What is APRS?
APRS is a way licenced Radio Amateurs can exchange tactical information.

What does APRS stand for?
Automatic Packet Reporting System.

What can APRS do?
You can transmit your position, speed, direction and altitude.
You can transmit your QSO frequency.
You can send and receive messages (just like texting on your mobile phone).
You can receive DX reports, object locations and Bulletins.
Some stations have Weather stations connected to APRS so you can view conditions at their location.
Monitoring APRS gives you some idea of current propagation on that band.

What frequency?
In the UK we use 144.800Mhz

How do I use APRS mobile?
By far the simplest way is to use a Kenwood TM-D700 / TM-D710 mobile or a TH-D7, TH-D72 handset. Since 2009 Yaesu now produce APRS enabled radios, FTM-350 (mobile) or the VX-8 range of handhelds. If you already own one of these all you need to do is to connect it to a GPS unit, and start transmitting your position. There are other methods, one is by using a Opentracker or a Tiny Trak unit which will connect between a radio and GPS unit, the downside to this method is the radio is then tied up.

What APRS functions has each radio got?
See my comparison chart HERE.

What about APRS at home?
You can interface your radio to your PC either using a TNC or soundcard and use one of several APRS programs, my favourite is UI-View

I'd like to add a GPS unit to my Kenwood (TH-D7, TM-D700, TM-D710)
See my GPS page.

What should I set my SSID / transmission rate / path (Unproto address) to?
The following settings are a controversial subject, but here are my preferences (taken from what majority in the UK are doing). Changed to reflect the new Paradigm.

Type of Station	SSID	Beacon time	path/uprotocol	Notes
Home station	None	20 minutes 30 minutes	WIDE2-2 WIDE3-3	Primary station normally fixed, doesn't move so beacon time can be less frequent
Igate	-1	30 minutes	WIDE2-2 or WIDE3-3	RF to Internet gateway.
Digipeater	-2	30 minutes	WIDE2-2 or WIDE3-3	-2 isn't needed if you have got a MB7U?? call sign.
Other units	-3			Additional units, setting depend on use.
Other units	-4			Additional units, setting depend on use.
Other units	-5			Additional units, setting depend on use.
Satellite or special apps	-6			Setting depend on use.
Handset	-7	2 minutes	WIDE1-1,WIDE3-3	Foot mobile
Boat	-8	5 minutes	WIDE1-1,WIDE3-3	If stationary use settings for a home station.
Mobile	-9	2 minutes	WIDE1-1,WIDE3-3	If you can smart beacon, one beacon per mile. If you can swap profiles(i.e.D700) 1 beacon every 15 mins if stationary.
Internet Only	-10	*	N/A	If mobile use mobile beacon times, if fixed use home beacon times.
Other units	-11			Additional units, setting depend on use.
Portable units	-12			Laptops, Campsites etc
Unused	-13			Free to use, possible use for emergencies.
Truck	-14	2 minutes	WIDE1-1,WIDE3-3	See notes for Mobile.
HF	-15
Weather station	*	15 minutes	WIDE4-4	SSID depends, if home, digi etc.
Object	N/A	30 minutes	WIDE2-2

The higher the WIDE value the further your packet will be relayed, but ask yourself how far do you want to go? A mobile will normally make an Igate with the settings above. These are meant as guidelines and could be increased or decreased to work with your local APRS needs.

What is AFRS?
Sometimes know as a QSY function. It's a method of sending the frequency a station or object is on, handy for knowing how to contact someone or the frequency of a local repeater. Some radio's like the Kenwood TM-D710, TH-D72 or the Yaesu FTM-350 can be set to automatically send this information. But if your radio can't do this you can always add it to your status text.

There is a mistake on this website!
All information I hope is correct and is given freely in the hopes it helps the APRS community, but I cannot accept any responsibility for mistakes. Please go to the manufacture web site and download the manual to check, if you do find any mistakes please email me so I can correct it.