[aprssig] Re: APRS SSn-N Spec.

[The Bland Ranch]

Quoting Cap Pennell <cap at cruzio.com>:

> With mobiles able to set WIDE1-1,WIDE2-1 and then travel anywhere _without
> ever having to change_ their path......


Cap,

I beg to differ with you.

Right off the bat, there are MANY places in Wyoming where the WIDE1-1,WIDE2-1
path won't get you to an I-Gate. I was operating in southern and eastern
Wyoming for six week mobile and I can assure you I had to vary from your
recommendation or not be seen on the servers. Another place I just learned
about is Interstate 5 north of Sacramento, toward Redding. Even the SLIGHTLY
longer path I used often did not get my packets to the servers, but I got more
there than with the shorter path.

Yes, I realize when I get into the areas rich with I-Gates and digipeaters that
I need to change my path or risk getting an automated note. But there are many
areas that are not as blessed with hardware like the Bay area or other
metropolitan areas.

I believe a dis-service is done to the aprs community with such broad
statements. Is it a great policy? Absolutely! Is it true enough to be
universal? Not at all and I feel some slack is warranted to allow for places
where it does not work. Those folks that have to do things a little different
don't have to feel like they are breaking rules just to live with their
situation.

Chuck Bland
NA6BR