Automatic Packet Reporting System
Developed in 1992 as a tactical situational awareness tool for amateur radio operators.
Broadcasts position, telemetry, and messages continuously without requiring internet servers.
Standard North American packet channel using Bell 202 audio frequency shift keying (AFSK).
Real-time geographic location coordinates, speed, course, and altitude telemetry.
Vehicle beacons update live position and speed during road trips or public service marathons.
Field teams carrying GPS-enabled HTs broadcast coordinates to command posts in remote terrain.
High-altitude weather balloons transmit continuous altitude and temperature telemetry up to 100,000+ ft.
Personal Weather Stations (PWS) broadcast live sensor data directly over RF.
Broadcasting an SOS beacon immediately triggers visual and audible alarms on surrounding APRS displays.
Station-to-station text messaging with ACK/NACK verification across packet radio callsigns.
Broadcast repeater frequencies, net schedules, and emergency shelter locations to all nearby operators.
Bridging local radio packet signals to global web maps and servers.
HT / Mobile transmits 1200 baud packet on 144.390 MHz
Digipeater receives RF packet & forwards it to APRS-IS internet core
Sites like aprs.fi map positions & weather worldwide in real-time
Send SMS text messages and emails off-grid directly from a handheld radio!
APRS digipeaters operating in Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
The International Space Station operates an active 1200 baud APRS packet digipeater on 145.825 MHz.
Satellites like NO-84 (PSAT) relay APRS position beacons across entire continents during passes.
Radios with built-in TNC & GPS modules:
Turn any standard handheld radio into an APRS station:
APRS provides vital off-grid telemetry, messaging, and positioning for emergency managers and ham radio operators worldwide.
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