As everyone knows by now, the ARRL has authorized Rovers to TX-only their
position and allowed Multi-Operator Class stations to receive it via RF or via
Internet. With the contest coming up this weekend, I thought I'd float some
strategies to consider.
1. HamIM (simplex full-feature APRS on a simplex RF frequency) is fully VHF
Contesting compliant and usable by all categories of competitors on 147.585
MHz. However...this is about APRS, so...
2. APRS Rovers: When inputting your call sign, append it with "-15". If you
have an APRS station with -15 already...simply change it. :) If all rovers use
"-15" it will be significantly easier to ID you.
3. APRS Rovers: When selecting your display symbol (in APRS, the transmitting
station sends a token that is translated into a symbol on the RX end), select
the "Little Puppy". This can be done in several ways: "GPSLP" or "/p" (you'll
know which one applies to your particular situation...I'll spare the lists from
the detail.
4. APRS Multi-Operator Stations: If you have Internet access, bookmark the
following URL: http://www.findu. com/cgi-bin/ symbol.cgi? icon=/p This is a
list of all stations IDing with the "puppy" symbol. Scan the list for those
with "-15" at the end and you've found the Rovers!
If you don't have Internet access, then power-up on RF (!) APRS (144.39) with
the knowledge that your KW's on 144.200 will likely totally wipe out your APRS
receiver, but you never know what may sneak in, between your contest CQ's. :)
Avoid QRMing your SSB operations by setting up your APRS station to RX-only.
If you are unaware of the various APRS clients available...try one of the
following:
-- Windows --
APRS-SCS: http://www.tapr.org/~kb2scs
UI-View: http://www.uiview.org
-- Linux --
http://www.xastir.org/
-- Mac --
http://www.winaprs.org/MacAPRS.htm
Hope this helps. C U this weekend!
Kind regards,
Ev Tupis, W2EV
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