Packet Radio

EOSS uses packet radio to transmit digital information from our payloads to the ground. In our "modern era" (Dec, 2005) we transmit several specific types of packet. Primarily we transmit a position packet in some valid form of APRS format used by EOSS. And we also transmit some telemetry which includes barometric pressure data used to calculate altitude (should APRS fail) and the temperatures inside and outside of the payload package. Other miscellaneous packet types (ID, BEACON, ETC.) will also be seen.

When you find a broken link below, let me know so I can find a corrected URL for it.

Packet Radio Programs

These generic packet radio programs are available. They act solely as terminals and do not interpret data received.

I personally only use WinPacket so send along suggestions and I'll add them here.

WinPacket - Written by Roger Barker G4IDE. Roger is now a silent key but his software lives on and is still useful.

HyperTerm - It's a terminal application that comes with all versions of windows. The link takes you to a Packet Primer which discusses using HyperTerm in a packet radio setting.

APRS Packet Programs

Automated Position Reporting System (APRS) software will receive and decode APRS data transmitted via packet radio. Depending on the program it will display this data in a variety of different ways. Most commonly, on a map.

No reviews of these programs will be posted here. Ask your APRS initiated friends what they use to get an idea of which of these programs might be best for you. APRS may be difficult for some to master, initially. Help from a friend may be useful. But, it isn't too difficult and if you persevere you'll eventually get everything set up correctly.

Send in your favorite APRS program link and I'll add it.

APRS DOS by the inventor of APRS, Bob Bruninga WB4APR. This link takes you to an FTP library at TAPR. Look for APRSxxx.ZIP where the xxx is a number. This number is the version number of APRS-Dos. Pick the latest one. Note that APRS-DOS also comes in several different customized versions that cater to different aspects of monitoring APRS. I'm generally unfamiliar with this program but I know folks who swear by it as, being a DOS program, it uses practically no memory and can serve these users in ways other programs my be unable to duplicate.

APRS-Plus by Brent Hildebrand

UI-View by Roger Barker

WinAPRS and MacAPRS by Mark Sproul (KB2ICI) and Keith Sproul (WU2Z)

APRSPoint by Michael Cai KF6ZDM