This Monday night we will discuss how to set up and use APRS (Automatic Packet Reporting System) on your DMR radio. You can go to https://aprs.fi/doc/guide/guide.html to check out the APRS.fi user guide. Join us to add your comments and questions as we learn more about APRS.
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APRS (Automatic Packet Reporting System) is used to transmit various types of data over the radio network, with practical applications that enhance communication, emergency response, and data sharing within the amateur radio community. Here’s how APRS is typically used:
- Location Tracking
- One of the main uses of APRS on residential DMR radios is to transmit GPS coordinates. This allows operators to share their precise location with others in real-time, which is especially useful during:
- Emergency situations where responders need to know your position.
- Event coordination (e.g., public service events, marathons) where multiple amateur radio operators are involved.
- Monitoring mobile stations on a map through APRS websites like APRS.fi, making it easy for others to track your location if you’re operating as a mobile or portable station.
- Weather Reporting
- Many amateur radio operators integrate weather sensors with their APRS-enabled radios to automatically broadcast local weather conditions.
- Stations with weather data provide valuable real-time weather reports on APRS networks, which can aid in community weather awareness, storm tracking, and emergency preparedness.
- Weather information shared through APRS includes temperature, humidity, wind speed, and barometric pressure.
- Messaging
- APRS on DMR can also be used for text messaging, allowing operators to send short messages to other APRS-capable stations.
- These messages are useful for:
- Coordination and updates during events.
- Non-voice communication in areas where voice channels may be congested.
- Messages can be sent directly to other call signs, making APRS a valuable tool for both quick updates and detailed text communication.
- Status and Alerts
- APRS can be set up to send status updates or alert messages about your station.
- Typical status reports include information such as “Home Station,” “Mobile,” or “Portable” and can also include battery status, current mode of operation, and more.
- Status alerts are particularly helpful in emergencies or if you want other operators to be aware of your current operating state or location.
- Event Support and Tactical Operations
- APRS is often used for event support, like public service events or Search and Rescue (SAR) operations.
- By setting up APRS-equipped DMR stations at checkpoints, key locations, or on mobile units, operators can easily monitor the locations and statuses of all participants or responders.
- Tactical call signs can be assigned via APRS for ease of identification and coordination, making it simple to locate resources on APRS maps.
- Public Mapping and Community Engagement
- APRS data transmitted by residential stations is often visible on online platforms like APRS.fi, which allows the public and amateur radio community to see active stations, their locations, and weather information.
- This promotes community engagement by showcasing how amateur radio operators contribute to real-time data sharing and public safety.
- Digital Data Logging and Historical Tracking
- APRS-enabled radios can log data for later review, making it useful for tracking historical movement (useful for outdoor expeditions or emergency response assessments).
- Logged APRS data can be reviewed for post-event analysis, helping operators analyze coverage areas, signal strengths, and movement paths for future improvements.
- Emergency Communication
- APRS offers a non-voice mode of communication in emergencies, which can be critical when cellular or internet service is unavailable.
- By using APRS with DMR radios, operators can still relay their position and status to others in the amateur radio community, potentially reaching emergency responders even when other networks are down.
In short, APRS on a residential DMR radio extends beyond just location reporting—it’s a versatile tool for communication, event support, and community involvement in amateur radio. For emergency scenarios, APRS provides a resilient, location-aware communication option, and for day-to-day operations, it enhances connectivity and data sharing among ham radio enthusiasts.
Using APRS on a residential DMR radio in the United States is a straightforward process, as long as your radio supports APRS and is connected to a DMR network like BrandMeister. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get set up:
- Confirm Your Radio Supports APRS
- Make sure your DMR radio has APRS capabilities. Radios like the Anytone AT-D878UV or TYT MD-UV380 support APRS, allowing them to transmit GPS data to APRS networks.
- Set Up a BrandMeister Account
- Register on BrandMeister (if you haven’t already) and link your DMR ID. This is necessary to use BrandMeister’s APRS features.
- Log in to the BrandMeister SelfCare portal at https://brandmeister.network/?page=selfcare and go to SelfCare settings to enable APRS and select your preferred APRS interval.
- Configure APRS in the CPS Software
- Open the Customer Programming Software (CPS) for your radio on your computer.
- Locate the APRS settings section in your CPS. This may vary depending on your radio model but is typically found under Optional Settings ➔ APRS.
Key Settings to Configure:
- APRS Frequency: Set to 144.390 MHz (standard APRS frequency in North America).
- APRS Type: Choose Digital APRS if connecting through a DMR network like BrandMeister.
- APRS Talk Group: Use 310999 on BrandMeister for APRS reporting. This is a dedicated APRS talk group for North America.
- Report Interval: Choose an interval for how often the radio sends APRS data (e.g., every 5 or 10 minutes). Avoid very frequent intervals to prevent network congestion.
- SSID Suffix: Set a unique SSID (e.g., -9 for handheld or -5 for fixed stations) so that your device is recognizable on APRS maps.
- Program the APRS Talk Group
- Create an APRS Talk Group in your radio’s Contact List:
- Go to the Contacts section in the CPS.
- Add 310999 as a new Group Call Contact labeled “APRS.”
- This talk group will route your APRS packets through the BrandMeister network and relay them to APRS-IS, where they can be viewed on APRS tracking sites.
- Set Up a Dedicated APRS Channel
- In your CPS, set up an APRS-specific channel with the following configuration:
- Transmit/Receive Frequency: Set to 144.390 MHz (APRS frequency in North America).
- Color Code: Use the correct color code for your network or hotspot (e.g., CC1).
- Slot: Choose either Slot 1 or 2 depending on your repeater’s configuration.
- Contact Name: Select the APRS contact you created (e.g., 310999).
- Save the settings and program this channel into your radio’s memory.
- Enable GPS (if available)
- If your radio is GPS-enabled, turn on GPS in the CPS settings. This will allow your radio to send your location data as part of the APRS packet.
- Make sure the GPS interval matches or is similar to your APRS reporting interval, so location data is updated with each transmission.
- Use a DMR Hotspot or Repeater
- Ensure your hotspot or local DMR repeater is connected to the BrandMeister network to route your APRS packets. If using a hotspot, verify it’s configured to forward APRS data to BrandMeister.
- Pi-Star users can enable APRS forwarding under Configuration ➔ Expert ➔ BM API to automatically send APRS data to the APRS-IS server.
- Verify Your APRS Transmissions
- Once your radio is programmed, transmit on the APRS channel to test your setup.
- You can check for successful APRS reports by visiting APRS.fi and entering your call sign to see your position and data.
Tips for Using APRS on DMR in the U.S.
- Avoid Excessive Reporting: Set intervals to avoid frequent transmissions (e.g., every 5-10 minutes) to prevent network congestion.
- Customize Your Data: Some radios allow custom APRS messages, which can include your location type (e.g., “Home station” or “Mobile”).
- Use APRS with Digital Messaging: APRS packets can also carry messages if your radio supports it, enabling digital messaging through APRS on DMR.
By following these steps, you should be able to effectively use APRS on your residential DMR radio in the United States, providing location and status updates through the BrandMeister network to the wider APRS community.
To learn more about APRS, check out these two previous DMR Tech Net newsletters:
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The DMR Tech Net team is assisting Dustin N8RMA with NCS duties on the Michigan One DMR net.
Here is the list of the upcoming NCS (Net Control Stations) for it:
- Nov 11 Dustin N8RMA with Bob KB8DQQ as backup
- Nov 18 Tom N8TJ with Rick AD8KN as backup
- Nov 25 Bob KB8DQQ
- Dec 2 Steve KC8WXM
https://www.michiganonedmr.net/
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