What is modern about APRS.. Its been around since the 1980s and uses Packet Radio... As well as internet... It has not changed in about 30 years.. Other then adjusting settings...
I know a ham in Northern Indiana that has been tracking his dogs on his 1000 acres since 1988
Expensive.. What is Expensive... A sinmple setup can be had for under 100$ complete with radio GPS and antenna... Think Chinese HT...
I do have trackers in all my vehicles using Kenwood TMD710As and GPS710's
I have a KPC3+ Connected to my MultiMode Multi Port Linbpq system that runs 5 HF rigs and two UHF and three Vhf..
21 ports of VHF UHF HF 300-9600 Baud Packet Robust packet PI II III and Winmor.... 23 outdoor antennas three towers and all for less then $10k
Spent slowly over the last 30 years.. Mostly bought cheap defective gear used of course and fixed it myself.. Only a few items where bought new.. My Icom746 and the Kenwood TM710's and the asscoiated GPS's
It can be as cheap or as expensive as you wish to make it..
Did an ins evaluation last year everything replaced at todays cost new would be $137,000 if I include replacement labor on towers that number is even more...
But when I started in 1991 I had a THD27a $75 HT a KPC3 $90 and a homade antenna on the air with a used 8088 PC I put together from parts $10
We do need something new and different from what the internet has to offer and RF links..
Anyone consider HF TCPIP links.. Might be slow but better then relying on the internet... Could be as fast a PIII Just asking...
I guess if everyone wants to use CELLPHONES then we do not need to bother them and move on..
Ok I realize they already have a cellphone internet etc so no additional expense is needed.. Lame excuse for side stepping their ham radio roots.. If everyone and I do it too, who is on the interet doing Ham radio.. Uses the internet to augment ham radio, ran at least one RF port we would be advancing our efforts..
Just my lame 2 cents.... :)
No Flames or disrespect intended... At all... We are all brothers here!!!! :)
73 Jerry
Modern hams toy is APRS. And what is it? Location (and messaging) service reserved just for hams, with limited functionality and expensive equipment needed. Today ordinary people can get tracking device for 30-40 USD, and get very fancy free or almost free services using that. And that is if they need tracker for some specific purpose like tracking children or pets or elders with Alzheimer. Usually they do not have to buy anything as almost every modern mobile phone can do the job for no additional price.
Jerry Kutche Electrical Supervisor
Lehigh Cement Company LLC 180 N. Meridian Road Mitchell, IN 47446 Phone: (812) 849-2191 ext. 251 Fax: (812) 849-5007 Cell: (812) 583-0445 jkutche@lehighcement.com www.lehighcement.com This e-mail may contain confidential and/or legally privileged information. If you are not the intended recipient (or have received this e-mail in error) please notify the sender immediately and delete this e-mail. Any unauthorized copying, disclosure or distribution of the material in this e-mail is strictly forbidden.