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NWAPRS

Station Configuration

Portable/Mobile Tracker Settings

Recommended TNC and path settings for a mobile or portable tracker.

Mobile and portable trackers are the most common way people first get on the APRS network. Because they're constantly changing position — and often changing which digipeaters they can hear — path settings matter more here than almost anywhere else.

See also Home Station Settings if you're configuring a fixed station instead.

Suggested Parameters

Suggested TNC parameters for a mobile or portable tracker
Parameter Value Notes
UNPROTO WIDE1-1,WIDE2-1 Standard path for most mobile trackers.
UNPROTO (higher power) WIDE2-2 An alternative for higher-power mobiles with good antenna placement.

Notes

  • Transmit no more than once per minute.
  • Turn your tracker off when the vehicle isn't in use — an unattended parked tracker just adds unnecessary traffic.
  • For laptop-based setups, a Kantronics KPC-3+ is recommended. For transmit-only tracking, TinyTrak3+/4, TigerTrak, and OpenTracker are common lighter-weight options.