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- README.NOW
-
- APRS consists of the .EXE file and dozens of MAP, HISTORY, BACKUP and README
- files, each in their own directories, all zipped up into a single .ZIP file.
- This .ZIP file is then distributed on a HD 3.5 inch disk with a copy of
- PKUNZIP.EXE and this README.NOW file.
-
- *****************************************************************************
- * *
- *NOTE! YOU MUST USE A RECENT VERSION (1993) OF PKUNZIP. AND YOU MUST USE IT*
- *WITH THE -d OPTION TO GET THE SUBDIRECTORIES! *
- * *
- *****************************************************************************
-
- Despite the 3 Mbyte size of the whole APRS system, (mostly maps and README's),
- a minimum system can be built in under 350K with only the .EXE, MAPLIST.APR,
- and one .MAP file.
-
- I am also not trying to keep track of all small maps in every state. There
- should be an APRS MAP COORDINATOR for your state. Find him... In Ohio, now
- there are over 40 maps!
-
- APRS will run on any PC,XT or AT machine with standard CGA,EGA, or VGA graphics
- interfaces. If you have a Hercules Video card, run SIMCGA P first to make it
- simulate a real CGA device. This works, but poorly. It only costs $25 to buy
- a better VIDEO card! I have heard from some folks that the graphics does not
- work on some of the new monochorme VGA laptops! Can someone tell me what is
- the problem? APRS uses QBasic SCREEN 8 and SCREEN 9 types.
-
- TO INSTALL APRS on your SYSTEM: DOS COMMAND
- -------------------------------------------- --------------------------------
- 1. Create APRS directory on your Harddrive- MD APRS
- 2. Change Directory into that directory - CD APRS
- 3. Put APRS disk into A and change to A - A:
- Do Pkunzip with directories: - PKUNZIP -d APRSxxx.ZIP C:
- (don't leave off the C: at the end!)
- 4. Execute APRSxxx - APRSxxx
- a. Give your call and other info as prompted.
- b. Move cursor to your exact QTH using arrow keys and PgDn (shft-PgDN)
- c. Hit INPUT-MYpos command and answer QTH questions
- d. Use UNPROTO command to set your VIA Digipeater path (needs TNC)
- e. Move and center map to your area of interest and preferred range scale
- f. Save a config file using SETUP Menu (repeat steps e - g at anytime)
- g. Provide your Validation number when requested during the SAVE command.
- h. Have fun! READ all the README.xxx files!
- i. Use the OPERATIONS-COMM mode to communicate with your TNC.
- j. If you have some AEA or KANTRONICS simplified TNC's, you may need to
- set EXPert ON in order for the TNC to repsond to all APRS commands
- k. For convenience, RENAME the .EXE file to APRS.EXE so you don't have to
- always remember the version number and can put it in your AUTOEXEC.BAT
-
- You should be prepared to modify the MAPLIST.APR file to select those
- maps of interest to you. Remember that APRS can only support 140 active maps.
- So use a TEXT editor to remove the * in front of the maps you want to activate,
- and insert * in front of those you do not need.
-
- THE LATEST APRS is posted on 410-280-2503 BBS. I will also usually post a
- file similar to: 501to507.zip which will contain only the files that changed
- since the earlier release. Please note that this is NOT MY BBS, and I AM NOT
- THE SYSOP. I also rarely check in, so DO NOT SEND ME MAIL VIA THAT ROUTE.
- I DO read my normal packet mail @ WB3V.MD.USA; but do not send me any mail
- not appropriate for the FCC rules. Apparently a lot of BBS sysops are
- trapping all messages with the word APRS or TO/FROM me because they claim
- I cannot use amateur packet to talk about APRS...
-
- Other phone line BBS's known to carry APRS:
-
- OHIO 614 443-4249
- FLORIDA 407 575-9680
- VIRGINIA 703 255-2172
- 703 362-8673
- ARIZONA 602 938-7528
-
-
- ************ REMEMBER TO USE PKUNZIP -d ***********
-
- P.S. If you are unzipping an upgraded copy of APRS, you can use the command
- PKUNZIP -dn and only NEW files will be unzipped into your APRS system...
-
-