What is APRS?

The Automatic Position Reporting System, APRS, allows mobile users and objects to report their current position over radio. This enables the objects position to be automatically displayed and updated on computers or special radios running APRS mapping applications. APRS can have many uses, some amateurs have even used it to track their stolen cars.

APRS is fundamentally a real-time tactical digital communications protocol for exchanging information between a large number of stations covering a large (local) area. With various implementations and additions APRS has expanded to a world wide network, though it's fundamental objective still remain the same. See Bob Bruninga's description for more details.

Australian APRS Mailing list.

If  you wish to be kept up to date on the VK APRS scene, join the OZAPRS Mailing List

The mailing list is used to announce changes and enhancements that effect all aspects of Australian APRS. It's also a great place to ask questions and learn more about APRS.

Detailed State information on APRS.

For comprehensive information on how to setup your station for your local area and other local details see your states APRS web site.

New South Wales (VK2) ; Victoria (VK3) ; Tasmania (VK7) ; South Australia (VK5) ; Western Australia (VK6) ;

Northern Territory (VK8) ; Queensland (VK4) ; Australian Capital Territory (VK1)

Note: Some state are yet to establish an APRS web site.

VHF APRS New User Guidelines

Here are some generic guides for APRS in Australia as well as International References.

Guidelines are the best way to conduct activities so that all participants can equally enjoy the hobby.

HF APRS User Guidelines & Information

For details on APRS HF see Australasian HF APRS Information pages.

Satellite Information for APRS Users.

There are currently 2 amateur satellites in orbit that are used for APRS.

ISS on 145.800Mhz Downlink / 145.990Mhz Uplink

PCSAT on 145.825Mhz Downlink & Uplink

For details on APRS Satellite Operations in Australia see the APRS Satellite Information page.

For general information on Amateur Satellites visit the AMSAT web site.

APRS Call Sign SSID Guide

Since there are 20,000 APRS users on the air, the APRS maps and data can get very cluttered.  Also, most operators have multiple stations on the air, such as their HOME, CAR, BOAT, and HT.  It is very convenient to be able to recognize these typical applications at a glance.

This guide will give you an understanding of what SSIDs to use for APRS

Real-time APRS data from around Australia

Lookup a station using the FindU database

For details on an individual station and advanced information requests for Findu Look-Ups it is recommended to use the query pages at VK4TECs web site.

Australian/New Zealand APRS-IS (Internet Servers) Status

Regional APRS servers are part of the APRS Tier2 Network.

• Site Alert - Station monitor for remote UIDIGI digipeaters.
• Weather Station Interface - Portable WX station for UIDIGI digipeaters.

• APRS Specifications - Protocol Specifications for APRS.
• www.findu.com. - International APRS database sever.
• www.aprs.net.nz - APRS information for New Zealand
• www.wia.org.au - Wireless institute of Australia

The APRS network in Australia and New Zealand has several people and organisations to thank for making the network possible.

• This web site is maintained by Richard Hoskin VK3JFK.
• The APRS.NET.AU domain is provided by Darryl Smith VK2TDS of Radioactive Networks.
• These web pages are kindly hosted by Radiocorner dot net
• APRS.NET.AU bandwidth kindly supplied by JBO Communications.