RichWilson
Member
Folks,
APRS is an outstanding service, and it is part of a much greater digital service developed by amateur radio operators -- "hams". With all this talk about APRS in our airplanes, it may need to be restated that you need a license to use APRS.
The license involves studying electronics and radio theory and operation, and passing an FCC test. The test isn't difficult, but it isn't a gimme either. It will take you about a month of study, and then another month to get your testing scheduled and taken. Then, assuming you pass the test, you will be issued an amateur radio callsign. Only after obtaining your callsign are you able to operate an APRS station (or other type of amateur station).
I'm sure not trying to scare anyone away from APRS or ham radio....but I wanted to make sure everyone knows that using APRS is not like getting a CB radio..... the license is NOT just a "permit." Its a real license, just like that pilot certificate you exercise and worked hard to obtain.
Thanks for listening.... now, everybody, go out there and get those ham licenses and get on APRS.
Rich Wilson, WR4RW (ham callsign)
N707RW (RV-8)
APRS is an outstanding service, and it is part of a much greater digital service developed by amateur radio operators -- "hams". With all this talk about APRS in our airplanes, it may need to be restated that you need a license to use APRS.
The license involves studying electronics and radio theory and operation, and passing an FCC test. The test isn't difficult, but it isn't a gimme either. It will take you about a month of study, and then another month to get your testing scheduled and taken. Then, assuming you pass the test, you will be issued an amateur radio callsign. Only after obtaining your callsign are you able to operate an APRS station (or other type of amateur station).
I'm sure not trying to scare anyone away from APRS or ham radio....but I wanted to make sure everyone knows that using APRS is not like getting a CB radio..... the license is NOT just a "permit." Its a real license, just like that pilot certificate you exercise and worked hard to obtain.
Thanks for listening.... now, everybody, go out there and get those ham licenses and get on APRS.
Rich Wilson, WR4RW (ham callsign)
N707RW (RV-8)