[aprssig] Mac Lion APRS iGate software?

[Stephen H. Smith]

On 8/12/2011 12:12 PM, Paul Vittorino wrote:
> According to the wiki 
> <http://info.aprs.net/index.php/Software#Apple_Mac_OS_X> there is a new APRS 
> software for MacOS called PocketPacket. Please join the wiki and add any 
> other Mac software you find.
>
> Paul
>
> On Fri, Aug 12, 2011 at 12:16 AM, Stephen H. Smith <wa8lmf2 at aol.com 
> <mailto:wa8lmf2 at aol.com>> wrote:
>
>     On 8/11/2011 11:27 PM, Larry LaBranche wrote:
>>     Is there a good, easy to install and use Mac APRS igate/digi software for Lion. I find myself getting tired of playing with computers anymore. There is a good Mac client that can be installed easily from the app store called PocketPacket. I've tried Xastir but the maps seem to just crawl and don't see iGating.
>
>     Xastir maps leave a lot to be desired, but it DOES igate/digi
>     decently.     AS far as I know, there is no truly-native Mackintosh  APRS
>     client except for the decades-out-of-date MacAPRS that was compiled for
>     classic pre-System X Macs.  Further, MacAPRS suffers from lack of any
>     remotely current maps.
>



I didn't realize that "Pocket Packet" is an actual APRS app.  The name is very 
misleading!  I had assumed it was  a generic packet app intended for classic 
pre-APRS connected packet.

I just looked at it's website at:
. <http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/pocketpacket/id336500866?mt=8>

It appears to be a full-blown APRS app with a built-in soft modem that uses the 
sound system as a TNC, and mapping capability.    It is apparently available in 
a version for the iPad which sounds really intriguing.  [I have never seen the 
point of trying to cram mapping-dependent APRS apps into smart phones with 
their itty-bitty screens, but the iPad screen is big enough to make mapping 
usable.]


Has anyone here used it?     (I don't have any Mac or iOS hardware -- else I 
would try it)

What Internet mapping service does it use?

Do you have to remain tethered to the Internet for maps, or is there some way 
to cache maps for use away from an Internet connection.

[In the US, there are 10s of THOUSANDS of miles of roads with absolutely no 
Internet coverage, either WiFi or cellular, once you get off the Interstate 
Highway System, especially in the West.]


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Stephen H. Smith    wa8lmf (at) aol.com
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