Pune Hams VU2RCP monthly Eyeball QSO commenced today morning (Sunday 7th September 2025) with attendance of nearly 30 Hams and SWLs.
There was good presence of MiT WPU Cosmos Ham club student members who took keen and Active interest in the Workshop proceedings.
The Eyeball QSO started with “High Tea” sponsored by SWL Vijay & Ranga VU3IFQ followed by self introduction of new comers
The Technical session started by OM Ranga with a Introduction to APRS. Ranga explained it in very simple language the history and clarified the APRS concept.
OM Prateek Jha (VU3YEK) conducted APRS Workshop explaining step by step. He also demonstrated the working of Digi. Kept at Fort Sinhagad.
Pune Hams VU2RCP are currently testing an APRS (Automatic Packet Reporting System) network in and around Pune on 144.630 Mhz.
Thanks to SWL Makarand and Prateek for taking lead. Highlight being installation of a Digipeater at Fort Sinhagad, with plans to expand it to Mahabaleshwar.
APRS uses AFSK(Auto Freq Shift Keying) over FM to automatically exchange information.
This network allows Hams to send small amounts of Data/Information over RF without the need for the internet . Information can be in the form of…….
a. Location (GPS coordinates, along with speed, altitude, heading etc)
b. Telemetry (Temp, wind speed, pressure, etc)
c. Messages
d. And much more.
APRS allows hams to run various services on the network.
For example, there is BBS (an offline Bulletin Board) Service hosted on the network, where hams can leave messages for each other.
The APRS network is also connected to the internet with i-gate.
This allows Hams to send WhatsApp messages and e-mails, get Satellite pass predictions, get weather predictions, etc. using ham radio transceivers.
The key components of the network comprises nodes called I-gate and Digi.
Digi: A node that receives and retransmits APRS packets to extend the range of the network.
i-Gate: A Digi that is also connected to the internet for broader access.
OM Aniruddha Bokil VU3FML demonstrated physically and through slides his home QTH APRS set up
His video shows the steps required to set up an i-gate using a raspberry pi zero, AIOC interface and Baofeng VHF radio.
Pl go through the Video. Thanks to VU3FML
Pune Hams will conduct hands on workshop for those interested after procurement of special Cable from US in bulk Qty.
Sinhagad VHF Repeater Updates
Kenwood VHF Repeater arrived in Pune It is with Prateek The Team will start installing, Solar Power Supply, weatherproof enclosure, etc
VU2CAN agreed to set up Repeater using 2 x CP 22 Antennas.
The next Eyeball QSO is scheduled on Sunday 5th October morning. pl mark the date.
73’s
Vila Rabde VU2VPR
Pune Hams VU2RCP
9822502078