Thanks to a conversation with Mark (N2MH), a few other items came to light that
will help to maximize your contest-APRS effectiveness. These apply only to
APRS on 144.39 MHz because it deals with DIGIpeating, not HamIM (which is
simplex on 147.585 MHz and has none of these issues).
1. If you are using a TNC, do *not* set it up to be a DIGIpeater to other
stations for any reason or on any alias. The APRS frequency of 144.39 MHz is
waaaaaaaaaaaaay too close to the SSB sub-band centered on 144.200 MHz and I'm
betting that the self-QRM from your *own* APRS station's ID will cause you
fits...let alone the traffic caused by having it DIGIpeat others.
2. When launching on APRS, use the path of "WIDE1-1,WIDE3-3". This will
provide you with 4-hops of DIGIpeating, which will be about what your SSB/CW RF
range will be during the contest (yes, this is a generality). This is
*different* than the suggested pathway of "WIDE1-1,WIDE2-2" because there is a
tactical need for it to be...but *only* for the VHF contest this weekend. Do
not leave your Rovers APRS configuration in that state, after the contest.
3. Test your APRS ID QRM now, before the contest begins. Set your TX interval
to something that won't make your head explode as you have your volume turned
up on 144.200, trying to dig-out a weak one and it kicks-in. Under no
circumstances should your ID be any more frequent than every 5-minutes. Even
when travelling at 60MPH, that is a location error of only 5-miles. Frankly,
every 10 to 15 minutes is probably plenty. The only risk that you'll assume by
longer ID intervals is that you won't show as having moved from your hilltop
until it ID's again.
4. Lastly...remember that APRS is supposed to HELP. If you find that the
self-QRM is unbearable to your contest operation, SHUT IT OFF and contest.
Just remember to turn it on while travelling and not operating so at least we
know you're out there. :)
Have fun!
Regards,
Ev, W2EV
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