APRS on a smart phone

Been experimenting with the new Android phone and having a far bit of success with APRS and Echolink. These are both Amateur Radio applications. I have been using APRSDROID. This works very well, simple to use and runs in the background without any need for 'fiddling'. It has the ability to use the phone network to work out the position. It can also use the inbuilt GPS but this requires the phone to be able to 'see' the sky. Not an easy thing in a bus. The only problem with this is that when the phone is in open ground it appears to lock on to the nearest mast site and not the exact location. This is a minor bug as when it is in town the location is pretty accurate. Today I have found another application. U2APRS. This seems to have more features on so will give it a try for a couple of days and see how it goes.

A very smart, SmartPhone

Following a bit of a cock up on the Christmas present front. Both Fiona and myself have ended up with new Smart-phones. Mine runs the Google 'Android' software. I am always a bit sceptical about some new technologies, but this one has blown me away. The amount of available  'Apps' (programs) is impressive. I now can carry in my pocket. A telephone, a clock,  Internet browser, full am,FM, DAB internet radio. An APRS tracker. Able to work Amateur Radio via Echolink. And many other things I haven't discovered!

Nice end to 2010

Well 2010 has been interesting. High point was being Team Leader at New Wine. Low point was of course breaking my ankle which is still healing. Anyway great end today with a trip to The Mall at Cribbs Causeway, Followed by a trip to Frome on the 267 and a 184 back. This is a very tight route but passes through some very pretty villages and Hamlets such as Mells, this is where the Horner family lived and is reported to be the source of the 'Little Jack Horner' nursery rhyme.Any way nearly 2011 and if the BBC presenter says BBC HD one more I will ... As we watch the fireworks from London Fiona has just reminded me that this time last year we went on a 'tour' of London courtesy of National Express!!! Happy New Year.