Mobile iGate and digipeating…

[BMDaug]

Hello, does anyone know of an easy was to set up a windows system to igate when internet connected and digipeat when not? The Toughpad is set up with cellular and a dra-30. I’m working on the Direwolf conf file and had a few questions… I’d like to set the system up so that I can igate when I’m in range of cellular or WiFi and digipeat when I’m not. I think I’m looking at some sort of script that would load a different conf file and restart Direwolf when internet connection status changes… Until I get my chops up on this stuff, it’s just a dream, but I’d love to get something like this up and going in the long run. Any ideas?

Thanks,
Brian

 

[R8000]

I can't say for windows software. I have APRSIS32 that tinker with from time to time, and don't recall a setting for that. I could be wrong.
I do know the WX3IN1 does have this specific setting to digipeat when there's no connection to the IS server.

 

[BMDaug]

I can't say for windows software. I have APRSIS32 that tinker with from time to time, and don't recall a setting for that. I could be wrong.
I do know the WX3IN1 does have this specific setting to digipeat when there's no connection to the IS server.

Thanks for this! I’m gonna keep tinkering. I also use APRSISCE/32 through Direwolf to the DRA-30. I know Direwolf along can beacon, digi, and igate, but I really like the APRSISCE interface and additional features.

I’m also thinking that there are other variables. Like on some hikes to the East, I would t want to digipeat because there’s another digipeater close enough that there might be issues. I guess manually is easy enough… just plan a hike and choose a mode based on that route… I dunno, still pondering!

-B

 

[AK9R]

Curious as to why you'd want to do this. The purpose of digipeating is to extend the range of all stations within the footprint of the beaconing station. Much like a voice repeater, a digipeater allows low power station to be heard by other stations that might not hear it. An I-gate sends local APRS beacons to the APRS-IS which extends the range of a station within its footprint around the world. And, a reverse I-gate allows messages from around the world to be relayed to stations within the footprint of the I-gate.

 

[BMDaug]

My feeling is that additional receiving igates are never a problem. They do not increase rf burden on the channel, they only increase the chances of of a message reaching the IS network. A bidirectional igate (what I’m planning) will add some rf burden on the channel but only enough to relay to local stations. Lastly, a digipeater would be the most likely to contribute to rf channel saturation so that’s the last option only to be used when outside of a coverage area.

Im considering this because there aren’t any igates in the valley here. The nearest igate is 21 miles away over a couple of ridges. There’s one digipeater nine miles away over a ridge with the next being 39 miles away on the other side of a 14,000 foot peak. Distances to these sites will increase during most of my trips. None of these sites are even close to line of sight.

My thought is that by being an igate and connected to APRS-is directly, I can keep my own rf traffic to a minimum while in range of a cellular tower, while also helping other’s reach the network. When I roam outside of cellular service, I can maybe help others reach an igate at the expense of some additional rf traffic.

From a tactical perspective, this seems to me to be the spirit of what APRS was meant to be, but I’m not an Elmer here… I’d love to hear more about why this is a bad idea or how it’s not best practice. I’m definitely still learning and can just operate as a normal APRS station for myself… it just doesn’t expand the network at all.

I look forward to learning. That’s why I’m here.

Regards,
Brian

 

[AK9R]

Having several high-profile digis on the air in the same area can be a problem. However, several fill-in WIDE1-1 digis could be a help. Combining a fill-in with an I-gate would generally provide the most benefit. Terrain, of course, is a big factor. Stations in the valleys may need the help of a strategically-placed fill-in to be heard outside of the valley.

 

[BMDaug]

Awesome! Thanks for the insight! A fill-in is a great term for what I’m trying to accomplish. Remember that this whole setup is in a manpack. It’s designed to be portable and will roam. Currently, it’s set up with emcomm, backup comms, SAR, and monitoring the CO DTRS in mind. I’m trying to get into ARES and possibly RACES too. The program is NIFOG ready, and has VARA FM setup in addition to APRSISCE/32.

-Brian