There have been many good discussions on the NWAPRS SIG (http://www.nwaprs.info/subscribe.htm) recently on how to further optimize the system, with a focus on reducing redundancy of traffic. If you listen on the 144.39 frequency, you will likely find a very busy packet channel. This page contains the settings to implement the n-N paradigm.*

These pages contain a list of recommended settings for your APRS equipment. They are intended to be used as a guide, to help optimize the NWAPRS network. This information has been extracted from the fix14439.html file in preparing this guide. EVERYONE is encouraged to read the information on the fix14439.html page.

Digipeaters are a very important APRS asset. They are our lifeline if used properly, but a source of QRM if not. We are experiencing moderate QRM here on the NWAPRS, and one minor source of the QRM are our digipeaters. We have a greater amount of QRM caused by mobile and fixed stations.

WIDEn-N digipeaters are strategically located and are intended for use in passing the location and activity reports of APRS users throughout the region. WIDEn-N digipeaters are programmed to respond to a preset number of aliases. It is by programming these aliases into our outgoing packets that we tell the APRS network how far we want our packets to travel. The latest settings optimize the programming to get the most information out of the system, while keeping QRM to a minimum.

In some areas where users cannot directly access a dedicated WIDEn-N digi due to a hole in the receive coverage, a user�s home station may be configured as a fill-in digipeater. We must use caution in doing this, to avoid overlapping coverage with other home fill-in digipeaters. Please check with your area or regional coordinator before changing any settings at your home station that include the WIDE1-1 configurations. When you activate your station as a fill-in digipeater, you set your UIDIGI setting to WIDE1-1, which allows others, especially mobiles, to be boosted through your station and then on to the nearest WIDEn-N digi. This is particularly helpful for low powered trackers or mobiles that pass by you.

Mobiles and home stations can help optimize the APRS network by making sure their outgoing path is inline with the optimized settings. By using the latest settings, QRM is reduced.