This document provides a detailed overview of the features, usage methods, and important considerations for the professional version of the APRS beacon receiving and transmitting system, helping you get started quickly.
Professional User Manual for APRS Beacon Transmission and Reception System
1. Program Overview
The professional version of the APRS beacon receiving and transmitting system integrates an internet-based APRS server.（APRS-IS）A comprehensive software that integrates amateur radio data communication (using the KISS TNC protocol) with GPS positioning functionality. It can transmit and receive APRS location reports and short messages in various ways, making it ideal for amateur radio enthusiasts to use for location sharing, device tracking, and emergency communications.
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The core of this system lies in integrating different communication links. You can directly connect to the global APRS network via the internet, receiving and transmitting data in real-time; or you can use a serial port to connect to TNCs and radios that support the KISS protocol, using VHF/UHF radio waves to interact with your local APRS network. Additionally, the software can also connect to GPS modules to automatically obtain and report your location information.
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2 System and Hardware Connection
Before running the program, please ensure that your computer has the necessary hardware and drivers installed, and that they are properly connected.
2.1 Runtime Environment and Dependencies
Operating System: Windows 10/11, Linux (requires installation of corresponding serial port drivers), macOS
Python Environment: Python 3.6 or higher version
Required dependencies: Install using the following command:
pip install PyQt5 pyserial
2.2 Hardware Connection Configuration
This program supports collaboration with various APRS devices. Common connection methods are as follows:
Connection type
Required hardware
Connection methods and instructions
APRS-IS Internet Server
Internet connection
The program connects directly to the global APRS server network (such as rotate.aprs.net) using the TCP/IP protocol, without requiring any additional hardware, enabling wide-area data transmission and reception.
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KISS TNC radio
TNCs and radio stations (vehicle/handheld) that support the KISS protocol.
Connect the computer to the TNC using a serial cable (such as USB to TTL), and then connect the TNC to the radio via an audio cable and PTT line. Make sure to correctly set the COM port number (e.g., COM3) and baud rate (typically 9600 or 1200) in the software.
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UART GPS module
GPS receiver module (such as Ublox series)
Similarly, it connects to a computer via a serial port (such as a USB interface). The GPS module outputs positioning data in NMEA format, which can be parsed by software to generate APRS location beacons.
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Please note: When transmitting APRS signals using a radio, you must possess the appropriate amateur radio operator license and station license issued by your country or region, and operate within the frequencies and power levels specified in your license.
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3. Detailed explanation of software features and operating instructions
3.1 Main Interface and Tab Functionality
The main interface of the program is clearly divided into several functional areas, and you can switch between them using tabs. The table below provides a detailed explanation of the functions and key configuration options for each tab.
Tab name
Main features
Key Configuration Item Explanation
Connection Configuration
Configure all connected parameters.
APRS-IS: Server address (e.g., rotate.aprs.net), port (usually 14580), call sign (e.g., BH1ABC), SSID (e.g., -7), and passcode.
KISS TNC: Serial number, baud rate (1200 bps is common for APRS), operating mode.
UART GPS: Serial port number, baud rate (typically 9600), operating mode.
Beacon Configuration: Latitude and longitude, symbol table/code (e.g., />(包括代表车辆)、注释、发射间隔
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Location display
Display all received APRS data packets in real-time in a table format.
The displayed fields include: reception time, data source (e.g., APRS-IS, KISS TNC), and raw data content. It supports clearing the data.
Message sending and receiving
Send and receive APRS short messages.
Send: Enter the destination call sign (including SSID, such as BH7HCU-7) and message content (up to 67 characters).
Received: This section displays messages that have been received, including the sender, timestamp, and content.
Serial port data
Monitor the raw data streams from the KISS TNC and GPS modules.
KISS TNC Monitoring: Displays raw KISS protocol data transmitted and received via serial port, for advanced debugging.
GPS Data Monitoring: Displays the NMEA statements (such as $GPGGA) output by the GPS module, along with the parsed location information.
3.2 Core Operational Procedures
Basic Configuration and Connection
On the "Connection Configuration" page, enter your call sign and SSID to create a complete station identifier (e.g., BH7HCU).
-7). SSID is used to distinguish between different devices or states under the same call sign.
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Based on your hardware connection, correctly select the serial port number and baud rate for both the KISS TNC and GPS modules.
Click the "Connect to Server", "Connect KISS TNC", and "Connect GPS" buttons at the bottom of the interface to establish the corresponding connections. The status bar will display information about whether the connection was successful or not.
Send location beacon
Manually enter location: Directly input latitude and longitude coordinates in the "Beacon Configuration" area.
Using GPS location: Ensure that the GPS module is connected and successfully locating, and the software will automatically retrieve and populate the latitude and longitude.
After setting the beacon interval (e.g., 10 minutes), click the "Start Beacon" button, and the program will automatically send data packets containing your location information at the specified intervals.
Sending and receiving messages
In the "Target Call Sign" field on the "Message Sending/Receiving" page, enter the complete target station identifier. In the "Message Content" field, enter the text you want to send.
Click the "Send" button. A success message will be displayed in the local message list.
Received messages will automatically appear in the message reception list.
4. Application Scenarios and Techniques
Outdoor Activity Tracking: Carry a portable device (such as a laptop with a small radio and GPS) equipped with this software on outdoor trips, and regularly send location beacons automatically. Teammates or family members can view your travel path in real-time on a map via the APRS website (e.g., aprs.fi).
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Emergency Communication Exercises: In areas with poor mobile network signal coverage, APRS (Automatic Packet Reporting System) radio data communication can effectively transmit location and brief status information, making it an important backup communication method.
Technical Learning and Experimentation: By monitoring the raw data stream through the "Serial Data" page, you can gain a deeper understanding of the APRS protocol, the operation of KISS TNCs, and NMEA data formats.
5 Important Notes
Compliance Operation: It is important to reiterate that the use of radio functions must comply with local radio regulations, and you must hold a valid license and operate within the specified frequency and power ranges.
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Frequency Selection: Common frequencies used for APRS in mainland China are 144.640 MHz (some regions, such as Zhejiang, use 144.390 MHz).
Please ensure that your radio frequency settings are correct.
Network Etiquette: Avoid setting excessively short beacon transmission intervals (e.g., less than 5 minutes) to prevent excessive channel resource consumption and impact other communications. The fixed base station's transmission interval should typically be set longer than that of mobile stations.
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Developer of this program: BH7HCU / Please note: When transmitting APRS signals using a radio, you must possess the appropriate amateur radio operator license and station license issued by your country/region, and operate within the frequencies and power levels specified in your license.
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We hope this guide will help you fully utilize the professional version of the APRS beacon receiving and transmitting system. 73!
The software features are still under testing; please provide feedback.
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