Amateur Radio operators use a system called APRS to track their location. Some handheld and mobile radios come with APRS, or ham operators can use a computer or smartphone top update and share their location with other operators.
Essex APRS Map:
Here’s a real-time map of amateur radio activity in Essex now:
iPhone APRS Application
Don’t want to splash out on expensive APRS equipment? If you have a smartphone, you can use this to report your position to an APRS server. It’s very easy to set up, and quite impressive.
There are a few iPhone APRS applications out there – my personal favourite is Ham Tracker – (iTunes Link)
Handy links
Want to see a good example of APRS in action? Check out the Truckcam.tv site to see live video feeds from some Essex Hams
A Useful app for android users can be found at http://aprsdroid.org/. An excellent piece of APRS software, free from the authors site or a paid version from the android market to support the author and enable automatic updates.. Andy M0KVR
I have an iPhone 4 and found you can login to the aprs.fi website via the safari broswer and send your location without an app. You have to give permission in the settings for safari to send your location and set the auto key lock to never as when the phone locks it stops sending your position. Joel G0URK
great to see the real time aprs map pete
hi guys maybe worth sticking on your map , I run a public dstar hotspot MB6SE, your all more than welcome to use it, more info on facebook group MB6SE, located in Thorpe bay southend on sea , cheers jay
Hi, Does anyone know of software that can be used on either the Wouxun KG-UV950P or the Yeasu FT7900 with a PC and the USB programming cable?
Is this possible?
Hi,
I used a hardware TNC with a Yaesu FT-8900 with APRS a while back.
The rear connector on these is the same as the data mode/tnc connector on many hf rigs, so if you have something similar for PSK, then you maybe able to use this with AGWPE, or similar sound card tnc software.
I would recommend a hardware tnc though.
Cheers
Matty MD0MAN
Thank you. I have a Signalink USB on my HF setup so guess I’ll need to make another purchase.
In the words of its creator:
“APRS is not a vehicle tracking system. It is a two-way tactical real-time digital communications system between all assets in a network sharing information about everything going on in the local area. On ham radio, this means if something is happening now, or there is information that could be valuable to you, then it should show up on your APRS radio in your mobile. APRS also supports global callsign-to-callsign messaging, bulletins, objects email and Voice because every local area is seen by the Internet System (APRS-IS)! APRS should enable local and global amateur radio operator contact at anytime-anywhere and using any device.”
– Bob Bruninga, WB4APR (SK)
How APRS Works ( https://how.aprs.works ) is the NEW home for all things related to the Automatic Packet Reporting System (APRS)!
This site is owned and maintained by APRS Foundation Inc. We are working feverishly to get fresh, new, and ACCURATE content up on the site quickly!
We want you to forget about all those ancient looking websites that look like they were developed in the 90s…they’re difficult to follow, are incomplete, and in many cases are just flat out WRONG!
We’re here to fix all of that…and more!
https://how.aprs.works