FAQ & HELP FILES

How to setup the Software the first time.

dosAPRS

  1. The first step is to download the software and install it to your system. When installing use PKUNZIP with the -d option. This will insure that the program and support files are placed in the correct directories.
  2. Start APRS. Once the Title screen comes up, your will see at the bottom of the screen a question for your Call sign. Enter your call. If this is the first time to setup, then only enter your call sign, such as KC5JGV. However, if your running more than one copy of APRS and will be on the air with more than one radio, i.e., the qth and a mobile, then add a SSID after your call, such as KC5JGV-2. You may have several SSID's on the air at any given time.
  3. The next step is to enter your basic operating parameters to include the hardware your using (or going to use). The first question is asking if your computer has one or more Ports. If your only using a TNC then enter S for Single Port. If your running a TNC and a weather station then enter D for Dual Port.
  4. The next question asks what port number your TNC is connected to. Enter that number.
  5. Next you will be asked what baud rate the TNC is communicating at. You should know this number from the setup of your TNC. Enter the baud rate here.
  6. Next you are asked if your running on HF or VHF. (We recommend that you tryout APRS on VHF first). Enter H or V here.
  7. Next your asked what type of TNC and gives several choices. Choose the one that you are using. If it is not listed, choose Other.
  8. Then you be asked one more question about the TNC. If it doesn't apply then enter N for Neither.
  9. At this point two different questions may come up depending on what you enter at point 3 above. If you enter only Single port then you will be asked if you want to setup Zulu or Local time, then the time zone your in, and finally if your in a Daylight Savings time zone. If you entered Dual port at point 3 above, then you will go through setting up the next port for a GPS, WX or other equipment and then will go through the time zone setup.
  10. At this point a map of the United States should appear, your TNC will initialize and your ready to enter your location. Entering your location is rather simple. First you should have a good idea of where your located. If you know your Lat/Lon than the process will be rather simple. If you don't then try to locate someone with a GPS or a good map that will give you a pretty good idea what the numbers are.
  11. The first step is to enter I for Input, M for My Data and P for Position.
  12. This is where you enter your Latitude and Longitude. Then you'll be ask to enter the first letter of the symbol that you want to use. Enter Q for QTH (you can change this later) and pick 1 for QTH-Vertical.
  13. You will then be asked for a Course and Speed, for now, hit ENTER to accept the defaults. Then you'll be asked for a Comment, hit ENTER and date/time, again hit ENTER.
  14. The last question is f the information is correct. Provided you didn't make a mistake enter Y for yes.
  15. At this point a symbol of a house with a vertical antenna should appear at your location. f your tuned in to the local APRS frequency (144.390 in the U.S.) then you may begin seeing other stations on your screen.
  16. The final step is to enter your Registration information. If your not registered then you will have to go through this process each and every time you start APRS. However, with the registration entered the program will startup at the map with your symbol located where it is now. To enter the registration information, press ALT-S. Then enter S for Save and enter your registration number(s). You may be asked for the GPS/WX/DF numbers as well.
  17. After the number is entered you will be asked to enter a file extension. For now just hit ENTER to accept the default (.apr) file name.
  18. That's it! Your now setup for APRS and can explore the program. Have Fun!