[amsat-bb] Re: Digi @ Dayton?

[Zachary Beougher]

Hi Bob,

What you say does make sense - I didn't think about the digi congesting the 
network since everyone would be within simplex range.  My main concern is 
that I can get digipeated using the stock duck on the TH-D7A that I will be 
using for backpack APRS.  If I can't reach any digipeaters in the area, I 
need to go to plan B for an antenna.

73!

Zack
KD8KSN

-----Original Message----- 
From: Bob Bruninga
Sent: Monday, May 16, 2011 10:24 AM
To: amsat-bb at amsat.org
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Digi @ Dayton?

> [does] anyone set up a digipeater at Dayton,
> or do we rely on the local digi’s?

Proper operation of an event like Dayton would suggest that putting up a 
digipeater would be the worst thing to do.  With over 300+ mobiles and 
portables beaconing away all in simplex range of each other, a digipeater 
would do nothing but drastically reduce the reliability of the channel by 
half or more.

The proper way to handle a ham radio event with a massive influx of APRS 
operations is to:

1) Have no digi at the focal point (Hamvention)
2) Have all digis going out 30 miles in all directions be ONE-HOP DIGIS 
ONLY.  That is, they only respond to WIDE1-1 or WIDE2-2 and nothing else. 
They digipeat once and do callsign substitution so the packet goes no 
further
3) Strategic IGates are placed right at Hamvention so they hear everything 
in simplex range
4) Additional IGates are configured so that every surrounding digi going out 
30 miles has an IGate to hear the one-hop packets.

5) Doing all the above, then the hundreds of APRS mobiles and portables do 
not have to change anything.  They just drive into town with their normal 
WIDE1-1,WIDE2-1 settings.

Bob, WB4APR



_______________________________________________
Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author.
Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program!
Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb