A introduction to setting up APRS equipment.

By David Fleming -- KG6SQU

tnc

Putting Together an APRS System - Introduction

There are actually a variety of ways to put together an APRS system depending on what you want to do (and how much money you want to spend). Some useful variations are listed below:

  • A total system that both transmits an APRS beacon, and monitors other APRS beacons and displays all received stations on a map
  • A system that only transmits an APRS beacon
  • A system that only monitors other APRS beacons and displays all received stations on a map
  • An internet connection to some webpages that will allow one to view the location of a particular APRS beacon and other APRS beacons near that one

Connecting up APRS in its' most complicated form is very much like setting up for packet radio as can be seen from the diagram below (see section on packet radio). There are two connections to the TNC, one to the radio, and two to the laptop (as opposed to one for packet radio).

radio, tnc, GPS, laptop

In the case where we are only transmitting, the GPS would replace the laptop.

In the case where we are only monitoring, the GPS would be left out.
NEXT => Setting up an APRS System - Part 1

David Fleming is the BEARS' contact for issues relating to APRS!

For more APRS information and/or help contact David Fleming at the following e-mail:

BEARS-APRS@BurbankCDV.org