Also, it is not required that those receiving your signal be licensed amateur radio operators. Licensing only applies to those transmitting. In a mode like APRS, any number of licensed stations will receive your beacon and depending on their configuration, digipeat it.

Last but not least, Bob – WB4APR will probably take exception, as will the FCC to the use of APRS by non-amateurs on FRS / GMRS or other similar radio services, especially if that use is commercial in nature. While Bob allows his invention to be used freely by Amateur radio operators world-wide, commercial use is subject to licensing of the technology.

@anonymous – very bad idea. And if you’re encrypting the position, none of the existing APRS software will work anyway. But more importantly, APRS users can and do track down pirates, even if it means resorting to radio direction finding. Get caught doing that, and you’re facing an $11,000 fine from the FCC.

In the US at least, there’s no reason *not* to get a license. I passed the test (with Morse code back then) at age 10, and so did my son. I passed the Extra class exam after one Saturday spent cramming with the FCC question pool and Google, didn’t ever crack a book or take a class.

Shameless plug: I’m Byonic’s primary competitor. My OpenTracker+ outperforms the TinyTrak3+ used in the linked article in just about every way, and the source code is available under the BSD license, so you can hack away. The TT3 is closed and you’ll need to buy a new chip if you want to upgrade.

I’ve also got a bunch of hard-to-find radio connectors and such, plus some good solderless breadboards cheaper than you’ll find just about anywhere else, at http://www.argentdata.com/catalog .

BTW the new yaesu VX8 handheld will have APRS built-in with facilities to attach a GPS (although not the first handheld to do this)

I am sure that someone in your local hamclub is intrested in helping you out!

APRS is sorta used with the Garmin Rinos. The FCC allowed a variance in the FRS rules for it, opening the floodgates for similar operations by others.

meh w/e.

73′s
ki6wow

I’ve been using APRS for the past >10 years. It works well. It does NOT require a 2m repeater although some repeater operators have implemented a means to pass APRS beacons they hear in the input to the actual APRS frequency rather than repeating them on the output of the repeater.

APRS or any other form of telemetry can not be used on FRS. While not a technical restriction or limitation, it is a legislative restriction of the service. I’m surprised that Garmin hasn’t gotten into issues with the Rino radios doing it. For that matter, I’d like to see the “blister pack” radios limited to FRS freqs until you can demonstrate to the manufacturer that you have a valid GMRS ticket but, I guess that’s just me.

As for making up a callsign and using APRS unlicensed, please just get your ticket and do it legally. It is NOT that difficult. If you can’t/won’t get your amateur radio license, find someone with a commercial frequency and become an authorized user on their frequency. You can get a pair or “rock bound” data radios @ 460Mhz from numerous sources. They work very well, especially in your balloon application and are light weight as well.

And to the “No-Code Vs. Code” warriors, come on folks… How many YEARS has it been and you’re still having that argument? I learned code. It didn’t kill me. I enjoy CW now but, I did NOT when I had to learn it to get my ticket. While it is a great communications mode and will get through when most others won’t, psk31 and many of the other digital modes out perform it. I’ve had 5×5 PSK QSOs when we were unable, even with DSP, to copy CW because of band conditions.

Whatever floats your boat though.

73 de K4WTF

I understand the requirement for Code (used to be called Morse code) has been removed internationally, and from all bands, not just the amateur bands. It is a loss, but not much different from people no longer being able to universally ride horses. There will always be a niche need, and those who specialize in it for the sake of the skill and indeed, artistry.

Loved the “Shortwave” comment in the story, it’s a UHF/VHF rig in the pic…. HEh not an HF.

73s all

hi hi

Then someone with DF will find you and you’ll owe the FCC quite a bit of change. It’s quite a hobby to find radio pirates in itself.

Invest in a couple of Garmin Rino radios instead.

Heck his is huge compared to the ones you can build now from sparkfun and other places.

newsflash: hack-a-day discovers ham radio.