VE6AB Technical

APRS Portable Communications

What you see here is my netbook running APRSIS, and connected to my Kenwood D72 via the mini USB com port located on the right side of the D72. This setup is very compact, and the two of them store nicely in my go box, or my messenger bag when I head out.

My Kenwood TH-D72A Data Communicator is equipped with a built-in TNC, and provides APRS® (Automatic Packet/Position Reporting System) and there is an integrated GPS built in! The TH-D72A offers compatibility for enhanced computer connectivity as shown in my photo.

I use the keyboard for messaging with any of the stations that are beaconing and listed on the left side of the computer screen. By zooming out on the map, the entire province or further can be displayed on the screen.

By clicking on any of the stations that are displayed, you may then message with any of these stations.

The Kenwood TH-D72, and the Kenwood TM-D710A, as well as the new G model, are the only true bi-directional APRS capable radios that allow a computer to take command of the TNC built in the radio. Therefore if you want to run APRSIS on your computer, along with a APRS radio, either of these two radios will allow that.

I also use this same netbook in my mobile, connected to my D710, and its as simple as choosing the different radio in the menu upon starting the program. It takes about 20 seconds for the computer running APRSIS to establish a connection with the radio, then the computer begins displaying decoded packet information that is being downloaded from the radio.

If you look close at the screen, you can see the string of waypoints flowing from beneath the top left corner of my D72 that show the track I made before arriving at my destination, the laptop symbol shown on the screen.

You also can zoom in on the map with street names and Avenues becoming visible.
Multitracking on individual beaconing stations is also available.

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