So, how does it work? APRSTASTIC, created by Adam Fourney KK7CMT, is a project that integrates MESHTASTIC firmware with APRS functionality. It allows devices to join a mesh network, broadcasting APRS packets that include location data, messages, and more. These packets are transmitted over LoRa modulation, which offers long-range, low-power communication ideal for this setup. Only amateur users are permitted to use the APRS network, so the software requires users to register with the service. This attaches the eligible user's callsign to messages and allows access to the gateway functionality. The basic function of GPS tracking is supporting reporting mobile node location to the APRS map. As part of the mesh, devices can relay signals, extending the network's range and coverage. This makes APRSTASTIC particularly useful for tracking, emergency communications, and community networking – all without needing extensive infrastructure.
APRSTASTIC presently supports features like SMS messaging and Winlink integration, making it a versatile tool for emergency communications, and remote messaging. The hardware consists of a Heltec V3 LoRa node running Meshtastic firmware. The short name is assigned "APRS" and the long name is "W3HZU-12". The Heltec V3 board is attached to a Raspberry Pi computer with a simple USB-C cable. The Raspberry Pi runs the APRSTASTIC python software package on a fresh install of the standard Raspbian OS. Very little customization needs to be done to get this running. It is low-cost and low power. The club member Ron K3HIL developed a few linux cron job scripts to keep APRSTASTIC running reliably, and restarted if there is a problem. The W3HZU-12 node communicates easily to the repeater node on the club's 100 foot tower, which supplies APRS network access for many miles in York County, into parts of nearby Lancaster and Lebanon Counties, and lower Dauphin County. Infrequently the APRS node announces its presence and invites amateur users to register by replying with a Meshstastic message containing a "?"
At W3HZU, this technology is opening new doors for radio enthusiasts. It is a stepping stone to gain interest in licensed amateur radio, as we have a large Meshtastic user community in the tri-county area. The project's open-source nature, hosted on GitHub, invites collaboration and customization, making it a promising development for the amateur radio community advancing the art of radio. Club members Eric N3FIX and Ron K3HIL have been working to encourage the maker community to join forces with the Amateur Radio community in this project. The support received from both the Keystone VHF Club and the Susquehanna Valley Mesh community has been mutually beneficial.
https://www.w3hzu.com/aprs-gateway/
