Tactical Communications with APRS in the field - How'd we do?
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- Опубліковано 7 вер 2024
- How well does APRS work in the field between two radios? I’ll be testing out my new Kenwood TM-D710GA as the base station and use my Yaesu FT-60R with Mobilinkd and APRSDroid out on the trail.
#thetechprepper #kenwood #d710ga #d710 #hamradio #yaesu #ft60 #mobilinkd #backcountry #desert #arizona #tontoforest #prepper #prepping #shtf
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Episode: #66
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I am really liking how practical and well thought out your use case scenarios are for your specific operating needs. I also enjoy the testing that ensues of the setups that you employ to fulfil those requirements.
Glad to hear that you like this scenarios. This was one of my early video and I believe I was very new to APRS then, so I hope I did not mangle anything on that video. Either way, I enjoy sharing my experiments and journey with you guys. Take care.
Great test! Thank you for sharing and looking forward to the lessons learned along the way. Same setup I have been dreaming of, thank you for trailblazing! Happy birthday too btw!
Thanks. It really does feel like the right setup. I’m pretty sure it’s a line of sight issue, unless there’s something I’m missing? Thanks for the b-day wish. The trails and ham radio are fun hobbies, so there’s no shortage of experiences to share with this wonderful community.
Happy Birthday! I really love the content. As a soon to be Ham I appreciate the down to earth content. We are in Mn but have family in Az and know the Tonto well. Keep up the great content we are all waiting for the next Video.
Thanks. Good look on your path to becoming a ham! There’s a lifetime of things to explore in ham radio. I’m happy to take you all with me while I figure this stuff out myself. I have been finding that all this gear works great at home and in the shack, but can be a bit flaky when used in the field. I appreciate the comment and birthday wish. 73
Great choice! The Kenwood 710G is one of my favorite VHF/UHF radios. Pricey, but very capable. Good experiment, too.
Thanks. I was also looking at the Yaesu FT-400XDR, but it doesn’t have a real user accessible TNC and I heard that historically it had issues with the GPS. The touch screen would have been nice. In the end, if NASA elected to put 710s on the ISS, it’s the rig I want. As always, thanks for chiming in. Any success on interfacing your 710 with mapping software? I have a few experiments with Android, Linux and the Raspberry Pi in the pipeline.
@@TheTechPrepper As a matter of fact, I have gotten the 710 to talk to Linux and RPi. At a very high level, I use libax25 which sets up the TNC as a shared network interface. For that radio in particular, you should also look for a script called tmd710_tncsetup.c which has the right initialization steps. After that, XASTIR is still the best-known APRS mapping software for Linux. The UI is ancient, but it works. Feel free to reach out at my QRZ email address for more detail. -K0SWE
@@ChrisKeller Thanks for the direction, Chris. I've been using Linux since the early Slackware days, circa 96', so this is super helpful. I'll look you up on QRZ if I hit all wall. Thanks!
I think APRS is great protocol to play with to get my partner follows me on the trail. Not HAM related but for emergency purposes, I fully trust my Garmin INREACH mini. Keep the great content. Following from Wellington, New Zealand
The Garmin InReach is very reliable based on feedback from fellow hikers. I am still considering getting a basic monthly service. It never hurts to layer on APRS and a 2m/70cm ham radio.
Looks good. I’m looking looking for a battery to power my 7300. I watched your video on the NVIS Dipole and am looking to try it out in the field. I made a 20m version but haven’t quite got the SWR right yet
After a experience where my wife got a little worried because I wasn't checking in, no cellular service, I started thinking about other means of communication. I first thought of something like the Garmin InReach, but those are expensive and have reoccurring monthly costs. Since I plan on having HF with me I'm looking at JS8CALL as it appears it can send TX via aprs as well.
I looked into the Garmin InReach as well. While it's like the most bulletproof option, it's too expensive for me as well. Glad to know there may be a way to bridge APRS with JS8Call over HF. Sounds like an interesting experiment.
@@TheTechPrepper I use js8 call, keep my station on for emergency message and relay's (yes, you can relay through my station to another station) , I work DX and have actual conversations with them (South Africa, Philippines (Max Santos js8call.ph on Facebook) , New Zealand, Fairbanks Alaska, one Hawaii station came on the other day (we need more) . I'd like to see a boat try it out in the Pacific. N6GRG 40m usually.
Happy birthday! Great choice for your APRS radio. Nothing beats a Kenwood for this stuff!
Thanks, Harry! Kenwood nailed the APRS integration.
looks good
I wish Yaesu kept the ft1dr. It's a great little radio for what you're doing, simple and built in GPS/APRS. I got 2 a few years ago, and I'm glad I did. I like it that they're simple and feel more rugged than the newer Yaesu hts. The newer ones have an onscreen keyboard which would be nice.
These older radios were much better than the newer FT3DR and FT5DR, IMHO. I don't care for touch screens and the older models feel more rugged. It's amazing how hard and expensive re-buying these older models can be.
@@TheTechPrepper I know they went way up in price on the used market. I wish my car would do that...
Keep up the videos and Happy Birthday. 73
Will do. Thanks!
I wanted to give APRS a chance, but also had too many failures because of low power from my FT2D. APRS-Droid works great when driving along Interstates (with cell reception) but not out in the sticks. I wonder if you tried reversing this experiment, using the camper radio at 50 watts to reach the HT on the trail, and had any results? If that worked, then maybe I would look at an amp for the FT2D when it's in my Jeep? An amped HT is fine in a vehicle, if it works, but a bare HT while hiking still wouldn't cut it. HT APRS can still have it's place, if planned in advance to be near reception areas. But, for everything else when I'm outdoors, I got an inReach mini and it works great. Pete - KI7LIL
Pete, thanks for sharing your experience. I tried a similar experiment this past weekend that worked great. I took the Jeep out on a trail and ran the Kenwood at 50 watts as a digipeater, then hiked a few miles with the HT on foot. I was able to send my location and send messages via SMSGTE to the digipeater in the Jeep and it was able to hit an IGate 40+ miles away. More power and a good antenna makes all the difference. I’ve been looking into an InReach. Glad to hear it’s working out.
There is an offline osm maps version of aprsdroid available on the website also then there's no cell reception needed..
Your handheld signal must hit a Igate repeater to send the signal to your base station.
No it doesn't... It can send a message direct.. It it can even get digipeated then make it to your base and still show up.... NO INTERNET NEEDED.. That's the hole point.
Kudos for posting a fail too!
They're not all winners. These fail videos are good lessons. Take care.
We recently did a test on #aprsthursday of the capability of sending an aprs message from one radio to many radios. There is an "Announcement Server" capability out there (not sure who actually owns it) but the premise is that you can create a Group on that server. Once the Group is out there, stations can Join that group (joining lasts 24 hours and then expires). Sending a CQ message to the ANSRVR will then rebroadcast that APRS message to everyone who Joined the group within the last 24 hours. Then, those who received the group message from the ANSRVR can reply and the reply will go to the originating station directly. The test was very successful and supports that, with a little planning, this capability can be used for a one-to-many aprs group communication. I think we will do a few more tests - but at first pass, it was successful - many stations joined and many stations confirmed the message. Of course it depends on the Announcement Server being online and the radios within reach of an iGate connected digipeater. take care KC8OWL
Thanks for sharing the details. Several people have been pushing me to try APRS Thursday. I'll have to carve out some time and give it a try. 73's
If you are out in the wild like that and are trying to communicate with only your station relatively close, use a different frequency than 144.390 because you're bound to be interfered with by other packets.
Interesting idea. I’ll need to check what the amateur etiquette is around doing APRS on something other than nation wide APRS frequency is.
@@TheTechPrepper nothing wrong with it at all. You just won't have the infrastructure of digipeaters and igates on your own frequency. But you'll have the benefit of silence
@@MisterTwister55 Thanks for the additional info. I am fine with one way transmissions to my base station so that my wife can see any messages that appear from me on Xastir.
(Coles notes to save you 7min of your time)
-Takes poorly timed sip of drink.
-Aprs Test fails.
-Rambles about other things.
🍻😂
They're not all winners. Thanks for the feedback and your notes.
question??? to send a message from the baofeng back to the base station, are you typing the message out on the baofeng or on the cell phone that is connected to the aprs modem via bluetooth
?
Good question. Yes, I am typing the message on my phone using the APRSDroid application. The phone is connected to the Mobilinkd TNC via bluetooth.
My current Jeep APRS setup is a Baofeng UV82 with an external antenna, connected to a tablet/APRSDroid via a cable. Works well when I'm off-road, however I'd like to use a higher wattage mobile rig. I'm looking at the D710GA; my question to you is how can I display the beacons received by the D710GA on my tablet without a cable? Would I need something like a Mobilinkd; or is there some other way to add bluetooth to the D710GA?
I see some of the handheld Kenwood radios have APRS/GPS/Bluetooth built in, but it appears the D710GA does not have all that hardware?
Thanks!
The D710GA does not have Bluetooth. I did a video where I connected the D710GA to APRSDroid using the PG-5G serial cable, then attaching a serial to USB adapter. I believe during my research there were some people online building custom Bluetooth cables. Another option is using the PG-5G cable and buying a serial to Bluetooth adapter. I’m not sure if that’s two bulky for you. To your other question, I have a Mobilinkd and the Kenwood cable, but haven’t had anytime to test it. If your tablet has built-in GPS, you can get by with an inexpensive 50 watt 2m transceiver and a Mobilinkd. It would be considerably cheaper... that’s the approach I’m taking to add APRS to my motor home. Great question and good luck!
The 710 is really THE radio and hasn’t been been surpassed. Remembering what APRS is MEANT to be for - situational awareness is important to keep in mind. VK1MIC
Exactly. I’m struggling to figure out what I would change and the only thing I would say is Kenwood providing a factory USB cable instead of the serial connector. Are there any changes you would like to see in future iterations of the 710?
@@TheTechPrepper full Bluetooth access to TNC would be good. I don’t think they are planning any upgrades
@@WadeAbout That would be great, but doubtful.
I’m still unclear on this in researching aprs, but I want to send text message from one base radio to another. Is this possible without any other equipment, just radio to radio?
Yes, this is absolutely possible. If both radios are within line of sight or range to hear each other, they can exchange APRS messages with each other. The radios either need to support APRS natively or you need to add a sound interface or TNC like the Mobilinkd to them. I may make a video on this topic as I’ve had a few people ask this question.
@@TheTechPrepper I would love a video! Thank you! Yes, I am able to hit a few repeaters on my baofeng further than some friends houses away. I’ve also been looking hard at this kenwood, and this might just have pushed me over to pulling the trigger on it.
Did you ever get it figured out or come up with something better?
Yes! I need to do an update video. I have a dedicated packet station at the home QTH niece with a directional antenna. A better was all that was needed.
@@TheTechPrepper any sat options? Outside of having to pay for spot or inreach? A gps/text sat solution would be epic. Ya please share update that would be great.
@@StrapDLBStyle I have not done any research into satellite devices yet. That's an area that I have yet to explore. When I go that route, I'll start by looking into the Garmin InReach Mini as well as evaluate other options.
Not a bad way to spend your birf dizzles in 2020 my brother
Thanks! Hiking and playing radio... it was a good day.
I still don’t understand the aprs stuff
It's time for an update video. All the APRS videos that are out on my channel are from when I first started. It's time for an update video with an overview of the basics. I hope this will help.
Thumbnail photo is stereotyped image, view, somekind of silly movie taken clichè, of field combat person looklikes. Do not act and be like Jeronimo movie Osama eleminating persons, silly and sick imagination of scenario writers. Not even close looklikes.
I respect your opinion, but I have worn a beard for many years. It’s hot in the desert and I wear a neck gator, hat and sun glasses while exploring in the desert to protect my face and neck from the sun. The backpack is a sturdy backpack from 5.11 that has never failed me. I will not change my appearance for anyone and will continue to use the gear that works best for me in the field. If you’re that unhappy, maybe this is not the channel for you.
If you want to lost in public, and you are ex. 30 years old, you have to look like the same of 30 age person in public, fit, slim or thick and foremost not as typical american. No offence.