Chuck,
There is certainly still some value in digipeating for the APRS network
as one of the other gentlemen said. Also not all countries have the
elaborate network of telecommunications lines that we take for granted
here in the US so i can see value of digipeating there too.
APRS comes in very handy for us here in Ohio. We use it a lot for public
service events. It is especially vital to us on long events like Pedal
to the Point which is a 2 day 150 mile bike ride. APRS allows us to see
where every medical vehicle is along the route and where the last riders
are. It also allows us to track all support vehicles to pick up downed
riders or for other needs. APRS allows us to efficiently and effectively
run a two day event in a professional and safe manner. We had two serious
injuries on this past years event where APRS was vital to getting the
exact location of the downed rider quickly to the safety coordinator. I'm
convinced APRS helped save the life of at least one individual at the 1999
event. This particular rider was in full arrest and being out in the west
ja-baba land everything looks the same and is easy to lose track of where
you are or what street you're on. WinAPRS combined with street level
detail maps increases our ability to respond to critical situations. Had
APRS not been available and we had taken an extra minute to find out where
we were may very well have cost this rider his life. The ironic thing was
this guy three minutes minutes prior to his collapse was telling his
friend how he'd never felt better. Next thing we know he's down on the
ground just about dead. Granted this is an extreme case but it really did
happen and I'm sure happens in other events too. I would venture to say
most of what you've seen of APRS has been people driving around the
neighborhood showing the world where they are like anyone else really
cares. :) If you want more convincing testimony about the value of APRS,
just ask the N.E. Ohio chapter of the Multiple Sclerosis society and I'm
sure they'll attest to the benefits of having a network like this. One
other thing that comes to mind is APRS cuts down on the amount of voice
traffic on an already congested network because if you've ever worked a
public service event of any decent size, a lot of voice traffic on the net
is the net ops guy asking everyone where they are. APRS allows them to
know almost realtime where everyone is.
Well anyway I hope i didnt bore you too much. :)
Ryan Wilkins (N8YHV)
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
On Fri, 3 Mar 2000, Chuck Gelm wrote:
> Howdy, Rob:
>
> Obsolete like 'CW' !
> :-)
>
> Ya know, I've never understood a use|value for APRS.
> :-|
>
> Are you saying that APRS is a technology or digipeating is a technology?
> :-|
> Oh, yes, there is APRS in my area.
>
> How about a Pinto!
> :-|
>
> vy73, Chuck nc8q
>
> Rob Compton wrote:
> >
> > ----- Original Message -----
> > From: Chuck Gelm <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> > To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> > Sent: 02 March 2000 19:49
> > Subject: Re: NEW-AX.25: Starting to clean up socket API
> >
> > > Howdy, Y'all:
> > >
> > > IMHO, digipeating is obsolete.
> >
> > Is it? Then how will APRS systems work that rely on relaying (errr...
> > digipeating) UI frames?
> > Or haven't you got that sort of technology where you are?
> >
> > But then again, 99.9% of Radio Amateurs just LOVE things that are obsolete,
> > and enjoy keeping them going, even if something newer and better is
> > available.
> >
> > IMHO, don't by an Edsel when you can buy a Chevrolet Corvair - far faster,
> > but much more dangerous in unfamiliar hands.
> >
> > >
> > > 73, Chuck nc8q
> > >
> >
> > ===================================================================
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> > too!
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>
