[aprssig] APRS on Field Day 2007

[Robert Bruninga]

> ... last Field Day the ARRL posted special 
> instructions for APRS....  I remember that FD
> stations were to operate on a different 
> frequency using no I-Gates.

Unfortunately, the ARRL has never really understood APRS.  I
think you are referring to my attmpts over the years to
encourage APRS operators to demonstrate the
real-time-come-as-you-are ability of APRS to build a network in
the field.  But I have given up on that.  The ARRL still does
not understand APRS in the context of come-as-you-are emergency
operations, and so this year, lets try something different!!!

See my 2006 APRS FD suggestions for comparison:

http://www.ew.usna.edu/~bruninga/aprs/fd2006.html

Then see my 2007 page at the end... Here are the 2007 rules:

QUOTE
7.3.10. Non-Traditional Mode Demos: ... 100 points ... for
setting up a demonstration of a non-traditional mode... such as
APRS...

7.3.10.2. A complete portable packet system may be
included...[which] must include a temporary, portable node...
separate from the existing packet infrastructure of your area.
Simply setting up a packet station does not qualify as a
demonstration mode. 
UNQUOTE

I'm not sure that the ARRL has ever understood APRS.  Notice
that 7.3.10.2 speaks of "packet" as additional to the listing of
APRS in para 7.3.10.  Also APRS does not use "nodes" which are
distinct level-4 packet devices for conventional connected
packet, therefore rule 7.3.10.2 applies to conventional
message-traffic packet and does *NOT* apply to APRS.

If the ARRL after 15 years of APRS still does not recognize APRS
enough to even understand the difference between APRS and
"packet nodes", then I give up on trying to interpret their
rules in their favor.  

THEREFORE, the 2007 FD rules for APRS are interpreted as
follows:

1) APRS will not be used as a digital mode for QSO points.
Hence it is suitable as a special modes demonstration worth 100
points.

2) APRS does not use "repeaters", and does not even use
digipeaters for QSO points, so the prohibition against
"repeaters" does not apply.

3) APRS is a demo station and not a participant in a level-4
packet node system so the requirements for message-packet
systems of para 7.3.10.2 do not apply.

4) APRS will be operated on 144.39 in the USA as a demonstration
station on RF ONLY. 100 demo Points will be awarded for an
operating APRS station that can capture at least 20 surrounding
APRS network participants and can exchange a two way-message
with at least three other manned stations.

Here is the 2007 APRS field day WEB page:

http://www.ew.usna.edu/~bruninga/aprs/fd2006.html

Notice that ALL Kenwood D700 mobiles should be activated as
TEMPn-N digipeaters.  This will make a nice way to link into
144.39 if needed and to see what we can do with this "permanent"
TEMPn-n alternate network capability...

Did I miss anything?
Bob, WB4APR