APRS with Baofeng HAM Radio and APRSDriod - TheSmokinApe

[@hfe1833]

This man is very clear in explanation, crystal clear about APRS

[@mikemcdonald5147]

don't have to use a repeater can also do this via simplex. I use aprs via a tablet and baofeng on simplex channel to another tablet and baofeng. We use this for search and rescue for our county,

[@TheSmokinApe]

Great point! Thanks for the comment.

[@ganderpics]

Hi Mike, Trying to set up APRS on one tablet and Baofeng so that they can talk to another Tablet and Baofeng. Can you provide details on how you set yours up using Simplex channel? End result want the two sets of devices to share current postion data in real time.

[@WadeAbout]

One tiny edit. You say around the 10:58 mark that the frequency is the aprs freq it’s actually an indication of which freq if any you are monitoring for voice contacts. Cheers. VK1MIC

[@genemcphee8053]

I needed this. For 10 years I have tried to get APRS to work with various radios, cables and items. Thanks. 73. Gene, N3XUS

[@TheSmokinApe]

Glad it was helpful Gene, thanks for watching 👍

[@HamRadioLiveShow]

Great video my friend! I’m doing a segment today on APRS and you explained how it works so well, I’d like to use it for the show I’ll be sure to credit your channel and put a link to it in the description section my friend. I don’t get enough chances to say this to you… Thank you for all you do to help expand the knowledge of amateur radio to others. You’re very well organized and stay on task. Stop the terrific work my friend! Larry

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks for the kind words Larry, feel free to use the video. Looking forward to the live stream.

[@youtube.youtube.01]

Uptdate - Bob Bruninga died on 9 Feb 2022. Kenwood paid for a full page advertisement on the back cover of QST Magazine in September 2022 featuring Bob Bruninga - A definite collectable.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks for the info YT.

[@Scott_AI5EF]

SO clear and understandable instruction. Thank you for this video.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Awesome, glad you liked it SP.

[@davenew5927]

This is very informative. One scenario that I am prepping for is the internet and cellular networks being out. Do you have any suggestions (might be worth a video?) on how this could be done? I am using a cellphone instead of a tablet but I am guessing its similar - on the phone I am selecting "Airplane mode" to simulate no connectivity via phone. Thanks!

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks Dave. Without the cellular network the concern would be reaching APRS-fi, you would still be able to send and receive packets over RF.

[@thomasanreise3107]

Fantastic. Much of the readable info that comes up via Google search is dated enough that it doesn't even mention using a smart phone or tablet, only tncs. Thanx.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Glad it was helpful Thomas 👍

[@rbashta]

Thanks for taking the time to make this video. Could you put together a list of all the settings you showed in this video? As the cursor moved around the screen, I was not 100 percent sure of the settings. I bought the cable and have put the app on my tablet and still no dice with picking up anything. I know there has to be some adjustment with the Vox setting on the Baofeng and the audio level on the tablet. I'll continue to play with that. Hopefully I'll get it right at some point. Thanks

[@k5hrv605]

Thanks to your video I just got set up on APRS for the first time...works great on my 'Feng via IS and over the air. Thanks so much! (liked and subscribed)

[@TheSmokinApe]

Glad it worked for you 👍

[@DonzLockz]

Heya Ape, I'm thinking I'll give this a try. The cable apparently works with other K1 style radios. I have an older similar tablet that'd work but I want to try an adapter to usb C for my new Android phone, no 3.5mm jacks for years now.😕

[@TheSmokinApe]

Oh yeah, this one is an older video.

[@DonzLockz]

@TheSmokinApe yeah, I noticed. It was a good video, but you're more relaxed now and can "splain beterer!"😁

[@ik8vwa]

It's too fast, can you write down the settings? I have the cable and the radio but I so far I can't transmit cause I don't understand the settings.

[@aperson1181]

Can you accomplish a similar connection but instead use a cable instead of WIFI to make Baofang compatible with APRS and connect to a computer?

[@TheSmokinApe]

There are a few ways to accomplish that.

[@aperson1181]

@@TheSmokinApe Thank you, do you mind sharing?

[@tacticalbacon8064]

Can you do a video demonstrating how to use aprs droid in simplex Say for example. I have a 5 man team that wishs to message and report location information locally on a dedicated frequency and it not be on internet even though you have never tried you ability to understand is greater than some of us

[@TheSmokinApe]

It’s the same but using a simplex frequency, expect people to get upset by that

[@andrelemalle]

Thanks for this vid. It is great to be able to put a toe in APRS prior to laying out the $$$ for an APRS enable radio. Can this setup send messages using the Baofeng and the btech cable? I can't figure that out. I was up and tracking on APRS.FI in about 3 minutes.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Yes you can, its part of the app interface.

[@TheAlb1]

Is BTECH APRS-K1 cable useful for Quansheng UV-R50 walkie radio? 73s EA5JDS

[@TheSmokinApe]

I haven't tried but I would imagine it would work fine.

[@ButilkaRomm]

Hi. I could not understand the APRS-IS password. It is only if you are connected to the Internet? If you use your own radio with your phone to send messages then you do not need such a password?

[@elrilesy]

How do they co-ordinate so that all the nodes don't all talk over the top of each other?

[@TheSmokinApe]

No idea! lol

[@taylorsreid]

@@TheSmokinApe they don't. It's entirely possible for two separate sources to be transmitting packets on top of each other.

[@100lastgoodnerves8]

Dumb question…I noticed I am pulling in more activity with a .5 offset. Do most repeaters and/or frequncies use .5? or some other setting? I noticed I could pull in stuff on same freq using a .5 or .6 offset. Thanks for any feedback.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Sorry man, it should all be on the standard aprs freq? Maybe it’s different in your area?

[@tacticalbacon8064]

Is it possible to ude aprs in simplex where as you are not reporting your position to aprs fi for everyone to see.

[@TheSmokinApe]

I suppose you can, never tried.

[@jeromelique6658]

Does APRS without using any digipeater/WIDE/RELAY, only two stations directly communicating could receive and transmit the packets 100% all the time? I am using software TNC, RPi, Soundcard, YaesuFT65 and ICOM IC2300-H.

[@TheSmokinApe]

If there are in range they should unless transmitted at the same time

[@sethproaps8899]

I recomend on buying the play app to support the dev, but if you wish to try it before buying, or are too cheap the dev does have free apk on his website

[@TheSmokinApe]

👍

[@1MinuteFlipDoc]

the paid version is no longer being maintained and doesn't work on most newer phones. :(

[@dangermandave67]

I've got a problem. I'm receiving packets, but when I try to send a position beacon the radio is not transmitting. I've tried setting the VOX level to every number from 0 to 10 and it makes no difference. Any ideas?

[@TheSmokinApe]

Make sure the audio on the table is going out the phones jack, all cables are firmly seated and the volume is up on the tablet.

[@dangermandave67]

@@TheSmokinApe I found the problem: not sure if this is mentioned anywhere, but the VOX on UV5R won't operate if the radio is receiving signal, so you have to turn up the squelch so that it only breaks when actually receiving packets. Trap for young players. Probably only an issue in areas with high noise.

[@TheSmokinApe]

@@dangermandave67 good tip! Glad it’s working now.

[@dangermandave67]

Been using the UV-5R/APRSdroid setup for a while now, since solving the VOX problem. It's helped me out on some SOTA activations where I didn't have cell service and had to spot using APRS2SOTA. Got another problem: VOX is getting keyed a lot, even when I'm not sending any packets. I've put my phone in airplane mode so no notifications are coming through. Is this a RFI problem? I've got some ferrite beads coming, to put on the Btech cable. Do I need to play with the VOX level?

[@TheSmokinApe]

I would mess with VOX and Volume level, sorry thats not a better answer.

[@dangermandave67]

@@TheSmokinApe Yeah, I finished up playing with those two after reading some discussion on Reddit. Turns out the Baofeng VOX is pretty janky. Audio hiss coming from the phone/cable combo will key VOX. It cannot be fully eliminated by the ferrite beads, since some of it is coming from the phone. But you can somewhat deal with it by backing off the media volume on the phone and turning up the VOX level until the packet output is just keying VOX. It's a delicate juggle for sure.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Good luck with it David

[@KN6SJQ]

Thanks for the video! What's tablet instead of phone work with the Baofeng?

[@TheSmokinApe]

You can use either, but some folks have trouble with the Apple devices 👍

[@macgyver5108]

There's a section in APRSdroid that says "voice frequency/your voice freq in mhz" is that suggesting a 2m ETC simplex freq to reach you on?

[@TheSmokinApe]

That is my understanding 👍

[@DonHavjuan]

Got it to send - can't get it to receive APRS packets though. :(

[@TheSmokinApe]

Check and see if you have any RX tones turned on.

[@thegeekfleet3404]

I can’t find any place to get my APRS-is passcode.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Try this: apps.magicbug.co.uk/passcode/

[@mndreamcatcher09]

The cable is unavailable in market, what's the alternative?

[@TheSmokinApe]

baofengtech.com/product/aprs-k1/

[@mndreamcatcher09]

@@TheSmokinApe they don't deliver to India😔

[@TheSmokinApe]

Oh, probably not

[@Jay-hr9ci]

Sir, can you use the send message function from APRSDRIOD to send messages via the radio? I.e. Take the FTM400 from example, instead of typing messages on the screen of the radio, can you use the app from send a message and it will TX via the radio? I don't want to rely on internet.

[@TheSmokinApe]

I don’t know about the ftm400 but yes, using VOX you can send the message to the radio.

[@Jay-hr9ci]

@@TheSmokinApe yeah damm.. I have the Bluetooth serial adapter.. was hoping it had the ability to key up the radio and send messages.

[@infeeneetee]

With this setup, is it possible baofeng to tx in rf whichever it receives from APRS-IS?

[@austinbetker1]

Thanks for the intro to all of this. Do you know if there is a cable or radio that will let me use aprsDroid but also let me connect my comtacs with a ptt so i can use both for communication and gps sending/ recieving purposes

[@TheSmokinApe]

Sorry LJ, I am not aware of any.

[@austinbetker1]

@@TheSmokinApe thank you sir. talked to disco32 they are releasing something called DISCUS that can accomplish that task

[@TheSmokinApe]

Nice, thanks for the heads up

[@4mp3d]

Is there an update that uses USB C?

[@TheSmokinApe]

Not that I know about, sorry man 👍

[@sphexes]

Why do some use the WINlinkd TNC with this setup? It looks like it works fine without that.

[@TheSmokinApe]

there are a few ways to do this, I think it depends on equipment you have on hand or personal preference.

[@shandybrandy5407]

Very well explained. Thank you!

[@TheSmokinApe]

Glad you liked it 👍

[@johnjosephreed]

Appreciate this video - thank you! QUESTION: Can you please help me understand why a VOX setting of 2 for the Baofeng? I have a new TNC as I dive into APRS. Of course I hope to run APRS with nicer radios but I would like to fully understand the whys so that I can adjust to any radio. Grateful!

[@TheSmokinApe]

2 is just what worked for me, I would expect you would have to find whatever setting works best for your radio 👍

[@johnjosephreed]

@@TheSmokinApe Gotcha - what is the data/feedback that leads one to evaluate VOX level?

[@TheSmokinApe]

@@johnjosephreed so Vox hears the tablet and gets the signal out. If the radio keys, good; if you are getting heard better 👍

[@TheSmokinApe]

Too loud may over modulate and distort the signal

[@johnjosephreed]

@@TheSmokinApe oh ok! That actually fits into some problem solving from earlier - thank you!

[@amanatillahputrasuryanegar4560]

Could we use the marine chart for the base map of the apes applications?

[@amanatillahputrasuryanegar4560]

How to apply the marine chart for this application?

[@TheSmokinApe]

Sorry, I do not know

[@stingrbor2687]

Awesome video! The Btech APRS-K1 audio interface cable costs 29.63 USD on eBay. Why so costly? I live in Brazil and that is a really crazy price for a cable considering my monetary reality, plus shipping. I will have to figure it out.

[@TheSmokinApe]

You could probably make one from a USB cable much cheaper.

[@nammo9460]

Can this setup be used to Tx/Rx APRS via the ISS?

[@TheSmokinApe]

Yes

[@nammo9460]

Thanks for the quick reply, got it last night! If yes, as you say, then wouldn't I have to alter the standard APRS info in my android phone, to ARISS, followed by a message, such as "Hello from G8*** in the UK, 73"? Have you any idea how to do this, or can you point me to a 'man that can', please?@@TheSmokinApe

[@TheSmokinApe]

Sorry man, I don't work the birds.

[@Braz1956]

Where did you buy the beefy sma-to-bnc adapters you are using on your Baofeng? I’ve gotten some from a couple different vendors but they don’t fit snug on the radio.

[@TheSmokinApe]

I usually get them at hamfests or Amazon 👍

[@Porty1119]

Thanks for the video! I'm currently a license GMRS operator but have not yet gotten my ham license. The 2017 FCC revisions to the GMRS regulations do permit text and location data to be broadcast over GMRS. Do you know if APRS would work peer-to-peer on the 462MHz GMRS band? If it does, it would be very useful to allow family members covered under my license to communicate their location during family hikes or camping trips.

[@TheSmokinApe]

I’m not sure if digital is allowed on gmrs, sorry man.

[@Porty1119]

@@TheSmokinApe Digital data is explicitly permitted on GMRS; digital voice is not.

[@TheSmokinApe]

I just don’t know, not a gmrs user. APRS will work on any frequency if you have the ability to encode and decode. I’m not sure of the laws and rules for it on not ham bands.

[@Porty1119]

@@TheSmokinApe Thanks! That's the information I was looking for. After reading the relevant sections of Part 95 for GMRS, I am confident that APRS can be legally used on GMRS with some limitations.

[@blackhawk65589]

@@Porty1119 I was thinking of doing the same with GMRS. It would be viable!

[@Dennis-tf2cs]

I have the same basic setup, I'm using the UV-5R. The issue I'm having it that the first part of my transmitted packed is getting clipped unless I manually hold down the PTT switch on the radio. Any suggestions? I've experimented with several different vox, squelch and Frame Sync Prefix settings and still having the same issue.

[@TheSmokinApe]

I have to check but I thought there was a delay setting

[@Dennis-tf2cs]

@@TheSmokinApe I thought the Frame Sync Prefix setting would take care of that but no luck so far.

[@pwalkin]

Great video! Curious, I don't have a headphone jack on the Note 10. Cant find mini-plug to usb-c adapter. Any options?

[@TheSmokinApe]

Sorry man, I don’t know how to help with that one.

[@yuckypooh]

Bluetooth.

[@tradedate]

Try an android tablet with a jack. Doesn't have to be the latest and greatest. Many cost less than $100

[@aditya0595]

You can get a 2.5mm male to 3.5 mm female connector and a type-c to 3.5mm connector. Then use any aux cable to connect.

[@blueoutside3394]

so can you seng a message with aprs from radio to radio without a repeater?

[@TheSmokinApe]

Yes

[@blueoutside3394]

@@TheSmokinApe thanks for the info. Taking my tech exam tomorrow!!

[@daleerickson520]

Question, If I was setting this up on an SBC that has no sound output system so I used a USB sound card, could the APRSdroid APK select that USB sound system for interface to the radio and run in the background? I am planning out a CarPC and the system will be outputting GPS, Music etc on the bluetooth system at the same time. Should this work? Can anyone chime in on that? Thanx

[@jasonhayden5774]

Im new to HAM but as far as the computer is concerned. You should be able to set the USB to communication default and the bluetooth to regular audio default and then pick which in the settings.

[@tankthebiker]

Can I use a deactivated phone to run my signal? I don't want to have my active phone connected. I am setting up a motorcycle specific system.

[@TheSmokinApe]

You can you it to control the radio and do APRS that way, you wouldn’t be able to post directly to the Internet. If you hit an iGate it would post to the internet for you.

[@1OTDM]

As long as it has GPS it's good to go, even with no cell service

[@linaskerbelis5636]

would it work with phones( google pixel phose) with no 3.5 jack and using 3.5mm to usb C adaptor?

[@TheSmokinApe]

It might, I've never tried.

[@obamatheimposter]

Hello, (I'm running a Baofeng with a Samsung Galaxy J3 Phone) sent out an SMS text to cell, the phone received it. When I tried to return a message the APRS unit did not receive it. Also, when I bring up the map I only see my identifier. (no one else) the gps does track my movement... I see my messages on APRS.fi, I however do not see returned messages from cell call. I have sent messages to the weather bot and get no response ....

[@TheSmokinApe]

Are you sending them out over the internet or over RF?

[@obamatheimposter]

@@TheSmokinApe sorry..."RF"

[@TheSmokinApe]

@@obamatheimposter make sure you don’t have any ctcss or dcs codes on, do you hear traffic?

[@obamatheimposter]

@@TheSmokinApe negative ...no ctss or dcs codes ....took off the cable,opened up the squelch...I don't hear any traffic...

[@obamatheimposter]

Out of range???

[@kb5zcs]

Can you post a link for the cable that you are using ......

[@TheSmokinApe]

baofengtech.com/aprs-k2-trrs-cable

[@tittiger]

Ape what you left on clear was whether or not you can go pierda pier simplex with this and if you can't and my humble opinion it's absolutely useless These systems are going to go down we need to pair to pair someplux

[@jesholan]

Can you send a link to the cable you have ebay, Amazon or amateur radio supply store

[@TheSmokinApe]

www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LMIBAZW/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il?ie=UTF8&m=AA3MGRC7F9EI2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B01LMIBAZW&linkCode=as2&tag=btek-20

[@ebazz1]

Great video, very helpful. Can you give me the settings for Chirp? Thank you. Ernest Bazzinotti KC1LKB

[@TheSmokinApe]

You only need the frequency, sql and vox settings. You doing want vox on all the time, only when you are doing APRS 👍

[@gerrecksrationreviews2484]

How about for Apple phones there’s aprs apps but not the aprs droid app

[@TheSmokinApe]

Sorry, I do not have any experience with APRS on Apple.

[@mikemcdonald5147]

some of the new iPhones don't have headphone jacks because apple in its all might wisdom thought you dont need that anymore.

[@doomgod314]

Any APRS software for linux? I’m trying to run this on a Raspberry Pi.

[@TheSmokinApe]

I think most people use Direwolf.

[@doomgod314]

TheSmokinApe Thanks for the pointer. It’s exactly what I needed.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Von Doom 👍

[@greeneyedggirl]

In this configuration you are actually using the cellphone and internet, not the radio for APRS, so you don't really need the HT in the mix. People having been reporting problems with the Boafengs for doing APRS because the vox and tail timers get in the way of the packets being sent. If you want to see what I mean, set the android to airplane mode and you'll find out you're off the air...

[@TheSmokinApe]

Sorry If I wasn’t clear but you can use both methods...

[@chancha807]

How did you get the Baofeng the transmit through RF ?

[@samisunshine4509]

@@chancha807 by changing the settings to use the audio cable... Not a big deal at all. Just keep in mind the UV5-R and similar are deaf as a post... My FT25R with the out of box rubber duck hears more APRS traffic laying down than the Boafang does with a higher gain Nagoya whip standing up. So you're better off with a different radio to be honest...

[@chancha807]

Can I use this set up for an Igate and digipeater as well ?

[@TheSmokinApe]

I think you would need to switch out the tablet for a Raspberry Pi and run Direwolf.

[@chancha807]

@@TheSmokinApe Argh ! How is that done ? Do you have a video ?

[@TheSmokinApe]

I don't have one, sorry about that...

[@chancha807]

I have my Baofeng set up with the program and cell. All is working but I am not sure if I am transmitting my packet through RF or internet. How can I check that ?

[@TheSmokinApe]

chancha807 aprs.fi it’s a website, search for your call sign 👍

[@wancable9702]

baofeng user pls use ssid 3 for aprsdroid. ssid 7 for ht wits aprs built-in.

[@geo.maurice]

Bob has passed away. You might update your presentation.

[@TheSmokinApe]

YT doesn’t give me a way to edit it

[@geo.maurice]

Right. You'd have to redo the whole video. hihi Or post a note. He was a good friend.

[@laureltreewellness4584]

Can you use this on GMRS/FRS?

[@TheSmokinApe]

You can't legally use this radio on FRS or GMRS and I don't know of any APRS services on FRS or GMRS, hope that answers the question 👍

[@laureltreewellness4584]

TheSmokinApe yes it does thanks

[@JimBrand]

At least on my baofeng model bf-f8hp, vox will not open with squelch set to zero. You need to bump it up to one.

[@macgyver5108]

Umm, yes... Squelch set to "off" or zero means the radio "listens" to EVERYTHING coming over that frequency and doesn't blank out weak/stray signals. With squelch off it's kinda like having an old school radio with dial knobs tuned between radio stations, so all you hear is static... VOX is designed to pick up stronger audio sounds in the room, like when you're actually "speaking", vs listening and re-transmitting EVERY little squeak or fart you make in the room! If VOX was triggered to transmit with the squelch set to zero we'd hear you snore all night from 4 rooms away if you catch my drift... 😜

[@macgyver5108]

You'd use your squelch set to zero only when trying to hear REALLY faint/weak stations on simplex or HF.

[@gorombolyierik]

The app is free if you download it from the website

[@TheSmokinApe]

👍

[@nwwoodsman2545]

No link for the cable on Amazon?

[@TheSmokinApe]

www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LMIBAZW/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il?ie=UTF8&m=AA3MGRC7F9EI2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B01LMIBAZW&linkCode=as2&tag=btek-20

[@texmaxwell4516]

Or for orders under $25...get it direct from Btech for the same price with free shipping. baofengtech.com/aprs-k2-trrs-cable

[@yuckypooh]

Contrary to popular belief ... the world does not revolve around Amazon links. What if he didn't by it on Amazon? You act as if he committed some hideous social transgression.

[@DeanO]

Very cool,

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks man! 👍

[@MrIulianpt]

Hi. Great, tidy video. Keep up the good working. A mention for minute 10'45"; "your frequency" is the voice, also called the QSY frequency. It cannot be 144.390 in any case as this is the APRS QRG (for N America). You can set it for a UHF QRG for ex (let's say the UHF FM main listening channel) and, in the Baofeng case, you'll need a second device on which you can talk to when out and about (set to that UHF QRG). With certain Kenwoods etc with APRS embedded you can "jump" directly on the second VFO to the QSY frequency once detected in the APRS packet received (see the TH-D72 manual for ex, APRS section). Many 73 de J, M0IPU YO3FCA.

[@TheSmokinApe]

That’s a great point, and I’m aware that many folks do this with the Kenwood radios. Thanks for bringing it up! 👍

[@tittiger]

Why don't they build the ability to go radio to radio into these protocols? They're useless for the applications I'm thinking of if you can't go radio Can you?

[@TheSmokinApe]

There are some you can do direct APRS but they are like 500$

[@ahendrix9787]

...Ape, thank you for this! ...very helpful in setup for activating my UV 5x3 hopefully with a Digirig...73 de KO4UMY

[@TheSmokinApe]

Awesome, glad it was helpful 👍

[@sethjenna2561]

What would I need to set up my own digipeater?

[@TheSmokinApe]

I think at a minimum you need a radio, a TNC and a computer that can run the software.

[@randomnessx3597]

AprsDroid is a dead project any other clients?

[@TheSmokinApe]

I’m sure there are some but I am not familiar with any of them.

[@LU7HQW]

It's not a dead project. Last installer was released December 30th 2019, less than a month. You can download the .apk for free from the official website. I use the offline map version, with a DIY bluetooth arduino TNC.

[@TheSmokinApe]

LU7HQW glad to hear they are still making updates 👍thanks for the info!

[@anthonypetraglia7586]

Loooi

[@jeffreywyke368]

Slow down, please! You keep tapping on serrings without letting us know what you're doing! WE DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU KNOW! Thanks

[@TheSmokinApe]

Sorry man, I’ll try to do better with future videos. I appreciate the feedback 👍

[@mauricecraft890]

@@TheSmokinApe Yeah, you lost me starting at 10:00.

[@mjm9863]

If you are going to use those crappy Baofengs for APRS, please don’t use that cable and VOX. The TX on those Baofengs HANGS for a good second or two after the burst if you are using VOX and you are JAMMING the network. Put together some actual PTT solution or get something like a MoblinkD TNC3.