Introduction to APRS the Automated Packet Reporting System - Ham Radio Q&A

The Automated Packet Reporting Service is a digital real time communications system to share tactical information and messages. The most common activity in APRS is to plot the location of moving objects using GPS information, but APRS can also be used for short messaging, weather station telemetry, announcements, and displaying objects on a map.
Contents:
Brief History of APRS: 01:46
How APRS Works: 04:17
APRS Path Protocols: 06:00
APRS IGATES: 08:29
Using APRS: 09:13
Links and Resources:
APRS.fi
www.aprs.fi
BTech APRS Cable for Baofeng Radios:
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#APRS
#emcomm
#tacticalcommunications

[@sandraabarca6029]

Ty for the break down of aprs. Now I can reference this information and use it

[@HamRadioAdventures]

Hi Alex, nice to hear from you and thank you for commenting. I appreciate the comments and I hope this helps. Best 73 - Rich, K0PIR.us

[@xxM5xx]

@@HamRadioAdventures ???

[@ChrisRedeemedPianist]

Thank you for this video! It has not been easy to find well presented info on APRS and how to get started. This is great. Subscribed!

[@RJ_McKenzie]

Nice video, I had a good chuckle when you clicked on Larry's iGate and I seen my call sign on the screen. I look forward to the rest of this series.

[@DuckingAround58]

Great video, I love APRS. Keep the series coming!

[@user-su5sq5ib3i]

New to aprs I've been trying to learn from watching videos. So far your videos are the most concise, easy to follow and accurate on this subject

[@TheBamaChad-W4CHD]

Awesome video! This is great information on aprs. I've been fascinated with it since I started in radio. I bought the pro version of aprsdroid and it is just wonderful. Thanks for the video and info!

[@hernanbenavides4821]

Great video, Im starting on APRS and I really enjoy it!

[@N4KRX]

Very good intro to APRS Michael. I found this video very useful...thanks!

[@kenburnett]

Very good video Michael. Been a ham for over 60 years but never got into learning much about APRS. You got my attention to do so. Looking forward to your next videos on the subject. K9LDO

[@theodoreboyer2275]

Well done! That was an excellent introduction to APRS. 👍

[@Migueldeservantes]

Thank you very much for your hard work, there is always incredibly important information that is not ready available. I do use the 433Mhz signal and usually I have problems with background noise interference, and this actually answer a huge amount of questions on my hard days with my radio system. Kind of sad that the 70Cm band have become so incredibly crowded... Really wish I can have an Elmer to spend time learning more about radio...

[@beebop7771]

A very nice, extensive look into APRS, Michael. Thanks. My WA9TT-10 iGate captures and uploads over 30,000 of the packets mostly from the northern half of WI every month to APRS.fi.

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

Despite the low population and rugged terrain, there is quite a bit of APRS activity in the Northwoods of Wisconsin. Every digi helps. Thanks for doing your part to strengthen the APRS network.

[@aschneid62]

You do a very nice job. Thank you for your sharing your knowledge.

[@HubertKirchgaessner]

Excellent overview , thanks!

[@joeddejohn]

Great video. Been interested in this. That is why I partly bought the Kenwood D710, but have not used it yet for A.P.R.S.

[@galax574]

His eyes have fire.

[@johnwmacdonald994]

Thank you for working this topic, which I've had a lot of interest in. I even broke down and bought a Kenwood DH-74A so that I could have a working standalone device. I've been trying to build a dedicated device using Arduino/similar, but still have a way to go. I'm looking forward to your future videos on the topic. atb KC1DIW

[@Oregun]

Nice introduction! Thanks!

[@reallybadaim118]

Thanks for the great explanation.

[@daveorbit4165]

Nice work. I really enjoyed the video. very clear and concise for the very novice ham. 73's

[@Defilan]

Hey Michael, this is another great video. I'm going to be teaching a Technician Class course at my work and would love to show this video when talking about APRS. I really appreciate all the work you're doing. 73 de N7CPM!

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

Feel free to use any of my videos for educational purposes. They great companions for studying for the Technician exam. You may also want to check out my HF transceiver controls video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oXLLaHpjjpt-fK8 as it was made specifically to teach those concepts for the Tech exam.

[@W4TRI]

The reason KPC-3 models hold their value is not because they are still a good fit for Joe Ham out here tracking his car. They hold their value because in a permanent Digipeater situation there is no better device. This TNC with a radio that can handle a heavy duty cycle will last years not days. Great video!

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

You hit the nail on the head. The KPC-3+ is rugged and reliable. Our club's flagship APRS digi has been running on a KPC-3+ for close to 15 years nearly non-stop.

[@gary6212]

Taking my tech exam tomorrow and want to get into APRS as my first project - this is the best video I have seen on youtube in a long time. Great stuff. I'm excited to drive down this rabbit hole.

[@eugenecbell]

I trust you passed your test and you are enjoying your APRS experiments. Good luck!

[@gary6212]

@@eugenecbell Yup, I'm an Extra now.

[@eugenecbell]

@@gary6212 excelente, me too. Here’s to seeing each other on the air.

[@thesuccessfulbarber]

Just put up one of your slim jims. Thank you for your service to the ham community. KC1ORG

[@matthew2596]

Wow...eye opening. Thank you

[@radioaficionpr]

Hi, Is the KPC 3 plus not a good option for a digipeater set-up? Does it is capable of doing callsign substitution?

[@W0KNI]

Thanks Mike for another informative video. You did a great job presenting and explaining this technology into present use-case examples. You've got me looking at the FT-3DR now! My wife is going to hate you! LOL.

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

Be sure to check out my FT3DR videos. I have one that is APRS specific for that radio.

[@ramonbannister9498]

Good intro. But now I'd like to see full tutorials on using that Yaesu vx-8dr APRS functions. I have one and fired it up after about 5-6 yrs of not using it. Mine is literally still in brand new condition.

[@jimfischer4703]

Thank you!

[@recumbentogiro26]

Thank You

[@1crazynordlander]

Did you ever do a video on setting up a APRS two way I-gate? I am still interested but realized if modern transceivers like the Yaesu FTM-100DR and FTM-400XDR have TNC capabilities in them that might be the way to go. I have both of these radios. You can get a FTM-100DR really reasonable these days.

[@ebazz1]

Great video, very informative. Can you tell me the settings I would use for CHIRP? Thank you. Ernest Bazzinotti KC1LKB

[@ebinwaitee]

Thanks for the video! Good and informative. Just a little feedback: the right terminology is connectionless when you don't expect a response while the opposite would be connection oriented.

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

You bring up a good point, and in today's conversation that type of connection would be referred to as connectionless. When I say 'unconnected' I'm making a distinction between connected packet radio operation, where the calling station 'connects' to the receiving station's TNC, and APRS where packets are sent out in an unconnected fashion. That is, the sending station has not connected to a receiving station TNC; so any receiving station may receive and handle the packet.

[@YZFoFittie]

So is GPS data the only information transmitted by this system? Or can you send text type files or something similar like an email?

[@marcusalancate1782]

Thank you. I have been looking at the Btech cable. I was wondering if there is a similar type cable i can use between my Android phone and an older model FT 1500 mobile radio for higher output APRS? KD5QNL

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

I'm not aware of a ready-made cable. You may have to fabricate one.

[@davidmohr4606]

Bob developed this while working at the US Naval Academy to track vessels during midshipmen exercises.

[@marknancylacy1981]

Nice video. I’m building the Mississippi Wide Area PACKET/APRS network. Starting in Starkville - Columbus area. I’m a little confused about the Path settings. There will be both digipeaters and RX-TX iGates. There is very little infrastructure in our state. That is about to change. W5TXR

[@double5bbq]

This was a fantastic introduction and tutorial. I purchased an FTM 100 about a year ago and have used it only as analog so far. I have renewed interest in getting this mode going. My question is if there is some sort of initial registration like there is with DMR? Also, I assume this is dependent on having a capable digital repeating network, so if my area is not so equipped, this should not work? Lastly, does it work radio to radio?

[@jameski5oeb668]

There is no extra money for APRS. I’m watching and learning the FTM-100D as well.

[@ToddRobertsonWI]

Great video! Have you ever used your Yaesu VX8 as a fill in digipeater? I would love to see how if so! Keep up the great videos!

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

I haven't done that with the radio. The VX8's TNC won't function in that manner so you'd still have to connect an external TNC to it. I like to use an old 2 meter mobile and external TNC as my fill in digi.

[@ToddRobertsonWI]

@@KB9VBRAntennas Thanks, great info I appreciate the reply.

[@mabo4848]

tnx

[@ElimelecMedina]

Hello at minute 10:02 you show a cell phone and app for aprs... which app is this and what platform?

[@billbill1413]

Aprsdroid.

[@pstgh]

Michael- picking back up on APRS- I'm curious if you could better explain the difference between a digipeater and an igate? Can you run both at the same location or would that not make sense? Thanks! W4FLP

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

Simply put, digipeaters retransmit your APRS signal to increase its range. An iGate is a gateway that listens for an APRS signal and channels it to the APRS internet stream. iGates can also transmit a packet from the stream to RF. iGates allow disconnected devices, like computers running APRS.fi, to interact with the APRS network. An igate could perform double duty as a digipeater, it depends on how the device is programmed, but typically both igates and digipeaters are separate devices for simplicity.

[@martyglapa359]

Nice video. Question. when you look at aprs.fi, raw packet data, some entries show latitude and longitude, and some do not. When I use my HT (Anytone 878) with APRS, lat and long can be seen on aprs.fi, raw packet data; but when I use my mobile (Kenwood 710GA) the lat and long information is not visible in the raw packet data. I've been assuming it is a parameter setting in the radio, but I cannot see such parameter in either the HT or in the mobile programming. Any ideas?

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

Yaesu and Kenwood transceivers, like the TM-710G compress the location data in the APRS string in order to reduce packet size. I don't believe the Anytone does the same. If you look at the raw packet, you'll see a string of 'random' characters after the Path and before the Message of the packet. This is the Latitude and Longitude in compressed format. I'm not sure if you can turn compressed data off on the Kenwood. I know you can't with the Yaesu.

[@Dan007UT]

Whats the right path setting for my APRS when I am mainly using it for offroading in remote locations?

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

For remote locations I'd still use WIDE1-1, WIDE2-2. Your goal is to make it to an I-Gate and three hops should be sufficient for that. I'd look at the map on aprs.fi to see what kind of coverage is available in your location. The only problem would be if you are so remote that no digi hears your signal for the first hop; and that could most possibly happen. Using a fill-in digipeater at your base camp might be an option. I've got a video on how to set one up: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z4TZmpWHpcaLeLs.

[@clgoose1646]

Thanks for the informative video. I have a question; is APRS usable in remote areas such as, perhaps, Norther Minnesota or Norther Maine?

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

APRS, like other wireless devices, require infrastructure to be effective. Some remote areas are covered by a digipeater and others aren't. I wouldn't rely on APRS as an emergency signaling method unless I knew that the area was adequately covered. You can get an idea of coverage using online services like aprs.fi

[@N9IBZED]

I would like to know what the difference is between APRS and DPRS I am thinking of maybe giving it a try but I’m not sure which way to go or which is better

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

DPRS is Icom's digital implementation of APRS. Your DStar radio can beacon an APRS Formatted message, but the Dstar repeater needs to be bridged somehow to the APRS data stream in order for the packet to propagate. If you already have Icom equipment, it may be a way for you to send your location to the APRS network. But if you are just starting out with APRS, I'd go with either a radio that's APRS equiped (like one of the Kenwood or Yaesu models) or an APRS tracker box like a Tinytrak or Argent Opentracker.

[@bmwrider1]

Is there a cable for the Iphone 8?

[@BarefootBeekeeper]

Thanks for the info. Now I'm convinced I have no need for it.

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

Fair enough. APRS isn't for everyone‚ but at least now you know what it's about.

[@rhwinner]

Right now it seems to be a solution without a problem. I'm interested to hear how people use their aprs functionality in real world situations.

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

I've used APRS to track vehicles in events like rallys, marathons, and bike rides. You can track the support vehicles on a map, ascertain the location of the lead or tail vehicle, and send status reports back to the net control station electronically.

[@daveengstrom9250]

I am with you. I guess I don't understand the practical use of this. I would like to see a video using this system and hearing what it sounds like and such. Tracking the position of something????? what do I care?? I don't get it.

[@donaldsmith3048]

Mobilinkd has a TNC that does bluetooth to your phone or tablet.

[@ratrod67]

Is it possible to monitor and observe without being licensed? To participate on the viewing end?

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

You can certainly listen in with a scanner or other radio receiver. No license is required to receive

[@bjorne-ekgren1]

Hello mick from sweden

[@VU3ZNL]

@kb9vbr can you plse tell me can we send aprs using programing cabel beasuse here i india i cant get it

[@nealelliott]

What is the max length/size of a aprs data message?

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

An AX.25 packet can be up to 256 bytes, so potentially an APRS message could be that long. But the APRS specification states that the packet should be 67 characters for the message and 43 for the comment. So you should keep your packets under that length. If you send a longer message, most APRS applications will either truncate or split the packets automatically.

[@EdwardVanNatta]

I am looking for about your product place lace me a message. When I post this, I am looking for more information no this .

[@vernonbruce3722]

What is the best digital messaging system for emcomm.

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

The best digital system would be one that allows you to get your message out. Many ARES/RACES groups are moving to Winlink, especially the VARA variant for email and messaging.

[@1MinuteFlipDoc]

aren't there GPS cellphone apps that do much the same thing with no additional equipment needed?

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

Yes, there are apps that can do similar things, and the modern GPRS vehicle location tracking services grew out of the early development of what hams were doing in the '90s. There are a few advantages of a system like this, such as decentralized operation, no ongoing data or application costs, and better coverage in remote areas.

[@SAR9331]

No. Depends on what data you put in the sending packet format. Tank fluid level, frequency, phone numbers or other information as examples.

[@ztormchaser]

How can I tell which station I am hearing by looking at the Raw packet. For Instance, 18:45:17$ fm AC0TG-9 to SSPY5U-0 via W5MRC-15,WIDE1-0,K5FRC-7,WIDE2-0 UIv PID=F0 `|45!*wk/]"5e}146.520MHz tOFF/Hi Mom!= is the packet I am hearing transmitted by AC0TG-9 or W5MRC-15? or something else? Thank you!

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

AC0TG-9 is the originating station. It appears it's sending a message to SSPY5U-0. Everything after the VIA is the path the message took, including the digipeaters it passed through. The last, after the Wide2-0, is the packet's message.

[@ztormchaser]

@@KB9VBRAntennas Thanks for the reply! So in this instance, I am hearing W5MRC-15 correct?

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

Possibly. Or another station. It’s hard to tell from the packet. You’ll have to look at the Heard list in your APRS application to figure which digis are close to you.

[@ztormchaser]

@@KB9VBRAntennas Thank you!

[@JohnDobak]

1:05 | 1:13 | 1:27 | 1:40 Witness a man struggling mightily to not mention the wartime use cases.

[@SkywalkFPV]

So if I understand this correct is that a phone with no sim data, can always have gps enabled and with aprs handheld radio we are able to transmit short messages, location and telemetry.. However someone with required internet is needed to see and or pickup on those locations or messages, which are in the most case strangers I assume and so I see no real benefit.. Smartphones with data could just use its emergency function, to allow loved ones to track your position for one hour.. Or Garmin dedicated device also track, for them hikers.. I also wonder if anyone that wants to use and transmit aprs data, are they required to have ham radio license because you supposed to have your callsign - or is this aprs a more accepted free to use feature? I can see this work in some deep woodland situations if there is no cellular data, but then again gps might also not be able to connect and the handheld radio themselve with usually low wattage and short antenna might also not be able to reach any towers.. So I am wondering if I am missing the point here, It just seems to be some obsolete, ancient but cool in a way tech but totally useless and not efficient at all - right?

[@daveengstrom9250]

I think you nailed it. I believe it is someone's toy. If there is some practical use I have missed it.

[@paulburrell1062]

Is 144.390 the only way APRS gets around? Do some repeaters have APRS in them?

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

In the US, 144.390 is the APRS frequency. You can use other frequencies for localized activities, but unless you build out an infrastructure of digipeaters and igates, they won't be tied into the nationwide system. In the early days of APRS there was experimentation with repeaters decoding APRS bursts, but to my knowledge that function really isn't used anymore.

[@newzhack]

I can not get the beacon to go into smart mode on my new ftm-400

[@fredbissnette3104]

that fence is so wilted

[@100lastgoodnerves8]

any chance of getting a virus if i use an ipad or android tablet to help decode aprs packets?

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

Not that I'm aware of. AX.25 packets are incapable of transporting viruses so you won't get anything from over the air.

[@100lastgoodnerves8]

thank you

[@SmeeUncleJoe]

you meant to say VX-8DR I think.

[@jonathanesconde9151]

Chanil 10 baoafeng coniction

[@TheCrunchbird]

Can I track my cat with APRS ???

[@jurisembergs9245]

Hook

[@dennisgarber]

In 2021 the radio should interface with the phone or pc, using Bluetooth, not a cable

[@chunkylover54]

I can never get aprs to work on my bike

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

APRS on a bicycle can be problematic, especially if you are using an HT and the duck antenna. The low power combined with picket fencing while moving will all but guarantee that your signal will not get out. I've biked with APRS for many years and the only way I've been able to get a consistent beacon out is to use an external half wave antenna on the back of the bike.

[@RobinPringle]

Thanks for your very helpful video, though I find using software like direwolf makes the hardware TNC obsolete. github.com/wb2osz/direwolf

[@ericsanchez4453]

Stephanie charging a old flip phone

[@Hex-Mas]

a lowjack.

[@lonmartin1353]

The “A” in APRS stands for “Amateur” not “Automated!”

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

Read the first four words of this page: www.aprs.org/

[@shenko225]

I have a digipeater in my pants

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

And I thought you were just happy to see me.

[@thomasernster5900]

I often wonder how privacy law will impact services like APRS. I don't see consent forms on the apps, disclosures or anything preventing people from logging into aprs.fi and misusing this data. As people wake up to privacy law, I am curious if amateurs operating APRS infrastructure are opening themselves up to legal challenges. I will avoid APRS on a regular basis because there is nothing on the aprs.fi site to require consent, authentication, or a user to agree to terms of use. There is nothing on the site that shows me the site's privacy policy or how they might use the collected data. Are amateurs throwing away their reasonable expectation of privacy by using this stuff? How much of this can be considered PII or protected information? It opens up an interesting set of questions and concerns for operators interested in law, privacy and the 4th Amendment. - Or maybe not... Arguably, you should not use APRS without considering that impact.

[@AgentOffice]

Anyone transmitting knows it's open and public

[@ericsanchez4453]

Sony out ub

[@tvbox6955]

*** Count how many times you say ahhh and umm. ***

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

Ummmm. Enquiring minds want to know

[@melvinmcvicar426]

You may know the information but I got bored listening. I've been a ham for 50 years and I don't think I an dumb. Sorry K7WBP

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

Thanks for the feedback. The goal of the video is to introduce APRS to the newish ham that has little or no experience with the mode. I'll have some more technical videos on the topic coming soon that you may find more interesting.