User Feedback :: APRS via Damn Small Linux

Here is a screenshot of one of my latest contacts using xastir .


and you can go here to see all the data about my location
from transmissions from DSL and xastir via radio
http://www.findu.com/cgi-bin/find.cgi?call=ke4nt-5

73
ke4nt

Here is an email I sent myself with NO INTERNET CONNECTION !
This was only via Ham Radio/APRS/Packet .

I'm using DSL and Xastir 1.4.0 , out Com-1 to a MFJ 1276 TNC ,
then out to a 4W handheld Radio Shack HTX-202 Transmitter,  
and sent via coax to a 13 element 2 meter beam at 20 ft.
Making first contact with W5AC-2 , the Texas A&M repeater
at A&M University in Bryan/College Station at 32.5 miles from my QTH.

Looks like the email made it to a mail server in N.J. before it was sent to my
damnsmall email account..

I actually received a reply from the WU2Z digipeater just minutes after
sending this to confirm that the email was sent successfuly.

Next time I'll try this from a more remote location via the Jeep .
Top of a building or a unique landmark or site ( lake , park , etc. )
One of my laptops will run from the 12V, as will the TNC and Radio..

There is also an ISS passover tonite at 09:35PM CST.
I will attempt to bounce some sig off the ISS, maybe even get
a reply/ack from someone in North or Central America.



73
ke4nt

Here is another screenshot of advancing weather via APRS.
Looks like the tricker-treaters may be in for some s p o o k y weather.
This is live via APRS , and the stations you see onscreen are only
the ones my RADIO can hear..

I've got my beam pointed NW, so only the Austin/Temple areas are
shown onscreen, due to the selectivity of the antenna.
( Notice NO activity out of Houston, which is SW of my QTH .)

This front line is going to bring us much cooler weather for next week.
Instead of 90's and 70's , we should see some 60's and 40's .  Whew!!



73
ke4nt

A pic of the live weather data available thru my radio receiver.
Many of these are also available via the internet.
Clicking on any of these icons from the map gives you data about the station .
These are all "amateur weatherstations" , like the ones you can purchase
that have connections to your PC ..

You don't need an "Amateur Radio License" to enjoy this activity.
Any scanner with an earphone output can connect to your soundcard,
which can demod the packets like a "tnc" , and display them in Xastir.
Most of the internet connections and maps are also available to you.
Open xastir, and setup "Nocall" as your callsign.. ( The default )
Monitor away ..




73
ke4nt