APRS: Sean W4BKR's November Presentation
APRS (Automatic Packet Reporting System) is a real-time digital communication network that lets amateur radio operators share live information such as location, weather, messages, and telemetry over RF and the internet. Originally created in 1982 by Bob Bruninga, WB4APR, APRS has grown into a worldwide system used for everything from vehicle tracking and outdoor adventures to emergency response, marathons, and high-altitude balloon flights. It works through a combination of local RF transmission, digipeaters, and internet gateways (I-Gates) that relay packets globally.
Operators can get on APRS using handhelds with built-in APRS, mobile radios with TNCs, software-defined radios, phone apps like APRSdroid, or desktop software. APRS supports messaging, weather reporting, satellite/ISS digipeating, and even modern integrations like Meshtastic and sensor networks. While APRS offers incredible situational awareness and flexibility, users must understand its limitations—simplex congestion, no guaranteed delivery, and the need for good operating practices. Overall, APRS remains a powerful, resilient, and evolving tool that embodies the experimental and public-service spirit of amateur radio.