At Dirt Nerds & Radios, we’re passionate about all things radio related. Whether it’s getting on the air, tinkering with antennas, or participating in special events, our community thrives on the magic of radio communication. Today, we’re excited to unveil a new project to the amateur radio community: the W8DNR APRS Service.
What Is APRS?
Before we dive into the details, let’s talk about APRS. Automatic Packet Reporting System (APRS) was developed in the 1990s by Bob Bruninga(WB4APR/SK) for sending packets of data via radio over short distances. It combines GPS data, digital communication, and good old-fashioned radio waves to create a dynamic network for sharing real-time information. From tracking weather balloons to coordinating emergency responses, APRS is the Swiss Army knife of ham radio enthusiasts.
W8DNR APRS Service
Our team has been burning the midnight oil (and perhaps a few cups of coffee) to build something special. The W8DNR APRS Service is custom code written by our club members to provide us with a wide variety of services. This project allows for immediate and reliable two-way communication without the reliance on APRS-IS, making it ideal for on-site event coordination and club interactions. Here’s what makes it tick:
- Python-Powered APRS Bot: Our custom-built python bot is the brains of this project. The bot monitors APRS messages via a KISS TCP Direwolf socket, monitoring our club callsign—W8DNR.
- Real-Time Local Monitoring: Our frontend webpage provides real-time updates. No more guessing games and no waiting—just clear, concise information right at our fingertips.
- Remote Commands: Our APRS bot isn’t just a passive listener. It’s a doer. When it spots predefined commands in messages, it will execute them. Then the bot responds to confirm every successful interaction.
What’s Next?
The W8DNR APRS project is still in development, but we’re buzzing with excitement. We hope to share additional features and details soon. Stay tuned, fellow radio nerds!
73
Matt Lehrian
W8OOF