Hello from sunny South Africa :-)
Recently I posted a question on another APRS forum and unfortunately have received only one response and regrettably that reply has not fully answered my query (as an aside it was as a P.M. so it seems that none of the forum members willing to share their knowledge). Am now asking here (YAAC users) in the hope that someone will be able to respond so that I can better understand what is required for a stand alone APRS 'service'.
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Advance apologies for showing my ignorance but I figure that if I do not ask the question, then I will remain in the dark regarding how APRS works overall...
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1st my current understanding of 'how APRS works':
When using an APRS client e.g. APRSDroid, YAAC or similar, data packets are exchanged with a global server via the Internet via whatever transport medium is enabled e.g. RF and an IGate, Data via the cellular network or even audio from a recording (how I plan on experimenting <smile>) and then to the Internet or perhaps using an Internet connection at a home base.
These data packets convey the information necessary to enable the plotting of objects / stations / whatever on a map positioned according to the appropriate location co-ordinates derived via GPS or entered manually. ?Other traffic such as messaging is also carried by the data packets and the resulting 'text' displayed in the appropriate 'fields'.
So far so good (I hope).
Now the part I would like to better understand / specific question. What is / are the 'service(s)' being provided at the 'server' end of the APRS infrastructure e.g. https://.aprs.fi and how can a 'standalone' (no internet available / required) service utilising only RF be facilitated so that LOCAL participants can track and be tracked using APRS ?features e.g. During a local event remote from cellular / data services.
I can visualise a scenario with there being an RF IGate assuming that there is some path to an Internet connection from said gateway, but if there is no Internet available and local tracking of resources and text messaging between stations is required?
Would a RF 'relay' of whatever received (a parrot type simplex 'repeater') provide desired functionality and if yes, what software could be used to implement (Linux preferred)??
Again my apologies for taking up bandwidth with what is probably considered something that is known by even the newest of newcomers to APRS, but I want to learn (and one day implement a portable standalone RF based APRS 'server') so hence the post and exposing my ignorance.
BIG thanks in advance for any and all feedback.?
73 Nigel ZS6RN ex G8DEV?
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