Please click on the annotation to visit SurvivalTech's video response on improving this design. I have received some criticism here in the comments on my design as it is a bit too simplistic to be used on the APRS network.
I broke down and got myself a UV-5R also. Not a bad little radio for 30$ Honestly, I wasn't even sure it would work. Im going to do the drop test on it once I am done with the unboxing video. BTW, thanks again for making this video and being curious to do this sort of experiment :)
macuser1232 That radio didnt exist when this video was made. Moreover, I prefer my Yaesu & Kenwood HT's and only use the Baofeng radio's as disposable trash. From the disposable Chinese radio's, I prefer the less disposable Wouxun radio's which are more rugged and waterproof.
Ah, that's what I thought. And, yes, I also prefer Yaesu, but since it was my first radio and I had a tight budget, I went with the best Baofeng UV series HT. I'll take a look at Wouxun. Though, I have heard that the B5 is just as good as the high end Wouxun (KG-UV6X).
macuser1232 Yeah I've heard that also. Just remember the Baofengs are not rugged. Even if you have similar specs, when you buy Wouxun, you're paying for that rugged & waterproof case. You know one thing I'm happy about? I'm happy that there are now budget radios on the market, giving more people an opportunity to get started in amateur radio :)
Strangely, I cannot reply to some of the comments on this video. If you ask me a question and I don't reply to you and you see me replying to others who posted after you, try sending me a message here on TH-cam with your question!
Tony, KD8RTT hi working on my technicians licence. The video says click on the annotations for updates to the build but none are shown. Can you point me at the article so the build is workable?
So one thing I've found with the Baofeng and it may not be applicable to APRSDroid, but the vox takes a while to actually key up and it can cut off the front part of the digital transmission rendering it unintelligible to the receiving station. One way around this is to change the "front door" that is the length of time of the beginning of the AX.25 transmission, which is tweakable on certain software (e.g., soundmodem and direwolf). Otherwise you may need a TNC to actually reliably key the mic on time - in other words an audio cable may not be enough.
If you're in back country, and break your leg, it's pretty great to be able to send someone your position... You can also use aprs for a lot more than position tracking.
Now days all you have to do is turn on your google history on your phone. You can see everywhere your phone has been on google maps with date and times.
Thanks for sharing. When I select "audio(aFSK) in connection protocol, connected HT with a APRS K1 cable, I can't see any other station on Aprsdroid map. After changing to internet connection, the stations near me will show up. Looks like through radio, I only can see myself on the phone map.
I got on APRS with just a $50 investment. I already had a Baofeng. (Doesn't everybody?) I could have made my own cable and bought a Tracfone off eBay for $25, but I went ahead and bought the $20 cable and $30 Tracfone off Amazon. You don't need to activate the Tracfone for cell service to get it to work, and after I configured it, I turned off wi-fi. After deleting and reinstalling the software about five times, it now works great. (My guess is that my initials problems had to do with the Tracfone and not APRSdroid.) If you have an iPhone, you can send packets over RF, but receiving packets over RF is very difficult. Good iPhone apps are aprs.fi, PocketPacket, and PulseModem A. Stay away from APRSpro. You can use PocketPacket to send packets over RF and use aprs.fi to map incoming data over wi-fi. If you need to both send and receive over RF, an Android device is the only way to go. If you have cell service and don't care about bypassing the RF mode, you can get all the features of APRS just with your cell phone.
One thing I have notices is that when the radio is plugged into a Wall Wart or into an auxiliary power port in the car, the TX starts even when APRSDroid is off or not TX to the radio. As long as the radio is running on battery it is fine. Perhaps when the radio is running on something other than the battery, a PTT circuit should/may be need? Any input would be great!
Same...the problem is the ac hum from alternator and the ground...if you ever listen to when your APRS radio TX in your car in that setup there is HORRIBLE noise that more or less blanks out the entire channel (trust me...I tried the same thing) only way to connect them then is thru an audio/ground isolator, they are cheap online but it takes separating the physical grounds between the radio and the phone on charge in the vehicle
That audio cable won't work with Samsung phones because it only has 3 contacts on the phone end and will short out the mic input. To work properly you need a plug with 4 rings or contacts the same as with an iPhone. Adapter cables can be purchased from places like Deal Extreme or you can make one using the plug off an old headset.
Before everything i need to tell you that im complete amateur about any electronics. I wanted to make high altitude balloon project, and my question is. can i use this to monitor altitude, and will it work on 20-30k kilometers above? Sorry for my not-perfect english. Thanks
Tony: I have a Baofeng and an android phone and APRSDroid... I would like to do the opposite of what you are doing. Basically, I would like a hand held APRS decoder for an upcoming Near Space Balloon launch. Of course, we can go to APRS.fi and track it, but we want something we can take with into the field where there will likely not be cell coverage of any sort; thus, no access to APRS.fi. Any ideas? I already started on this project using the Baofeng and an Argentdata Radio Shield 2, but we are having some trouble with it. If we could use something pre-canned like this, it would be fantastic.
Great Video. This what HAM is about. On the Baofeng UV-5R there is a busy channel lockout. Menu 23, BCL - Busy channel lockout - prevents transmitting when a channel is busy. 73
I tried this with my Baofeng UV5R and my Samsung Galaxy Note 4 android phone, but it doesn't seem to work. I followed your video tutorial and ensured that VOX was on 10, but nothing. I even bought a new lead just in case my old one was damaged and still nothing.
One issue is that you are not listening to the frequency before you transmit. Very bad idea and not in the spirit of Amateur radio. Even Near space APRS trackers listen for a signal before transmitting.
Brad Kellison Considered bad amateur practice. This would have the same effect as two FM stations keying up at the same time on voice. Nothing gets through. Even just monitoring a RX and not TX if there is noise on the squelch line is better than nothing. Just because some people do it does not make it the right thing to do.
so does APRSdroid if he had cell service or an open Wifi. but we each do as we try. it's called experimenting. thats what he has done. let's see you do better.
Brad Kellison That is not how it would work. Think of the phone as the Computer and the TNC. He only connected the TX. Connect the RX to the headset line and you are good. No service or internet needed.
I wish it came with the extended battery instead of having to buy it for $10 nobody wants the small battery and the stock antenna sucks . So your actualy buying the radio for $50 if you want to improve your range capabilitie and battery capacity. We use the Boafeng UV5-R in our unit .
So if I understand this correct is that a phone with no sim data, can always have gps enabled and with aprs handheld radio we are able to transmit short messages, location and telemetry.. However someone with required internet is needed to see and or pickup on those locations or messages, which are in the most case strangers I assume and so I see no real benefit.. Smartphones with data could just use its emergency function, to allow loved ones to track your position for one hour.. Or Garmin dedicated device also track, for them hikers.. I also wonder if anyone that wants to use and transmit aprs data, are they required to have ham radio license because you supposed to have your callsign - or is this aprs a more accepted free to use feature? I can see this work in some deep woodland situations if there is no cellular data, but then again gps might also not be able to connect and the handheld radio itself with usually low wattage and short antenna might also not be able to reach any towers.. So I am wondering if I am missing the point here, It just seems to be some obsolete, ancient but cool in a way tech but totally useless and not efficient at all - right?
Did you buy or make the cable? Thanks for the video. --EDIT-- I watched a little more closely, and I answered my own question. I initially thought you were using the mic and headphone jacks from the HT. It makes perfect sense now. Thanks again!
HI guys I decided to make a video response ( th-cam.com/video/uWiN26V3w4w/w-d-xo.html ) to this video and help solve the problems which are brought up in many of the unaswered comments. I think the biggest problems are 1. The Speaker cable is only connected to one the radio Mic input. This means APRSDroid will never hear anything. 2. The second problem is using VOX, because the radio will transmit anything it hears from the smartphone even when APRSDroid is running. It will transmit a phone call, it will transmit an alarm, it will transmit a low battery notification, ... 3. Not being able to control or reset the APRSDroid software remotely, means if there is a problem with transmit "stuck on" for example, this tracker will be blocking the APRS frequency wherever it is, until the batteries die. In my video I explain these problems provide solutions, and show you my very similar APRS setup with APRSDroid and a cheap bluetooth TNC which works not only as a tracker, but as a full APRS station like the TH-D72 or VX-8R, UI-View, or Xastir with dynamic mapping, station info, and full features, for not much more money, and none of the problems of setting up this way. 73's from Finland
Hey I have the big battery as a spare for hunting and very seldom do I have to use it over a weekend of hunting. And I do not re charging the radio's small battery over the weekend at all. Note, I do use the small battery most of the time when I use the UV5R, and very seldom the big battery. As per hunting, I don't talk much over the 3 days on the radio just enough to make sure we can talk back to base camp etc. Or maybe a little to other family hunting to make sure they are ok. It seems that the APRS updating from the phone must have transmitted quite often over that time. ??? Hmmm. Really wondering your tx settings ad the total tx time they might have added up to. Maybe next time use one of the big UV5R batteries and it will go the distance. Great video, and it sure made me think of using my phone for APRS since I have not tried it yet. But I have done tons of packet over past years. I have thought of using APRS on my RC FPV flying wing incase it goes down someplace. 73 Jimmy, ARRL TS, WX9DX
If I don't wish to transmit can I substitute a standard analog police scanner in place of the UV5R? Also as I only plan to monitor will I need to enter my call sign to use APRSDroid as a monitor? Thank you in advance for an assistance you may be able to provide.
Sarone Kennedy, Sr. Yep, to use that antenna, you'll need a SMA female to female adapter. There are other similar antennas that will work without the adapter.
+Donald Starkweather +Sarone Kennedy, Sr. Please don't listen to these people. The last thing you want to do is use a bunch of RF adapters on top of your HT's SMA connector. I repair a lot of radios and I can't even begin to tell you the sheer number of Baofeng I get in with broken SMA connectors. 99 percent of the time it's because someone tried to use an adapters to connect large heavy coax to their HT's SMA connector through a series of adapters. ever heard the term moment or leverage in layman's terms SMA connectors were never designed to withstand that kind of abuse. The best thing to do is buy yourself an RG316 pigtail or what laymen call jumpers this will allow you to connect larger heavier coax to your HT without subjecting it unnecessary abuse. I have the tools to make these and have made many for local hams, If you don't have anyone locally you can order them on Ebay but please do yourself a favor and avoid RF adapters, the cheap ones you find on ebay and the local hamfests are crap they are designed for HF and are very lossy at VHF-UHF and subject your HT's SMA connector to excessive load.. There'is reason RF adapters at hamfests sell for $2 while the same HP precision machined adapter designed for you on test equipment sells for $200. I've personally measured upward of 3db loss through a cheap chinese pan pacific SMA adapter.
+Dan Nelson I ordered a Diamond SRJ77CA with a female SMA connector that fits without any adapters. the only thing I don't like about it is that the antenna is 15 inches long. I found A Nagoya NA-771R telescopic antenna with a female SMA that's about as tall as the stock rubber duck antenna when collapsed and 15 inches tall when fully extended. I have been into custom car stereos and CB's and learned not to rely on adapters dew to the possibility of RF leak, loose connections and possible impedance. right now I am working on a prototype beam antenna that will be able to break down and fit in my backpack. I built the backpack Yagi antenna but can't test it until I receive my call sign from the FCC. I'm not one of these plug and play ham's, I plain on building a tube radio from scratch after I learn how to solder better and get more experience with the radio.
This *used* to work. In my recent experience, the APRSdroid admin team SUCKS. I've applied for a passcode THREE times over the course of a month and still haven't received a passcode. Going to write a bad review and I hope others will avoid this service and find other ways to get on APRS.
The cable is just a standard audio cord? I picked up a cord and tried this, but Im not getting the same results that you did. Not sure if I have the app setting correct or not.
Yes, just a standard audio cord. Try messing with the VOX settings on the radio. I have heard from some people that the settings are reversed from what I've said in the video (and from what's in the manual for that matter).
hi, I was wondering what the value exactly is for connecting to a smartphone? (it is still a bulky package you made up) If this is just to show how people can rebuild there non aprs gps device into one that looks like the real deal? than i could understand? But in non remote areas (there are allot of them) the phone signal neither the internet will be working? Therefore aprs can come in handy as i was told, because new models dual band radios have build in aprs/gps which can send data packages to the atmosphere, a smartphone does not do that it goes straight to the satellites? This atmospheric signal aprs gps is transmitted as a electric current and that signal will be picked up elsewhere (only when in range) by another receiving station/computer. The more watt the bigger the bounce i was told and the higher the chance your signal will be picked up!? And if a receiving station/computer is connected to the web, data will be passed true the www and automatically will be passed to dedicated websites.There you can see more than the little letters on your phone screen. (Aprs.if) will show a map and other dedicated information. Off grid communication is where the power lies when talking about aprs gps!? I understand this an older video but i saw some active posts so I would like to hear if this method is a legit way to go or not? I just can`t see the use of pairing a phone directly, unless budget has priority i can understand. But this solution will not bypass the real power of standalone Aprs gps and why it is there in the first place, is my upinion so far. (There has to be better ways of using aprs gps communication without needing signal and data from smartphone, or am i wrong?)
+MrJoyholland I think you are totally missing the point of this video- he is simply showing a cheap easy way to get into APRS. While this is in no way the best or most efficient way of doing it, it is a way for the average Joe to try it out before investing in the proper equipment and really taking advantage of all that APRS has to offer. Pretty much anybody that has tested for their amateur license is gonna have a smartphone, and chances are that a lot of them ordered a cheap HT for their first radio so this is simply "Hey, look what you can do" video.
Call signs are issued to amateur radio hams on passing local country regulator examinations. Find out which organisation represents amateur radio hams in your country and enquire about getting a licence. Once you have a licence it is yours for life.
Just out of laziness, I'm asking this in the comments instead of looking it up on my own, but what exactly is APRS? and why did you need to connect the phone to the UV-5R to track where it went? wouldn't you be able to do that even without the radio attached?
APRS is Automatic Packet Reporting System. That means you use the computer in the phone to send out digital packets via your radio which can identify your GPS location or send & receive messages to other nodes. If you just had the radio (and not the android phone & app) you would NOT be able to send out a digital sound stream but would have to rely on analogue voice to send & receive messages. Its just another way of communicating that has its pros & cons in different situations.
Theoretically, yes. But as many others have pointed out, it is not the best practice to run this as I have. Look at the video I linked to for a better design.
Hello to all of you! Just two questions because I didn't find any other post asking. 1. Which portable is able to use vox? I own a few Icoms and a few Yaesu.2. Any App for IOS comparable to that APRSdroid? I found a few App transmitting via cellular to APRS net which isn't the preferred gateway. I'd like to use ham bands. Christian
Ah, okay, so I've to buy another Portable just for APRS! Sounds crazy! Okay, why not?? Any advice for a Baofeng? Which shall I chosse? 73 de Christian, DG5BKA, KM4PSD, M0IBK
Hey Tony, I'm also in Cleveland. I think our APRS coverage here on the east side is pretty spotty at best, if I can get a beacon out, it is going all the way to Newbury or K8UI's repeater in Vermillion. We really have wi-fi everywhere here on the east side. I'd like to set up a 'drop-able' Baofeng radio combined with old android phones to act as igates. I've never used the APRSDroid software (or any other droid based APRS software) before, can this app be used as an igate to decode packets and upload to the APRS servers? I think this would be a fantastic combination, as the power requirements would be so minimal. Literally, plug in with with a wall wart charger semi-permanantly, or charge up the battery and drop it wherever it needs to be temporarily.
The frequency depends on what your local area uses for APRS. In most of the USA, it is 144.39 MHz. Other countries seem to have other standard frequencies.
+Henry Moran Download the CHIRP software, it works great. Depending on your version of Windows, you might need to install the Prolific USB cable driver (latest version 3.200) so CHIRP finds the radio. You can watch videos here how to do it.
Henry Moran Now you should check out www.miklor.com for some CHIRP instructions. There are some things you can only do with CHIRP, like lock-out some channels from being scanned, and making the squelch more sensitive.
The link in the description takes you to the aprsdroid.org site where you can download it for free. Click on the link to manually download the APK on your phone.
Hello Tony, how are you? I contact to you from San Luis Potosi, Mexico. I´m new in the APRS´s World. I need to install an APRS system in my school (San Luis Tech). Do you know where can i found more informacion to instal? My teacher give to me this proyect but i dont know lot things about amateur radio. My teacher is Ramon Diaz XE2PNC
I have a problem i was wondering if you could help me with. I have the same set as you but, the app wont output any audio trough the head phones jack. I tried listening to it with headphones to see if the cable was the problem and it wasn't. Do you know what the problem might be?
Perhaps the VOX settings aren't correct? First does it even key the transmitter at all? If not, make sure VOX is enabled on the radio and play with the level of it. Some claim 10 is more sensitive and others claim 1 is more sensitive. Also, it's probably best if your volume on the phone is at maximum.
I checked it and the transceiver and it would transmit with the vox but the phone wouldn't ouput any audio through the head phone jack. I don't know if this a app problem but the phone will out put music through head phones. So it must be a app problem.
If you go to the settings of the app, there is some setting to set where the audio outputs (ie as ringtone or audio, each of these have different volumes FYI). Unfortunately, I don't have access to my android device right now so I can't specifically tell you how to get that setting.
Jon Williams Jon, what phone do you have? There are 2 different headphone jacks - iPhone/newer phones have one kind, older phones have the other - it has to do with the configuration of the 4 conductors 12milluz Could you check your settings in the app? They aren't documented anywhere and you seem to be the only person with this working.
Well, I use the "AFSK via Speaker/Mic" setting for "Connection Protocol." If you go into "Connection Preferences," I have "High-Quality Demodulator" checked ON. I use the "Music" output for the "Audio Output" section. For "Frame Sync Prefix" I have "1000" which I believe is the default. And I use the "WIDE1-1" APRS digi path. Make sure the volumes on your phone are turned up.
Loved the video. I had my phone hooked up to my Wouxun within the first few minutes. Thanks for the tip - I should have a permanent installation in the car soon. 73, ZS6IO
What do you mean? You mean to get audio the radio receives into the phone to view it/upload it? That requires a separate cable and is a little more complex to set up.
Still can't understand why are there so many dislikes in this video. Awesome information. Thank you.
Roman Fernandez en they are jealous
Roman Fernandez There called Plastic Policemen where I live lol....no need for it at all Tony was just trying to help people with his findings...
All the sad hams
Cool experiment. The very spirit of amateur radio.
Very cool! Remember that UV-5R has a nice extended life battery. Thanks for the video. Enjoyed it very much.
Please click on the annotation to visit SurvivalTech's video response on improving this design. I have received some criticism here in the comments on my design as it is a bit too simplistic to be used on the APRS network.
I broke down and got myself a UV-5R also. Not a bad little radio for 30$ Honestly, I wasn't even sure it would work. Im going to do the drop test on it once I am done with the unboxing video.
BTW, thanks again for making this video and being curious to do this sort of experiment :)
SurvivalTechNord
You really should have gone with the newer UV-B5.
macuser1232
That radio didnt exist when this video was made. Moreover, I prefer my Yaesu & Kenwood HT's and only use the Baofeng radio's as disposable trash. From the disposable Chinese radio's, I prefer the less disposable Wouxun radio's which are more rugged and waterproof.
Ah, that's what I thought. And, yes, I also prefer Yaesu, but since it was my first radio and I had a tight budget, I went with the best Baofeng UV series HT. I'll take a look at Wouxun. Though, I have heard that the B5 is just as good as the high end Wouxun (KG-UV6X).
macuser1232
Yeah I've heard that also. Just remember the Baofengs are not rugged. Even if you have similar specs, when you buy Wouxun, you're paying for that rugged & waterproof case.
You know one thing I'm happy about? I'm happy that there are now budget radios on the market, giving more people an opportunity to get started in amateur radio :)
Strangely, I cannot reply to some of the comments on this video. If you ask me a question and I don't reply to you and you see me replying to others who posted after you, try sending me a message here on TH-cam with your question!
yea I have the same problem of not being able to directly reply to people
Tony, KD8RTT hi working on my technicians licence. The video says click on the annotations for updates to the build but none are shown. Can you point me at the article so the build is workable?
D
So one thing I've found with the Baofeng and it may not be applicable to APRSDroid, but the vox takes a while to actually key up and it can cut off the front part of the digital transmission rendering it unintelligible to the receiving station. One way around this is to change the "front door" that is the length of time of the beginning of the AX.25 transmission, which is tweakable on certain software (e.g., soundmodem and direwolf). Otherwise you may need a TNC to actually reliably key the mic on time - in other words an audio cable may not be enough.
you can adjust it on APRSDroid as well
Neato! I might try that. I'd have to do some power management stuff to conserve power. Really great experiment!
Still trying to think of one reason why I would want to broadcast my exact location to the world.
I use it at my hunting cabin. When the boys head out, one of these goes into a backpack and I can track them with my Gmrs network
You don't have a smartphone or tablet that does the same 24/7?
If you're in back country, and break your leg, it's pretty great to be able to send someone your position...
You can also use aprs for a lot more than position tracking.
@@gmeister03GMRS?
It's great for large bike races/volunteer events to help net control or emergency services know exactly where you are
8:26 Manlove park...
Sound like a great place to take a walk :P
Its Indian-apolis, have you not seen the Village People?
Stop hating on him that sound is not bad u guys are making it worse than it needs to be
Damian Gonzales they're just jealous cos he has intelligence and they don't.
Once you notice it, it's very hard to ignore.
Now days all you have to do is turn on your google history on your phone. You can see everywhere your phone has been on google maps with date and times.
Is the cable from the radio to the phone a stereo plug.
Thanks for sharing. When I select "audio(aFSK) in connection protocol, connected HT with a APRS K1 cable, I can't see any other station on Aprsdroid map. After changing to internet connection, the stations near me will show up. Looks like through radio, I only can see myself on the phone map.
I got on APRS with just a $50 investment. I already had a Baofeng. (Doesn't everybody?)
I could have made my own cable and bought a Tracfone off eBay for $25, but I went ahead and bought the $20 cable and $30 Tracfone off Amazon. You don't need to activate the Tracfone for cell service to get it to work, and after I configured it, I turned off wi-fi.
After deleting and reinstalling the software about five times, it now works great. (My guess is that my initials problems had to do with the Tracfone and not APRSdroid.)
If you have an iPhone, you can send packets over RF, but receiving packets over RF is very difficult. Good iPhone apps are aprs.fi, PocketPacket, and PulseModem A. Stay away from APRSpro. You can use PocketPacket to send packets over RF and use aprs.fi to map incoming data over wi-fi. If you need to both send and receive over RF, an Android device is the only way to go.
If you have cell service and don't care about bypassing the RF mode, you can get all the features of APRS just with your cell phone.
Have you done a 16k resistance to the audio cable?
i filled out the password form 6 months ago and the devs have not responded with any passcode...
One thing I have notices is that when the radio is plugged into a Wall Wart or into an auxiliary power port in the car, the TX starts even when APRSDroid is off or not TX to the radio. As long as the radio is running on battery it is fine.
Perhaps when the radio is running on something other than the battery, a PTT circuit should/may be need?
Any input would be great!
it's because there's a common ground buzz caused on the audio input when charging, this triggers VOX on the 5r.
Same...the problem is the ac hum from alternator and the ground...if you ever listen to when your APRS radio TX in your car in that setup there is HORRIBLE noise that more or less blanks out the entire channel (trust me...I tried the same thing) only way to connect them then is thru an audio/ground isolator, they are cheap online but it takes separating the physical grounds between the radio and the phone on charge in the vehicle
i cant find the vid u are talking about
That audio cable won't work with Samsung phones because it only has 3 contacts on the phone end and will short out the mic input. To work properly you need a plug with 4 rings or contacts the same as with an iPhone. Adapter cables can be purchased from places like Deal Extreme or you can make one using the plug off an old headset.
Before everything i need to tell you that im complete amateur about any electronics. I wanted to make high altitude balloon project, and my question is. can i use this to monitor altitude, and will it work on 20-30k kilometers above? Sorry for my not-perfect english. Thanks
Tony: I have a Baofeng and an android phone and APRSDroid... I would like to do the opposite of what you are doing. Basically, I would like a hand held APRS decoder for an upcoming Near Space Balloon launch. Of course, we can go to APRS.fi and track it, but we want something we can take with into the field where there will likely not be cell coverage of any sort; thus, no access to APRS.fi. Any ideas? I already started on this project using the Baofeng and an Argentdata Radio Shield 2, but we are having some trouble with it. If we could use something pre-canned like this, it would be fantastic.
Great Video. This what HAM is about. On the Baofeng UV-5R there is a busy channel lockout. Menu 23, BCL - Busy channel lockout - prevents transmitting when a channel is busy. 73
Thanks for this info. I had everything I need right here on my desk. That was cool! Success!
Admittedly i'm surprised the Baofeng didn't last the whole trip, though i guess it's more likely the phone died first?
I tried this with my Baofeng UV5R and my Samsung Galaxy Note 4 android phone, but it doesn't seem to work. I followed your video tutorial and ensured that VOX was on 10, but nothing. I even bought a new lead just in case my old one was damaged and still nothing.
Can you set it to use MGRS coordinates?
Am I able to use my programming cable to do it with or does it have to be with the audio cable?
Very helpful! Thanks Tony!
gonna repeat the project with the UV5R & phone hooked up to a powerbank?
i have yet to fully understand this: where is the tnc? why have you no tnc, is it a software tnc built into the aprsdroid program?
No TNC required. It’s keying the PTT and sending the audio over the mic line
The mic line isnt connected, its just up for receive @@MarkPentler
One issue is that you are not listening to the frequency before you transmit. Very bad idea and not in the spirit of Amateur radio. Even Near space APRS trackers listen for a signal before transmitting.
on the national APRS frequency you do not need to listen. just transmitting Data.
Brad Kellison Considered bad amateur practice. This would have the same effect as two FM stations keying up at the same time on voice. Nothing gets through. Even just monitoring a RX and not TX if there is noise on the squelch line is better than nothing. Just because some people do it does not make it the right thing to do.
so does APRSdroid if he had cell service or an open Wifi. but we each do as we try. it's called experimenting. thats what he has done. let's see you do better.
Brad Kellison That is not how it would work. Think of the phone as the Computer and the TNC. He only connected the TX. Connect the RX to the headset line and you are good. No service or internet needed.
Larry Hensley Larry there are still a few commercial devices that do TX only.
What is the cable? A straight connection should be too hot for the mic... what's the deal there?
Is this device hack into
Digital Open Standard Radio Trunking System
(800 MHz Band) or APCO 25 based Radio Trunking System at 800Mhz +
frequency
I wish it came with the extended battery instead of having to buy it for $10 nobody wants the small battery and the stock antenna sucks . So your actualy buying the radio for $50 if you want to improve your range capabilitie and battery capacity. We use the Boafeng UV5-R in our unit .
Did you fry the phone or radio? The mic inputs dont like high voltage outputs meant for headphones. In needs line level voltage.
Extended life battery for the ht would be a good thing.
they have them on Amazon for about 15.00, but it wouldn't have helped with the phone
is there an APPLE I-PHONE version?
Tony. Any suggestions on were to get the cable for the phone to radio.
So if I understand this correct is that a phone with no sim data, can always have gps enabled and with aprs handheld radio we are able to transmit short messages, location and telemetry..
However someone with required internet is needed to see and or pickup on those locations or messages, which are in the most case strangers I assume and so I see no real benefit.. Smartphones with data could just use its emergency function, to allow loved ones to track your position for one hour.. Or Garmin dedicated device also track, for them hikers.. I also wonder if anyone that wants to use and transmit aprs data, are they required to have ham radio license because you supposed to have your callsign - or is this aprs a more accepted free to use feature? I can see this work in some deep woodland situations if there is no cellular data, but then again gps might also not be able to connect and the handheld radio itself with usually low wattage and short antenna might also not be able to reach any towers.. So I am wondering if I am missing the point here, It just seems to be some obsolete, ancient but cool in a way tech but totally useless and not efficient at all - right?
yeah you gotta be liscensed to transmit
Can this setup be used to send APRS to the ISS, and if so, how do you change the APRS to ARISS in the address path?
Did you buy or make the cable? Thanks for the video.
--EDIT--
I watched a little more closely, and I answered my own question. I initially thought you were using the mic and headphone jacks from the HT. It makes perfect sense now. Thanks again!
Which Beofang model is in the video?? Is this model a DMR radio as well?.... Kf5dmc
HI guys
I decided to make a video response ( th-cam.com/video/uWiN26V3w4w/w-d-xo.html ) to this video and help solve the problems which are brought up in many of the unaswered comments.
I think the biggest problems are
1. The Speaker cable is only connected to one the radio Mic input. This means APRSDroid will never hear anything.
2. The second problem is using VOX, because the radio will transmit anything it hears from the smartphone even when APRSDroid is running. It will transmit a phone call, it will transmit an alarm, it will transmit a low battery notification, ...
3. Not being able to control or reset the APRSDroid software remotely, means if there is a problem with transmit "stuck on" for example, this tracker will be blocking the APRS frequency wherever it is, until the batteries die.
In my video I explain these problems provide solutions, and show you my very similar APRS setup with APRSDroid and a cheap bluetooth TNC which works not only as a tracker, but as a full APRS station like the TH-D72 or VX-8R, UI-View, or Xastir with dynamic mapping, station info, and full features, for not much more money, and none of the problems of setting up this way.
73's from Finland
I really appreciate the comment and video. I will annotate my video to include a link to your response.
Hey I have the big battery as a spare for hunting and very seldom do I have to use it over a weekend of hunting. And I do not re charging the radio's small battery over the weekend at all. Note, I do use the small battery most of the time when I use the UV5R, and very seldom the big battery. As per hunting, I don't talk much over the 3 days on the radio just enough to make sure we can talk back to base camp etc. Or maybe a little to other family hunting to make sure they are ok. It seems that the APRS updating from the phone must have transmitted quite often over that time. ??? Hmmm. Really wondering your tx settings ad the total tx time they might have added up to. Maybe next time use one of the big UV5R batteries and it will go the distance.
Great video, and it sure made me think of using my phone for APRS since I have not tried it yet. But I have done tons of packet over past years. I have thought of using APRS on my RC FPV flying wing incase it goes down someplace.
73
Jimmy, ARRL TS, WX9DX
Where could I purchase the audio cable with Kenwood connection?
If I don't wish to transmit can I substitute a standard analog police scanner in place of the UV5R? Also as I only plan to monitor will I need to enter my call sign to use APRSDroid as a monitor? Thank you in advance for an assistance you may be able to provide.
Love this video.. certainly the simplest aprs setup I've ever seen on youtube.
just ordinary 3.5mm audio cable?
Just checked on purchasing the diamond antenna from amazon and saw a note that says that it does not work with Baofeng radios. Advise me please.
Sarone Kennedy, Sr. Yep, to use that antenna, you'll need a SMA female to female adapter. There are other similar antennas that will work without the adapter.
order it from BuyTwoWayRadios.com, you can get one with a female antenna that fits perfectly with the Baofeng.
+Donald Starkweather +Sarone Kennedy, Sr.
Please don't listen to these people. The last thing you want to do is use a bunch of RF adapters on top of your HT's SMA connector.
I repair a lot of radios and I can't even begin to tell you the sheer number of Baofeng I get in with broken SMA connectors. 99 percent of the time it's because someone tried to use an adapters to connect large heavy coax to their HT's SMA connector through a series of adapters. ever heard the term moment or leverage in layman's terms
SMA connectors were never designed to withstand that kind of abuse. The best thing to do is buy yourself an RG316 pigtail or what laymen call jumpers this will allow you to connect larger heavier coax to your HT without subjecting it unnecessary abuse. I have the tools to make these and have made many for local hams, If you don't have anyone locally you can order them on Ebay but please do yourself a favor and avoid RF adapters, the cheap ones you find on ebay and the local hamfests are crap they are designed for HF and are very lossy at VHF-UHF and subject your HT's SMA connector to excessive load..
There'is reason RF adapters at hamfests sell for $2 while the same HP precision machined adapter designed for you on test equipment sells for $200. I've personally measured upward of 3db loss through a cheap chinese pan pacific SMA adapter.
+Dan Nelson
I ordered a Diamond SRJ77CA with a female SMA connector that fits without any adapters. the only thing I don't like about it is that the antenna is 15 inches long.
I found A Nagoya NA-771R telescopic antenna with a female SMA that's about as tall as the stock rubber duck antenna when collapsed and 15 inches tall when fully extended.
I have been into custom car stereos and CB's and learned not to rely on adapters dew to the possibility of RF leak, loose connections and possible impedance.
right now I am working on a prototype beam antenna that will be able to break down and fit in my backpack.
I built the backpack Yagi antenna but can't test it until I receive my call sign from the FCC.
I'm not one of these plug and play ham's, I plain on building a tube radio from scratch after I learn how to solder better and get more experience with the radio.
The problem is that cable. Why so costly?
What kind of audio connector is used in the video?
Chaz042 2.5mm cable, just a normal aux cord
Can you show make this set as aprs igate and aprs Digi peater ?
This *used* to work. In my recent experience, the APRSdroid admin team SUCKS. I've applied for a passcode THREE times over the course of a month and still haven't received a passcode. Going to write a bad review and I hope others will avoid this service and find other ways to get on APRS.
APRSdroid work without internet?
yes it will.
hi your cable is it 1/8 mono to 1/8 stereo that go into the cell phone?
thanks
i am recycling an uv5r on aprs with an old cell phone
gervais ve2ckn
Is it worth paying the 6.99 to get the andriod app?? Kf5dmc
Interesting little experiment
Does this app have digipeater capability?
Is there a smartphone app I can use to program a baofeng bf888s with?
The cable is just a standard audio cord? I picked up a cord and tried this, but Im not getting the same results that you did. Not sure if I have the app setting correct or not.
Yes, just a standard audio cord. Try messing with the VOX settings on the radio. I have heard from some people that the settings are reversed from what I've said in the video (and from what's in the manual for that matter).
hi,
I was wondering what the value exactly is for connecting to a smartphone? (it is still a bulky package you made up)
If this is just to show how people can rebuild there non aprs gps device into one that looks like the real deal? than i could understand?
But in non remote areas (there are allot of them) the phone signal neither the internet will be working? Therefore aprs can come in handy as i was told, because new models dual band radios have build in aprs/gps which can send data packages to the atmosphere, a smartphone does not do that it goes straight to the satellites? This atmospheric signal aprs gps is transmitted as a electric current and that signal will be picked up elsewhere (only when in range) by another receiving station/computer. The more watt the bigger the bounce i was told and the higher the chance your signal will be picked up!? And if a receiving station/computer is connected to the web, data will be passed true the www and automatically will be passed to dedicated websites.There you can see more than the little letters on your phone screen.
(Aprs.if) will show a map and other dedicated information. Off grid communication is where the power lies when talking about aprs gps!? I understand this an older video but i saw some active posts so I would like to hear if this method is a legit way to go or not? I just can`t see the use of pairing a phone directly, unless budget has priority i can understand. But this solution will not bypass the real power of standalone Aprs gps and why it is there in the first place, is my upinion so far. (There has to be better ways of using aprs gps communication without needing signal and data from smartphone, or am i wrong?)
+MrJoyholland I think you are totally missing the point of this video- he is simply showing a cheap easy way to get into APRS. While this is in no way the best or most efficient way of doing it, it is a way for the average Joe to try it out before investing in the proper equipment and really taking advantage of all that APRS has to offer. Pretty much anybody that has tested for their amateur license is gonna have a smartphone, and chances are that a lot of them ordered a cheap HT for their first radio so this is simply "Hey, look what you can do" video.
What do you need to do to get a callsign for the APRS app? i have the connection cable, the phone and the Ham radio ready to go.
Call signs are issued to amateur radio hams on passing local country regulator examinations. Find out which organisation represents amateur radio hams in your country and enquire about getting a licence. Once you have a licence it is yours for life.
Tony, Which antenna is mounted on Baofeng?
It is a Diamond SRH77CA antenna with an adapter to use with the Baofeng.
@@TonyKD8RTT I came back to say thanx. How're you doing anyway?
is there aprs for gmrs radios??
Just out of laziness, I'm asking this in the comments instead of looking it up on my own, but what exactly is APRS? and why did you need to connect the phone to the UV-5R to track where it went? wouldn't you be able to do that even without the radio attached?
APRS is Automatic Packet Reporting System. That means you use the computer in the phone to send out digital packets via your radio which can identify your GPS location or send & receive messages to other nodes. If you just had the radio (and not the android phone & app) you would NOT be able to send out a digital sound stream but would have to rely on analogue voice to send & receive messages. Its just another way of communicating that has its pros & cons in different situations.
So u don't need phone service to use aprsdroid app? Just gps signal? .. hmm may need to look into this!
Yep, no wireless service needed! It's definitely worth a try if you're at all interested in APRS.
Pardon me I'm new to radio world. What's the use of this setup?
allowing yourself to be tracked or send extremely short messages like "i'm okay" tho those watching you
at least, as I understand it
Would you recommend this for a High Altitude Balloon
Theoretically, yes. But as many others have pointed out, it is not the best practice to run this as I have. Look at the video I linked to for a better design.
haw can obtain Callsign and Grid square?
Can you do it just with a normal aux cable or do you need thpse fancy special 30 dollar cables?
Your phone can't RX from the radio but yes
You should use a galvanic isolater between your radio and phone. If your radio transmitts it can send static electrisity to your phone and fried it.
Hello to all of you! Just two questions because I didn't find any other post asking.
1. Which portable is able to use vox? I own a few Icoms and a few Yaesu.2. Any App for IOS comparable to that APRSdroid? I found a few App transmitting via cellular to APRS net which isn't the preferred gateway. I'd like to use ham bands.
Christian
Christian, to my knowledge, only the Baofeng's can. I'm sure other radios can as well, but I haven't used them.
Ah, okay, so I've to buy another Portable just for APRS! Sounds crazy! Okay, why not??
Any advice for a Baofeng? Which shall I chosse?
73 de Christian, DG5BKA, KM4PSD, M0IBK
I haven't seen an HT that doesn't have VOX. RTFM.
so youve linked the wrong cable
Hey thanks for the post 📯
is it Dprs you are saying?
gervais
Really cool. Exactly what I was looking for. Thanks! Vy 73
Hey Tony, I'm also in Cleveland. I think our APRS coverage here on the east side is pretty spotty at best, if I can get a beacon out, it is going all the way to Newbury or K8UI's repeater in Vermillion. We really have wi-fi everywhere here on the east side. I'd like to set up a 'drop-able' Baofeng radio combined with old android phones to act as igates.
I've never used the APRSDroid software (or any other droid based APRS software) before, can this app be used as an igate to decode packets and upload to the APRS servers? I think this would be a fantastic combination, as the power requirements would be so minimal. Literally, plug in with with a wall wart charger semi-permanantly, or charge up the battery and drop it wherever it needs to be temporarily.
You guys need to build an APRS relay then...one that can pickup and send the APRS packets for all received signals to the database on the internet
Looking at this 11 years later wondering who had a 3.5mm on their phone anymore?
Thanks for the comment! I actually go to Rose-Hulman. Check out my blog (link is in the description) for some of my other ham radio stuff!
Can I use this sw on a droid tablet without phone, just to record onto the tablet what 2m stations and repeaters I run into with the baofeng xceiver?
Yep, that should work. I actually have not tried that, but I don't see a problem with that working.
i need to know how to know the frequency for the radio so i can sync with my APRS droid app?
The frequency depends on what your local area uses for APRS. In most of the USA, it is 144.39 MHz. Other countries seem to have other standard frequencies.
Tony, KD8RTT so how can I find the frequency in the UAE for the APRS
Tony, KD8RTT thanks a lot but how to find the APRS frequency for UAE.i really need to get this done quickly if you wouldnt mind helping me out :D
+Sufyan Shafi you need it for an IED?
You should try it again without the radio.
What program did you use to program the UV-5R radio. I purchase one and when it arrive the package contained the software to program the 480. Thanks
+Henry Moran Download the CHIRP software, it works great. Depending on your version of Windows, you might need to install the Prolific USB cable driver (latest version 3.200) so CHIRP finds the radio. You can watch videos here how to do it.
+Arnd2it Thanks, I will try it.
+Arnd2it Tony, I got it to work. If downloading the software and READING the instructions it was a piece of cake.
Henry Moran Now you should check out www.miklor.com for some CHIRP instructions. There are some things you can only do with CHIRP, like lock-out some channels from being scanned, and making the squelch more sensitive.
This is not a Free App. It costs $4.95 on Google Play. Where did you get your copy?
The link in the description takes you to the aprsdroid.org site where you can download it for free. Click on the link to manually download the APK on your phone.
Great experiment!
Hello Tony, how are you? I contact to you from San Luis Potosi, Mexico. I´m new in the APRS´s World. I need to install an APRS system in my school (San Luis Tech). Do you know where can i found more informacion to instal? My teacher give to me this proyect but i dont know lot things about amateur radio. My teacher is Ramon Diaz XE2PNC
I bought some two days ago and her could we ship tonight and I'm getting them tonight I got two of them
I have a problem i was wondering if you could help me with. I have the same set as you but, the app wont output any audio trough the head phones jack. I tried listening to it with headphones to see if the cable was the problem and it wasn't. Do you know what the problem might be?
Perhaps the VOX settings aren't correct? First does it even key the transmitter at all? If not, make sure VOX is enabled on the radio and play with the level of it. Some claim 10 is more sensitive and others claim 1 is more sensitive. Also, it's probably best if your volume on the phone is at maximum.
I checked it and the transceiver and it would transmit with the vox but the phone wouldn't ouput any audio through the head phone jack. I don't know if this a app problem but the phone will out put music through head phones. So it must be a app problem.
If you go to the settings of the app, there is some setting to set where the audio outputs (ie as ringtone or audio, each of these have different volumes FYI). Unfortunately, I don't have access to my android device right now so I can't specifically tell you how to get that setting.
Jon Williams Jon, what phone do you have? There are 2 different headphone jacks - iPhone/newer phones have one kind, older phones have the other - it has to do with the configuration of the 4 conductors 12milluz Could you check your settings in the app? They aren't documented anywhere and you seem to be the only person with this working.
Well, I use the "AFSK via Speaker/Mic" setting for "Connection Protocol." If you go into "Connection Preferences," I have "High-Quality Demodulator" checked ON. I use the "Music" output for the "Audio Output" section. For "Frame Sync Prefix" I have "1000" which I believe is the default. And I use the "WIDE1-1" APRS digi path. Make sure the volumes on your phone are turned up.
Your shipping what "looks" like a bomb to a college. Lol love it.
Cool experiment !
terre haute is an awesome town in Indiana that's were I grew up
I only track her because I love her. Its to keep her safe.
Cool experiment
Y esto en español...Donde lo puedo encontrar... Me pueden ayudar?
cool, i have a droid with aprsdroid on it and a Baofeng. (N9SSN)
Does the time taken for the VOX to kick in cut off the beginning of the transmission? Thanks.
Love this! I'll have to give this a try for certain.
Loved the video. I had my phone hooked up to my Wouxun within the first few minutes. Thanks for the tip - I should have a permanent installation in the car soon. 73, ZS6IO
how do u get thehead phone jack to work
What do you mean? You mean to get audio the radio receives into the phone to view it/upload it? That requires a separate cable and is a little more complex to set up.
@@TonyKD8RTT what cable do I need to get?
Cool little experiment. Gonna have to try this myself. :-)
Please don't.