[OZAPRS] Re: ozaprs Digest, Vol 12, Issue 10

[Terry Neumann]

G'day Brian and others ...

Thanks Brian for your response via the list to my speculation about  the
amount of information on HF APRS beacons.   I take the point(s) you have
mentioned Brian.  However, at a time when VK HF APRS activity is so very
low, I wouldn't think it to serious a waste of spectrum to try and include
this information up until such time as there are other stations to use up
the period in between the present (2) station(s).    Information on speed
and heading does add interest for onlookers, and I think the
attractiveness of HF packet as a spectator sport is seriously compromised
if it isn't available.   

I also agree with the general idea as you have expressed them behind the
concept of HF APRS usage; quite frankly, I have no practical need for it
at all at present in respect of mobile usage.   My immediate needs are
covered by the excellent coverage of digi's to the south of here (Adelaide
area), and my own station for local work. 

My interest in HF APRS arises because it's new, interesting, and a
challenge.   If present plans for winding down farm activities come to
fruition, I hope to do some serious 4 WD activities in the Flinders Ranges
(250 - 500 KM) from the nearest digi (mine as it happens) and future plans
include occasional road trips to Canberra and Brisbane to visit family.
HF APRS is clearly the only serious option for these ambitions, and that's
another reason for the interest.    It needs to be researched and fine
tuned before things get serious.

My home HF APRS station is presently an inverted V at  45 feet, feeding a
Kenwood TS-50, thence an elderly MFJ-1278 operating in HF packet mode to
UI-View16.   I've yet so see anything from WA to this time.

The consensus seems to be that 30 metres offers the best compromise for
present experiments and that's probably the best long term option for good
overall propagation through any given 18-24 hour period.   We need to keep
our options open however.   The fact that the VK Traveller's Net has
always used 20 metres and still does may be a worthwhile observation.   I
know "inertia" probably plays a role here too, but the fact is that they
seem to be able to cover the entire continent on a reliable daily basis
with perhaps three stategic stations at best.       

Incidentally VKS-737 <http://www.vks737.on.net/>  seem to be able to
include an APRS type of feature in their activities.   I know they use,
indeed insist on commercial and specialist transceivers, but  there's no
point in re-inventing the wheel  if the manufacturers have already done
all the hard work.   Anyone else have any info on what they do, and how
they do it ???

73,
Terry
VK5ATN

 


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