Tactical Value? [was: VX-8R Symbol/SSID (Was Re: [aprssig] YaesuVX-8R)]

[Scott Miller]

So if we add an 'Argent' logo as a symbol, everyone automatically knows 
about all of that stations capabilities too, right?

Do you expect users to memorize each vendor's capabilities, or just to 
go look up the instruction manual online and search for the relevant 
sections?

Capabilities need to be described explicitly.  I understand the 
historical reasons for the Kenwood symbol, but we really need to be 
moving away from vendor symbols.

Scott
N1VG

Robert Bruninga wrote:
>>> we added a RADIO symbol with OVERLAYS.  Using that
>>> symbol will allow a K for Kenwood, a Y for Yeasu, 
>>> an I for Icom and A for Alinco, etc...
>> 
>> What is the tactical or situational-awareness value to
>> this?
> 
> Extremely valuable.  With not a single 'bit' of added load to
> the network, about a megabyte of information is transferred.  In
> that one symbol, one end of an APRS communication link has a
> "virtual megabyte" of knowledge about the capabilities,
> functions and operability of the other end of the link.
> 
> If someone is having problems doing something on APRS with his
> equipment and someone else is monitoring with that same
> equipment he can jump in and offer detailed knowledge about how
> to resolve it.  I have yet to meet any one ham who has full
> knowledge of how to operate any of these modern gizmo radios.  I
> am always happy to have someone else help me figure out how to
> accomplish something with the tool in hand, without having to go
> home and get the "megabyte manual"..
> 
> It seems just common sense to include such a wealth of
> informaion for free in our comunications...
> 
> Bob, WB4APR
> 
> 
> 
> 
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