Above Image: OSCAR 44 (also called Navy-OSCAR 44, PCSat-1, Prototype Communications SATellite and NO-44) is an American amateur radio satellite for packet radio. It was built by Bob Bruninga at the U.S. Naval Academy.
What is APRS? No APRS is not new in amateur radio. APRS was developed in the late 1980s by Bob Bruninga, call sign WB4APR, a senior research engineer at the United States Naval Academy.
APRS, or Automatic Packet Reporting System, is an amateur radio-based system for real-time digital communication of information like GPS coordinates, weather data, and text messages. It transmits data packets over radio frequencies, allowing users to display real-time information, such as object locations on a map, and is widely used for emergency communications and asset tracking.
How it works
APRS uses packet radio technology to send digital information over specific frequencies.
A GPS receiver is often combined with a radio modem to automatically transmit a station's location, a process known as tracking.
Data packets can include callsign, GPS coordinates, altitude, weather telemetry, status messages, and short text messages.
Other users can receive these packets and display the information, typically on a map, allowing for shared situational awareness.
Information can also be relayed through the internet via APRS-IS (Internet System) gateways, enabling global access to local data.
What it's used for
Emergency Communications: Quickly sharing tactical information, such as weather alerts or the location of emergency personnel, during a disaster.
Tracking: Monitoring the real-time movement of vehicles, such as in a rally or search and rescue operation.
Asset Tracking: Locating mobile stations or other assets on a map.
Information Exchange: Sending short messages, announcements, or weather station data to other operators.
Above is just a short explanation in a nutshell what APRS entails. Many radio amateurs think APRS is all about tracking vehicles and objects. APRS is far more that watching objects on a map.
Want to know more about APRS and it's History. Click HERE
APRS Activity increasing in the Southern Cape, South Africa
APRS is not new in the Southern Cape / Garden Route Area. I will in a future article provide more information on the history of APRS in this area and what roll it played during "Exercise Double Barrel."
There is definitely an increase and renewed interest in APRS in the Southern Cape.
Herewith a list of all the ZS1 APRS stations as displayed by aprs.fi. Click HERE
Stations active on 2 December 2025 at 15h00 SAST:
Click on images for larger view.
Further reading:
How to configure APRS Reporting in South Africa
How to configure a radio for APRS location and data reporting in South Africa
