Interest Groups
Automatic Packet Reporting System (APRS)
APRS is used by amateurs to exchange text messages and other data.
APRS protocols support flexible message passing through a radio network and, if desired, into the internet and out through another remote radio network.
One popular use of APRS is position reporting - mobile users can automatically report their current positions and make them visible to other APRS users - which is often useful during emergencies and at certain events.
However APRS also supports much more, including internet email if desired.
When many cell phones offer email and other messaging features, some people ask, "Why are you doing this?" The answer is, for fun and for the challenge in learning about and assembling the necessary systems.
However there is a practical benefit too.
In disaster situations the cell phone network has often been destroyed, or been too overloaded for reliable use. Even the communications systems used by front-line emergency workers have failed - sometimes they are on the same destroyed towers as the cell phone network.
Amateurs, with their in-depth knowledge about communications systems, and their portable equipment, have used their systems (including APRS) during these events to help coordinate emergency assistance.
Our club has a very active group of APRS enthusiasts, with APRS systems around the region. They know APRS well, and are actively exploring the uses and limits of the technology.
There are many facets to the amateur radio hobby, and this is but one of them. For more information, come out to one of our meetings or contact us via our Contact Us page.
