How easy is it to send APRS packets via the ISS? Let me show you
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 7 июл 2024
- I hear a lot of people who don't think ARPS is useful for much (*cough* K8MRD *cough*....sorry Mike, I had to lol). They complain that you need a digipeater within range (which is true unless you're going peer to peer), and that they don't have coverage everywhere (not as true as you'll see). Today I'll show you how easy it is to send your location (or a message, or anything else) via APRS using the digipeater on the International Space Station. I didn't mention it in the video, but you can also use this technique to spot yourself for POTA or SOTA when there's no cell service and no digis close by. APRS can also be done via HF, but it's more difficult and requires you to carry a computer (which I'm not about to do). Using this requires nothing more than an HT that can send and receive APRS packets, or a TNC in conjunction with a standard HT and a phone with the appropriate app. In an emergency, you can use this technique to beacon your location, along with an emergency icon and emergency message. While this wouldn't be my primary means of emergency location, it's definitely a tool worth having in your toolbox. You never know when you may need it.
APRS website: aprs.fi
Heavens Above: heavens-above.com
APRSDroid: play.google.com/store/apps/de...
W1ANT app: play.google.com/store/apps/de...
aprs.fi app for iOS: apps.apple.com/us/app/aprs-fi...
www.buymeacoffee.com/k2ejt
That's awesome. It would be cool if some of the Starlink satellites were equipped to do that.
Got me inspired to get my FT5DR out during the next ISS pass to see if I can make a contact. Thanks for the cool video. 73
Just be sure to check and see if the Digi is up and running. You can do it from the aprisis website. Last I knew it was stowed.
Ohhhh...you're right. We have a local information net and I do remember them saying that the digi was stowed. Thanks again for the cool vids. They are helpful!
Great information. Ill have to print out passes on my next hike and try it.
It works great. Thanks for watching!
Very cool . I will give it a try
Hi Paul, which antenna are you using ?
Yeah, I always roll my eyes when someone says APRS is useless. There is APRS on 30 meters too. The only downside I realized from playing is for many years is that it's not perfect. But neither is FT8 or EFHW antennas!
Yeah, 30m APRS is a little more difficult to do but it totally gets the job done. APRS has its use case. It's not the be all, end all......but if you need to get located, or get a message out, or get spotted for POTA/SOTA ......it fits the bill nicely. Thanks for watching Matt!
Exactly. My friends would use APRS for off road trips out west and that's really the only place in the US where digis are kinda sparse. But then you could use ISS! @@EvanK2EJT
Evan, Thanks! This was great and I can't wait to do this with my grandkids who are really into NASA and the Space Station. When you have time a few quick questions: Do you know of an equivalent to the W1ANT app for iPhone? Also, I have an FT5D but also the ID-52a and a TNC4. Do you know if there is a way to do this with the ID-52a plus TNC4 since no APRS in the Icom?
There are a pile of iOS apps for tracking satellites. Check out Heavens Above. That's a good one. As for the ID-52, it will totally work with the TNC4. You'd do it exactly the same way, just change the settings in the APRS app on your phone to mirror what I put in the FT5. Oh, one last thing. Make sure the Digi on the ISS isn't stowed before you try this. Sometimes they stow it for various reasons. You can just google ISS Digipeater status and you'll find a link to where you can check.
@@EvanK2EJT Thanks Evan. Very, very helpful and much appreciated. 73, Paul
You have to open the squelch!
No, you don't. You literally just watched it work without the squelch open. Now, if I'm using my FT-65 with the Mobilinkd TNC I do, but this radio works just fine without the squelch open.