APRS vs. SPOT tracking comparison...

[Chazz Layne]

Figured I'd see where the group is since I missed the Bradshaw trip, and sure enough - there's Ollie: http://aprs.fi/?call=K6JYB&mt=p&z=14&timerange=86400

Then I remembered he is also running SPOT on this trip: http://share.findmespot.com/shared/face ... a6OapnF0On

It obviously isn't apples to apples (different beasts with totally different capabilities), but I still found the differences interesting.


It must be lunch time.

[xtatik]

Not sure where you are wanting the comparison, but I'd rather have the Spot. Ollie's trip this weekend is still in a rather tame part of the world with easy repeater/digipeater access. Other places.....not so much, and this is where the Spot will have better coverage in general. The other reason is that it's a simple stand-alone appliance that doesn't create additional clutter or additional radios to what I have already for remote distance communication. I'm not a big fan of having my cab look like some kind of "command center".

[Chazz Layne]

I'm not so much looking for a versus for decision making on using one over the other, just finding the strengths and weaknesses of each method interesting to watch simultaneously.

I'm not a big fan of having my cab look like some kind of "command center".

True, there is that problem. Although, if more manufacturers would release "all in one" models like the FTM-350 at a more reasonable price one wouldn't be in that position. Now if they'd throw in built-in SPOT, a CB radio and an MP3 player I'd just have to replace the car stereo.

Early on I noticed that SPOT didn't seem to be tracking quite as accurate of a course history as APRS. I'm guessing this is because of the frequency of successful "check ins" (or lack thereof). I find this is kind of odd since SPOT has the same beacon rate as the default on most APRS radios (10 minutes), and surely satellite coverage through a clear desert sky should be just as reliable (if not moreso) as digipeater coverage.

Another difference is showing up now. They have moved out of range from the nearest digipeater. As a result, APRS.fi still shows them on the south side of the Chuckwalla mountains, when they have in fact already crossed them (according to SPOT).

Of course, those of us with mobile command centers (guilty ) would be able to use APRS tracking/status features at short range in a group, two-way, regardless of internet availability. For general use I'd rather have SPOT on foot, and APRS in a vehicle. But in an emergency I think I'd rather have SPOT regardless... I might have to get one now that the problems with "2" have been worked out.

[cruiserlarry]

I'm not a big fan of having my cab look like some kind of "command center".

Yeah, Ollie and I feel the same way...

[xtatik]

I'm not a big fan of having my cab look like some kind of "command center".

Yeah, Ollie and I feel the same way...

No, you guys are beyond even what I'm talkin' about. You guys are like "Mission Control" . You guys are fitted to command "command centers".
Is there such a thing as "Gadgeteers Anonymous"?.....cuz their needs ta' be.

[xtatik]

True, there is that problem. Although, if more manufacturers would release "all in one" models like the FTM-350 at a more reasonable price one wouldn't be in that position. Now if they'd throw in built-in SPOT, a CB radio and an MP3 player I'd just have to replace the car stereo.

Early on I noticed that SPOT didn't seem to be tracking quite as accurate of a course history as APRS. I'm guessing this is because of the frequency of successful "check ins" (or lack thereof). I find this is kind of odd since SPOT has the same beacon rate as the default on most APRS radios (10 minutes), and surely satellite coverage through a clear desert sky should be just as reliable (if not moreso) as digipeater coverage.

Another difference is showing up now. They have moved out of range from the nearest digipeater. As a result, APRS.fi still shows them on the south side of the Chuckwalla mountains, when they have in fact already crossed them (according to SPOT).

Of course, those of us with mobile command centers (guilty ) would be able to use APRS tracking/status features at short range in a group, two-way, regardless of internet availability. For general use I'd rather have SPOT on foot, and APRS in a vehicle. But in an emergency I think I'd rather have SPOT regardless... I might have to get one now that the problems with "2" have been worked out.

I'm don't think the FTM-350 comes anywhere close to being an all-in-one, it's missing the single most important feature.....HF! All the others features are just fluff. Having played with APRS years ago, your point regarding the "local" or truck-to-truck aspect of APRS still has me wondering if for our purposes it isn't more of a novelty, or if it really adds an essential benefit. In my experience it was cool at first, but my enthusiasm for it waned to the point that I sold everything to a Ham neighbor that was curious about it. But, I don't think he even uses it anymore. I think eventually most hams come full circle with this stuff and seek out the simplest and most beneficial means. I think the single biggest benefit is that non-ham family members gain some peace of mind in knowing you really are in Timbuktu and not at the pub down the street. Of course, if they notice your desert destination always seems to be Beatty or Pahrump NV, you could still find yourself in trouble .
Having said that, I think we will eventually see truly full featured mobile rigs capable of multi-band monitoring and xmit, APRS, etc.....Although, expecting the mfr'rs to incorporate CB might be a stretch. In any case, for now we wait and see. If it ever does happen, that will probably be the day I jump back in with these peripherals. Until then, I want to keep my cab as uncluttered as possible and on most trips I still can't get it in order .
It's interesting the comparison you're seeing in Ollie's travels. Sometimes beacon rates and satellite availabilty can be at odds. Sometimes digipeaters, although close as they are in Ollie's case today (Chuckwalla Mtn. X2), still can't hear due to terrain and the limited line-of-sight capabilities of FM. If Ollie were in an even more remote spot or even popular froading destinations like Death Valley, or Mex there'd be no comparison. Between the two, the Spot would be the only thing getting a msg. out.
On this trip I think both services are doing a reasonable job for him. In that area I don't think he'd be difficult to find based on info from either.

[DennisDawg]

I have never used APRS, but I can tell you that a SPOT fits into my backpack better. I understand folks use their vehicles but, should one need to walk, for fun or because of simple need, a SPOT can go with you, and without all the accoutrements necessary to get APRS to work.

Both methods likely track well enough for people to find you if there is a need, more so if they know a little about the area, or have map skills and all.

I usually have my backpack in the truck even if I am not planning to use it. If for whatever reason I had to walk out, that is there for that. I usually have my Camelback in there as well, and if I am just hiking around, that is on my back. In both cases, Spot gets put in as well.

[cruiserlarry]

I have never used APRS, but I can tell you that a SPOT fits into my backpack better. I understand folks use their vehicles but, should one need to walk, for fun or because of simple need, a SPOT can go with you, and without all the accoutrements necessary to get APRS to work.

Both methods likely track well enough for people to find you if there is a need, more so if they know a little about the area, or have map skills and all.

I usually have my backpack in the truck even if I am not planning to use it. If for whatever reason I had to walk out, that is there for that. I usually have my Camelback in there as well, and if I am just hiking around, that is on my back. In both cases, Spot gets put in as well.

I agree with your points, but just wanted to make one correction - I have a Yaesu VX8R radio with built-in APRS and GPS, so it doesn't require you to haul around a lot of equipment - just your hand held ham radio. That being said, APRS, IMO, is more useful for location than for emergency use, especially if far away from the reach of a VHF digipeater... so I'd take a SPOT or Epirb as well...

[salad_man]

I have been looking into a SPOT, for those of you with them, which subscription do you use? Dont want to change the subject sorry.

[DennisDawg]

I have been looking into a SPOT, for those of you with them, which subscription do you use? Dont want to change the subject sorry.

According to their web site, I have the Basic Service Plan with Track Progress and the GEOS Member Rescue Benefit (insurance).

I am a little careful where I post the link to view my progress. I am never sure I want the general public to know when I am coming home, or where I might be . . . paranoid maybe.

But I do give that link out to all my “Help” people, family, some friends and such. It makes them feel better but might also help them plan a route by which to provide” help” and maybe even a more educated guess on what “help” to bring.

Note: Help is never an emergency, I am broke down or running out of something key or some such thing.