GPS is a popular topic with drivers. One of a number of options for GPS is here: http://www.geosat.us/ As a GPS it offers a larger screen than most units as well as good readability. It's preloaded with the entire U.S. so it's ready to go out of the box. It also is ready out of the box for APRS use with amateur radio.
APRS is automatic position reporting system. It can be used to make your position available to anyone with an internet connection. That could be useful for letting those back home feel a little more connected and informed. I am just beginning to look into it so out of the barrel full of knowledge and information available my little thimble has about a speck so far. In other words, I know nothing yet in the grand scheme of things. I do have links to an illustration so you can see what it's about.
http://www.kd5yov.net/LOC.HTM This one is cool because you can click on his truck icon and if he's moving it will give you speed and show he's moving and it also shows the weather radar map below his position map.
http://www.findu.com/cgi-bin/find.cgi?call=KB0WYL-14 This one directly pulls up the map of this particular operators location, provided he's within range of the system when he pings it. On the left of the map the first is nearby APRS activity. That will get a big list of stations. Symbols show if they are trucks, cars, boats, houses, weather (WX) or whatever. The mobile stations generally ping once every 3 or 4 minutes. The stationary ones usually every half hour or hour.
http://www.n9gqr.com/ This one you click a link on the right just below the photo of the white truck "Where's K6TEX now?" and get the map. On the left is the same link to see nearby stations.
At the rate I'm going I hope to be set up and know a fair amount about this no later than 2012.
In the meantime it's something for you to check out and perhaps see a use for for yourself and your family to stay a little more connected.
Leo Bricker, 73's K5LDB, OOIDA 677319
Owner, Panther trucks 5507, 5508, 5509
Highway Watch Participant, Truckerbuddy
EO Forum Moderator
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Support the entire Constitution, not just the parts you like.
APRS is automatic position reporting system. It can be used to make your position available to anyone with an internet connection. That could be useful for letting those back home feel a little more connected and informed. I am just beginning to look into it so out of the barrel full of knowledge and information available my little thimble has about a speck so far. In other words, I know nothing yet in the grand scheme of things. I do have links to an illustration so you can see what it's about.
http://www.kd5yov.net/LOC.HTM This one is cool because you can click on his truck icon and if he's moving it will give you speed and show he's moving and it also shows the weather radar map below his position map.
http://www.findu.com/cgi-bin/find.cgi?call=KB0WYL-14 This one directly pulls up the map of this particular operators location, provided he's within range of the system when he pings it. On the left of the map the first is nearby APRS activity. That will get a big list of stations. Symbols show if they are trucks, cars, boats, houses, weather (WX) or whatever. The mobile stations generally ping once every 3 or 4 minutes. The stationary ones usually every half hour or hour.
http://www.n9gqr.com/ This one you click a link on the right just below the photo of the white truck "Where's K6TEX now?" and get the map. On the left is the same link to see nearby stations.
At the rate I'm going I hope to be set up and know a fair amount about this no later than 2012.
In the meantime it's something for you to check out and perhaps see a use for for yourself and your family to stay a little more connected.Leo Bricker, 73's K5LDB, OOIDA 677319
Owner, Panther trucks 5507, 5508, 5509
Highway Watch Participant, Truckerbuddy
EO Forum Moderator
----------
Support the entire Constitution, not just the parts you like.