Clint,
I have been looking for a reference like that for some time, but as someone else has mentioned, there really doesn't seem to be an "APRS for Dummies" to recommend. Recently the area where I live "discovered" APRS, and it required a bit of effort to keep some of the more enthusiastic members from going off into the weeds. WB4APR's site is the best in that it is the most current and accurate. One thing to watch for is that there have been some changes as the technology evolves, but there are a lot to references which include old data. For instance, the paths used to include terms such as RELAY and WIDE. These have been replaced with WIDE1-1 and WIDEN-n. You will still see excellent discussions in most aspects which have the old information on paths.
Fortunately the basics are easy to pick up by osmosis. I would suggest subscribing to the TT4 mailing list for specific information, and the TAPR APRS mailing list for general information. The APRS list can get heated at times, but there are no questions too dumb to ask. I know, since I have asked most of them. Great bunch. I use the TT3 and TT4, and use the latter to run a small fill-in digi, so drop me a note off list if I can help with any specific questions.
Alan WA4SCA
-----Original Message----- From: amsat-bb-bounces@amsat.org [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces@amsat.org] On Behalf Of Clint Bradford Sent: Monday, September 20, 2010 10:35 PM To: AMSAT BB Subject: [amsat-bb] New to APRS
Say you ran into someone who was really APRS-illiterate. But say this ham attended, for example, a local ham convention over the weekend, and met the fine folks at Byonics. Further say this ham picked up a TinyTrak4, display, GPS receiver, and associated radio cabling - hooked it all up - and is receiving packet info.
What book/manual/text would you recommend to this fictitious ham to learn more about this exciting aspect of amateur radio?
Please let me know ... and I will make sure to read --- er, I mean, I'll be sure to pass on the info to this ham.
Clint, K6LCS _______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb