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1-7 of 7 messages
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Rank beginner here.
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by WB9URN on October 22, 2009
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Well, not now, I just showered.
In all my reading re APRS, I have yet to come across a document telling me EXACTLY what I will need to get my Yaesu FT-897 D active on APRS.
Do I need a TNC?, I assume that I would need some sort of GPS receiver. What about a computer?
How about a BASIC beginners document.
Thanks,
Allen
WB9URN
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RE: Rank beginner here.
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by WW5AA on October 23, 2009
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Hi Allen,
Here is the basics : http://www.wvraclub.org/aprs.htm
Do a Google search on APRS...lots of basic information. You will need a computer to program a TNC or to run APRS software. Have fun.
73 de Lindy
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RE: Rank beginner here.
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by KE7RFL on October 23, 2009
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I fought the same battles you are fighting... trying to figure out the what, when, where and how of APRS.
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I ended-up putting together a portable APRS center that I can move from one vehicle to another.
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I took a Tac-Comm TRC-1 case and installed a Yaesu
FT-2900R, coupled to an Argent Data Systems OT2m tracking unit, with a NUVI 350 GPS unit for display/directions and capped it with a magnetic mount antenna from Diamond. To relocate the unit to another vehicle.. I simply unplug the power cord, grab the antenna, pick up the Tac-Comm box and violin! I'm done!
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Works like the proverbial charm.
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Here's a link to the fellow that figured-out how to integrate the Nuvi 350, the OT2m and the Yaesu radio into a top-notch APRS package..... http://mikewren.com/n2qdk-9
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RE: Rank beginner here.
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by KE7RFL on October 23, 2009
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I'm faily new to Ham radio... but have come to one definite conclusion. If you ask what time it is, you'll be told how to build a watch.
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There seems to be some sort of mindset against answering questions in plain old, easy to understand language.
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RE: Rank beginner here.
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by KG6HXO on October 23, 2009
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I hear your pain! There are many ways to accomplish what you want to do, and you have not been specific about what you really hope to accomplish. Basically, you need to decide if you want to just make your radio a tracker, so you can see it on the web at sites like Openaprs.net or aprs.fi, or if you want to make a "two way" station" so you can see the positions of other APRS stations. Additionally, you may want to do APRS messaging, which is essentially E-Mail over the APRS network.
The simplest thing is a basic tracker. This can be accomplished by taking a low cost unit like the Byonics TinyTrak 3 a GPS, and an adapter cable for your computer (www.byonics.com) There are a few similar products out there, one is the OT2, from Argent Data, but the basic principals still apply.
Making a two way station increases the cost and complexity of your station, so I would start out with a basic tracker as a learning tool, and your investment will not be as painful, nor the learning process as pain free, as building a bi-directional station. Both Byonics and Argent data make simple encoders and transceiving units that will both encode and decode APRS. ( Note: I manufacture the Micro-Trak products for Byonics, so watch me carefully for bias, but you can just go online and order a pre-programmed tracker with Zero learning curve if you want the the easy and fast route)
If money is not the problem, and you are not locked into your radio ( which seems like a pretty cool radio by the way!) You can get a Kenwood D710 transceiver and an AVMAP GPS 5 display GPS. Setup can be a little intimidating , but the procedure is well documented. If in doubt, find a 13 year old kid, who can knock out the software settings for you in while texting his pals with his free hand.
My best recommendation is to just E-mail Byon at Byonics of Scott at Argent Data and ask them what you need to get your radio going in whatever configuration you choose. Quick and painless.
73,
Allen
VHS
AF60F
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RE: Rank beginner here.
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by WB9URN on October 23, 2009
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I really appreciate all the helpful answers here.
I think I will just leave APRS alone for awhile.
Being unemployed for two years and living on my wife's earnings doesn't leave much in the way of hobby money.
Thanks, guys
Allen
WB9URN
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RE: Rank beginner here.
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by EI8DRB on October 28, 2009
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Ok, you don't need to spend much, or anything, really, to get started.
Two pieces of software, UIView and AGWPE (both free and googleable) will do all you need to get your home station on the APRS network, assuming you are within shouting distance of a digipeater.
If you have an interface to connect your soundcard to your 897, you can tx and rx with ease. If not, a simple lead connecting the headphone out on the 897 to the microphone in on your computer will allow you to receive all stations within earshot.
From this, you should at least be able to determine if you want to actually spend money and take it to the next level.
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