9W2TLW Radio Amatur Station

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Build an APRS IGate Why build an IGate? There are two fundamental parts of the APRS network that enable communications beyond simple peer-to-peer transmissions. They are Digipeaters and IGates. Digipeaters are just like normal voice repeaters in that when they hear traffic, they rebroadcast it with a little more antenna height and usually a little more power. Thus, they increase the range of the original transmission. Unlike a voice repeater, though, APRS Digipeaters receive and send on the same frequency (144.39 in North America). As a result, too many Digipeaters, too close together can be an issue. This one frequency would quickly reach saturation if everyone setup digipeaters at their homes. For that reason, it’s best to consult APRS Elmers in your area to confirm that there is a gap in coverage before digipeating. IGates, on the other hand, are a different story. When an IGate, or Internet Gateway, hears traffic, it sends that data to the APRS-IS (Automatic Packet Reporting System – Internet Service). APRS-IS is a live stream of APRS traffic worldwide. Without APRS-IS, websites like APRS.fi would not be possible. Setting up an IGate is an easy way to contribute to the strength and utility of the APRS network without overwhelming the RF side of things. Thanks to IGates, the following features of APRS are possible: 1.Families can check in on the progress of loved ones who are driving long distances and well beyond radio range. 2. Travelers can check for repeater and net info for a city they plan on visiting in the future. 3. APRS users can troubleshoot their equipment and identify coverage gaps in their area. 4. APRS users can send short emails from their radios or send/receive text messages from well outside of normal RF range.

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