[OZAPRS] Digipeaters and iGATE's

[VK3AJ]

Greetings to all on this list,

 

I manage a number of radio sites here in Victoria for Scouts Victoria as
well as myself in significant locations.

Since getting a nice new TM-D710GA to play with, I have been getting more
interested in APRS and how it works.

I noticed some significant holes in the APRS coverage in the areas my voice
repeaters cover, so have started the process of establishing APRS on one of
the sites (VK3RSA) to fill these holes and learn more about how the network
works.

I've tried contacting our Victorian APRS coordinator to no avail, so are
seeking advice from members of this list on the right way to set it up, how
best to configure it for best performance and not have an adverse effect on
the APRS network.

 

The site has excellent free high speed internet access, so I am interested
in setting it up as an iGATE as well.

 

So to specifics.

 

The hardware is a Microsat WIN3in1 mini connected to a 25W Motorola MCS2000
mobile into a Folded Dipole antenna on a water tower 48m AGL.

 

The site is a high mountain that has 360deg visual coverage for 100+ Km in
85% of horizon. Nearest obstructive mountain is the Dandenong ranges 15Km
away.

Current tests from the site shows significant coverage improvements across
the area.

Some of the information I have read on the internet (so it must be true :))
suggests that APRS sites on high mountains aren't necessarily a good option.
Is this correct?

The site shows a path from my mobile (VK3AJ-9) as SW55Q7 via VK3RSA-1,
WIDE*,WIDE2-1,qAR,VK3GY-1. I'm note 100 percent sure what all this means,
but have noticed that other sites show WIDE1-1 where mine shows WIDE*. What
effect does this have?

Can anyone advise the correct settings for a WIN3in1 mini in such an
environment?

 

How do I go about setting it up as an iGATE? Is this an appropriate option?

 

I have three other sites that I could add APRS to depending on
appropriateness. 1 is in a rural area not currently covered by APRS (SW
corner of Victoria) and the other 2 are outer eastern Victoria sites. How do
I get / Who is best to advise me on suitability of these sites for adding to
the network?

 

I'm a hands on learner, so please, no highly technical answers.

 

Thanks in advance for the collective wisdom.

 

Regards,

 

Peter Chaplin

 <mailto:peter at chaplin.net.au> peter at chaplin.net.au

VK3AJ

Scout Radio & Electronics Service Unit

Repeater Coordinator

0418 328 882

 

No trees were harmed in the posting of this message...however an
extraordinarily large number of electrons were horribly inconvenienced.

 

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