[aprssig] APRS Authors - New Symbols

[Robert Bruninga]

> The \a symbol with a D overlay denotes a D-STAR repeater so a
vehicle
> would not be appropriate.

Ah thanks.  Do you have a special symbol for Dstar mobiles?
 
> The \a symbol with a W overlay denotes a Winlink Packet node
so a
> keyboard would not be appropriate either.

My thoghts for these winlink nodes are that they are TELPAC
stations which is where any APRS operator in an emergency can
dial in the frequency, and then operate conventional packet and
send and receive Email.  The most valuable function being to
send an Email out of an affected area. So that is why I thought
of a keyboard.  Because normally someone would wait and read
their email from a faster access system later.

BUT in an emergency, then , maybe reding one's email via RF is
the more valuable function (since APRS can already send Email
directly).  SO Maybe the better symbol would be a PC screen with
a W on it.
 
> Personally, I don't see a reason to go away from 
> the \a symbols.  Especially considering the number 
> of clients that will never be updated with a new 
> symbol set...

My thinking is that for these special symbol combinations that
are being generated in bulk, it is worth the effort, since
eventually there could be 26 different applications of the red
box with a letter on it.

> I understand the desire for distinctive symbols 
> but the logistics at this stage seem to me to be
> prohibitive.  

True, but I don't want APRS to be stagnant for ever with all the
limitations of some current clients.  These clients will still
display the present combination, but by agreeing on some special
icons, those APRS clients that are being maintained can keep up
with demand and current use.

> I think the cons outweigh the pros on this one, IMHO.

Probably true.  But I hope the authors of present and future
APRS display software, would consider making their code
extensible for this method of generating dozens of new symbols
in APRS.

Thanks.  Good feedback.
Bob, WB4APR


> 73,
> 
> Pete Loveall AE5PL
> pete at ae5pl dot net
> 
> 
> 
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