APRS : GPS-710

[N2AL]

I recently purchased a GPS-710 receiver for my Kenwood D710 mobile radio. I have a few questions for anyone with knowledge on the below topics.

1. What are the settings I need to select in regards to SmartBeaconing?

2. My radio will only transmit APRS data when the BCON setting is in operation. If I shut it off while moving, the radio will not transmit my location and information. How can I fix this?

3. What should I set the radio to in regards to the WIDE settings?

4. If anyone has some other information and they would not mind to share, I would be very thankful.

Thanks everyone in advance for the help on this topic. I did locate the instructions for the GPS-710 on the Green light Labs website, but they were basic- I know the Kenwood radio has more complex settings for more operational use.


Andrew
KK4IFN

 

[n5ims]

The best answer to your third question is here (note it shows the old recommendation that's no longer used and the new recommendations further down the page, use the new ones!!!) --> APRS Paths And Digipeating 101 or the ones from the APRS WIKI, which has some international recommendations as well --> Paths - APRSWiki

This page (also from the APRS organization) details them along with detailed information on why the changes were made. It's great information, but may not be as quick to locate what settings you should use. FIXING DIGIPEATERS

 

[AK9R]

1. What are the settings I need to select in regards to SmartBeaconing?

2. My radio will only transmit APRS data when the BCON setting is in operation. If I shut it off while moving, the radio will not transmit my location and information. How can I fix this?

3. What should I set the radio to in regards to the WIDE settings?

1. The SmartBeaconing settings are set in Menus 630 and 631. The default settings are a good starting point. Also, Menu 611 Method has to be set for SmartBeaconing to enable this feature. If you haven't already, go to the Kenwood Amateur Radio Support page and select the downloads for the TM-D710. You should see a listing for the "In-Depth Manual - APRS EchoLink Manual". That document has a good explanation of SmartBeaconing written by the guy who developed the concept.

2. Working as designed. The BCON button on the radio turns APRS beaconing on and off. The BCON icon on the display indicates whether or not APRS beaconing is turned on or off. When the BCON icon is on, the radio will beacon using the method and timing that you have selected.

3. The APRS path for mobiles should be WIDE1-1,WIDE2-1. That gets you two hops assuming the digipeaters in your area are configured correctly. Menu 612 guides you through setting your path. If you set the Type to be New-N Paradigm, set WIDE1-1 to On, and Total Hops to 2, the radio will calculate your path to be WIDE1-1,WIDE2-1. See page APRS-12 in the CD-ROM manual that came with the radio.

I own two TM-D710s and I've influenced a few friends to get them, too. It's a very good APRS radio.

 

[N2AL]

Guys thanks for the helpful advice. I will store it upstairs and I will use the information to fine-tune my APRS settings. Thanks again.


Andrew
KK4IFN