[aprssig] PIC processor for APRS info for D-STAR mobiles?

[Pete Loveall AE5PL Lists]

> -----Original Message-----
> From: aprssig-bounces at lists.tapr.org [mailto:aprssig-
> bounces at lists.tapr.org] On Behalf Of Robert Bruninga
> Sent: Saturday, July 05, 2008 11:00 AM
> To: 'TAPR APRS Mailing List'
> Subject: Re: [aprssig] PIC processor for APRS info for D-STAR mobiles?
>
> That was the point of my post.  That is, to add an external PIC
> to use this "exposed information" for external displays on
> either Maping GPS's, TEXT messaging GPS's, or HAMHUDS  or even
> laptops all of which have their own displays external to the
> DSTAR radio.  And the PIC or program that would do the
> translating we would have full control over...

Then that pic should not do what you recommend but implement the D-PRS translation.  The full documentation including a full specification of D-PRS can be found at http://www.aprs-is.net/dprs.aspx  It is important that we don't try to create the same mess we had when everybody decided to do Mic-E translation onto APRS-IS causing countless, inaccurate dupes.  Plus, if they follow the D-PRS spec, they have full APRS compatibility including bidirectional operation.  However, this has nothing to do with what is displayed on the radio.

> You are correct that I am dependent on those who have D-STAR
> radios to tell us how it works, but if some form of data is
> "exposed" as you suggest, then we should be able to exploit it
> somehow...

Be "exposed" is not the same as being "used".  As I stated to you privately and on this SIG, the callsign and message information that is present on the data port on the radio is not utilized by the radio.

> I think you missinterpreted my post.  My post was calling for an
> external display driven by a pic processor to take advantage of
> the "exposed GPS information" which you noted above.

Then promote a standard (D-PRS) that is already in existence and already compensates for issues that exist on the D-STAR data subchannel.

> And once we develop the how-to-do-it and formats, then we could
> approach ICOM and ask them to give us access to the displays in
> future models.  I like to be open minded about what can be done.
> If there is something in the way, then lets work around it and
> eventually have the goal of fixing it.

There is nothing to fix.  The radios are voice radios; the specification is for voice; the radios work properly to promote the proper use of the D-STAR protocol.

> The goal is a Ham Radio infromation system for the mobile
> operators.   If a HAM radio has an "exposed" digital channel,
> then I'd like to be creative with lots of things we can use it
> for.  I'd like to see future radios working towards that common
> goal of common diplays of surrounding local information.

This is already being done on D-STAR forums and by people knowledgeable in the D-STAR protocol.  The APRS SIG is not the place for D-STAR discussions which is a completely different protocol.

73,

Pete Loveall AE5PL
pete at ae5pl dot net