APRS AND WEATHER STATION
INFORMATION
AUTOMATIC PACKET REPORTING SYSTEM (APRS) is a system that
takes
advantage of the availability of inexpensive GPS receivers to display the
locations of stations on your PC. By connecting your PC computer to
any
radio network via an inexpensive radio data modem, then all stations
can
see the movements and positions of all other stations. APRS permits any number
of stations to
exchange data just like voice users but without the complexity of maintaining
separate point-to-point links. Software such as WinAPRS or UI-View is used
for the operation of APRS, and relevant maps are available via the internet.
Click here for an overview an introduction to APRS by Arte Booten N2ZRC
APRS was devised and written by Bob Bruninga W4APR during the mid-1990's. For an explanation of APRS by its author, click here.
WHAT IS UI-VIEW?
UI-View is an APRS application for Windows, written by Roger Barker G4IDE
(the author of Winpack). It differs from most APRS software in that it isn't
designed just to be used
with TNCs
in
terminal
mode. It
also supports TNCs in KISS mode, AGWPE host mode and BPQ host mode. (The
32 bit version also supports WA8DED/TF host mode, and the variant of it used
in the SCS PTC-II and PTC-IIe.) The host mode support means that UI-View
can be used with an extremely wide range of packet hardware and allows up
to 16 RF ports to be used.
UI-View has a full-featured internal intelligent
digipeater and has full support for connecting to APRS servers on the internet.UI-View
uses bitmap images for its maps. Also, the 32 bit version has full support
for Undertow Software's Precision Mapping CD atlas, allowing you
to zoom to street level anywhere in the USA.UI-View has an open architecture.
It is designed to make it easy for other software authors to write add-on applications
that provide additional functionality.
Roger Barker G4IDE sadly went SK in September 2004. Before his passing,
Roger stipulated that registration of UI-View32 would be
made free to amateurs. A request is however made to all amateurs registering
that they make a (voluntary) donation to their local Cancer Research.In order
to obtain a free registration code for UI-View32 or Winpack, visit the URL
below:
http://www.apritch.myby.co.uk/uiv32.htm
NOTE: you need the registration code BEFORE installing UI-View32!
UI-View32 is a 32 bit version and so needs a 32 bit version of Windows - Win95, Win98, WinME, Win2000, WinXP. It has many extra features compared to UI-View(16). If you are unfamiliar with UI-View, then it is recommended that you try UI-View(16) before applying for a registration so you can use UI-View32. The absolute minimum hardware spec to run UI-View32 is a P120. If you run it on anything less than that, then it will be very slow.
Download UI-View16 here (1.86Mb)
Download UI-View32 here (5.02Mb)
VISIT THE UI-VIEW WEBSITE for further information, extras and much more!
LOCAL MAPS FOR USE WITH UI-VIEW
PORT ELIZABETH APRS IGATE
As from July 2005 the Port Elizabeth Amateur Radio Society
has it's own APRS Internet Gateway (IGate) run from the QTH of Barry ZS2EZ
in Walmer.
The function of an IGate is essentially to connect an APRS station to an Internet
APRS Server. RF traffic received at the IGate is then gated to the server,
and world-wide traffic received by the server is gated back to the IGate station.
The Igate station is configured to filter only the South African data, which
is then transmitted out on the local APRS channel (currently 144.625MHz)
The PEARS IGate is currently connected via a 192K ADSL connection to the APRSFL
server.
At this stage there are IGates in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal transferring APRS
data for these regions.
WEATHER STATION INFORMATION VIA APRS
Thanks to work by Chris ZS2AAW and the kindness of Bill ZS2ABZ, Port Elizabeth
amateurs are now able to receive up-to-date weather information via UI-VIEW
directly from Bill's weather station at his QTH in Walmer, Port Elizabeth.
The weather station is interfaced via a PIC-controlled unit (built by Chris
ZS2AAW) to a radio on the Port Elizabeth packet frequency of 144.625MHz.
Weather information is updated every five minutes.
In order to access the data, local users need to have UI-View configured
for their station and running on 144.625MHz, and a relevant map loaded showing
the icon for ZS2ABZ-4. Either the Port Elizabeth or Walmer (Bill's suburb)
maps
available
on the
Local Maps download page will suffice. Simply double click on the icon next
to ZS2ABZ-4 and a window will be opened displaying current weather information.
At this stage this service is only available to stations within range of
Bill's QTH, but it is planned to increase the range in the future.
Many thanks go to Bill ZS2ABZ for allowing the use of his weather station,
and to Chris ZS2AAW for his efforts in making this project happen!