A couple days ago, I posted a question about APRS in the home shack and the reason for having it. I guess I wasn’t seeing the forest through the trees. But the last couple nights, I have been struggling to get APRS up and working on my small shack in the corner of my bedroom. I opted to use Windows because of the software available for it, for Ham Radio. Mainly for Ham Radio Deluxe. But when trying to get some software to run, man was I frustrated.

Screen shot of Pocket Packet from Koomasi

I tried WinAPRS first. But the version I had that came with my Rigblaster No-mic didn’t want to work. So I tried UI-View, but didn’t have a registration code, so I applied for that and 2 days later I got it. I tried to set it up and get things running but I have no clue if anything is working or not. It seemed like there were just a ton of extra steps to get it working. If you look for some of my tweets, you’ll see what I mean.

Then last night while I was on my iMac and doing som updates for Apps I got from the Mac App store, and decided to see what was in the App store for Ham Radio. I got about 6 items come up, 1 of which was a DX Cluster app I had on my iPod touch already, but had been ported over to Mac OS X. Then I saw a couple APRS apps. One of them was Pocket Packet. I read it over, looked at screen shots and decided to give it a go. I spent $5 of my hard earned dollars that I have been saving, to get this app, and I can honestly say that so far I am pleased.

The setup was quick and simple. It wasn’t all scattered over 12 different options and menus. I put in my callsign, My location, and my APRSIS code and I was connected. Now all I need to do, is install Pocket Packet on my Macbook Pro and hookup up my Rigblaster to my FT-847 and then plug it all into my Macbook Pro using my USB to Serial adapter. And I am sure as the sun will come up in the morning, that getting APRS running on this configuration, will be 100 times easier then trying to mess with all that other stuff.

Screen shot of Pocket Packet on Mac OS X

One of the main reasons I switched to Mac, was because of the hassles I always seem to run into with a Windows machine. Maybe I was a crappy Windows user, or it hated me because I had a Linux box next to it. I don’t know. But my frustration with Windows has grown to an all time high and seeing how Pocket Packet works, I couldn’t be happier. I will be posting a follow up to this sometime after Field Day when I can get everything else connected.

And if you would like to check out the USB to Serial Adapter that hasn’t failed me yet on my Macs, or even on my Windows machines, it’s listed below on the Amazon ad.

73.

Rich also writes a Tech blog and posts stories every Tuesday and Thursday on Q103, The Rock of Albany’s website, as well as Amateur Radio stories every Monday thru Friday here on AmiZed Studios.

So, it’s been a while since we were here together. There are some wondering, where we are. Others could care less. To those who care less, I say.. “Neener Neener” to you! For the rest fo you, well, it’s a long story. So grab a coffee, tea or soft drink, sit back right back as I tell you a tale of a tiny ship.. no wait..

So what are we doing? Pretty much nothing. Real life has pretty much permeated it’s way into everything and time has been more of a luxury then an asset. Recording shows is not the problem, just getting them out the door is the problem. So, if you’re handy with some audio editing software and think you might like to try and edit a show here or there, this is your chance! It doesn’t pay because we haven’t made any money on this thing, but you will get your name in the credits! That’s cool huh?! But the gig is available if you want it. You would also be working with our other guy, Frank, who helps from time to time too, but hey real life even finds you in other countries too. If you’re up for it, just email us.

And now the status on the shows…

Amiga Roundtable: Still kicking, some format changes will be made but more episodes will be coming once we have the above “handled”.

Carrier Whistle: Well, I hate to say it, but this one is probably going to be stopped after 3 more episodes. This will bring it up to 10, and then we’ll be done. It’s sometimes hard to find content about for this show. Plus getting the format down to where it was good, at least to me, was difficult. But if someone is willing to take the reigns on it, I would gladly keep it going. So another “job opening” at AmiZed.

NewsTek: Bill P. has been dealing with some family business, so we really haven’t put anything together for this. When Bill is ready, I am too. This one will be back I’m betting. Bill was the lead on it, so it’s his call.

And now, for some more news of interest. We’ll be producing a few more shows, (I know, how many can he do if he’s strapped for time?!) but 2 of these will be in a slightly different format.So I would like to announce one of the shows, which is probably closest to actually going into production. It’s called {INSERT FANFARE HERE!}

MAC IN THE SHACK

OK, now I’m hearing some of you say “WTF?!” It’s a “magazine” type of podcast with some “Roundtable” content thrown in here and there, and it’s about Amateur “Ham” Radio and using Macs in your “shack” or radio room, as well as ham radio in general as well as tips and tricks from other hams. Most of the ham radio ops out there use Windows, which is fine and cool. But there are those that like Macs, and that is who this show is for. So if you’re a Ham that uses Macs, keep watching. We may need some input from you!

Now the other 2 shows are still in very early pre-production planning. I don’t want to say much other than one show is about gaming, and the other the Linux operating system. The Linux one I just came up with literally yesterday while I was doing laundry.

Yes, I find it relaxing to create content while I am doing laundry. Some people do it while they are on the toilet. So cut me a break.

Anyway, that is the latest from here. And as always, you can leave a comment and tell us what you think. We’re always looking for input! So till then..

73, ’nuff said, Peace out! -Rich