 dBi !Omni Antenna Gain 7 dBi !1%

70%

30%

SATgate!SATgate!


Omni SatGatesOmni SatGates


Omni SatGatesOmni SatGatesAny APRS client program can be a sat-gate (I-gate)


Omni SatGatesOmni SatGates (Alogger) (Alogger)


APRS APRS EmergencyEmergency

Power Power200W Solar Power

- Continuous

10 kW gas Generator 220 VDC

- Auto-runs as needed

- lightweight wires

Low Cost


APRS is INFO.APRS is INFO.not just not just

tracking!tracking! Voice Alert?

AVRS (Ham Radio Mobile Cell via

APRS=>VOIP)?

Signal Finding?

Nets?

Meetings

?

APRStt?

Frequency?

Field Data?

Traffic?RF Range?

Tracker-Voice?

Milemarks?

aprs is a registered trademark bob bruninga, wb4apr aprs aprs applications in space dayton 2008...

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