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2/11/10

Over the last few weeks I have been able to use two new apps for the iPhone that have enhanced my Ham Radio experience. A friend in MI developed an app called "iAPRS" that uses Openaprs for location reporting and he will soon will be adding messaging and hopefully auto position tracking. I have used this on my 10 hr. trip back to MI  and my hubby (AB9NN) was able to monitor my trip progress. You do have to be a Ham  to fully use this app. Although non hams could use it to monitor. After registering you have to use your Ham radio to send a text APRS message to OpenAPRS to verify that you are actually a licensed Ham. (I had to relearn how to send a message via APRS on my VX-8R...pretty slow when you don't have a keypad). Once verification is complete you are good to go.

The other app I use  is "Echolink", from the developer of the original software use on a computer. I frequently participate in a weekly 2 m net located in NW MI on Wed. evenings. Due to the distance I  have used Echolink, my computer and a headset/mic to converse with friends in our group. With the new app for iPhone "Echolink", I have switched over to using that. I always get rave reviews on the quality of sound from the mobile app. It gets a thumbs up on being very useful. There are those who feel a radio is the only way to participate as a Ham, but there are many new technologies  being created everyday to access repeaters. It can be very exciting with an opened mind. 73

3/09/10

Recently I spent a couple of hours previewing the many apps
to Ham Radio. I would guess there are 50+ apps out there currently.

I wanted to find some Element 4 Exam study help. I found several to my amazement, some free and some relatively inexpensive. Some cleverly are able to track questions frequently missed and keep track of your success or lack of success with percentiles.

My thinking was provide a variety of ways to learn the material.  such as reading and testing within a text setting, having podcasts to listen to when walking, and using practice exams when you have down time, such as waiting for an appointment or riding in a car as a passenger.