Using APRS for GPS locating on iPhone Maps

While playing with the Navizon Virtual GPS on my iPhone I noticed an important and very cool feature of the Google maps application, it can use KML from a website to pinpoint a location. With KML the possibilities are endless, but for one, there's a great site at http://aprs.fi/ for converting APRS locations over-the-air (via Amateur Radio) into a KML URL. This site also has the best Google map interface for tracking I've seen, yet.

So, for instance, if you open the Maps application and type "http://aprs.fi/aprsupdate.kml?call=W5JDP-2" into the search bar it'll actually pinpoint the location from the KML file on the map. In this case "W5JDP" is my callsign and "-2" is the ID that just happens to be the last reported location of my boat "Sundown" on Lake Lewisville near Dallas, TX. What's cool is that lots of HAM Radio operators already have a transmitter like this beaconing as they drive around in their cars. Now, with an iPhone they can use that information to see where they're at on the map.

Unfortunately, I just noticed that when you bookmark this pinpoint, it doesn't actually save the KML URL, just the coordinates it retrieved. Also, it doesn't seem as if you can browse for the link in Safari and have it open the map application. This wouldn't be too hard to 'fix' if Apple associated a KML file with the Maps application, allowing business owners to have a "Show me on a map" link.

I'll also mention that if you're not a licensed radio operator, but still technically inclined, there is a similar effort based on other GPS enabled cellphones detailed over at http://mologogo.wikispaces.com/.

Test floor at work

This is where I've been spending all my time the past several weeks...

test

From iPhone Pics

If you look closely, I think this guy is confused. If I type enough text, will it wrap around the picture or does it always start on a new line when I embed a link from picasa web albums.


This is a test. Here is a pic of a scope from work. I think it's cool because it runs WinXP.

misspelled

2007 Leukemia Cup Regatta

I registered for my first sailing race, the 2007 Leukemia Cup Regatta.

Last year in North Texas, corporate sponsors and individual fundraisers raised nearly $120,000 to further the Society’s mission to find a cure for leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma & Hodgkin’s disease, and to improve the quality of life of patients and families. We anticipate the 2007 events to raise $150,000, but we need your help to accomplish our goals.

The Leukemia Cup Regatta and Leukemia Cup Poker Run are nationwide events organized to raise funds for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Since 1988, more than $18 million has been raised nationwide for cancer research and patient services programs, including family support groups, financial aid, educational materials, and back-to-school programs. In more than 47 venues across the United States, North Texas ranks in the top 10 for its fundraising efforts. Each year, the North Texas event committee has taken steps to ensure the continued growth and success of this important fundraiser. Tentative 2007 event dates are as follows: Centerboard regatta at Corinthian Sailing Club at White Rock Lake, April 27-29; keelboat regatta at Dallas Corinthian Yacht Club at Lake Lewisville, May 4-6; and a powerboat poker run at Pier 121 Marina at Lake Lewisville, June 9th.

More race info is available here…

http://www.cscsailing.org/lcr_intro.html