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APRS is the Automatic Position Reporting System, widely used by Amateurs around the world. It uses packet data transmissions to broadcast postion and weather reports, and transfer short messages between stations.
In the UK, the activity is almost exclusively on 144.800 using 1200 baud AFSK on an FM carrier.
We've also been experimenting with 300 baud FSK and PSK63 on HF in the 30m band. See
this page for more details.
And in 2023 tried out the emerging 70cm network using LoRa modulation. See
this page for more details.
Some stations operate digital repeaters, which re-transmit received packets to increase their range. There are also many IGates (internet gateways), which allow the packets to be relayed worldwide without using multi-hop radio relays.
For RAYNET groups, APRS can offer the advantages of dispalying the current positions of their mobiles on a map, and the ability to automatically relay short text messages around a net. All the transmissions are automatically logged and time-stamped too.
There are three ways to make use of the APRS: with a PC (either at home or in the field); operating a tracker from the car, or when out walking.
Click on the pictures below to learn more:
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If you have a PC and an FM radio, then you already have enough to start using the system, but other equipment such as a TNC, Tracker and GPS will be necessary to use the system to its full potential.
Short-cuts to the following sections:
APRS with a PC
APRS in the car
APRS in the pocket
APRS on HF
Burst-after-voice mode with your Tracker
The new Tracker2 TNC/Digipeater/2-way tracker
Using Bluetooth connections to your TNC
New in 2023: APRS with LoRa on 70cm