** CQ CQ CQ ALL HAMS **

Perhaps wifi-dongles can be down-converted to UHF? I've read a reference to some radio-amatures hacking one.

Found this list recently on people setting up their own wireless community networks.:
http://www.toaster.net/wireless/community.html

And:
http://news.cnet.com/8301-1035_3-10082505-94.html
"On Tuesday, the Federal Communications Commission unanimously agreed to open up unused broadcast TV spectrum for unlicensed use.
...
the FCC approved rules for devices using spectrum that sits between broadcast TV channels. This 300MHz to 400MHz of unused spectrum known as "white spaces" is considered prime spectrum for offering wireless broadband services because it can travel long distances and penetrate through walls. "

If net-neutrality fails, and the big ISP's start rationing, sub-diving and censoring, or if government colludes in the censorship, we will indeed need to act to keep a free network going.

Here's another great article on the effect of the internet on the downfall of the Soviet block:
http://mises.org/story/3060
"Liberation by Internet
Daily Article by Gennady Stolyarov II | Posted on 9/19/2008"

73's

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POLITICS, n. A strife of interests masquerading as a contest of principles. The conduct of public affairs for private advantage. - Bierce
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Thank you for the show of interest. I'm surprised to have also grabbed the attention of interested non-hams.

This post will be somewhat lengthy, but I hope you will find it worth a read.

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PART 1 -- AN EXPLANATION OF THE APRS NETWORK
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The Automated Packet Reporting System (APRS) is a real-time location-aware distributed wireless network. APRS is a tactical tool which was developed by the Navy within their satellite systems school. It operates on 144.390Mhz simplex, which is near the bottom end of the Amateur Radio 2m band.

APRS is actively and widely used by hams. To use APRS, a ham simply needs to connect a laptop (or other computer or packet station) between a GPS device and a 2m FM Transceiver with remote control capabilities. (common in 2m transceivers). All the stations on the network follow a communications protocol in which they transmit and receive packets of data containing information about the stations. Your own station will typically send it's location, heading, speed on a regular basis to keep all the other stations informed.

In this way, the APRS network is considered a distributed network because there is no central authority. The communications protocol allows for receiving stations to also relay information received from neighboring stations. Combined with HF gateways and a few APRS relay satellites, APRS is capable of nationwide tactical communications.

On the receiving end, the APRS station normally plots the received packets on a map. Again, this is due to APRS being designed as a tactical network.

APRS is actively used today for regional communications. The network functions best on a local or regional scale. It's capable of simple messaging, live ground location tracking, aviation and atmospheric location tracking and weather reporting, among other things.

The APRS network can also be viewed online and will show information which has been "igated" (relayed onto the internet)

APRS is public domain. Understand that? This is a key point ... APRS IS PUBLIC DOMAIN. It belongs to the people. It exists now.

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PART 2 -- STATION INFORMATION FOR HAMS
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If you're interested in learning to become a ham (and obtain the FCC license as long as The Fed(tm) can enforce it), google for information. There's a ton out there. You can buy study books online. It is also highly encouraged that you find a ham and make friends. Most hams are very eager to mentor others.

IMPORTANT!! Before operating APRS, it is extremely important that you educate yourself on the APRS protocol. The APRS network is a distributed network, and therefore, your station must be operated in a knowledgeable manner in order to maintain network health. Google for information ... there's a ton of documentation out there. While learning, it is helpful to actively receive APRS data with your station. This will help you learn about the network, software, equipment and techniques before transmitting.

1. A Mobile APRS Station: A mobile 2m FM tranceiver w/ remote control and audio interfaces. Most of the common Yaesu, ICOM and Kenwood gear will have this. (don't forget an antenna) You'll need a laptop with a USB or Serial port, depending on your control interface. The control interface is a small device which connects between your laptop and transceiver. You'll need a GPS receiver with a data port and cable. Garmin etrex and similar devices are very good for this. For software, I've always good luck with AGWTracker (shareware, full PC version).

2. A Fixed APRS Station: A mobile station can also be operated as a fixed station. A fixed station does not need a GPS device, although, you will still need to know your exact location because your station will still need it's location to be transmitted. Fixed stations usually run 24/7 and act as "digipeaters"' ... they can also run as "gates" in which APRS data can be relayed onto the internet or onto the APRS HF supernet. Fixed stations are sometimes used to send and receive text messages from mobile stations.

3. A Location Tracking Device: There are a number of small devices available in kit form which only transmit APRS location data. One popular device is the PocketTracker which fits inside of an Altoids tin. (Sounds 007-ish, doesn't it?) When hooked to a GPS device, the pocket tracker will transmit location data only. Hams currently use this type of tracking device to monitor high-altitude balloon flights, although this type of device is also useful for covert tracking.

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PART 3: MOBILIZE THE HAMS. Formation of AR-TRG
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I am proposing the formation of a new group: Amateur Radio Tactical Readiness Group. AR-TRG.

There are already other ham groups organized for varying purposes. There currently is no group who's mission is to develop and maintain APRS readiness and deployment strategies to address the immediate needs of the people.

AR-TRG Mission: To establish a group of amateur radio operators to engage in the development and maintenance of APRS readiness and deployment strategies.

AR-TRG Goals:

1. To recruit able bodied hams for the mission of AR-TRG.

2. To establish a web site and associated data feeds, mapping, etc. to make APRS network information available to the people.

3. To make recommendations to hams about how to participate in AR-TRG and to provide a library of information online about station setup, APRS operation and best practices.

4. To begin actively reporting location and situational information about any matter of concern to the people. (mapping "civil unrest events", militia tactical support, supply logistics and messaging)

Establishment of the AR-TRG organization and recruitment are the first mission. We should begin by establishing a discussion forum and website for the purpose of organizing the founding members of AR-TRG and discussing organizational structure.

I already have a web server which can be used for AR-TRG. I suppose that within the next few days, I can have a discussion forum started.

Thank you all for your interest. I'll post further information soon.

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"Live free or die: Death is not the worst of evils." -- General John Stark.

for quite some time and not having any experience with it I wasn't too sure where to start. I have some friends that say they can get me equipment at reasonable prices, but I don't have much to work with and still buy my dry good and ammo.
This might be an interesting link.
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I love my country
I am appalled by my government

and we've got commo!

BUMP from KD7PKK
73... ar sk

de...the Tumbleweed here.
I am also a HAM. And I agree with your concerns.
But I do believe it would also be good to get the non HAMs involved, and help them with some form of monitoring ability, and CB system details to make sure they can have some form of communication should the need come about. I don't expect to be able to depend on repeaters should the
grid go down, though I know most do have emergency power backup.
So now that we have established some form of a thread...let's get to it.
I have set up several CB systems for folks in some of my groups, and have managed to get many of my CB friends involved in the campaign.
As far as the HAMs go around here on 2 meters. Though most are pretty educated in some way or other...when it comes to the political world I am thinking they have been drinking the red white and blue water a little too long. Not all of them, but many. Not that this will matter in times of an emergency when we need to establish contact for whatever reason.
What is your rig, and what band do you prefer?
ALL questions welcome from anyone interested as far as I am concerned.
................................Over

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“The Roots of Violence: Wealth without work, Pleasure without conscience, Knowledge without character, Commerce without morality, Science without humanity, Worship without sacrific