APRS via Damn Small Linux

Forum: User Feedback
Topic: APRS via Damn Small Linux
started by: ke4nt1

Posted by ke4nt1 on Oct. 31 2004,18:48

Here is a screenshot of one of my latest contacts using xastir .

and you can go here to see all the data about my location
from transmissions from DSL and xastir via radio
< http://www.findu.com/cgi-bin/find.cgi?call=ke4nt-5 >

73
ke4nt

Posted by ke4nt1 on Oct. 31 2004,21:46

Here is an email I sent myself with NO INTERNET CONNECTION !
This was only via Ham Radio/APRS/Packet .

I'm using DSL and Xastir 1.4.0 , out Com-1 to a MFJ 1276 TNC ,
then out to a 4W handheld Radio Shack HTX-202 Transmitter,
and sent via coax to a 13 element 2 meter beam at 20 ft.
Making first contact with W5AC-2 , the Texas A&M repeater
at A&M University in Bryan/College Station at 32.5 miles from my QTH.

Looks like the email made it to a mail server in N.J. before it was sent to my
damnsmall email account..

I actually received a reply from the WU2Z digipeater just minutes after
sending this to confirm that the email was sent successfuly.

Next time I'll try this from a more remote location via the Jeep .
Top of a building or a unique landmark or site ( lake , park , etc. )
One of my laptops will run from the 12V, as will the TNC and Radio..

There is also an ISS passover tonite at 09:35PM CST.
I will attempt to bounce some sig off the ISS, maybe even get
a reply/ack from someone in North or Central America.

73
ke4nt

Posted by ke4nt1 on Oct. 31 2004,21:56

Here is another screenshot of advancing weather via APRS.
Looks like the tricker-treaters may be in for some s p o o k y weather.
This is live via APRS , and the stations you see onscreen are only
the ones my RADIO can hear..

I've got my beam pointed NW, so only the Austin/Temple areas are
shown onscreen, due to the selectivity of the antenna.
( Notice NO activity out of Houston, which is SW of my QTH .)

This front line is going to bring us much cooler weather for next week.
Instead of 90's and 70's , we should see some 60's and 40's . Whew!!

73
ke4nt

Posted by ke4nt1 on Nov. 01 2004,01:16

A pic of the live weather data available thru my radio receiver.
Many of these are also available via the internet.
Clicking on any of these icons from the map gives you data about the station .
These are all "amateur weatherstations" , like the ones you can purchase
that have connections to your PC ..

You don't need an "Amateur Radio License" to enjoy this activity.
Any scanner with an earphone output can connect to your soundcard,
which can demod the packets like a "tnc" , and display them in Xastir.
Most of the internet connections and maps are also available to you.
Open xastir, and setup "Nocall" as your callsign.. ( The default )
Monitor away ..

73
ke4nt

Posted by caulktel on Nov. 01 2004,02:02

Wow, packet radio has come a long way since I had my first TNC. I may have to get back into it, this looks fun. I built a few wefax decoders over the years, but this looks better.

Posted by ke4nt1 on Nov. 01 2004,06:02

Here's a great weather shot with a LOT of stations reporting in ..
This front is along the I-35 corridor in Central Texas.
Notice all the Lt. BLue " WX " stations inline with the coming front..
2nd pic weather details only, all other data filtered out of display..

The little yellow house between the front and Houston is mine....

73
ke4nt

Posted by ke4nt1 on Nov. 02 2004,00:26

I have uploaded the "soundmodem" extension to the repository.

It is a "software" version of a TNC, used to mod/demod radio
signals for digital communications.

It uses your sound card as the tool to decode the data from the
audio stream.

This will allow you to decode and observe traffic from the various
APRS networks thruout your area, as well as any ISS passes,
using only a scanner or receiver as a source..

No license required to listen, see, and observe..

You licensed ops can also use the soundmodem to get
"On The Map" using APRS and most any transceiver.
It can also be used for other modes, PSK31, CW, as well
as chasing satellites ..

73
ke4nt

Posted by SaidinUnleashed on Nov. 02 2004,01:41

Heh that was a nasty storm too O_o

Posted by ke4nt1 on Nov. 02 2004,05:41

From the looks of the maps, they were riding "train" style right over you..
Endless thin lines of storms continuing to move NE in your direction..

We got some rain, but very little else..
Cooler Tomorrow and Wednesday !! Yeah!

The power company will just have to take the hit,
and leave a lil' CASH in my pocket come next month's light bill.

It's paybacks for all the 90+ temps here in October..

73
ke4nt

Posted by AwPhuch on Nov. 02 2004,05:43

Yah..kids were wearing shorts while trick-or-treating!

Brian
AwPhuch