Enthusiast III
US Comms - An Introduction to your Communication Options
- Thread starter Prerunner1982
- Start date
Traveler II
- 3,858
- First Name
- Michael
- Last Name
- Lester
- Member #
19079
- Ham/GMRS Callsign
- KC5DWF
- Service Branch
- Navy
The technician class in US is probably the easiest in the world, to get a start in ham radio.
Member III
Enthusiast III
- 1,240
- First Name
- Laurits
- Last Name
- Jorgensen
- Member #
3521
- Ham/GMRS Callsign
- HamHead
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- USNCB (Seabees)
Prerunner1982: Could you elaborate on APRS? I'm interested, but I don't think my current radio has integrated APRS. Is it hardware that can be added or is it software? I am installing a TYT TH-9000D radio and I have a dedicated WIN10 Notebook that I use for navigation and a number of other tasks. APRS software runs on Win10 and it seems that it would be an inexpensive way to avoid expensive cell service hotspots that I would only use a few times per year.
Member III
PM sent.
I may work on an APRS thread as well.
A lot of information but not very well organized, especially for someone who is quite new.
Member III
- 2,827
- First Name
- Joshua
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- Downs
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20468
- Ham/GMRS Callsign
- KK6RBI / WQYH678
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- USMC 03-16, FIRE/EMS
There's a few different ways to go about doing APRS and it really depends on what you want to do with it. FWIW I've rarely been somewhere that didn't have cell service that did have APRS service. It still depends on an external network to get it done.
I use a cheap handheld, a 40 dollar burner phone from Amazon, APRSDROID along with an APRS cable from BTECH and an external vehicle mounted antenna. This gets the job done for what I want to do and have successfully sent text messages and emails using the system.
I use a cheap handheld, a 40 dollar burner phone from Amazon, APRSDROID along with an APRS cable from BTECH and an external vehicle mounted antenna. This gets the job done for what I want to do and have successfully sent text messages and emails using the system.
Aprs is a function of the radio which needs a TNC for this function. Some radios have a built in tnc, most do not. Radios with working serial ports can have a thc attached and aprs added, but the Chinese radios (like the TYT you have) do not have working external ports even if visually present.
In order for aprs to be useful, your radio needs to be able to transmit and receive packets from within the communication range of your radio so you communicate with people nearby.
Using a laptop/phone/etc with say aprsice or aprsdroid is only useful for people tracking you on web, but does nothing for the people with radios within your comms range as they won't be able to acknowledge your aprs packets in real time. They may get a "whiff" of you if a local igate connected to aprs.fi retransmits your packets but you'll be gone by then.
Aprs is about real-time direct comms radio-to-radio.
I hope I didn't make it more confusing than you already feel it is..
Oh, one more thing...
You keep reading everywhere that "I can send messages and location updates to my wife over aprs from wherever middle of nowhere even if I have no cell coverage".
That's arguably the biggest BS I've heard coming from the ham community!...
In order for your let's say location to reach the web, your aprs packet transmitted by your radio needs to reach an igate that's connected to internet. What are the chances someone set an igate in the boonies where internet is also nonexistent?
So take that with a big block of salt.
You keep reading everywhere that "I can send messages and location updates to my wife over aprs from wherever middle of nowhere even if I have no cell coverage".
That's arguably the biggest BS I've heard coming from the ham community!...
In order for your let's say location to reach the web, your aprs packet transmitted by your radio needs to reach an igate that's connected to internet. What are the chances someone set an igate in the boonies where internet is also nonexistent?
So take that with a big block of salt.
Member III
Unless you use a satellite... 
But yes APRS is very much dependent on user provided infrastructure.
But yes APRS is very much dependent on user provided infrastructure.
Member III
Member III
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The ISS has an APRS setup as well. And working it on APRS is pretty simple and easy even with a HT if you get it at a high enough elevation to your position. Don't even have to worry about Doppler shift really on the VHF uplink.Unless you use a satellite...
Member III
"Midland Radio will provide its proven, category-leading MicroMobile and X-Talker GMRS radios to enhance on-trail navigation and communication, as well as event organization." (Jeep Jamboree)
https://midlandusa.com/midland-radio...-jamboree-usa/
Will have to see if this will change Jeep Jamboree's CB recommendation...
https://midlandusa.com/midland-radio...-jamboree-usa/
Will have to see if this will change Jeep Jamboree's CB recommendation...
Member III
Spend time in the remote areas of Colorado and Utah. It may be related to the mountains and canyons, but there are lots of areas with no cell service and APRS repeaters. I have used APRS more times than I can count to text, message, etc. in the last few years. I was in Utah back in September about 70 miles from a highway with no cell service and had no problem hitting the APRS system from my ham. Made texting home along with position beacons very easy.
Member III
Considering both GMRS and Ham have license requirements, it'd be a hard sell to big groups like that...
Member III
- 2,827
- First Name
- Joshua
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- Downs
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20468
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- KK6RBI / WQYH678
- Service Branch
- USMC 03-16, FIRE/EMS
That is certainly a hurdle. I make weekly probably annoying posts about licensing folks for GMRS in our Jeep Club. I've had absolutely no interest in HAM but I've got a little traction with GMRS. Especially since we have a local repeater that covers a 40+ mile radius around our city.
Advocate III
I was considering putting a CB in my rig a few years back, until someone on Overland Bound convinced me to get my HAM license ... I tested for the technician license one month and went back and tested for the general the next. You can get study books to learn the material, but the best resource to help you prepare for the test are the practice tests at QRZ.
www.qrz.com
Go to the "Resources" tab (you may have to register at QRZ first, but it's free), and the first link is, "Practice Amateur Radio Exams." The only difference between the practice tests at QRZ and the actual tests you take to qualify for your license is that the answers may be in a different order. The wording of the questions and answers are the same. You can take the practice tests as many times as you look and, when you get an answer wrong, it shows you what the correct answer was. I have posted this information on Overland Bound before, but in a different thread, so sorry for the repeat, but wanted to share the QRZ info, just in case someone is wanting to get their HAM license.
Callsign Database - QRZ.com
Go to the "Resources" tab (you may have to register at QRZ first, but it's free), and the first link is, "Practice Amateur Radio Exams." The only difference between the practice tests at QRZ and the actual tests you take to qualify for your license is that the answers may be in a different order. The wording of the questions and answers are the same. You can take the practice tests as many times as you look and, when you get an answer wrong, it shows you what the correct answer was. I have posted this information on Overland Bound before, but in a different thread, so sorry for the repeat, but wanted to share the QRZ info, just in case someone is wanting to get their HAM license.
Pathfinder I
From the information that I'm gathering, CB Radios seem to be fading in popularity within overland groups. I heard an interesting quote from Clay at Expedition Overland:
"I do genuinely think that a CB radio is about as effective as a cardboard box"
"I do genuinely think that a CB radio is about as effective as a cardboard box"
Advocate III
I really like the Expedition Overland channel ... a lot of good information there ... and it's fun to watch!
