Vehicle Tracking
Smart Phone APRS Apps
Persons may use Smart Phone APRS Apps during the event. However, stations that are operating RF only APRS stations will not have the ability to see your beacons. The ability to short-message should still exist however.
We make every attempt to track all the vehicles that participate during the two day event. This aids us in the ability to quickly identify (with properly functioning equipment), the location of our assets, aiding in the ability to locate and re-deploy along the course as necessary.
Equipment
While it is encouraged that operators provide their own APRS trackers, we often have a couple of spare units to provide. We ask that you take the utmost care of this equipment when it is in your possession. A great deal of personal or club money and time has been spent to provide and maintain this equipment.
Fixed APRS Stations
Rest Stops and other stationary communicators are highly encouraged to provide their own APRS monitoring capability. This will aid in reducing the amount of Net traffic with queries "Where is Tail-End Charlie?" and "Where is Lead?".
APRS Liaison
An APRS liaison monitors the APRS tracks on a computer and may aid the Net Control station in providing asset location updates.
APRS Settings
SSIDs
Operators using APRS should use their Callsign with an SSID of 1-15 (KD5UMO-3 for example).
With the advent of technology and the limitations of some operators, we sometimes find new and creative ways to add to the hobby.
This year we are going to go ahead and allow people to use a Tactical SSID that follows a particular predetermined format. The "R" stands for Round UP (MS Round Up ride) and is used to set us aside from any other MS event that may be occurring at the same time and if we want the ability to review the history on applications such as APRS.fi.
This will also allow persons that have cellular based APRS applications, but no RF receive capabilities to monitor the event as well.
One thing that is very important to remember:
The equipment OWNER's CALLSIGN or the OPERATOR's CALLSIGN of the equipment must appear in the STATUS TEXT of your beacon.
-- If not, you are violating FCC regulations.
The loaners that are provided, should not be pre-programmed to follow this format as they are often swapped in and out at the last minute and may not end up where intended.
Most all tactical stations that monitor during the event are operating on RF and will not see you if you are beaconing through a web-based application.
If you use the pre-formatted SSID, it should appear as one that correlates to your assignment as listed below (If your device allows. Otherwise your Call Sign):
If you have more than one operator at a Rest Stop or Lunch, you will need to select between the operators who will assume the SSID.
**Remember, your status text must display the FCC call sign of the equipment owner/operator
Translations
Every effort will be made to provide a translations list of participating stations. This information is dependent on the accuracy of provided information and the soundness of assigned positions.
The operator's assignment and Tracker are listed on the assignments sheet to allow you to crosscheck or enter yourself.
The file may be found in the Documents/Files section.
PinPoint and GPX Files Error
If you are having trouble loading GPX files into PinPoint APRS go Here
APRS Files
Please find the links below:
More Information
N5OOM Presentations and Info - http://www.n5oom.org/aprs/
KD5UMO APRS Presentation - http://tinyurl.com/2011-APRS-Presentation-KD5UMO