I think "destruction of the network" is a bit harsh (in that a bad path won't leave any smoking holes where there once was a radio) but I know what you mean. I'm sure the people you contact are, by and large, grateful to get ANY sort of feedback about how to properly configure an APRS TNC or Digi. I know I would be!
As a relative newcomer to APRS, I have to say that it's not easy to find out what you need to know to make it work, let alone play well with others. In fact it almost seems like it's been made difficult to learn intentionally as a barrier to entry; although I'm guessing there's no deliberate conspiracy. In my case, I've been around computers, electronics and in and out of networking for most of my adult life (and most of my childhood, for that matter). I also have an Amateur Extra ticket and a masters degree but when it came to APRS, I felt like an idiot and had a devil of a time trying to figure out how it worked, how to make it work, and how to play well with others. It's one of those things that makes sense once you figure it out but until you have that "light-bulb" moment, it's as clear as mud. I realize that it's supported by well-intentioned amateurs (i.e. hobbyists) but as you point out, the amount of old, misleading, and impossible to understand information that a web search turns up is almost worse than if there was no information at all. I saw one good site, once, but I've never been able to find it since. With all the conflicting and seemingly contradictory information found by a web search, it's hard for a newcomer to know what to believe. So, trial and error is about the only method left. >From a usability standpoint, I think the manufacturers of the APRS hardware >could help improve the situation by providing, or linking to some (easy and >obvious-to-find) information. I point to the manufacturers because that's >where most people would start an information search on somthing they bought or >are thinking of buying. For example, at a minimum, there should be some >generic APRS background and tutorial information and some how-to information >on some typical configurations (how to configure a hand-held, a mobile, an >fill-in digi, etc). Who knows? If people could figure out how to make it work >before they placed an order, they might be be happier and more willing >customers. FWIW, the Argent Data systems Wiki is the closest I've seen to such >documentation but it's missing the generic APRS background information to help >put the Tracker into the bigger, APRS picture. I don't know if a "Better APRS" is necessary or not, but the current one could certainly use some better documentation. --Bob K7RBW P.S. I'm willing to put my money (time) where my mouth is and help improve the state of the APRS documentation. I write technical documentation for my day job and I'm happy to provide support where I can. I'm just not sure that posting something on my own (no-name) website would actually help or just add to the net QRM. If anyone has some ideas about how to improve things, let me know. I'm willing to help. (Maybe this post belongs in the APRS group?) --- In [email protected], "captnkliegle" <klie...@...> wrote: > > > There are lots of APRS users out there who have NO IDEA what destruction > to the network they cause by improper paths, frequent TX rates, etc. I've > been sending polite emails to abusers for years out here in NH, MA, and ME. > Most of the time I get a response that they had no idea what to program, > or they used the default settings (darn Kenwood rigs). I think most of the > web pages with outdated APRS paths have been eradicated, but I do see > references to the 'old paths' on the sites. Which if the newbie doesn't read > CAREFULLY, could lead them to program RELAY, WIDE. After all, it was in BOLD > print. > > A simple Google search of "APRS Paths" yields a severly outdated website (and > it was hit number 2!): > > http://www.kd5om.com/aprspaths.htm > > > Number 1 on the search was this: > > http://wa8lmf.net/DigiPaths/ > > The site has 3 1/2 pages of "old path" documentation versus 2 3/4 pages of > the "New Paradigm". Humans, being inherently lazy, will not read ALL 6 pages > of boring text and jump to the bold print w/out seeing the warnings 2 pages > back. > > I am definitely 'for' a BETTER APRS, beacuse what we have now atleast locally > at times is QRM. Locally, if everyone removed just one hop from their path, > the network could sigh a relief. I consistantly see mobiles 150 miles away on > my screen at every turn they make. That's using WIDE1-1,WIDE2-2. Some of > these folks are using WIDE1-1,WIDE3-3! > > Can't FIX STUPID. > > Kriss KA1GJU-x >
