AUTOMATIC PACKET REPORTING SYSTEM (APRS)
APRS (Automatic Packet Reporting System) is a digital communication protocol developed by Bob Bruninga - WB4APR (SK) who maintained it until he went silent key in 2022. APRS utilizes packet radio technology to communicate information, such as GPS location, weather reports, non-directional beacon, texts, and other data, among amateur radio stations. The system is able to provide real-time information about the location and status of vehicles, boats, or people, and to support the need for information and communication during events, emergencies, or everyday activities.
APRS data can be displayed in intuitive formats such as maps, showing stations, objects, tracks of moving objects, weather station telemetry, search and rescue data, and direction finding data. APRS-enabled transceivers or devices with a GPS receiver transmit their location data over the air.
The range and coverage of APRS is extended by amateur radio operators through the use of digipeaters and Internet gateways (IGates). Digipeaters receive and retransmit APRS packets, while IGates interface APRS data with the Internet, allowing internet users to view and interact with APRS data online.
In the United States, APRS traffic uses a common frequency of 144.390 MHz.