APRS Article 2
September-October 1999
APRS
Software
By
Jeff Robbins
VE3JTR (Voice Call)
VA3JTR (APRS Call)
EMAIL: va3jtr@rac.ca
WEB: http://www.lks.net/~ve3jtr
Last time I tried to give a good introduction to the Automatic Position Reporting System (APRS), however, I find that it is much easier to see what APRS is all about rather than try to explain it in words. We can say that APRS is great for tracking moving vehicles, foxhunts, watching weather conditions and propagation, but until you see the icons moving around on your computer screen, you really cannot fully appreciate it’s value. Let’s get you some software, so you can see it too! You have several choices when deciding which software is best for you for home use. Your decision will be based on what you have available for a computer. Lets take a look at the pros and cons of each one so that you can decide which is best for you:
DOS
If you are like many people and only use Windows when absolutely necessary, never fear. The original APRS software is DOS based and will run on many older computers, from an 8088 on up, with a CGA, EGA or VGA video card. APRS does, however, require nearly 540 Kbytes of free conventional memory. A low memory version of APRS is available that only requires 411Kbytes. Many Amateurs make this their choice, using a resurrected PC, so that they do not tie up their good Pentium computer. APRS is distributed as a ZIP file, so you should use a recent copy of PKUnzip to install the program. The Dos version is called ‘APRS’, but from now on, to avoid confusion, I will refer to it as dosAPRS. V840 is the latest version of the program as of writing. The version you download may be more recent, therefor a higher number. You will also need the latest maps for dosAPRS, check the download area of my website for links to Canadian dosAPRS maps.
WINDOWS
The Windows version, called WinAPRS, will run on many Windows 95, NT, and 3.1 systems. WinAPRS is a 32 bit application, meaning you will need to download and install Win32s DLL from Microsoft in order to run the program on Windows 3.1. The authors recommend at least a 486/33 with 8 Meg of Ram running Windows 95 or NT. While developing WinAPRS, the authors followed official Windows programming guidelines including shortcut keys making WinAPRS look and feel like any other Windows application. This means that getting the program configured and operational is not as difficult for Windows users. I too, find the Windows version easier to use, because all the settings and such are in easily accessible pull-down menus. The downfall, of course, is you need a fairly recent PC that is Windows capable, and you likely will have to share computer time with the rest of the family, so leaving WinAPRS running 24 hours may not be feasible. WinAPRS is distributed as a ZIP file, so PKUnzip or Winzip can extract and install the software. The Windows version is capable of reading and displaying both the dosAPRS maps as well as the Mac/WinAPRS map format. The latest release of WinAPRS is V228. The latest WinAPRS maps can be found by following links from the download area of my website.
MAC
The Mac version, called MacAPRS, requires System 7 or better to run. The authors recommend a color Mac with 8 or 12 Meg, but MacAPRS will run on low-end machines as long as System 7 is installed. MacAPRS also has the ability to utilize multiple monitors if your system is setup with such. The Mac version is very similar in operation to the Windows version (in fact, both versions were developed from the same C++ source code, and the Mac version was born first!). Mac APRS is distributed as a HQX file. MacAPRS, also, is capable of reading dos maps. Unfortunately, I am not a Mac person, but I invite MacAPRS users to email me with their comments.
LINUX
This is hot off the press! The Sproul brothers are working on an X-windows version for the Linux operating system. X-APRS, as it will be known, is being written using the same source code for Mac and WinAPRS. X-APRS will be distributed as a RPM file, and plans are in place to offer other platforms as well, such as PowerPC Linux and Sun operating systems. This software has just been released (early July), so as of this writing, I haven’t had a chance to try it out. If I get a chance, I will mention it in the next article. Of course, I need to figure Linux out, too!
MAPS
Finding good maps for your area can be challenging. I have tried to keep a good links page of available maps on my webpage, so that is good place to start. There are plenty of people who are developing maps, likely for your area, too. If you are maintaining maps for your area, and you do not see your maps referenced on my website, please email me, and I will make sure your maps are added! Remember, dosAPRS maps are compatible with Win/MacAPRS, but the reverse is not true. With Win/MacAPRS you have some additional choices. You have the ability to scan in aerial photos, road or topographical maps, assign a couple of Lat/Log reference points and use those maps! My own experience with this has taught me to choose maps with as little information on them as possible. Too much information and the map will be messy and confusing.
This software is all available as shareware on the Internet, but I believe the software is so well written that it deserves the small price the authors ask for registered versions. The shareware versions are fully functional, but the ability to save the settings is disabled. By registering your shareware, you will be given a registration number that will allow you to save your settings, and you will also be giving the authors incentive to continue improving their software. I have links on my website for downloading the software and maps at http://www.qsl.net/va3jtr. Install your choice of software as described in the documentation, connect your TNC, and you are ready to go. All versions of the APRS software come with excellent documentation to help you configure the software for your station. Read the documentation! There are specific installation instructions, and tons of TNC settings that will help you get everything setup right. So what happens when everything is setup and running? Assuming you are near a digipeater, you won’t wait long until station icons start popping up on your screen! You may see home stations, mobile stations and weather reports. While other parts of the country may vary, here in Eastern Ontario the traffic on 144.390 is almost constant!
Next time, we will look into what is required to build a GPS equipped mobile tracker. Until then, I’ll be SEEING you on APRS!