Prescott Rally 2009 - APRS

Real-time APRS activity in the Prescott area.

Click here to view more detail in a larger window.

So what is APRS?
Basically, APRS ("Automatic Packet/Position Reporting System") is a method to track vehicles using amateur("HAM") radio and GPS. But APRS can do a lot more than just tracking vehicles... It can also be used to transmit weather information, text messages/emails, or to distribute other digital data. It can be very useful for communications of inclement weather or during emergency/disaster operations.

With an APRS tracker in the rally car, your service crew, family, friends, or sponsors can follow your progress during events (via a local receiver/laptop or an Internet connected computer). In the event of a break down, you can send a "come pick us up" notification along with your current position to the service crew. Plus, with a Amateur Radio license you've a better opportunity to work the prime spots when not running in an event. You are WORKING the events you're not competing in, right?

Brent / KE7JGM

Some links for further info:

ARRL A great resource on how to get involved in amateur radio.
APRS by Bob Bruninga, WB4APR. Go right to the source of APRS.
FindU is a service to track and plot APRS stations.
aprs.fi another service to track and plot APRS stations. (the map above is generated from aprs.fi)
Kris Marciniak (#761, KI6IUC) has some good info on using APRS in rally as well as how to make/purchase an APRS trackerbox for your rally car.


October 2 - 3, 2009
HOME GENERAL COMPETITORS VOLUNTEERS RESULTS PICTURES CONTACTS Prescottonian Sponsor space available here!	Prescott Rally 2009 - APRS Real-time APRS activity in the Prescott area. Click here to view more detail in a larger window. So what is APRS? Basically, APRS ("Automatic Packet/Position Reporting System") is a method to track vehicles using amateur("HAM") radio and GPS. But APRS can do a lot more than just tracking vehicles... It can also be used to transmit weather information, text messages/emails, or to distribute other digital data. It can be very useful for communications of inclement weather or during emergency/disaster operations. With an APRS tracker in the rally car, your service crew, family, friends, or sponsors can follow your progress during events (via a local receiver/laptop or an Internet connected computer). In the event of a break down, you can send a "come pick us up" notification along with your current position to the service crew. Plus, with a Amateur Radio license you've a better opportunity to work the prime spots when not running in an event. You are WORKING the events you're not competing in, right? Brent / KE7JGM Some links for further info: ARRL A great resource on how to get involved in amateur radio. APRS by Bob Bruninga, WB4APR. Go right to the source of APRS. FindU is a service to track and plot APRS stations. aprs.fi another service to track and plot APRS stations. (the map above is generated from aprs.fi) Kris Marciniak (#761, KI6IUC) has some good info on using APRS in rally as well as how to make/purchase an APRS trackerbox for your rally car.
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