For a number of years I have read a great deal about APRS (Automatic Packet Reporting System). I won't go into detail about what APRS is or how it works because there are so many other places on the Internet that already explain all of this. I do want to point out that the "P" in APRS doesn't stand for "position"; the "P" is for "packet". This is an understandable mistake that many people make because APRS can be used for position reporting.
The more that I learn about APRS the more impressed with it I become. I am a network engineer by profession so the APRS protocols have a lot that I can relate to. I am impressed with how the APRS packets all share the same frequency and manage to get from source to destination without congestion becoming a problem. The protocol has also been cleverly crafted to deal with duplicate packets and limit how many hops any particular packet is allowed to take before being discarded. Without going into a great deal of technical discussion about the protocol, suffice it to say that it is very cleverly designed. In spite of all the thought and work that has gone into APRS, does it really live up to all the hype? I've been looking for a practical, everyday use for APRS and I'm disappointed to say that I've yet to find it.
A few months ago I decided to experiment a little and purchased a TinyTrak3+ kit with a GPS. After building the kit, I connected it to my HT and used it in my truck for several weeks. I had a lot of fun tracking myself on the map at aprs.fi and noting the different digipeaters that my packets went through on their way to an IGate. There is much to appreciate about how this all works! However, for the average Ham, what practical purpose does this serve? I can see the advantage of real time position reports under a number of circumstances. But, I can't think of many day-to-day reasons why a person would need such a capability. Maybe we could use it because it is just fun, but I prefer fun with a purpose. I am aware that position reporting is just one facet of APRS. APRS also offers text messaging via the Ham frequencies, one way email messages, weather reports, and much more. Unfortunately, APRS is barely used at all in my area (the exception being a handful of Hams using it for vehicle tracking).
To use APRS in your vehicle for more than just vehicle tracking, additional equipment is required. For example, the HamHUD is a nice little device that interfaces with your mobile radio to give added APRS functionality while in your vehicle. There is also the Kenwood TM-D710A which builds a lot of APRS functionality right into the radio. I have problems with both of these devices even though they are very nice equipment. One problem is that if I went the HamHUD route, I'd have yet another piece of equipment that would require great effort to properly mount in a vehicle. I feel I've accomplished something if I can just get a normal radio installed without drilling holes in places I'd rather not have holes, routing wires so that they aren't visible and placing the equipment somewhere where it is ascetically pleasing and not in the way of everything. Any vehicle made in the last 20 years makes all this quite a challenge! On the other hand, the Kenwood TM-D710A is a very nice radio, but it also has a very nice price tag. I can't justify spending that much money just to integrate APRS into a radio. After all, why bother? In my area, APRS is utilized for barely a fraction of its capabilities anyway. The man behind APRS, Bob Bruninga (WB4APR), has engaged in a number of efforts to educate Hams about the proper use of his invention. One can sense frustration in some of his writings as he tries to correct a number of misconceptions and urge us to use APRS as it was intended.
Perhaps my desires don't align with Bob's intended uses for APRS. If so, this might explain why I am at a loss to use it effectively. I suspect I'm not alone in this regard though. In the meantime, I'll continue to watch for APRS applications that will solve some problem or give me a new capability that I really need. I'm sure many Hams are using APRS in a very satisfying way. It is not my desire to be negative or to take something away from this remarkable system. I am truly impressed with APRS and I'd sincerely like to use it for something practical. However, I can't think of another amateur technology that has so much potential, yet so few practical everyday uses! The bottom line (for me at least) is that APRS is a great solution that is looking for a problem.
73,
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