Ham Radio APRS Guide: Track Your Location and Send Messages Without Internet
Share
GPS + Radio = The Ultimate Field Tool
APRS (Automatic Packet Reporting System) turns your ham radio into a GPS tracker and text messaging system — with no cell service needed. Here is what it is and how to get started.
What APRS Can Do
- Track your location: Your GPS position appears on a map in real time — family can watch you hike from home
- Send text messages: Short messages to other APRS users or even SMS to cell phones
- Weather stations: Broadcast your weather data to the network
- Find repeaters: APRS beacons can tell you the nearest repeater automatically
How to Get Started
| Method | Cost | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Radio with built-in APRS | $$$ | Easy — works out of the box |
| External TNC + GPS module | $50-100 | Medium — connects to any radio |
| Smartphone app + cable | $10-20 | Easy — APRSDroid on Android |
| Raspberry Pi + USB sound card | $35 | Hard — but most flexible |
APRS Frequencies
- 144.390 MHz — North America standard APRS frequency
- 144.800 MHz — Europe