APRS Touch Tone Gateway

I have been playing with WB2OSZ Direwolf software, it is very powerful and can act as a APRS Touch Tone gateway. His software ia located HERE.

I was able to get his code working under windows and using the DTMF decoder it is decoding my 10 digit call sign and a two digit message. This is a new configuration idea suggested by the father of APRS WB4APR, see the new idea below. I just set mine up on a simplex radio for testing.

-----------Bob's new idea! --------------
But here is the NEW idea of how to use its 2 digit message capability
locally...
1) Have it listen from a very high central metro area location for DTMF on
146.58
2) The two-digit messages (01 to 99) can be used to trigger the APRS and
voice response of "CALLSIGN, LISTENING ON XXX.XXX MHz"
3) then ALL APRS mobiles in the area will see the message on their radios
4) AND he messages goes worldwide in the APRS-IS system
5) You could be called back via Echolink for example
6) AND if anyone is monitoring 146.58, they will hear EVERYONE on the air
and where they are listening.
In our area with over 50 repeaters, we are so spread out, hardly any
repeater is being used. But this way, everyone's "presence" on the air is
announced on APRS and the single 146.58 just like APRS was always intended
to be... a single clearing house channel for everything happening in ham
radio.
But now you only need a DTMF radio. Not a full APRS rig.
Oh, we just make a local list 01 to 99 of the different frequencies. Every
local list is different, but so are the repeaters in every local area...
Though I am starting to think it can be quite universal! Wow, Il start
now... for example 76 is 146.76 and 94 is 146.94, etc!
You just program your DTMF memory with the few repeaters you use, and then
sending out your message is just one button. Send the DTMF memory with
your chosen "monitoring frequency!
for more info on APRStt see http://aprs.org/aprstt.html
Bob Bruninga, WB4APR
USNA Satellite Lab

Camper Build VIII

It has been a while since I posted in general and regarding the camper build. The build continues  a bit each weekend with the following progress:

• Windows with slider inserts completed
• Insulating of the top and sides
• Paneling of the front with door and one side

Here are the windows with screens in, looking in one to the other.

Here is the basic assembly of the windows using the synthetic wood trim material and the slider guides that are glued to the synthetic wood.

This is the black plastic sliding door tracks I am using that I got from Rockler

I am finishing up all the insulating with the R-TECH foam.

Here is the door insulated and sided with 2.7 mm thin door skin plywood.

Here is one of the sides insulated with the inside sidinging.

Once I finish the insulation and interior paneling I will begin the exterior finish. I am planning on a light epoxy fiberglass coating and then paint. I still need to work out the door latch assembly and the general weather sealing.

I am hoping to try it out camping in the late summer as well as fall/winter since it is insulated.