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README
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README.TRK
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1995-09-19
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README.TRK WELCOME TO APRtrak
1. See INSTALL.txt and BE SURE TO USE PKUNZIP -d TO UNZIP APRtrak!
2. Within the program hit F1 to select from a number of HELP screens
3. Use the README FILE INDEX below to find detail on many APRS subjects
4. In case of trouble, see TROUBLE.txt.
SUMMARY: The APRS protocols were developed to provide a mechanism for
sending position reports over AX.25 packet. APRtrak focuses on the
application of packet position reporting for Space applications and was
donated to AMSAT for use in fund raising. APRtrak is idea for plotting
the position of GPS equipped spacecraft and for plotting the location
of ground stations that digipeat their position via these spacecraft.
APRtrak may grow as future GPS tracking Space applications warrant.
DEMONSTRATIONS: There are two important commands useful for demonstrating
the capabilities of APRtrak. First is the FILES-LOAD command for loading
a snapshot (nothing moves) of previous events from the BAKS directory.
Secondly, the more dynamic FILE-REPLAY command will let you replay the
track history of stations saved in the HSTS directory. Many track histories
are included on the distro disk. Replay them all and use the PgUP/DN keys
and HOME key to zoom in or out as the file is replayed.
DOCUMENTATION: The README directory on your APRtrak disk contains many
text files with useful information about the program. Since APRtrak is a
subset of the more general APRS program, many of the README files are
similar. If the file applies just to APRtrak, then the file extension is
.APR. If it is the same as the APRS version, it has the .TXT extension.
These files can also be read ON-LINE using the F1(HELP)-FILES command.
FILENAME README FILE DESCRIPTION
---------- ------------------------------------------------------------
INSTALL.trk Tells you how to unzip the APRtrak distro disk and get started
README.trk This file. Provides an overview and INDEX to all other files
NEWNOTES.trk Tells of important changes in the latest versions
APRtrak.txt General description and overview of APRtrak
DEMOS.txt A quick summary of demonstrations and replays
PROTOCOL.txt Info on APRS formats
HELP.trk Describes each of the APRS commands in detail
MAPS.txt Overview of MAP distribution and sources
MAPMAKIN.txt Details on the structure of an APRS map file
SCREEN.txt Describes the APRS screen and display areas
SPACE.txt Suggested use of APRS for plotting satellite packet stationns
SYMBOLS.txt A table of APRS symbols and the symbol designators
TELEMTRY.txt Describes a SINGLE-CHIP TNC telemetry xmtr for balloons, etc..
TROUBLE.txt Hints and ideas for troubleshooting
SETUP: First, zoom into the 1024 mile range of your QTH using the arrows
and the page up/dn keys. Next use the UNPROTO commmand to enter the
callsign of the space digipeater. Finally, use the ALT-SETUP menu to SAVE
your config file. Give your validation number when prompted and select
a CONFIG file extension. Usually the default .APR. Later on, you can
save different config files for different applications.
MAPS - Since the footprint of even the lowest spacecraft is over 1500 miles
across, the major regional APRS maps are sufficient for the APRtrak
application. As you will notice there is need for more map development
everywhere outside of the US. If you want to make better maps of your
area, read the MAPS.txt file.
APRS PROTOCOL: APRtrak uses Unnumbered Information (UI) frames without
ACKS to maximize the utility of each packet transmitted. You need to
understand DIGIPEATING and the UNPROTO command in order to properly route
your packets. If you are unfamiliar with these UI terms, consult your TNC
operations manual. Also note that while APRtrak is running, it generates
its own Position and Status beacons. Your TNC BText is not used until you
Quit APRS; then your TNC BText is activated. Similarly, all references to
the UNPROTO command are to the U command in APRtrak, not to the UNPROTO
command in your TNC, though both are related.
APRtrak looks for several types of packet position reports. Here are the
general formats of each format:
APRS format: WB4APR>APRS,DIGI:@DDhhmm/DDmm.hhN/DDDmm.hhW$comments
APRS Telemetry: WB4APR>APRS,DIGI:T#nnn,111,222,333,444,555,xxxxx
GPS formats: WB4APR>APRS,DIGI:$GPRMC,...... (NMEA posit, cse and speed)
WB4APR>APRS,DIGI:$GPGGA,...... (or GLL, NMEA position)
WB4APR>APRS,DIGI:$GPVTG,...... (NMEA cse and speed)
Grid Square: WB4APR>GRIDSQ,DIGI:comments
SPRE format: W3EXU>WORLD:GPS_LOCATION in X,Y,Z format used on SPRE
SPRE Telemetry: W3EXU>WORLD:MET,00:xx 01:xx 02:xx 03:xx etc....
MORE READING:
QST - pg 92 July and pg 11 Aug 93 QST. Good Pictures on pg 14 Dec 94!
GPS/TNC reviews and GPS antenna in Oct 95 QST.
QEX - Feb issue, 1994 for info on interfacing GPS to packet
CQ - Packet column Dec 1993
73 - October 94 under the topic of HOMING IN. Also in Jan, Feb 95 issues
AMSAT - May 1993, and 1995 AMSAT symposium proceedings
EMAIL: Look for local APRS maps for your area from BBS's and friends. Look
for APRtrak comments on the AMSAT-BB@AMSAT.ORG. You may download the latest
copy via FTP@AMSAT.ORG in the amsat/software/PC/tracking directory. There
is also an APRS Special Interest Group, aprssig@tapr.org.