Ooh, there are a lot of amateur balloons bouncing around the world right now, actually!
Digipeated through #botan #aprs #hamradio
https://db.satnogs.org/satellite/PHOX-2063-1951-4466-3756
@rocking_horse @Unabart I agree there are similarities. And it is theoretically possible to create a new protocol that could be used both ways. And then see the xkcd post I linked.
You cannot change a protocol easily once it is deployed.
#meshtastic decided to remember the next hop in the direct path on each router. #meshcore lets the user set the path when sending.
If you want to complain about not enough cooperation, add #aprs and few others to the list.
Can't get #DireWolf to actually transmit the packet audio burst via my FT-991a. I have this config setting:
ADEVICE plughw:CODEC,0 VID PID Product Sound ADEVICE ADEVICE HID [ptt]
--- --- ------- ----- ------- ------- ---------
08bb 29b3 USB Audio CODEC /dev/snd/controlC0 /dev/hidraw0
08bb 29b3 USB Audio CODEC /dev/snd/pcmC0D0c plughw:0,0 plughw:CODEC,0 /dev/hidraw0
08bb 29b3 USB Audio CODEC /dev/snd/pcmC0D0p plughw:0,0 plughw:CODEC,0 /dev/hidraw0Bus 001 Device 017: ID 08bb:29b3 Texas Instruments PCM2903B Audio CODECI'm listening in on 144.390 MHz on my handheld while my FT-991a is transmitting, but all I get is the transmission starting and ending with no audio inside it. Any suggestions?
Can't get #DireWolf to actually transmit the packet audio burst via my FT-991a. I have this config setting:
ADEVICE plughw:CODEC,0
Which corresponds to these devices:
VID PID Product Sound ADEVICE ADEVICE HID [ptt]
--- --- ------- ----- ------- ------- ---------
08bb 29b3 USB Audio CODEC /dev/snd/controlC0 /dev/hidraw0
08bb 29b3 USB Audio CODEC /dev/snd/pcmC0D0c plughw:0,0 plughw:CODEC,0 /dev/hidraw0
08bb 29b3 USB Audio CODEC /dev/snd/pcmC0D0p plughw:0,0 plughw:CODEC,0 /dev/hidraw0
Bus 001 Device 017: ID 08bb:29b3 Texas Instruments PCM2903B Audio CODEC
I'm listening in on 144.390 MHz on my handheld while my FT-991a is transmitting, but all I get is the transmission starting and ending with no audio inside it. Any suggestions?
My registration of aprs.net.nz has just been released. If you're into that hobby, you can go get a domain name.
Held that for 30years.
Well… today was quite a wet and rainy day. Not a lot of activity here other than blowing the dust off an AX.25 stack I've been working on for a little while. This is written in pure Python and implements both AX.25 and APRS standards, including connected mode. It's shipped as a library to include in your Python (asyncio) applications.
https://codeberg.org/sjlongland/aioax25/
https://github.com/sjlongland/aioax25/
I'll probably do a release soon, as I've spent the day refining the API a bit and cleaning up the unit tests. I've finally now got 100% code coverage on this and it's being tested on Python 3.9-3.14.
One thing I'm considering is some sort of stream socket protocol (TCP, AF_UNIX and maybe websocket) that can be used to expose the functions of the stack to a separate program. Something like the AGWPE protocol in concept — but different as I don't want any legal trouble. I also think the AGWPE protocol is a bit limiting.
I really enjoy #sunset #photography & sometimes the walk to the end of the driveway to retrieve the bins is perfect. At just this moment, the only part of my property still bathed in #GoldenHour glory is my #EdFong #APRS #HamRadio #antenna
I mean, just LOOK at that thing, standing tall & proud, thanklessly doing its service to the community.
Check out N0MQL-1 on aprs.fi to see how beautifully it performs.
IT'S OFFICIAL! #LoRaAPRS App v1.0.0 for Android is Live!
I'm thrilled to announce the release of the first official version of the #LoRa #APRS App for Android! As of January 25, 2026, we have formally adopted semantic versioning to bring you a more structured and reliable experience.
This update is a massive step forward. While we stick to our core philosophy-pure messaging, true off-grid capability, and no unnecessary bloat - we have completely overhauled the engine under the hood.
Here is what's new in v1.0.0 (25 January 2026):
Comprehensive Multi-Device Support - Connect all your stations (car tracker, home station, portable TNC) in one place!
- Seamless Switching: The app intelligently connects to the next available device via Bluetooth (Classic/BLE) or TCP/IP.
- Auto-Reconnect: Transitions happen in the background without manual intervention.
Advanced Messaging System Rebuilt from the ground up for reliability!
- Smart Grouping: Conversations are grouped by callsign. The app handles SSIDs intelligently, ensuring replies go to the right station.
- New Tools: Send Normal messages, CQ, or Bulletins easily.
- Field Ready: Use Predefined Messages for quick updates (perfect for SOTA/POTA!) and built-in Query Commands.
Multi-Language Support - The interface is now fully translated into 7 languages! 🇺🇸 English, 🇩🇪 German, 🇪🇸 Spanish, 🇫🇷 French, 🇮🇹 Italian, 🇵🇱 Polish, and 🇵🇹 Portuguese.
Compatibility Guaranteed - This app is designed to work perfectly with the SQ2CPA firmware available on my flasher tool. You can grab the compatible software here: https://flasher.lora-aprs.pl/
📚 Documentation - Need a deep dive into the features? You can find the complete wiki for the application here: https://wiki.lora-aprs.pl/lora_aprs_mobile_app/index/
Feedback & Support:
Found a bug? Have a feature request? I want to hear from you!
🔹 GitHub Issues: https://github.com/SQ2CPA/LoRa_APRS_Mobile_App/issues
🔹 Email: sq2cpa@gmail.com
🔹 Telegram: @SQ2CPA
Download the APK here: https://app.lora-aprs.pl/download
My most recent (as in just now) #HamRadio themed email newsletter... https://open.substack.com/pub/g5doc/p/on-air-on-foot-up-a-ladder-072 #APRS #AmateurRadio #4meters, #Radio
In ITU R.2 (the Americas) it seems to be almost all 144.39 MHz. There is some HF stuff, too, mostly on the 30-m band but I don't know specific frequencies. In other ITU regions, there are other "default" frequencies on, at least, the 2-m band.
Closest I come is "DPRS" which is APRS-ish via D-STAR.
Do *I* do actual #APRS? No. Do I want to do it? Yes. Do I use my lack of antennas as an excuse for this and other things? I'm sorry, that's all the time we have today.
Time to find a new #APRS client...Xastir is in the process of accepting copilot authored PRs
@m17_project so no money for Ailunce/Retevis from me then.
I would gladly buy an analog FM + #m17 HT but are not interested in DMR.
Bonus points if said HT has USB-C PD charching, TNC for data modes, messaging capable #aprs and CAT control.
I haven't been very active on here lately, but maybe that'll change a bit now that I sprung for a new radio that's miles better than my old UV-5R, a Kenwood TH-D75A. It's much easier to use and I'm enjoying the #APRS features so far. I can't wait to get it on the road soon!
I've been doing so much #APRS lately, that whenever I try and type "iterm" into my command execution in my OS, I keep defaulting to igate..
Every time I open up the Aprx code base and look at it, I start thinking about just sitting down and writing its spiritual successor from a blank slate. #APRS
#packetradio using #digirig #aprs #direwolf #xastir #socat #packetradio #nixos #configurationdotnix #udev #ft818 #yaesuft818 #hamradio #resilientcommunication #Notfallkommunikation detailed setup video --->
https://youtu.be/smrTgJLs9Hg?si=i-F-vbtN7xKqZQTA
[ background info also under
https://themodernham.com/packet-radio-101-the-ultimate-guide/ (slow link)
https://youtu.be/V0FAzMIsxMg?si=vnqJyVgwbIoq-Gnm ]