Call book on APRS

The South African Radio League (SARL) reports that Dick Stratford, ZS6RO, recently set-up a server on APRS which can be used to obtain Call book information from anywhere in the APRS international network.

APRS, the acronym for Automatic Position Reporting System, was developed by Bob Bruninga, WB4APR. The system uses amateur radio to transmit position reports, weather reports, and messages between users.

When querying a local South African callsign, the SARL database is used. When a DX callsign is queried via APRS, the QRZ.COM database is used in real-time. The same databases are used when querying from the packet radio network.

As the SARL Call Book is updated weekly, this database is searched first because its South African content would be more accurate. If the information is not found, a search is then made in real-time at QRZ.COM's database on the Internet.

To use this facility when operating APRS and assuming one is using the APRS program - UI-View, open the window to send a message and in the "TO callsign" field, type ZS6RO-WI ("WI" stands for "WHO IS").

Then in the "MESSAGE" area, type "F Callsign" and Enter. (The Callsign being any Callsign you wish to look up). ("F" stands for "FULL Information"). One can just type the Callsign and a one-line summary of information on that Callsign will be received via APRS.

Instead of a Callsign, one can type "F SARL" for example. This will give the phone number and email address of the South African Radio League. Other country's Radio Amateur Leagues' information can also be retrieved - for example, RSGB, DARC, etc.

To update your personal Call Book information, South African amateurs should send updated information to admin@sarl.org.za.

Source: The South African Radio League

Latest news stories..

• Get our news headlines for your website • Submit your news story

• Visit our bookshop