Image: APRS activity in the Western- and Southern Cape
Here is another upgrade to the ZS Link Network and specifically to the ZS1I DMR Repeater located in Mossel Bay. As with many other systems the DMR Repeater is now also listed on APRS and provide information about the repeater. Below follow more information on how to setup APRS and the DMR Repeater firmware WSPD.
Click on image for larger view. (ZS1I-D)
APRS in WSPD Dashoard for ZS1I
WPSD (W0CHP-Radio) offers full APRSGateway support, allowing for advanced APRS data sharing with specific digital modes (DMR, YSF) and enabling Position updates to be sent directly from your hotspot/repeater to mapping systems like aprs.fi.
For setting up your specific station (using ZS1I as the example):
1. Configuration in WPSD
Locate APRS Settings: Navigate to the Configuration -> APRS screen in your WPSD dashboard.
Station Setup: Enter your callsign, e.g., ZS1I, in the APRS callsign menu. Ensure you add the appropriate dash number if required (e.g., ZS1I-1 or ZS1I-10 for hotspot instances).
Enable Position: Ensure My Position Set is set to a proper GPS source (usually "GPS" or "Radio" if your radio provides it).
Map Settings: Input your Latitude and Longitude to ensure your position is sent to the network.
2. Operating with Digital Modes (DMR Example)
If you are trying to transmit APRS data from your handheld to the WPSD dashboard to appear on a map:
DMR Settings (Anytone): In your radio's Digital APRS settings, define a D-APRS channel, set the APRS report type to "Digital," and set the APRS RX to checked.
Digital APRS Channel: Set your digital APRS channel to 1 and ensure your radio is configured to send GPS positions.
3. Verification
WPSD Dashboard: Monitor the "Live Caller" or "Local RF Activity" screen on your dashboard to see packets arriving.
aprs.fi: Check your station on aprs.fi to verify that the beacon data sent via the DMR/YSF network has been parsed correctly.
Note: WPSD allows for full APRS support, including D-Star (via ircDDBGateway), YSF, and DMR.
Click on images for larger view.
ZS1I DMR Repeater now also connected to the APRS-ZA Server (ZS1I - Yellow Arrow)
A big thank you to Hennie van Rensburg ZS6EY for allowing me to use the server. As can be seen this server is rather busy. See the images above.
Click on image for larger view.
ZS1I DMR Repeater now also listed on Aprs.fi web-site
Click HERE to view the APRS information in near real time. Many thanks to Aprs.fi for hosting the ZS1I DMR Repeater information. (ZS1I-D)
Click on images for larger view.
Finally: It is wonderful how one can nowadays integrate a wide variety of equipment and software to leverage internet-linked networking, understanding specific digital modes (DMR, D-STAR, System Fusion), using Hotspots / MMDVM Repeaters for flexible access, and optimizing software settings for clear communication. Digital radio provides high voice quality, data transmission (GPS, text), and global connectivity without high power and large band width..
