[GTGallop]

I'm looking into the next leap in Ham Gear and pondering the APRS feature. APRS is Automatic Packet Reporting System or as some call it Automatic Position Reporting System.

Google Maps APRS

Basically it allows a radio (that is equipped) to send back your GPS position using a series of repeaters and sub audible frequencies so you can be followed on a map. I like the feature because when I go out on a walk-about in the wilderness, anytime I can get a signal from a hill top, I can report my position. That makes it easy for the spousal unit to know where I am and, God forbid, it cuts down the SAR time if I'm stranded / injured / MIA for too long. I like that.

On the flip side....... How do you know it is OFF when you want it to be OFF? Is anyone watching? Am I always tracked even when out of cell range?

 

[tinkerhell]

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[sideKahr]

The only way to truly know it is off is to remove the batteries.

 

[tinkerhell]

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[Slippy]

I've come to the realization that between my cell phone, the computer in my vehicles, and other devices, "THEY" pretty much know approximately where I am at all times.

Do I like it? Hell no. Can I do some small things to make it harder to track me? Hell Yes. But I'm damn sure not better than "THEM" as much as I like to think...

 

[GTGallop]

I've come to the realization that between my cell phone, the computer in my vehicles, and other devices, "THEY" pretty much know approximately where I am at all times.

Do I like it? Hell no. Can I do some small things to make it harder to track me? Hell Yes. But I'm damn sure not better than "THEM" as much as I like to think...

People say I'm nutty for thinking this but you know all of the things you buy at the store - like potato chips and ammo - have an RFID chip in them, right? Well they can drive a van down your street and know how many bags of potato chips you have based off of RFID responses.

So naturally, I'm a little skep about anything else that GPS's you like phones and cars etc. Last thing I want to do is give them one more way to keep tabs.

 

[SOCOM42]

None of my HF, VHR, UHF transceivers have location hardware.
I don't trust any of the manufactures, location x-missions could be hidden from you.
If your in trouble and have any sort of comm device, they can DF this signal instantly when you call for help.
They can respond if they don't care about compromising themselves.
Spectrum analyzers and ADF's are quite efficient in locating your emissions.
If you are a geek sheeple and want to play fox hunt, be my guest.

 

[Renec]

I've looked at some APRS stuff..and it may come in handy. I prefer something like that to be modular so that it can be used only when needed. I have some hardware I'm tinkering with,but it's not ready for prime time yet. I'll let you know when I've got mine sorted out. on a side note..battery low on laptop,so i'm off for the night!

 

[DadofTheFamily]

Definite NO.

 

[tinkerhell]

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[GTGallop]

Some of the radios/APRS are separate modules so you can actually take the APRS off and lock it up in an ammo can or smash it with a rock. I might go that route.

 

[budgetprepp-n]

What about that "chip" in your drivers licences? Brother says "I see you"

 

[tinkerhell]

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[Will2]

I just have to say the system itself is very useful. As far as it being "public" all Ham Radio is public, so no weird attempt at hiding expected at Ham Lines. For instance just to have a license in Canada you are effectively sharing your address with the world which is a major security risk.

Now in looking at the google APRS maping, it is very interesting to use this to locate various routes, and infrastructure. It is notable that in a private function - if it were legal ex. WROL, how a technologically savy prepping group could utilize this technology, such as a large group such as REACT, or SAFE. However, for most small scale prepping groups cells will likely have little use for it, I could see company sized pretting groups to get some use out of this sort of JTF integrated JADEish system incorporating APRS or some type of tracking and reporting system.

 

[A Watchman]

budgetprepp did you mention DL chips?.....and you forgot to mention credit card chips?

I have seen a conspiracy video claiming chips are in some of the prepackaged foods we eat. Far fetched? If it isn't true, just give them a little more time. Another good reason maybe to get off the processed food diet.

 

[tinkerhell]

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