Northern Illinois APRS Network

Bill Diaz · Joined: 24 Jul 2004 Posts: 21 Location: Lockport,IL

I see quite a few newbies setting paths improperly etc.

It seems they have difficulty finding a reliable source of information for correctly setting up mobiles,D7's, digi's, IGATES etc. Very often they use the same unproto path for all. I see rather modest stations being set up as WIDES. Many of these stations seem to think APRS is ideal for DX messaging. This often results in channel congestion and lost packets.

Would be nice if the NIAN forum could ELMER newbies in Northern Illinois and elsewhere. I would certainly be willing to participate here and at local gatherings.

Bill

ka9vnv · Posted: Sat Jul 24, 2004 10:46 am Post subject:

Bill Diaz · Joined: 24 Jul 2004 Posts: 21 Location: Lockport,IL

ka9vnv · Posted: Sat Jul 24, 2004 11:09 am Post subject:

Morris is a 1.5 hour drive south of me, but, for a good lunch... Smile

A lot depends upon timing - with that drive, evenings are out, and I have several weekends coming up in August that are already spoken for.

N9WYS · Joined: 29 Jul 2004 Posts: 3 Location: Minooka, IL EN51vk

I'm one of the guys from the Grundy Co. area, and I was trying to ensure that I was set-up both properly - and not causing a lot of QRM... I tried asking online (Yahoo!Groups lists like APRS and UI-VIEW) but got conflicting answers about configuration. In the end, it all boiled down to "do whatever is protocol in your area..."

Well, that's all fine and dandy, but how do I know what is protocol for the area? Fortunately, Terry - WA9AWO contacted Bill for me, and here I am!!

If someone could prepare a primer sporting the basic unproto strings, settings, etc., necessary for a start-up operator (both mobile and base) that would at least get everyone started off on the right foot. From there, once it is determined what type of station coverage they have, then we could worry about whether they become a WIDE or not, etc...

I would be very interested in a meeting / training class regarding APRS operations. Please keep me in the loop for notifications!

73 de Mark - N9WYS
Minooka, IL

Bill Diaz · Joined: 24 Jul 2004 Posts: 21 Location: Lockport,IL

Mark,
For starters check the topic in this forum, APRS Operations, Paths etc. It contains some basic information about paths. Post any questions or comments and Jeff and I will try to help.

Bill

N9WYS · Joined: 29 Jul 2004 Posts: 3 Location: Minooka, IL EN51vk

Thanks, Bill. I'll have to write down the settings I'm using currently, and bounce them off you guys to make certain I'm "in compliance"... I want to try to be a good operator / good neighbor, etc.

Unfortunately, I'm at work at the moment, so I have no access to either my mobile or home station configurations.

Thanks again!

W9GWP · Joined: 01 Feb 2005 Posts: 10

The Lake County Digital Group was formed this year and has already held classes on APRS this past spring. For anyone interested in classes on APRS or any other Digital Mode contact me and I'll help you out with information.
73,
George W9GWP
w9gwp@yahoo.com