About

The Ham SIG (Special Interest Group) is open to newly licensed amateur radio operators (and OT/old timers alike),  those who are interested in becoming hams and the radio curious.

Each month there will be a different radio-related topic.  A presentation will be followed by a discussion and Q&A.

February topic:

 APRS (Automatic Packet Reporting System) - A Real-Time Tactical Communications System for Digital Data

APRS is an amateur radio-based system for real time digital communications of information of immediate value in the local area. Data can include object Global Positioning System (GPS) coordinates, weather station telemetry, text messages, announcements, queries, and other telemetry. APRS data can be displayed on a map, which can show stations, objects, tracks of moving objects, weather stations, search and rescue data, and direction finding data.

APRS data is typically transmitted on a single shared frequency (depending on country) to be repeated locally by area relay stations (digipeaters) for widespread local consumption. In addition, all such data are typically ingested into the APRS Internet System (APRS-IS) via an Internet-connected receiver (IGate) and distributed globally for ubiquitous and immediate access. Data shared via radio or Internet are collected by all users and can be combined with external map data to build a shared live view. (From Wikipedia)

Chris and Michael will provide a brief overview of APRS. Then, they will discuss the hardware, software, and infrastructure used to support tracking aid vehicles for Chilly Hilly.  Go kits and other hardware will be on hand to view up close.

For more APRS Info checkout:

http://www.aprs.org/

https://aprs.fi/

Presenters:

Christopher Maloney, KE7LET, is a former Radio Officer for the City of Bellevue Communication Support (BCS) group and active member; he is also a reserve member of the ICaST group.  Chris volunteers for the Nightmare at Beaver Lake charity haunted house for network infrastructure and operations support.  He is a Principal Software Engineering Manager at Microsoft

Michael Hilsdale, KG6LPY, is a former Radio Officer for the City of Bellevue Communication Support (BCS) group and active member; he is also a reserve member of the ICaST group.  Michael volunteers for the Nightmare at Beaver Lake charity haunted house for special effects and technical support.  He is a Senior Software Engineering Manger at Microsoft.

Free to members and non-members

Organized by BARC (Bainbridge Island Amateur Radio Club)

KR/tt