Thanks! This is great. I did an activation recently and it was the first time I didn’t have cell service. I’m looking forward to trying this out. 73, N2MAK
Great video guys, nice walk thru that anyone could follow. I've been out on a few POTAs with no cell service and it really makes you work for your spotting! Cheers.
Years ago I had a customer north of there. I would spend the night just short of my destination at the Super 8 there in Osseo, intersection of 94 and 10. I’ve driven through the Black River Falls area from Indiana many times thinking it would be a great place to visit. I enjoy your videos, yours snd several others were very helpful when I got my first ticket. Thanks Dave k9awt
How did you know this is what I needed today. I was at William O’Bien state park in MN right across the border from. You. I got down to the beautiful set up and of course no cell signal. Over 2 hours and got 4 contacts. Went to the top of the hill in the park and got a cell signal. I put my wolf river call on.my car and spotted myself and got 14 contacts over the next 20 minutes. I will be downloading ft8call today. Thanks!
Been there, done that... 😆 For most POTA activations spotting is critical for success. Without being spotted, it can be a long painful struggle calling CQ CQ CQ... KZ9V
This is super informative. I haven't used JS8Call yet but I am going to start experimenting with this on my future activations to get into practice for next time I end up at a park with no signal. I was at a section of Kettle Moraine State Forest walking around with my Phone above my head in hopes to get my spot out last month and I'm sure other park patrons probably thought I was a little crazy lol! 73, Kevin
Last spring I was at Newport State Park in Door County. I thought I would have coverage as my phone was still working when I entered the park. But once I set up near the beach, no luck. You hit the Wisconsin parks quite frequently, we may need to do a meetup some time.
@@KB9VBRAntennas I live in Chicago, but love the Wisconsin Parks, plus I need to make sure I get my money worth with my Yearly Park sticker! If you ever make it to Southern Wisconsin let me know, would love to meet up. 73, Kevin
Thanks Dave and Mike. I have been doing POTA activations and tried my first digimode (FT8) activation with my laptop and portable rig setup (G90 as well). I live out in rural New Mexico and where I like to activate, I certainly have been out of cell phone signal range. I have used JS8Call many times but haven't used the APRS messaging before. Thanks for this great step by step video for sending POTA spots via JS8Call. It will come in handy for sure! 73 K5MGK Mark
Outstanding video. I wish I knew how to do this back in June when I was attempting to activate the Monongahela National Forrest with no cell signal. Successfully activated 2 out of 5 days.
Mike and Dave, thanks again for a great video. You guys are inspiring me to get back into HAM operations. Only one negative comment.. you should explain what you mean by 'spot yourself' at the beginning. It was like a cliffhanger..I had to wait to understand what it meant.. but now I know.. good job guys.
This will be very essential in the northern Keewanau Peninsula. No cell phone coverage (unless you attach your phone to a drone and fly up 400ft) that MIGHT work as well.
This all assumes you lug a laptop around on your activations. My favorite activations involve hiking a bit, so I tend to travel light and I never bring a laptop to my POTA or SOTA activations.
I keep playing around with JS8 a lot. I like the APRS features it has. I’ve only been able to get through twice though in the months I’ve been using it. Guess you need to have the right stations hear you.
Great video, just getting started with JS8CALL, seems a little overwhelming. What is the difference between @POTA and using the @APRSIS. I am totally new to this, just reading the documentation now. And see a @POTA special group. Would you consider doing more videos on JS8CALL? Also A video on the @APRSIS , I am not familiar with this process. Absolutely love the idea of self spotting using JS8CALL.
This is absolutely amazing ! Thank you so much. The only thing I would of asked if you can/would of put the text i nthe notes, it would make it easy to cut and paste accurately then, but regardless this is awesome !
Maybe I'm missing something but who did u send the message too. You received heart beats and received a return with a good report of -2 -3 etc but which station did u send the message to? How does it get to APRS gateway. I have used JS8 but only contacted stations I received a good HB signal from. On the right side of the screen did u send it to @ APRS. Thanks in advance for taking the question. Great video but would sure like more clarity on the path to POTA. 73 WR5DC
Secondary question what about if you have SMS capability but not internet. Is there a way to spot yourself that way? Either direct by cell or indirectly through a satellite communicator.
Great! What other APRSIS commands have you found besides email and GRID? Is there a list? How did you guys find this? Where is the syntax guide for js8call? Js8call website has limited detail. 73
Thanks so much! That's an awesome tool to have in the tool belt. Can you also spot yourself for pota over aprs, ie 2m if you are within range of an igate or digipeater? I know you can utilize some of the aprs functions from js8call
All good as far as it goes. Critical question ... Without an internet connection how do you "discipline" your system clock. For a single one way transmission to the gateway it may not make much difference. If you're using the system over a week, you should expect and allow a way to correct for drift in the system clock. I can think of several ways to do this, but I would be interested to hear what your method is.
Two methods that work: 1st, use a GPS dongle. They are under $20 and will synchronize your computer using the time code generated by GPS satellites. This would be the most accurate method. The 2nd, while less accurate is to listen to WWV at 10MHz manually synchronize your clock to the tone. You can usually get to within 1/4 second, which is good enough for FT8.
It kind of looks like they're sending the message through an APRS gateway, so you should be able to use the same technique to spot yourself through APRS2SOTA.
Not sure about European applications. I sync the laptop time manually. If I have cell coverage I match the Atomic clock. In the absence of cell service I use the audible start of the 30 second FT8 transmission cycles. That easily gets me within .3 sec which is good enough for both FT8 and JS8CALL modes. KZ9V
Yes you can. JS8CALL interfaces with the APRS internet stream, so you could send an APRS instead. But if you are in a remote area, you may not be adequately served by a digipeater to help get your message out. Using HF gives you a much greater range of stations to connect to.
i hope everyone realizes that you can control ANY web based function from js8call if you are connected to the right computer... or server on the other side. If you knew my callsign, you could send commands to some program that was monitoring an sdr on a js8call freq and tell it to post a tweet, order pizza from pizza hut... no limits.. just a little python programing and fixing some bug BUILT INTO js8call, (the api was built to NOT WORK)
I don't know if there is an Apple version of "JS8CALL" available, but a Windows based tablet with an external audio input and output would probably work. KZ9V
I don't believe so. If I understood the video, the signal is sent from the computer thru the program over the antenna at a specific frequency, and something receives the information at the other end and the information contained in the message you sent is then uploaded to the POTA site.
Bruce is correct. JS8CALL is just one of several radio-to-radio data modes used by radio amateurs. The communication is via HF radio. This application uses that advantage to spot your activation online in the absence of any cell service or Internet access at your location. KZ9V
But then you will be able to add FT8, FT4, PSK31, and RTTY modes to your POTA activations. They are all fun, especially for the "late shift" when everyone else is trying to sleep. KZ9V
Just tried this on both 20m and 40m. JS8 working fine. Getting heart eats and seeing calls. **BUT** My spot did not seem to work. Not seen on the POTA site for me at all. Here is a sample of the message I want to send "@APRSIS CMD :POTAGW :VA3BLV VE-1576 14235 SSB TESTING" Any suggestions on where to start troubleshooting?
Unfortunately the gateway seems to currently be non functional or has sporadic functionality. There is a new method using Winlink to email a spot. I'll do an update video on that method.
Thanks so much for this. I've been hunting for some time but am finally getting ready (equipment and confidence) to activate. In my area of PA quite a number of parks are outside of cell service. I know at one time POTA was looking into APRS spotting. I see this uses APRSIS, would this also work via APRS ? de KF3BH
JS8CALL interfaces with the APRS internet stream, so you could send an APRS instead. But if you are in a remote area, you may not be adequately served by a digipeater to help get your message out. Using HF gives you a much greater range of stations to connect to.
Tried this today with my QDX at my usual POTA spot.... worked like a champ! Thanks for shaing 73s KE4MKG.
Much better than a lot of the so-called explanations of using a digital mode.
This is really neat...thanks for the video!! This is what ham radio is all about.
JS8CALL runs on Raspberry Pi devices as well. Very informative and thanks for the tip! 73 de NS8Q
Thanks! This is great. I did an activation recently and it was the first time I didn’t have cell service. I’m looking forward to trying this out. 73, N2MAK
Great video guys, nice walk thru that anyone could follow. I've been out on a few POTAs with no cell service and it really makes you work for your spotting! Cheers.
Years ago I had a customer north of there. I would spend the night just short of my destination at the Super 8 there in Osseo, intersection of 94 and 10. I’ve driven through the Black River Falls area from Indiana many times thinking it would be a great place to visit. I enjoy your videos, yours snd several others were very helpful when I got my first ticket. Thanks Dave k9awt
Useful promotion of JS8Call. Thank you Michael.
How did you know this is what I needed today. I was at William O’Bien state park in MN right across the border from. You. I got down to the beautiful set up and of course no cell signal. Over 2 hours and got 4 contacts. Went to the top of the hill in the park and got a cell signal. I put my wolf river call on.my car and spotted myself and got 14 contacts over the next 20 minutes. I will be downloading ft8call today. Thanks!
Been there, done that... 😆
For most POTA activations spotting is critical for success. Without being spotted, it can be a long painful struggle calling CQ CQ CQ...
KZ9V
Great info!!! I need to get my Raspberry Pi up & running so I can bring it along on activations again.
This is super informative. I haven't used JS8Call yet but I am going to start experimenting with this on my future activations to get into practice for next time I end up at a park with no signal. I was at a section of Kettle Moraine State Forest walking around with my Phone above my head in hopes to get my spot out last month and I'm sure other park patrons probably thought I was a little crazy lol! 73, Kevin
Last spring I was at Newport State Park in Door County. I thought I would have coverage as my phone was still working when I entered the park. But once I set up near the beach, no luck. You hit the Wisconsin parks quite frequently, we may need to do a meetup some time.
@@KB9VBRAntennas I live in Chicago, but love the Wisconsin Parks, plus I need to make sure I get my money worth with my Yearly Park sticker! If you ever make it to Southern Wisconsin let me know, would love to meet up. 73, Kevin
Thanks Dave and Mike. I have been doing POTA activations and tried my first digimode (FT8) activation with my laptop and portable rig setup (G90 as well). I live out in rural New Mexico and where I like to activate, I certainly have been out of cell phone signal range. I have used JS8Call many times but haven't used the APRS messaging before. Thanks for this great step by step video for sending POTA spots via JS8Call. It will come in handy for sure! 73 K5MGK Mark
Outstanding video. I wish I knew how to do this back in June when I was attempting to activate the Monongahela National Forrest with no cell signal. Successfully activated 2 out of 5 days.
Mike and Dave, thanks again for a great video. You guys are inspiring me to get back into HAM operations. Only one negative comment.. you should explain what you mean by 'spot yourself' at the beginning. It was like a cliffhanger..I had to wait to understand what it meant.. but now I know.. good job guys.
Great video and enjoyed the information on how to spot via JS8Call. Can't wait to try it
Great tip! Thanks for sharing!
Very helpful, thanks guys.
Great video and thanks. Does the WWFF (KFF or VKFF) system have a APRSIS Gateway as well for this as would be very handy?
Thanks for this. I didnt know and my test worked the first time but I used only one space between POTAGW and :CALL
This will be very essential in the northern Keewanau Peninsula. No cell phone coverage (unless you attach your phone to a drone and fly up 400ft) that MIGHT work as well.
This method will also work with APRS if you can hit a digipeater
For those who want to copy/paste...😉
@APRSIS CMD :POTAGW :(CALL) (PARK) (FREQ) (MODE) (COMMENT)
Fantastic, thanks to both of you!
If you have aprs with you, you can do the same thing through the email function. Winlink would work as well.
This all assumes you lug a laptop around on your activations. My favorite activations involve hiking a bit, so I tend to travel light and I never bring a laptop to my POTA or SOTA activations.
I keep playing around with JS8 a lot. I like the APRS features it has. I’ve only been able to get through twice though in the months I’ve been using it. Guess you need to have the right stations hear you.
Great tip
Very helpful
Great video, just getting started with JS8CALL, seems a little overwhelming. What is the difference between @POTA and using the @APRSIS. I am totally new to this, just reading the documentation now. And see a @POTA special group. Would you consider doing more videos on JS8CALL?
Also A video on the @APRSIS , I am not familiar with this process. Absolutely love the idea of self spotting using JS8CALL.
This is absolutely amazing ! Thank you so much. The only thing I would of asked if you can/would of put the text i nthe notes, it would make it easy to cut and paste accurately then, but regardless this is awesome !
Thanks
Maybe I'm missing something but who did u send the message too. You received heart beats and received a return with a good report of -2 -3 etc but which station did u send the message to? How does it get to APRS gateway. I have used JS8 but only contacted stations I received a good HB signal from. On the right side of the screen did u send it to @ APRS. Thanks in advance for taking the question. Great video but would sure like more clarity on the path to POTA. 73 WR5DC
Would be helpful if the message format was in your description or linked.
Secondary question what about if you have SMS capability but not internet. Is there a way to spot yourself that way? Either direct by cell or indirectly through a satellite communicator.
Amazing!
Great!
What other APRSIS commands have you found besides email and GRID? Is there a list? How did you guys find this?
Where is the syntax guide for js8call?
Js8call website has limited detail.
73
HW CPY??
Thanks so much! That's an awesome tool to have in the tool belt. Can you also spot yourself for pota over aprs, ie 2m if you are within range of an igate or digipeater? I know you can utilize some of the aprs functions from js8call
All good as far as it goes. Critical question ... Without an internet connection how do you "discipline" your system clock. For a single one way transmission to the gateway it may not make much difference. If you're using the system over a week, you should expect and allow a way to correct for drift in the system clock. I can think of several ways to do this, but I would be interested to hear what your method is.
Two methods that work: 1st, use a GPS dongle. They are under $20 and will synchronize your computer using the time code generated by GPS satellites. This would be the most accurate method. The 2nd, while less accurate is to listen to WWV at 10MHz manually synchronize your clock to the tone. You can usually get to within 1/4 second, which is good enough for FT8.
Anyone use the QDX digital transceiver from QRP labs as a standlone reciever?
Would the station that relayed the message to POTA count as a QSO with you?
Unfortunately no. The station that relayed the message was under automatic control, so there is no person at the other end to have a QSO with.
Nice video! Can it be used for SOTA spotting as well?
It kind of looks like they're sending the message through an APRS gateway, so you should be able to use the same technique to spot yourself through APRS2SOTA.
Does this also work for Europe? Will it accept European parks numbering? How did you sync your time, as JS8call needs synced time.
Not sure about European applications.
I sync the laptop time manually. If I have cell coverage I match the Atomic clock. In the absence of cell service I use the audible start of the 30 second FT8 transmission cycles. That easily gets me within .3 sec which is good enough for both FT8 and JS8CALL modes.
KZ9V
Could you do it through APRS? with the @APRSIS at the beginning I was just wondering.
Yes you can. JS8CALL interfaces with the APRS internet stream, so you could send an APRS instead. But if you are in a remote area, you may not be adequately served by a digipeater to help get your message out. Using HF gives you a much greater range of stations to connect to.
Can you put the format here in the comments please
i hope everyone realizes that you can control ANY web based function from js8call if you are connected to the right computer... or server on the other side. If you knew my callsign, you could send commands to some program that was monitoring an sdr on a js8call freq and tell it to post a tweet, order pizza from pizza hut... no limits.. just a little python programing and fixing some bug BUILT INTO js8call, (the api was built to NOT WORK)
you inspected the js8call software? are you a computer programer?
@@Annytiek Dan is doing the programing, i hold the camera
Would an iPad run JS8CALL?
Or any windows based tablet??
I don't know if there is an Apple version of "JS8CALL" available, but a Windows based tablet with an external audio input and output would probably work.
KZ9V
There is a MacOS version but I did not see an IOS version of JS8CALL listed on the download page.
@@ky4tgtodd203 yes it would work under Windows Tablet, no problem.
I'm Computer-Challenged - Does the laptop need some sort of Internet access?
I don't believe so. If I understood the video, the signal is sent from the computer thru the program over the antenna at a specific frequency, and something receives the information at the other end and the information contained in the message you sent is then uploaded to the POTA site.
Bruce is correct. JS8CALL is just one of several radio-to-radio data modes used by radio amateurs. The communication is via HF radio. This application uses that advantage to spot your activation online in the absence of any cell service or Internet access at your location.
KZ9V
Great... now I need to get a laptop too ha ha KE8QFP
But then you will be able to add FT8, FT4, PSK31, and RTTY modes to your POTA activations. They are all fun, especially for the "late shift" when everyone else is trying to sleep.
KZ9V
Why bother with a radio at all? Just use your phone. It is being done as we speak. Ham radio as we know it will not exist in ten years.
Just tried this on both 20m and 40m. JS8 working fine. Getting heart eats and seeing calls. **BUT** My spot did not seem to work. Not seen on the POTA site for me at all. Here is a sample of the message I want to send "@APRSIS CMD :POTAGW :VA3BLV VE-1576 14235 SSB TESTING" Any suggestions on where to start troubleshooting?
Unfortunately the gateway seems to currently be non functional or has sporadic functionality. There is a new method using Winlink to email a spot. I'll do an update video on that method.
@@KB9VBRAntennas APRSIS Gateway seems to be working again, Mike, 73.
Thanks so much for this. I've been hunting for some time but am finally getting ready (equipment and confidence) to activate. In my area of PA quite a number of parks are outside of cell service. I know at one time POTA was looking into APRS spotting. I see this uses APRSIS, would this also work via APRS ? de KF3BH
JS8CALL interfaces with the APRS internet stream, so you could send an APRS instead. But if you are in a remote area, you may not be adequately served by a digipeater to help get your message out. Using HF gives you a much greater range of stations to connect to.
Great information! How are you powering your laptop? Thanks Michael. de KEØHAL
For this video my HP laptop was running on its internal battery. The G-90 radio was powered by an external 12 volt battery.
KZ9V