Month: April 2018

Automatic Packet Reporting System (APRS) is an amateur radio-based system for real time digital communications of information of immediate value in the local area.  Data can include object Global Positioning System (GPS) coordinates, weather station telemetry, text messages, announcements, queries, and other telemetry. APRS data can be displayed on a map, which can show stations, objects, tracks of moving objects, weather stations, search and rescue data, and direction finding data.

APRS data are typically transmitted on a single shared frequency (depending on country) to be repeated locally by area relay stations (digipeaters) for widespread local consumption. In addition, all such data are typically ingested into the APRS Internet System (APRS-IS) via an Internet-connected receiver (IGate) and distributed globally for ubiquitous and immediate access.[2] Data shared via radio or Internet are collected by all users and can be combined with external map data to build a shared live view.

APRS has been developed since the late 1980s by Bob Bruninga, call sign WB4APR, currently a senior research engineer at the United States Naval Academy. He still maintains the main APRS Web site. The initialism “APRS” was derived from his call sign.

(from Wikipedia – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Automatic_Packet_Reporting_System  )

https://aprs.fi

 

Here are a few of the features and reasons I chose the FTM 400XDR for my Jeep.

Digital and Analog FM Capable
3.5-inch full color and its touch panel operation
50W Transmitter Output
Receive Multiple Bands
Transmitter Bands
144 – 146 MHz or 144 – 148 MHz
430 – 440 MHz or 430 – 450 MHz
500 Memory Channels for each A(Main) band and B(Sub) band
Storage of the Memory channels and personal settings on an inserted micro SD card – By using a micro SD card, it is easy to copy and transfer the radio data to other compatible radios
Versatile Scanning Receiver for Monitoring Enthusiasts (VFO Scan, Memory Scan, etc)
Analog and Digital Clock – Timer function: Event timer with Lap or count down functions

APRS
Built-in GPS receiver and antenna provides location, time, direction and APRS® information. A GPS Logging Function is included

Smart Navigation Function
Real-time navigation function enables location checking at any time. In digital V/D mode, information such as position data is transmitted together with voice signals so the distance and direction to the other stations can be displayed in real-time while communicating with them.

Backtrack Function
The Backtrack Function enables navigation to a registered location at the touch of a button. When hiking or camping, simply register your starting point or campsite before departure, and the distance and orientation from the current location are displayed on the screen.This is valuable feature for Search & Rescue operations as well as casual hiking and camping.

 

Wander Offroad explores Apalachicola National Forest which is the largest forest in Florida, with an abundance of fresh water streams, rivers, lakes, and natural springs. It joins with Tate’s Hell State Forest and is one continuous tract of land comprising over 202,437 acres.