APRS - a fun & useful ham radio mode / rebuttal to a

[@connorh5930]

I was alone in a storm at the top of a mountain. My expedition got stuck in the snow and was sliding off the edge and stuck. using a baofeng and aprsdroid installed on my tablet, I made contact with a guy named Chuck. He was 5 miles north of me, Chuck and his friends spent just over 2 hours getting to me. APRS indeed did save me from a potential life or death situation as I did not have many provisions to last the next day it would have taken me to hike to the nearest civilization.

[@KI4ASK]

That’s awesome Connor. APRSDroid is a great app, I use it myself. Thanks for sharing

[@ruhnet]

Wow what a great story! 73s

[@Jim1701X]

Is there an iOS equivalent?

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Good job!

[@KI4ASK]

Thanks Josh. 73, KI4ASK

[@potaactivator]

Joe, what I appreciate most about this video is your irenic attitude towards Mike. This hobby does not require all of us to agree. However, how we say things is just as important as what we say. Mike is a credit to the hobby, as are you. There is plenty of room for different perspectives. In fact, that's how we learn best. 73!

[@KI4ASK]

Mike & I have had fun poking at each other. Did you see this one - kzbin.info/www/bejne/e5rOo6luZZeVd8Usi=136nPPFZIqkcZA2q

[@potaactivator]

Ha!@@KI4ASK

[@albert7ii]

Joe, many thanks for the professional and civilised reply to Mike's video. You did that in a most courteous and decent way. Well done. I only use APRS for vehicle tracking and since the only Digipeater around me is 2000 ft up on a hill, no matterwhere I am my Yeasu FT3 reaches it with all of of it's 5 watts. Granted... I use a 3 ft Diamond antenna on the roof, but even 50 miles or more away from the repeater, it sees me and hears me. In the vehicle I always use Smart Beacon mode... makes it very straight fwd. All in all ? A handy mode which should be in every radio amateurs arsenal. Albert. EI7II.

[@KI4ASK]

Thanks for the kind remarks and sharing. 73, KI4ASK

[@flinfaraday1821]

Hi, I am looking for a solution that would allow me to track in real time a number of people each carrying some sort of device (GPS/APRS tracker), from a central base station (radio/laptop) which is situated on top of a hill. Area on and around the hill to be covered. It has to be STANDALONE (NO INTERNET or CELL TOWERS). Any ideas? Could APRS with a digipeater be a possible solution to this where no internet is available? Thank you!

[@KI4ASK]

Yes, that's exactly how APRS works. If you already have a digitpeater in the area, you can use that. If not, you can setup one of your own. Some radios, like the new Kenwood D75 can be put into digipeater mode. If the base station and portable stations are in simplex range, you don't need a digitpeater at all!

[@flinfaraday1821]

@@KI4ASK Thank you.

[@MrStanwyck]

That was a great rebuttal to what Mike said in his video. First, I want say that I’m a big fan of Mike and his channel. He’s a real asset to the ham radio community, but I thought his tone towards APRS was a little harsh. I can see his frustration with it since he mentioned his local area lacks digipeaters, and some of the places he activates at have no infrastructure to support APRS. I’m fortunate that I have coverage where I live and hike in NY. I love it. I just wish my Icom 705 would support it. What would be cool to see next is you and Mike doing a video together educating him and us on the awesome uses of APRS. I would like to learn more about it besides beaconing and sending text messages.

[@KI4ASK]

Thanks for the kind remarks. Mike makes great videos, but the one about APRS needed a correction. Like you, I really wish Icom would put APRS in their radios - like the 705 and 52, instead of just DPRS. Would love to do a video with Mike, but he’s probably too popular to want to share his channel with me. Regarding other uses of APRS, I did post a link to a PDF of a presentation I did with some cool things you can do. Check it out and thanks again.

[@Frank_K4FMH]

Hi Joe. Very classy rebuttal. Bear in mind: KZbinrs who make their livelihood---totally in K8MRD's case as per his KZbin comments---on a monetized KZbin Channel have very different interests than those who do not and those who just watch and listen. Hyperbole and extremes, which K8MRD has done numerous times, generates clicks, likes and subscribers. Therefore more KZbin revenue. This is one of those times, as was his attack on Dave Casler in the latter's critique of a DX Commander product. We all are ignorant about many aspects of the hobby. Recognizing our limits is important in order to show respect to other hams and their preferences, as the older Amateur Code of Conduct emphasizes. I've led the redevelopment of the APRS infrastructure in the Central MS area because it IS very useful in EmComm activities as well as everyday amateur radio communications. Asset tracking in EmComm and Public Service activities can be vital. But APRS is a "group activity" by technological design. In the Atlanta area, there is an ample set of digipeaters and iGates to make APRS use very worthwhile, as you stated in your video. I'm from Atlanta and lived there again for about three years after I was licensed at GT and was a long-time member of the Atlanta RC. Keep up the good work, Joe! 73 de K4FMH

[@KI4ASK]

Thanks for sharing Frank - yes, you’re right about the monetization of KZbin and he was probably just generating clickbait. Your name sounds familiar. If you got licensed at GT, then you probably know Sherman Banks. Thanks for stopping by and for helping redevelop APRS in central MS. 73, Joe

[@michaelpoczynek]

I have heard about APRS for MANY years and never really understood its purpose. I recently ordered a Yaesu FT-500, and I look forward to hearing more and doing some experimenting. Thanks for making this video. VY2MJ. 73.

[@KI4ASK]

I like to tell people it's like text messaging using ham radio and (optionally, augmented by the internet). Enjoy your new radio and APRS.

[@HamRadioPrep]

This is an awesome video! Really good rebuttal and great to the point summary of all the awesome stuff you can do with APRS. Thanks for making this

[@thomasjehn4529]

I'm interested in seeing APRS features and examples. Thanks for the video Joe.

[@KI4ASK]

Here's a presentation I did for a local club that has some examples - kk4gq.org/pdf/FCARC-March-2022-Fun-and-Interesting-Things-with-APRS-webcopy.pdf

[@thuff3207]

Joe thank you for sharing your experience with APRS. I personally have used APRS for bike and running events to track the sag and rest stops. The APRS messaging can be very helpful for these events. I also build digipeaters and have for 9 years. We use these for the 100mil bike events to have sag tracking. A very useful mode.

[@KI4ASK]

That's awesome! Yes, APRS is very effective for sporting events where position tracking is needed. We recently used it to support the Publix Atlanta Marathon. Thanks and 73

[@lgcacher9205]

I like to see more people use aprs and there vhf ham radio

[@wassman27]

Personally i found interfacing a regular analog 2m mobile radio to a cpu with some software (direwolf for TNC and YAAC as the APRS client) opens the features of APRS in the better interface, plus you can run other client software like winlink express or pat winlink. As with anythng in our hobby it is something to experiment with and isnt for everyone, i personally enjoy interfacing computers with radios.

[@KI4ASK]

Yes, there are so many ways to enjoy this hobby. Agreed 100%

[@ricdonato4328]

Today I watched Mike's APRS video. To the right, I saw your rebuttal title. After watching your rebuttal, I download your presentation, wow it is impressive, I would have enjoyed hearing your APRS talk. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@walteredwards544]

I enjoy APRS but I have a long way to go to fully learn and utilize all it's benifits and uses. I think Mike made that video just to get people rilled up and making comments on his page . I'm hoping to make a APRS contact with the ISS soon so I'll be slowly prepping myself to that purpose. To me , APRS is just like most other digital modes. You can probably get your message out farther than you can just using voice. Thanks again for the rebuttal and enjoy your evening from KN4MXZ 73👍🏿💯

[@KI4ASK]

You’re absolutely right Walter. Yes, APRS via ISS is fun! Keep me posted. 73

[@MyTube4Utoo]

I can't speak for others, but I _think_ a lot of people just don't understand exactly what APRS is/does, and many never bother to learn. Thanks for the video.

[@KI4ASK]

True.

[@jayrogers8255]

I’ve been a ham for 27 years (44 y.o.), & I can’t figure out what it’s used for. I get packet radio, which I’ve done (nowhere near I want to do yet), but the *why* of APRS still baffles me.

[@KI4ASK]

@@jayrogers8255 think of it as text messaging using radio. It is a form of packet radio. Why? Short messaging, position tracking, position beaconing, and weather data sharing. Because APRS is gated to the Internet you can also use it to request WX reports, send emails, send SMS, etc. I used it mostly for position tracking and beaconing. Let’s say I’m hiking up a mountain to do a SOTA activation. I can tell my friends to track my position on APRS so that they can watch my progress and know when I’m about to reach the summit. Lots of uses for APRS. On my QRZ page there’s a link to a presentation I made that you can download and see all the things you can do with it.

[@jayrogers8255]

@@KI4ASK thanks for your reply; I have brought up your PowerPoint presentation.

[@MikeN2MAK]

I've only recently started using APRS after getting the Mobilinkd TNC4, but I'm enjoying learning about the mode and it's capabilities.

[@KI4ASK]

There’s a lot you can do with it. Look for the PDF download in the video description. It’s a presentation I gave about some of the cool APRS commands out there

[@che59v]

We won't stop anyone here from wasting his time and money, lol

[@garyclark4930]

I agree with you Joe. I use a Kenwood TM D710GA in my truck and a Kenwood TH-D72A. When traveling I Becon my listening frequency. The handheld has been useful during biking events and parades . Satellite operation through the ISS is fun. I like my set up. Kenwood has a nice Indepth presentation on APRS. Thanks for the rebuttal. Have a great day. 73 KF6EWO

[@KI4ASK]

Thanks for watching and commenting. Yeah APRS via ISS is a lot of fun. 73

[@diegocasati]

APRS is a very utilitarian solution in Amateur radio. I look at it as ways to augment my current comms, specifically in the situation that you described about your cellphone dying. You can augment APRS by using or programming your own MPAD.

[@Siskiyous6]

I like Mike's YT channel,. I also really enjoy APRS, and the Garmin implementation in GMRS. I do APRS on JS8Call - HF, which really works well. I keep my station on and iGate 20M during the day and 40M at night. Tomorrow my new ATAS-120A antenna will show up, and I plan to do more mobile APRS. I am disappointed SMSGATE is no longer available, but I will get up to speed on the alternate ways to send texts into the phone system. It really is a capability that is due for a Renaissance, The new SDR radiosshould make it easier.

[@KI4ASK]

I've never tried APRS via JS8Call - sounds like something I should check out.

[@StealthGTI]

Ironic that an FT8 fan says APRS is the most useless mode. 😉

[@KI4ASK]

Indeed, I’ve tried FT8 and think it’s cool how far it can reach in noisy conditions but watching a computer screen isn’t my jam - but I don’t think it’s a worthless mode.

[@StealthGTI]

@@KI4ASK - I agree with your post. I've tried it, but it's not my thing.

[@daveschwarz5279]

With Kenwood and Yaesu aprs radios you can send out a emergency beacon message alerting people of your location, both radios have a special preset button, but make sure your off frequency before you try it. I think APRS and AX.25 packet radios like the TNC BBS NODES are coming back in fashion it’s surprising how much traffic you can here.

[@KI4ASK]

Yes, the gear has gotten so much better. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@daveschwarz5279]

I find it amazing the KZbinr doesn't understand how APRS or radios work? Surely in out of 2m APRS range you would just send HF position reports via Winlink or HF APRS .... KM6LYW explains this perfectly kzbin.info/www/bejne/bXKWpWRofdGajKM...

[@josegregoriogonzalez874]

Well done. I think Bob Bruninga was a genius that gave a lot to us HAM operators of the planet.

[@KI4ASK]

Absolutely Jose, 100%. Before he died, I got to participate on a Zoom call where he talked about APRS.

[@a_ham_like_me]

APRS is a valuable tool for our club ARES deployments during special events. For example, our club provides radio communication support for a bicycle riding event. We station operators along the route and coordinate services and safety for the riders. APRS allows our event coordinator to view all the station locations even when mobile.

[@KI4ASK]

Here in Atlanta APRS was used to track stations at the Publix Marathon. I ran the race and beaconed APRS as an embedded runner! Good stuff

[@joshables9161]

I’m from NW AL. I take my test this Saturday. Would love to make contact with you once I get it. I’m trying to learn APRS. Not going so well.

[@KI4ASK]

@@joshables9161 Good luck on the exam. Let us know how it goes

[@CriticalThinker-42]

If APRS is your thing, go for it, and enjoy it. It still seems like a novelty gimmick to me. I'm sure it has some practical uses, some of the time, for some people. But I'm not going mountaineering in the snow. Nobody needs to track my movements 24/7, nor would I expect anyone to want to, that's just creepy. Plus there's much better ways to text than on a hand held... 73 mike

[@KI4ASK]

It's not a novelty gimmick - it's just another way to enjoy our hobby if you're so inclined. Sounds like you're not inclined and that's fine. For the rest of us, it's a pretty cool mode.

[@SheepdogPreparedness]

I absolutely love APRS and have used it for more than 25 years. It has so many uses. Ham radio is such a great hobby, since there are things that can appeal to everyone, regardless of their interests. When I saw his video, I scrolled past. APRS is awesome!

[@KI4ASK]

Agreed, thanks for watching and commenting. What’s your callsign and I’ll look you up on APRS? I beacon as KI4ASK-7 via RF and KI4ASK-15 from APRS-IS

[@ValenteEspinosa]

Thank you for dissipating the FUD that other youtuber spread regarding APRS.

[@KI4ASK]

Yes! Fear, Uncertainty, Doubt. Thanks for stopping by.

[@arupian666]

I agree. APRS isn't the "most worthless" mode in radio. FT8 is. Followed closely by APRS

[@KI4ASK]

FT8 isn’t my favorite mode either but it is fascinating for weak signal work and many people enjoy it

[@oldpreach]

APRS is used world wide on ships location purposes. It's waaay more utilized over seas for real life purposes in the field. It's used for weather reporting, as well as many other things here. It's one of the more amazing things you can actually do with radio that actually useful and practical. They use it right down the street from me at Panola Mountain State Park by the staff there. APRS rules ! MRD ='s Mike Really Drools !

[@KI4ASK]

Very cool, didn't know that about nautical usage but now that you mention it - I see lots of APRS traffic on the APRS.FI map out on the seas. Thanks for sharing. 73

[@aidd1938]

I totally agree with you, Joe. There are people out there that think only in survivalist terms, and if something is of no use to them, then they think it is worthless. - N9CM

[@KI4ASK]

Well put

[@Jim1701X]

The GPRS, just because it’s so widespread would be quite useful in Urban SHTF situations I would think.

[@flinfaraday1821]

Does that not require cell towers to be operational?

[@AA0Z]

Great rebuttal. I love APRS and it's a great mode.

[@KI4ASK]

Agreed. Thanks Kyle

[@ivandubinsky1857]

There are no "worthless" modes in ham radio. There are only modes that are more or less suited to your particular requirements. That's the great thing about being a ham radio operator...there is something for everybody.

[@KI4ASK]

100% agreed!

[@ChrisKD9YSW]

Thanks for better and clear information. I am just getting into the hobby and have a background coming from being a first responder for 25 years. APRS interests me, but in Wisconsin there are not many digipeaters, and did not know about the satellites having the capability.

[@KI4ASK]

Welcome back! Is that a GMRS callsign I see with your username? I have a GMRS license too WRCL957. Thanks for watching

[@ChrisKD9YSW]

Yes it is and I am working towards my tech license soon.

[@WR3ND]

I can't be bothered much with APRS myself, but I enjoyed the video all the same and think you did a good job sharing your perspective. I'll give it another look sooner or later. Thanks. 👍

[@HamRadioCrusader]

Can I get an AMEN!! APRS is the FO-SHIZZLE!!

[@ohenekojo2561]

Oh for goodness sake

[@johnk8091]

I also love Mikes channel - it's one of my favourites, and I think he is a massive asset to our hobby. I too, was a bit disappointed by his APRS video, but it was his opinion. I saw Mike at the Orlando Hamcation after my 36 hour flight from East Africa to attend the show, but sorry I never got the chance to talk to him - he is a great guy and I love his enthusiasm.

[@KI4ASK]

I agree and I know some of those guys make bold statements and videos like that to get views. I’ve met him in Huntsville a few years ago and he was still trying to grow his channel. Ironically, Mike was beaconing APRS at Hamvention - so actions definitely speak louder than words!

[@dougsbrat]

@@KI4ASK I agree, I use to watch him. if that was his real attitude and felt that strongly to "poo poo" on any mode, he just lost respect. if it was a "click bait" attempt.. he got my view and got a UNsub and thumb down

[@Fateracing]

Let YOUR requirements be your guide

[@acestudioscouk-Ace-G0ACE]

It's good to hear a well thought out and balanced counter argument, succinctly put. Here in the England hams are linking up to form what they hope will become a national network. It is making progress and is possible partly due to England being a much smaller country than the US.

[@KI4ASK]

It’s great to hear that. APRS is a fun and useful digital mode. 73, KI4ASK

[@va6gkthaskey311]

Thank you for the video, very tastefully done!! I like mike as well, but he needs to slow down and actually investigate and get to know things before making videos like that. It really doesn't do his or anyone's reputation well when they jump to conclusions in favor or not. Take time research and test, one attempt randomly isnt near enough to form an opinion. As well in an emergency not that id rely solely on it of course. But if friends know you are using aprs even if there isnt a repeater. Once they get close enough, which to be fair is quite a distance. They can get your location and track you. As well ive been in situations where yes i got a cell signal but they could only get a ball park idea where i was. With my radio i was able to actually give my location. This time i was driving when i saw an accident. So i stopped to help them. Decided it was above me so i called for help. So with proper preparation it can be a useful tool in an emergency. To assist your other emergency equipment. More tools you have the better 🤷‍♂️ Ps just found you today and have followed you now. Cheers 🍻 73 VA6GKT

[@KI4ASK]

Agreed. Thanks for the follow. Yeah, we used APRS at the Publix Atlanta Marathon this spring and it worked great - very useful to have real-time position tracking.

[@va6gkthaskey311]

@@KI4ASK we use it for pretty much all our events. One specifically is in the mountains on access roads. The gps comes in handy to know you are posted in the right position as well the coordinator can keep track.

[@Supercazzola]

LOL. That guy who helped Clayton via satellite must be one cool cat!

[@jimlynch9390]

Hi, Joe, Great video. On point and instructive. I don't follow Dave and wasn't aware of his channel.

[@KI4ASK]

Hey Jim, thanks buddy. 73

[@derekvargason]

I would have to agree with mike on this topic, I have nothing against aprs but his point is that it’s not some perfect emergency communication from what I remember. You need to look at the bigger picture and see that not everyone has access to digipeaters, as far as I know where I live there is only one, and being in Alaska that doesn’t add up to a whole lot. And if you can hit it you are in civilization anyways

[@KI4ASK]

Derek, thanks for your comments. Not sure you saw the same video as I did. I actually took notes from Mike's video before drafting a response. His primary assertion that "APRS is the most worthless mode" is pretty bold and totally unsupported by the video. Had he said, "APRS is only effective if you're near a digipeater" then that would've been a true statement. Twice in the video he made vague statements about how APRS is overpromoted as a "life saving" emergency communications method - but he failed to support that assertion or identify who has made those claims. He made the classic vague "they" statement. Who is "they"? My counter to that is that I've been in emergency communications for over 20 years (ARES / AUXC / COML) and I've never heard that. APRS is merely a tool one can use just like other tools, it's no better or worse than anything else given the proper conditions. Most emergency communications is digital these days - LMRS and Satellite. Ham radio, at best, is an auxiliary method. A lack of digipeater support in a particular area doesn't mean the mode is worthless for everyone. He could have also refined the title by saying "APRS is worthless for me and here's why". He didn't do that, he attacked the mode itself. I get it that Mike is trying to drum up views by making a bold, emotional statement. It's a great hobby, room enough for everyone to do their thing.

[@alvarogaitan2529]

great job 73 from kb2uew

[@Steven_VE9SY]

I found since he went full time on KZbin he's gotten a big head. Insulting any one with a differing opinion. He is more of a Radioddity commercial. I have seen him belittle people and anything he is not interested in is worthless. I made a comment saying he really didn't need to be so ignorant and insulting towards his subscribers, and I was told to F off. So I did. I don't watch any live feeds that include him any more as I just do not believe he has anything worthwhile to me to listen to. But I am now sub'd to you now that I've seen this!!

[@KI4ASK]

Thanks for the feedback. I’ve only met Mike in person once, so I don’t have an opinion about him personally. I have enjoyed many of his videos, but the APRS one was strange - not well reasoned and awkward in delivery. I understand from others that videos like the one he did is a tactic employed by many KZbinrs to garner views - assert a strong opinion with a catchy title, regardless of the actual content. Not all of the YT bunch are that way, but many are. I don’t do this for the money or followers, as my low numbers show. For me, it’s just a hobby and it’s fun to share bits and tips - whether one person views or a few hundred. I’ve even gotten a few comments on this video back via APRS, which is pretty cool. Thanks and 73, Joe KI4ASK

[@Steven_VE9SY]

@@KI4ASK He's done other videos like this. He had a pre=production Zuegu 106 that he just slammed. No call to the supplier about the issues. Another KZbinr had issues with his and told Mike to try and call them first then look at it. Pre Production usually means full of bugs. Mike was pretty nasty with him. So when I had asked if he called the that;s when got my um reply. I just said good luck with your channel and hit unsib. Basically you were to tell me you did not want my subscription, I won;t be able to hit the unsubscribe button fast enough. But I like to support as many hams as I can on you tube. I know it's a tough thing to get your channel profitable and if my like and subscribe helps I'm there. I do have a few that I sub of patreon, but that money in tight, anfdonly the best get it..

[@KI4ASK]

@@Steven_VE9SY thanks for sharing. I’m really glad you’re here.

[@enriquediaz7547]

I have the same thd74 but need to use APRS more. Thx!

[@KI4ASK]

The TH-D74 is one of the best APRS radios out there. Lots of features on a fun mode.

[@eugenecbell]

Ok, lm more interested in APRS now. But the question becomes, what is the most worthless mode in Ham Radio?

[@KI4ASK]

Ha ha, I guess it's a matter of perspective. APRS was never worthless, even to Mike. His video was clickbait. He uses APRS all the time as evidenced by his APRS beacons on the network.

[@eugenecbell]

@@KI4ASK yes, but still there must be a most worthless aspect of Amateur radio. I’m looking for candidates, but I can’t think of any, that don’t have their supporters.

[@MitchCarroll]

I saw the other video as well. It seems like his complaints about APRS are less about APRS, and more about VHF/UHF comm in general. I dont see the point in complaining that a low power radio on VHF won't reach stations that there's no line of sight to; its a bit like complaining that a crossbow is worthless for duck hunting.

[@ohenekojo2561]

Thanks for the interesting show and tell with satellites. However to Mike’s defence, he’s right about the emergency comms claim. I’ve asked so many people about the benefits of the mode because I’m keen on expanding my knowledge of the hobby, and I’m almost always greeted with messages about emergency comms and no other use. You then went on to mention tracking and “the right tools for the job” well there are GPS trackers for that. It doesn’t seem like you gave him that much of a rebuttal.

[@KI4ASK]

We can agree to disagree. Specifically, I rebutted his claims that 1. "APRS is the most worthless mode". That's a pretty bold claim, totally unsubstantiated by his video. He could have made a less bold claim about APRS being overrated and that could've passed muster. 2. "APRS is touted as some kind of life-saving mode". Who is touting that? He didn't say, neither did you. Not only have I been in ARES (including leadership) for the past 20 years, but also I have DHS/CISA Communications Unit training - I've never heard anyone tout APRS as a "life saving" or "emergency mode". It's simply a tool like any other. Yes, there are GPS trackers besides APRS just as there are land mobile radio systems other than ham radio. Finally, I rebutted his assessment of the mode because by his own admission "he's only used it a few times driving down the road" and "the area he lives in doesn't have digipeater coverage". That's like saying FM repeaters are worthless because there's not one near him. The only claims I’m making about APRS are stated in the title - that it’s “Fun & Useful”. I showed the satellite example (which is less than 10% of the total video time) for two reasons: I felt like a radio video should have some radio in it, not just a talking head AND because I thought others might see the use of APRS via ISS as fun. Honestly, I’m less passionate about my support of APRS as Mike is about his opposition to it.

[@davidfogel4578]

Hello Joe, the video was very informative. I have a Kenwood TH-D74 that I have not used much for APRS. After watching your video I am going to revisit the APRS mode. -KE6EX

[@stevenpeterson8444]

think i still agree with Mike. will just take the garmin inreach since it’s lighter, easier and more reliable.

[@KI4ASK]

They’re not mutually exclusive. I have a Garmin as well. Mike made a vague, false assertion APRS was a useless mode. He probably should’ve clarified that and said APRS is useless unless there’s digipeater coverage and then I would’ve agreed.

[@stevenpeterson8444]

@@KI4ASK right but if digipeater coverage is unreliable and you have to bring the garmin regardless then it doesn’t make sense to carry both. especially on through hikes where weight matters a lot.

[@KI4ASK]

@@stevenpeterson8444 As a former Army Infantry guy, I ALWAYS bring a radio - no matter what else I'm carrying. To me, it's essential gear along with the other "10 essentials". I do that now for fun (SOTA/POTA) and for backup. All else being equal, I try to bring one with APRS - but I know that digipeater coverage varies. Most of north Georgia (where I live) is covered. It's been my experience traveling out west (Colorado and Utah particularly) that coverage is excellent. There's a lot of places in South Georgia (which is flat) where there's no coverage. Even when there's no APRS, the GPS functions of most newer APRS radios are excellent. Yes, the Garmin InReach is also essential gear - so I don't think they're mutually exclusive. The weight of that and an HT is negligible, even on the longest of hikes (and I've done plenty). In fact, I've even done trail marathons running with an HT. 73

[@stevenpeterson8444]

@@KI4ASK fair enough. i’m happy to wear a seatbelt when I drive on the interstate, but you’ll never catch me wearing a five point harness, let alone a helmet.

[@besmith00299]

Looks like SMSGTE is down now. Sending messages from radio to phone. Tried on my Yaesu 200 and it was never sent. So I went to their website and on the main page it tells about it. I agree with you. Quite a loss with this advent.

[@KI4ASK]

Apparently there's a new SMS gateway (I haven't tried it yet) daily.hamweekly.com/2023/11/new-aprs-sms-gateway-service/

[@besmith00299]

yes and just opt in and it works.@@KI4ASK

[@RookieLock]

So sad that SMSGTE is offline now :/ I hope they figure something out to get it back up and running

[@KI4ASK]

Wow! I wasn't aware it was offline. Yes, a very useful gateway with APRS. Thanks for stopping by. 73, KI4ASK

[@DonzLockz]

Apparently, it will be coming back but with limited features. I understand that some idiots were abusing it, and official complaints were made. I don't know exact details, but a few youtubers mentioned that, and recently, too.

[@RookieLock]

Yeah thats what i heard too.. I hope the new one is still bi-directional..

[@DonzLockz]

@@RookieLock yes, my friend. Totally agree on that.🍻👍

[@paulgarcia1566]

No digipeaters in my area. No APRS joy.

[@KI4ASK]

Sorry to hear that. Although it's not necessarily radio, you can still use APRS-IS using the aprs.fi website and/or the APRSDroid app (Android) and APRS.FI app (iOS). It'll give you a taste of how it works.

[@paulgarcia1566]

@@KI4ASK will give that a try

[@miker8379]

For me it’s not a texting mode at all and don’t know if that was available when APRS was born. For me it’s just a position reporting thing. And mode? I’ve never thought of it as a mode.

[@KI4ASK]

Yes Mike, they’ve really extended the APRS standard to more than just position reporting although that’s one of it’s core features

[@DonzLockz]

I totally agree with you, but I'm sure Mike was being a troll for video ratings. Not my idea of having fun being a troll but I guess he likes to stir up controversy.😕

[@KI4ASK]

He was, we talked about it at Huntsville. Now it's a running joke between us. He's got a great channel but I couldn't let the comment stand unchallenged. Thanks and 73, Joe

[@DonzLockz]

Okay, I didn't know that. I used to like Mike's videos, but he did a live stream a year ago while drunk and he was being a major Jerk, in my opinion. However, I saw others talk about his APRS video and said he was poking the bear as he knew that Josh really likes APRS. I think Mike has great talent and does good videos, but I have been turned off and usually skip his videos now. I was giving him the benefit of the doubt, but I'll just avoid him in the future. I was planning to make it to Dayton as I have family in the US that I want to visit, but my health may not allow me to travel. If I do go, I would like to meet up with as many Ham's as I can while there. Thanks for your reply and info. Good of you to speak your mind and say it how you see it. 🍻🤠🇦🇺 73

[@KI4ASK]

@@DonzLockz thanks and 73

[@bradleyjohnson452]

Great video with documented examples. K8MRD's video is click bait

[@KI4ASK]

I think you're right and folks jumping out in support of his video aren't really making any factually based commentary - just opinions.

[@dennisjoiner3717]

I gave up on APRS for an Emergency Mode. It just can't reach any distance and my Consumer Cellular service is spotty here. HF and NVIS is far more dependable. We have the same issue with VHF WinLink. It too can be spotty and inconsistant in portable situations. APRS is a cool mode in close to say St Louis MO were there IS coverage.

[@KI4ASK]

Yes I’m a big fan of NVIS for emcomm. Thanks for stopping by. 73

[@DARTHDANSAN]

Garmin inreach mini satellite text messager is what you need for emergency and off grid communication. It works any where in world

[@Taylor7668US]

Is is easier to just give the person on the callings frequency your longitude and latitude how can you guarantee it making it to the internet in the middle or no where

[@mikemcdonald5147]

i think you and mike need to do a cage match for an aprs belt LOL :)

[@KI4ASK]

He’s young and I’m old. Ha ha. When I was young and in the Army, I was more of a fighter (infantry actually)…now I’m just old. 73

[@ClaytonGambrel]

Joe I still haven't played with it but your going to have to show me sometime. Kj4ysr 73s

[@KI4ASK]

kk4gq.org/pdf/FCARC-March-2022-Fun-and-Interesting-Things-with-APRS-webcopy.pdf

[@PaganAbroad]

The absence of a digipeater extends the reach....? huh?

[@TravelinHam]

I subbed just to get you off the 666 subscriber number!

[@KI4ASK]

Thanks!

[@ralphnunn3]

Interesting. I saw his video, too. I do see his point, however. For APRS to be as useful as he thinks it should be, there would probably need to be a lot more digipeaters. There are definitely some inconsistencies (at least in my experience) in how it operates, for example how a digipeater that's 20 miles away from my home doesn't pick me up in my neighborhood, while one 30 miles away OCCASIONALLY does. And, some radios work better than others at beaconing. But, considering that those who put up digipeaters do so at their own expense, it's all completely understandable. But, I also see your point. There are lots of ways that APRS CAN be useful - in all the ways that you mention in your video. I guess it all depends on perception. DE K7RLN

[@KI4ASK]

Agreed, I think what caught my attention was his blanket statement that APRS was worthless. Had he qualified that with “worthless to me” or “worthless without digipeater coverage” then it would have been a more accurate statement. I have also noticed system inconsistencies and it’s not just the gear, but how people have it configured to handle hops. There’s a few APRS websites that talk about the nuances of digipeating and packet decay. Honestly, it’s no different than other ham radio modes and systems. Thanks for sharing. 73

[@daab25]

Thanks Joe !!!

[@KI4ASK]

Thanks for watching Bobby and 73, KI4ASK

[@n5yiz]

👍

[@Overlanding4Fun]

Aw SNAP.

[@travnewmatic]

LoRa APRS has consumed me

[@tooloperator9799]

If you kids can't get along, maybe you should go your separate ways. Very condescending tone.

[@KI4ASK]

Ha, Mike is a great guy. We're poking fun at each other -> kzbin.infoEikrv802bAc?si=Ixec0yPvGlvnaBl9

[@dancosminmarza2974]

hi aprs is weru usfle and haz a lot of god points the problem is relays radio wit aprs is not so usfle by ist self you need central hub a rely preferaby above 20 w and internet and other stuff

[@TerraMagnus]

He’s still talking junk. What a sad ham.

[@daveengstrom9250]

Why crap on another Ham? Just give your opinion and leave others out of it.

[@KI4ASK]

?

[@NorthernMontanaHomestead]

TLDR: So... not suitable for emergencies. Exactly what he was saying.

[@jays5864]

I’ve sent text messages to people through the ISS to an SMSGTE gateway. Fun but also useful. 73 Wa1jay

[@KI4ASK]

Yeah, too bad the APRS digipeater on the ISS is offline right now. Lots of fun working that digi.