Getting Started With APRS
To use APRS (automatic packet reporting system) to send information on your location you must have an Amateur Radio Operators License. This requires passing an entry level multiple choice exam ($14. testing fee), once you have your license it is good for life (must be renewed every 10 years but no fee or retesting is required).
Click here for more information on how to obtain your "Ham" license or visit www.ARRL.org
In The Car So You Can Send Out Your Position You Will Need
2 meter Transceiver - Mobile (recommended) or Handheld - approx. $125.00
2 meter antenna - 1/4 wave magnetic mount (recommended) - .....$ 30.00
Tracker unit............................................................................................$ 50.00
GPS receiver - Deluo GPS WAAS - ......................................................$ 58.00
RS-232 cable & adapters -.....................................................................$ 35.00
Total $298.00
Rally APRS Unit by Kris, KI6IUC
Mobile Radios
Prices range from $119.00 to $499.00 the least expensive will do the job fine for APRS
I use several dual-band (2m/70cm) mobile radios the IC-2800H, IC-706mkIIg, & TM-D700A (built in TNC). Both Icom radios are equipped with a 6 pin mini-din connector on the back of the radio, this makes it very standardized for cables.
Icom
http://www.icomamerica.com/products/amateur/2200h/
http://www.icomamerica.com/products/amateur/v8000/
http://www.icomamerica.com/products/amateur/208h/default.asp
http://www.icomamerica.com/products/amateur/2720h/default.asp
Kenwood
http://www.kenwoodusa.com/products/ListProduct.aspx?k1=3&k2=9&k3=10&pr=2235#
Yeasu
http://www.yaesu.com/indexVS.cfm?cmd=DisplayProducts&DivisionID=65&ProdCatID=106
Alinco
http://www.alinco.com/usa.html
Handheld Radios
All of the manufactures above offer portable Handheld radios that will work for APRS. I would only recommend a handheld unit if you were in a very open flat area (find a Rally where that happens). It's kind of like trying to tow your Rally car with a lawn tractor.....you can do it BUT WHY WOULD YOU
Antennas
I recommend a 1/4 wave magnetic mount ($20. - $35.) you can get these from any Ham Radio supplier (I list some at the bottom of the page). You may get away with mounting the antenna inside the car, but if you do be sure to attach some kind of tether to it so it does not become a flying missile in a crash (which you are not supposed to have)
DC Power
If you "wreck" you're going to throw the battery cutoff switch for safety, you'll have to check with your individual sanctioning body to find out how you can hook this up safely. One idea is to use an extra battery. Check with the guys that make & enforce the rules
Trackers / TNC
Prices range from $39.00 to $79.00 the least expensive will do the job fine. I use the OpenTracker myself
(Kits are OK if you have the time & talent, but the savings is not that great)
Tiny Tracker
http://www.byonics.com/tinytrak/
Open Tracker
GPS receivers
Many Handheld GPS receivers will work just fine (they must have an rs-232 port). I use the Deluo GPS WAAS, but there are others on the market.
https://www.argentdata.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=23&products_id=23
Wrap up!
I will be adding to this page as I learn more myself & new products are available....Check back every now & then.
Look over the info here & if you have a specific question once you narrowed down your search feel free to contact me via phone 845-344-2720
or email
Places to Purchase Ham Radio Gear
(this is only a partial list, pick up a copy of QST magazine for more info)
AES - http://www.aesham.com/home.shtml
HRO - http://www.hamradio.com/
Austin Amateur Radio Supply - http://www.dxzone.com/cgi-bin/dir/jump2.cgi?ID=10038
The DX Zone - Large list of places to purchase gear - http://www.dxzone.com/catalog/Shopping_and_Services/Ham_Radio_Stores/
APRS Links