I found setting up APRS by following the manual was quite simple. The radio defaults and the settings the manual guides you through will get you up and running on APRS quite quickly. In fact by the time you get to page 12 you should be beaconing. You can then go through the balance of the manual to set the radio up just the way you like it.
Here are a number of recommendations I have:
- You can use the built in GPS for position, or set the position manually. The GPS works very well, even in my home office surrounded by computers so I recommend using it. If you are in a building where the GPS signal is poor you may have to set it manually.
- Our digipeater, like most, is 1200 baud.
- Don't use the APRS Mute setting, more on this later in the series. APRS.Org recommends using CTCSS tone of 100.0Hz. This keeps the digital traffic quiet but allows the APRS frequency to be used as an alternate calling frequency when you see someone you want to talk to has wandered into simplex range. This is easily configured on the FTM-100D. Using Setup go into APRS then option 25 VOICE ALERT. Set VOICE ALERT to RX-TSQL and TONE SQL to 100.0 Hz. See page 78 of the APRS manual.
Richard
VE3YSH
You made very good research, and for me it was very interesting to read it. Also I wanna say that I am looking forward your next articles with great impatience! By the way have you already used software for tracking visit website to learn more that everyone recommended to each other now?
ReplyDeleteThe problem I and several of our local HAMs are running into is that on a net our C4FM radios (Mine is a FTM-100DR) will switch to APRS and transmit over the net which is making us use other radios on FM Nets. How do I control that! My other brainless 2m (1.25m) radio is a TM-631A.
ReplyDeleteAlso is there a way to switch from VFO to MR as I don't see that option on the radio or in the main manual (the radio is programmed with all the repeaters and simplex freq in the Maritimes and Maine).
Misha VE9GIS
Misha, to turn off APRS on the FTM-100DR go into Setup, select 10 APRS, then 5 APRS MODEM, and select OFF.
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