[OZAPRS] RE: APRS Advice

[Tony Hunt]

Welcome along to APRS Michael,

You didnt ring me back but maybee it was geting a bit late..

We should be able to get it setup via a phone call I think.

Pitfalls.. We were talking Ui-View the other day. So finding the right server addresess and logins can be a bit confusing as the defaults wont work. Getting it configured so it will Gate stuff to 2m properly and then not too much traffic is another area to consider carefully.

The MFJ and Syntrx will probably come preconnected to you so that will make that uncomplicated.

Using APRS to spot Tropo. Thats an interesting one. In most states the Digis and Home stations beacon with paths that make them carry into Igates or across borders into other networks if the 2m band opens up. This can all make it hard to pick on a map at a glance as far as Band openings goes.

However I have used Ui-Path and also DigiNed to examine the paths and set off DX beacons and audible alarms. If the posits are beyond about 150km away and they dont appear on the map via a Igate then its worth knowing about.

Theres also the Local repeater objects that are set up on the Digis now in many places. In VK5 we have these setup to beacon via a NOGATE path. So even if the Object gets seeen by an Igate it will not make it to the Internet feed. I just wish other sysops would follow and then these objects would make a ideal Propagation spotter. Instead we are still seeing Local repeater objects here from over 300km away via the Igate. Do we really need to see these ? Ive brought this subject up before I know.

Tony Hunt VK5AH


Original message follows

Subject: [OZAPRS] APRS Advice
To: <ozaprs at aprs.net.au>
Message-ID: <16ACE48179184B5CBA5EE5FAFD7517B8 at Gamer>
Content-Type: text/plain;	charset="iso-8859-1"

I am preparing a new iGate for APRS which is to begin on VHF and eventually HF (30 Meters). Being very new to packet ops I really don't have a clue.

iGate PC will be P3 with the cobwebs blown out and running XP Pro, probably running UIView
TNC? and Syntrex for 2 meters as Relay and Gate
MFJ1278 for HF connected to an IC726 as Relay and possible Gate

What would you consider to be your biggest issue when starting up? 
What pitfalls are there to avoid?

My goal is to first provide a service to APRS users and secondly utilize the VHF APRS to spot tropo for some SSB work.

Your 2 cents worth will be appreciated.

Regards
Michael VK5MW

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