Click Here for APRS Stations near KA1MZY (By FINDU.COM)

One of the most popular computer programs ( PC ) to either monitor the APRS network, receive and gate traffic to the internet for others to view with messages, and run a Digi-repeater is the free UI-View32 program by Roger Barker G4IDE. The Uiview32 link takes you to the English version download website where you input your call sign, enter your name, and a live person will then verify your Ham Radio license. You'll then be provided a registration code to enable the program. You can download the program before registration information is obtained however it's limited in it's capability until unlocked with the code provided.

The following is a screen shot of the registration page. Click the image to open in new larger window.

Setup of the program is rather complicated if you are either new to APRS, and even more so if you are new to, and not used to more advanced configuration of computer software. There are many resources designed to help new users set it up including a Yahoo.com online group called Ui-View Support and Discussion of G4IDE's Ui-View I have used this forum personally and recommend anyone with questions, to use this resource.

The following image is a screen capture of the Uiview32 Program in operation on my laptop where I am typing this HTML. Also at the top of the image is the PA7RHMsvr mapping program (free) which downloads maps from expedia.com and displays them on the screen automatically. The author, Chris Van Gorp also has other information, and support for his map program. I have been using this map server program for years with no problems under Chris's control.

You can see by the icon's displayed, several stations displayed, including the KA1MZY-10 which is this laptop's Uiview install. The IP icon signifies to other users there is no radio connected.

Another view below shows a zoomed in view of San Antonio, TX as in the real-time map at the top of this page. The side panel shows detail of the IRLP object selected. You can see the beacon packet's data including it's path, comment and Lon/Lat coordinates.

The image below shows a "track" of the station which was me on a recent trip to Colorado. The lines represent the path the radio transmitter took and each number you see represents the packet received by the APRS servers. The program will only draw straight lines so it's curve is defined by how far apart the beacons are. The two lines you see going straight out to the right side is bad GPS data being sent to the APRS server. The packets show me out in the middle of the ocean for some reason. It happens on occasion. As a side note to tracking stations, you don't need UiView on your computer to do this the openAPRS.org website will also show you this information. The program that does display this track is not installed in UiView and must be done manually by the end user.

There are many features, options and items to configure in the Uiview32's setup. Many of them will fail if they are not typed exactly how they are needed such as with a space in the wrong place. Often times, when configuring the APRS server setup, the problem was simply a needed space between an option and then it works fine.

NEW! UiView32's APRS server setup is confusing if you are new to it. Click the button below for more detailed instruction

My current APRS radio is a Yaesu Ft-2800, courtesy of www.gigaparts.com Gigaparts.com is well known in the radio industry to have ultra competitive prices on radio gear and I do most of my business with them. For $125 as of 12/2008, you can not find a better deal on a NEW radio with 65w output. I have the radio set at 10w of course since 65w would be excessive.

Next I needed a cable to connect the PK232 TNC to the FT2800 radio and the computer's audio port and radio speaker out ports. I searched briefly and found BUXcomm.com who stocks and I believe produces these cables themselves. The company even provides detailed schematics of the cables they make so if you are good with electronics ( And I am not even close to this talented ) you can make your own cable by following the schematic yourself. For me, the $19.97 plus shipping was DIRT CHEAP considering how bad I would have messed up the job. These cables are well made and mine has been in operation for well over a year without a hiccup.

Source of image is www.buxcomm.com

You can see in the diagram how easy it would be ( with some personal skills ) to make your own cable here with the diagram. Again for me it was easier to simply buy the cable at a reasonable price and not worry about it.

The front and rear of the AEA232 TNC is shown in these photos. You can see in the center of the rear photo, the buxcomm.com cable plugged into the PORT-1 of the TNC. Their cables are very neatly finished and well made.

If you want to build an APRS station with Uiview32, some required planning is needed before you start. The basic elements are a computer, TNC, 2m dedicated radio, antenna with feedline and a power supply of course. Consideration must be made for the radio-to-TNC connections and if you can make the cables yourself. If not, there are places including MFJ who make pre-made cables for specific 2m radios. The computer used to run UiView32 should be at the bare minimum a 1Gig CPU with 500MB of Ram and Windows-XP. A 2Gig CPU computer can be built for under 400$ as of 12/2008. If you plan on using the computer for other things at the same time as running UiView, more memory and resources should be given to UiView to prevent any data loss or slow running speeds. All APRS packet communication is done on 144.390mhz.

APRS is being built into only a few mobile/HT radios. One of them, the Kenwood D7a has recently been discontinued which is not a good thing. Kenwood also made the D700 which is also discontinued but still available. It's replacement was the D710 which offered a few more features like smart beconing and built in echolink support etc. Hopefully Kenwood will offer up a replacement for the D7a soon. A new radio, the Yaesu VX-8R has recently been made available to the public. I have the Kenwood D7a, D700 and the new Yaesu VX8 and am very happy with all three.

The photo above ( click ) shows the Kenwood D700's control head with it's left and right bands. Also in the background is the D7a HT.

This above image (click) shows again the D7a with an AVMAP5 GPS. This GPS unit interfaces directly with the Kenwood radio's with a simple and included bi-directional cable. You can see on the GPS display, a couple of icons which shows the real time position of packets received by the radio. All the major ham radio stores sell the AVMAP5 GPS. Gigaparts.com usually offers the best price on this unit and is where I purchased mine.

Byonics.com offers a GPS tracker called the micro-track 8000 (above). This is an 8w transmitter which you can place anywhere that is protected from direct rain and moisture. This unit will provide a smart-beacon packet transmit and works quite well. They are easy to program and work great. There are hundreds of them in use today. This one is attached to my motorcycle with a 2m antenna and a GPS puck ($70). The programming software is seen to the right and is easily run with a serial port null modem.

The above image is of the antenna mount on the rear luggage rack of my 1987 Shadow motorcycle. It works great.

The radio's above from left to right are the VX-3, VX-8 and the Kenwood D7a. At the time of the image there was no GPS available for the VX8 however once obtained I will post a photo of it attached to illustrate it's application. GPS units will be available shortly and I will update this page accordingly.

The VX-8R above has been replaced by the VX-8DR. The Yaesu VX-8DR is an APRS® enhanced version of the popular VX8R. Key additional features, Smart Beaconing Function. Station List memories has increased from 40 to 50. The number of APRS® Message Memories has increased from 20 to 30. DIGI-PATH route indication function. Heads up compass display to the GPS screen. The Message received LED flashing rate is selectable. The number of DIGI-PATH route settings has increased from 1 to 7.

The VX-8GR dual-bander only covers 2 meters and 440 MHz. This version has a built-in GPS unit. It is not Bluetooth capable. It is however APRS capable (B band only) with Smart Beaconing™.

Yaesu just released the FTM-350 which is competition for the Kenwood D700 and D710 mobiles. It appears to be a good contender in the APRS world. It's available for purchase now by all the typical online places as of 12/19/09.

UPDATE: 11-30-10 - Yaesu announces an update to the FT350
The new Yaesu FTM-350AR radio [expected 12/27/10] features these enhancements:
GPS Standard format NMEA ready. Way point data out.
Newly designed MMB-98 vacuum cup-mounting bracket with angle control.
APRS will operate in the background, on single band.
Additional voice alert function.
Re-allocated often used keys to more convenient positions for easier operation.
Ability to program direct APRS onto Programmable key on the DTMF microphone.
NOTE: Existing FTM-350R owners may add the above features (except MMB-98 bracket) by downloading the V1.2 software from the Yaesu website (data cable required).

Kenwood has finally released photos and information at the latest ham convention in Dayton on the TH-D72 hand held that replaced the older TH-D7 shown in the first photo below. The radio's design and features were out dated and needed updating. Fortunately, Kenwood decided to retain this radio as it was a huge success and will be releasing the final version once approval from FCC is obtained sometime at the end of 2010. A photo snagged from www.cqdx.ru is posted below.

UPDATED:

The Kenwood TH-D72A Data Communicator is equipped with a built-in TNC (1200/9600) and provides APRS® (Automatic Packet/Position Reporting System) and includes an integrated GPS. The TH-D72A can be employed, as part of Kenwood’s Skycommand System II+, when used with the TS-2000 series Transceivers. The TH-D72A also offers EchoLink® memory compatibility and a mini-USB connector for enhanced computer connectivity.

Features include: 1000 alpha memory channels 9 scan modes (VFO, Program, MHz, Memory, Memory Group, Call, Tone, CTCSS, DCS) 42 CTCSS frequencies 104 DCS (Digital Code Squelch) codes Cross-tone, Waypoint export DX cluster tune Clock (date/time) Band mask Call channel Monitor Auto power-off MHz mode Selectable frequency step Shift VOX Auto repeater offset Automatic simplex checker DTMF memory (10 channels, 16 digits)

New advanced innovations include: 1200/9600 bps packet TNC SkyCommand APRS Firmware Stand-alone Digipeater Built-in High performance GPS (with KML file support from the free MCP-4A software) GPS logging – memory for up to 5000 points of track data EchoLink Ready MIL-STD810 and IP54 weatherproofing 1200/9600 bps packet communications Kiss mode

The Stand-alone Digipeater in the TH-D72A can even function as an iGate when properly connected. This transceiver is sure to make ham radio operations easier and more fun for all.

$499 at most retailers as of 11/2010

New high performance hardware

Geosat 6 APRS comes with a slim and stylish design featuring a metal chassis, a 4.8” full colour display in 16:9 widescreen format and a smart magnetic mount that makes it is very easy to place the navigator in the car. Geosat 6 APRS has a renewed interface with a 50 channel –160 dbm tracking sensitivity u-blox GPS engine for fast and highly accurate fix.

Full details can be found at the AVMAP.US website: AVMAP.US WEBSITE

--NEW ( Image from Universal-radio.com )
The Yaesu FT-1D offers a new level of technology that you can hold in your hand. This 2 meter/440 HT provides both analog and digital communications on both bands with up to 5 watts. Enjoy wideband from 500 kHz to 999 MHz (less cellular frequencies) reception including the AM and FM broadcast band. Solid AM band reception is enhanced with a built-in bar antenna. Other features include: vibrate function, GPS with logging and exchange function, image transmit (QVGA 320 × 240), Wires, optional camera microphone, mini-USB port, Micro-SD card port.
YAHOO.COM GROUP For FT-1D

Hamcom Plano, TX 2012, Saturday 6/9 10am

Dayton,OH 2012, Saturday 5/18 9am

I will add more information when time permits. If this website has assisted you in any way please take a few minutes and send an email to me and feel free to ask any questions! The only dumb questions are the ones that you don't ask that prevent you from getting your APRS station on the air!

Balloon track from last week in South Texas 6-2012. Hey where were the school teachers like this when I was in school?!

More Yaesu Goodness for APRS! FT400 and FT2D