Amateur (Ham) Radio BS and Callsign Thread!

For APRS, a gps enabled device (the "they") like a smart phone or a TNC gets its location, turns it to a data packet with an app, then broadcasts that as a sound file. A receiver can pick it up, translate the sound file into the original data and translate it back to a text message, etc. It's essentially the same concept as old dialup internet. Even makes a similar sound.

 

Many handhelds have the GPS built in as an all in one device also.

Kenwood th-d72a for example

 

Sure, packet radio (e.g. APRS) can be done on UHF or HF for that matter. It's not exclusive to 2m VHF. But the way APRS digipeaters work doesn't require cross banding. They work on what's known as store-and-forward repeating. That means when a repeater hears a station it stores the message for a moment and then transmits on the same frequency it's listening. The digipeater actually reads the packet for routing to know where it came from, who sent it, where it has to go and to whom it has to go. It's not just a dumb repeater.

Voice repeaters can work this way too but most we use are full duplex, meaning they listen on a different frequency then they're using to transmit so a conversation can happen in real time. That's known as the offset frequency.

Point being with an APRS digipeater there's no need to use cross band repeat to extend the network. The WIDE configuration tells a digipeater what to do with a packet in terms of how many times its been repeated already and how many more it needs to go. Also how you configure your fill-in need to communicate with the broader network to know what's out there and how to interact within it.

 

Yup. The real dividing line is if you want to be able to use it with a tablet, phone, or computer. That's the only way you'll be able to get a map with that info, instead of just a callsign, with a frequency and heading.

 

So yes, I do want to be able to use a cell or tablet....


The way you said that makes me think I might be looking at the wrong unit for my truck.

 

I have a Yaesu 8900 in the truck, but since they dont do external data, I have a Baofeng with an audio cord connected to my tablet. APRSDroid and Gaia run on that. It goes to a separate antenna. That way I can dual monitor comms, and have a dedicated APRS feed.

 

@Old Marine Cal, and all others who are looking at aprs. I'll try and make this somewhat of a clear outline on APRS rigs and the options you have to weigh. I'll work from the top players down, to show what you lose as you go down the list.

All rigs have 50w power


Yaesu Ftm-400 - $498
Has: Digital voice, wires x (for talking through the internet), fusion, cross repeat, Dual monitor, APRS*, and beautiful touch screen. I also love the way the stock audio sounds out of it. Very rich.

*APRS in this rig is only self contained. Nothing can connect to it . It has no maps. Just a heading, shared data like speed, distance, monitoring freq and messaging.


Kenwood D710 - $530
Has: Cross band repeat, Dual monitor, Full APRS*, echolink quick setup

It's missing the Yaesu digital items, but that's all relevant to if folks around you are a big Yaesu community. This is your purpose built APRS and x repeat rig. There's a reason why ARES uses the heck out of this rig.

*to add a map you'll either need to connect it by cable to a laptop, tablet or Phone. Can be as cheap as a $12 cord or up to $65 for this device which allows a wireless connection between the radio and anything with Bluetooth.



Kenwood Tm-v71a - $344
Has: Cross band repeat, Dual monitor, echolink quick set up.

The Tm-v71a does not naively have APRS. But with the addition of the Mobilelinkd device you now obtain that ability, including the ability of the map which the D710 has as well. These are the only two that can have a map. This is what the screen for the set up looks like. Here.


Yaesu Ftm100 - $275
Has: Digital voice, wires x, fusion, same type of APRS info as the ftm400 (no map).

The FTM100 is not dual monitor. It will scan and check back on another frequency every once and awhile. All other radios on this list can listen to two frequencies at once. Which if you offroad or travel in groups is a must have in my opinion. Either set as the travel freq + APRS, or the group freq + calling. I always check the calling freq at the top of the hour in case anyone is in need of help. Bottom line, both frequencies need to be on, 100% of the time if that's the type of operator you are.

The Yaesu radios do have some neat locating features with other Yaesu rigs. But again, entirely depends on your community and if you'll use it. A handheld can most likely achieve the same thing and is an excuse to buy more radios.

Also worth noting that the large majority of digital voice stuff is done through handhelds.


This is a light overview. Maps matter to some people who need to outline trails for a lagging group, or to see exactly where folks are. Others just want their aprs signal to go out and be heard by others and don't need a map. Some live in areas where Yaesu's digital voice is huge. Would be a great reason to get an ftm. This area of radios is full of compromise and its just a matter of prioritizing features. What will you either use the most, or what serves your most desired feature the best.

 

@Old Marine Cal I have the FTM-100 and while I think it's a fine dual band unit it's almost useless when it comes to APRS. Not being able to dual transmit makes it a pain to constantly turn the aprs transmission on/off. The FTM-400 is an even better unit because it will dual transmit but it is unable to connect to an external devise so that you can actually use the information you are sending/receiving over aprs.

I know some will disagree but if you are truly serious about using aprs the only real option is the TM-D710G. Having a data port that goes directly to a TNC and to the screen of your choice is the deal breaker. Anything less than that and you will just be annoyed (as I constantly am).

 

Alone, sure.

But there's nothing the D710 can do which the Tm-v71a can't do with a mobile linked. That's $530 vs $410. Which at that price there are things the less expensive Tm-v71a can do that the D710 can't . To be equal the D710 at the cheap side would need a laptop and $12 more, but most likely a cell Phone and $65 which apples to apples has the grand total of $595 vs $410 for two rigs that now do the same exact thing.

 

Interesting concept. I am going to be playing with my Baofeng and Aprs soon

 

Wow, thanks for taking time to write this all up! I will be reviewing it over and over....

 

I definitely want the ability to connect to a scree and out the info on a map.

 

I thought I had this narrowed down and then I find out I am not even close.......

 

We are here for you

 

Now I understand why most never move past a Baofeng, analysis paralysis....

 

Only gets worse with hf rigs. Haha.

 

If anyone is considering buying the D710G or V71A that is being discussed, ham radio outlet has them both on sale until the 29th.

D710G $505
https://www.hamradio.com/detail.cfm?pid=H0-012910

V71A $345
https://www.hamradio.com/detail.cfm?pid=H0-008951

No clue how often these go on sale. Figured I would share in case anyone is ready to purchase.

 

Unrelated but just wanted to point out how amazing everyone in this thread is. So nice to see everyone supporting each other to learn.

 

I have to agree wholeheartedly.

I have been watching YouTube vids, asking questions on ham forums.

But in just a few posts from this group, I have a ton of answers!


Of course, they now lead to even more questions, but such is the Ham Radio world.

 

So, to add to the APRS conversation, do most people feel that splitting a dual band radio by using APRS limits them at all? I'm curious about adding APRS to my vehicle and am leaning towards the D710GA, but wasn't sure if losing half of my usability was worth it. At work I'm used to running dual radios on the command trucks if we have a big scene, which is doable but annoying, and not something I want to carry over into my regular life. I'm wondering if a dedicated APRS transmitter would be a good idea, but thats another radio or MicroTrak or something.