[Introductory Note]
For new users of APRSLocus. After reading this, you will be able to download and install the APRSLocus package, use it on your Android phone or Windows computer to locate yourself, and also see nearby APRS repeaters.
1. First, let's get acquainted with APRS Locus.
APRS (Automatic Packet Reporting System) is a network used by amateur radio enthusiasts to automatically transmit and receive location, weather, and short messages. In the past, setting up an APRS system often involved selecting from a collection of older software packages. APRSLocus is a new solution that has emerged in recent years. The author, Darion Dong (callsign BG7LZQ), maintains it as open-source on GitCode, positioning it as "a new APRS-IS solution for both mobile and desktop platforms."
Its biggest advantage is that it covers both mobile phones and computers: you can use an Android phone for on-the-go work, and then switch to a Windows computer to view the station layout. Unlike many outdated classic software programs, it was completely rewritten using Dart (Flutter), resulting in a user interface and interaction that better aligns with modern usage habits.
Several key pieces of information:
- License: GPL-3.0, free to use
- Supported platforms: Android + Windows
- Latest version: v1.5.8 (as of this writing)
- Connection method: APRS-IS Internet access point
II. What devices does it support?
Currently, the official APRSLocus provides pre-built packages for both platforms, and the source code is available under the GPL-3.0 license. Those who are willing to tinker can also compile it themselves.
- Android phone (.apk installation package): Suitable for use as a portable device, reporting your location while driving or hiking on your phone.
- Windows computer (installer file): Suitable for use at home as a fixed workstation, allowing you to comfortably view and send/receive short messages while using a large screen.
Three. First step: Open the project homepage.
All packages are hosted on the project page of GitCode. Users can directly access them using a web browser from both mobile devices and computers. The interface is in Chinese, and downloads are available without requiring login.
Project Homepage: https://gitcode.com/dariondong/APRSLocus/
Steps for operation:
1. Open the project homepage in a web browser, and you will see the project introduction "APRSLocus: A new APRS-IS solution for mobile and desktop devices" at the top.
2. In the page navigation, click "Releases". This section contains all historical versions of the installation package. To get the latest version (currently v1.5.8), simply identify the one with the highest version number.
3. Select the appropriate file based on your device: Android users should select .apk files, while Windows users should select .exe files. If you want to study the source code, you can download the .zip or .tar.gz source package.
If you don't want to download each version individually, the following two links are direct downloads for v1.5.8, which you can click on to start downloading.
IV. How to install Android on a phone
Official APK direct link:
https://gitcode.com/DarionDong/APRSLocus/releases/download/v1.5.8/APRSLocus_1.5.8.apk
Installation steps:
1. After downloading from the browser, open the APK file, and your phone's system will prompt you to confirm the installation.
2. The first installation will prompt "Unknown source application." This is a normal security mechanism in Android, as APRSLocus is not currently available on major app stores and requires manual authorization. To allow the installation, go to "Settings → Security / Privacy → Allow apps from unknown sources" and grant permission.
3. Agree to the permissions, click "Install", and then open it. The first time you start it, you will be prompted to choose a map source; follow the instructions to connect to an APRS-IS server, and you can begin using it.
Quick tip: If you see a message saying "Not verified by Google Play Protect," don't panic. Just click "Install anyway." This is a common situation and doesn't necessarily mean the file is corrupted.
Five. How to install Windows on a computer.
Official direct link for Windows installation package:
https://gitcode.com/DarionDong/APRSLocus/releases/download/v1.5.8/APRSLocus_Setup_1.5.8.exe
Installation steps:
1. After downloading the .exe installer, double-click to run it. If Windows SmartScreen prompts you with "Protected by your PC," click "More info → Still running" to proceed. This is a standard way to block unsigned software.
2. Follow the guide and select "Next" at each step, then complete the installation. An APRS Locus icon will appear on your desktop.
3. Enter your call sign and passcode to connect to the server. The passcode can be calculated on the authorization generation page, and after entering it, you will be able to see the station in APRS-IS.
Six. Do you want to build your own source code?
APRSLocus is fully open-source.（GPL-3.0）The code is written in Dart. For those who want to learn, self-compile, or submit issues/PRs to the author, the project's homepage should be sufficient.
Common access points:
- Project homepage: https://gitcode.com/dariondong/APRSLocus/
- Release version (all installation packages): https://gitcode.com/dariondong/APRSLocus/releases
- View / Report Issues: https://gitcode.com/dariondong/APRSLocus/issues
- Code discussion: https://gitcode.com/dariondong/APRSLocus/discussions
- Download source code: download the zip/tar.gz file from the release page, or use `git clone` directly.
It's okay if you don't understand it; most users can simply install and play without needing to modify the source code.
VII. Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why can't I find APRSLocus in the app store?
A: It's a personal open-source project, and currently, installation packages are only distributed through the official release. It is not available on Google Play or domestic app markets. You can download it for free and safely by following the official link in this article.
Q: Is the version number you specified different from the one I downloaded?
A: Please refer to the latest version displayed on the "Release" page. The v1.5.8 version shown on this page is the most recent version at the time of compilation. The author will continue to update it, and new versions typically include bug fixes and optimizations.
Q: Unable to install APK / Parsing failure error?
A: Most of them are incomplete downloads. I recommend using your phone's built-in browser to re-download, making sure the filename starts with "APRSLocus_" and not using third-party speedup tools to truncate the file.
Q: What should I do if I can't connect to the APRS-IS server?
A: First, verify the server address and port in the settings to ensure that the device can access the internet. Then, check if the call sign and passcode are entered correctly. Most errors occur during these steps.
VIII. Regarding the author and subsequent updates
In the v1.5.8 release notes, BG7LZQ mentioned that he will be returning to high school for his final year of studies and that his availability to work on the project would significantly decrease. He also noted that the update frequency might be reduced. However, he emphasized that the project will continue to be maintained, with ongoing efforts to address important bugs, stability issues, and compatibility problems. He also encouraged users to continue submitting issues and pull requests.
For a beginner, now is the perfect time to experience it – free, two-way communication, and active maintenance. Follow these steps in the article to download it, and you'll be able to see your location and nearby stations on your screen within minutes. 73!
Due to time constraints, AI-assisted writing may contain minor errors.
闽ICP备2021006864号-7
闽公网安备35020602002794号