APRS
Example of a "box wind". Balloon (NG5A-2) took off and landed from
the same location on Sunday Morning 2012. (W5ADC images / Google Earth).
2012 Launches:
On the right side of the APRS.FI screen you will see "Other Views". Select Google Earth KML? and you will be able to view as the images above.
Balloon Tracking
Much progress has been made over the years to install APRS trackers into balloons. The ability to do this provides a means of tracking the direction and speed of the balloons as well as locate them if a visual is lost by recovery or crew. Besides that, it's actually pretty cool.
Vehicle Tracking
We also make every attempt to track all the vehicles that participate in recovery operations. This aids us in the ability to practice asset tracking as well as gauge where a cluster of stations has congregated as well as aiding recovery personnel with directions.
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 as it is in your possession.
An APRS liaison monitors the APRS tracks on a computer and is able to relay the information collected to our Incident Commander and Recovery command.
APRS Settings
SSIDs -
Operators using APRS should use their Callsign with an SSID of 1-15 (KD5UMO-3 for example).
The use of a tactical call is not recommended for this event.
APRS Resources
One Site Guide to APRS
K9DCI Website - Pretty well rounded document of what is, how is, and how to
More Information
KD5UMO APRS Presentation - http://tinyurl.com/2011-APRS-Presentation-KD5UMO
APRS Files
Found on the Documents Page