QRZ.COM Database via APRS

[ve2fet]

Bob Bruninga's APRS, the tactical display application par excellence of hams on the move, is immensely popular because it is so useful. #Well, Sylvain, VE2FET, just made it even more so by incorporating a handy new "function" into the already sophisticated system.

From your APRS software, simply write an APRS message to DOQRZ and any amateur Call Sign as the sole Message Content. # Abracadabra and the clever interface will instantly link up to AA7BQ's world famous QRZ.COM website, fetch the station's particulars from Fred Lloyd's giant database and send them back to you on a flat bed.

All this, while you're driving at 70mph on the Interstate or elsewhere on the globe, in a car, a truck, an airplane, a boat, etc...

When your packet/APRS message is received by DOQRZ you will receive QRZ.COM info on the requested callsign.

Just try it, you'll see, it works!

Spread the word to the ones you know who use APRS. #Especially usefull when mobile or portable.

Thanks Sylvain and thanks again Fred!!!

**Note 1: DOQRZ is "Delta Oscar... not Delta Zero...".

**Note 2: Technical Note: #If you do not receive anything from DOQRZ make sure your packets reach an I-Gate station. # For questions or comments contact Sylvain directly at ve2fet@arrl.com or http://www.ve2fet.com

**Note3: If you are using UI-VIEW32. #Please make sure that in your "Messages" window that the following Option IS NOT selected. #Again, it must NOT be selected. #See under the menu OPTIONS on the "Messages" window that "Use Default Paths For Acks" IS NOT SELECTED (NO TICK). #This will tell UI-VIEW to use the same communiation path to send back the replies/Acknowledge to DOQRZ for each line received. #This is also the best way to communicate with any one.

**Note4: If you are using an APRS software (UI-VIEW32 or others) where you have an AUTOMATIC-REPLY configured, it would be better to turn it off when using a system like DOQRZ that returns you information.

Your automatic replies will be received by DOQRZ and processed as a request for QRZ.COM information.

If you must have an autoreply, just turn it back "on" after you received all the information lines from DOQRZ.


Author: Pierre, VE2ICI
ve2ici@arrl.net

PS Image of DOQRZ in action from a user of UI-View32
http://www.ve2fet.com/doqrz_in_uiview32.jpg

[K9FV]

That's pretty slick - I'll have to try that later this week... Thanks for all your good work.

73 de Ken H>

[ne3r]

Now that is pretty useful! My club station doesn't have internet access, but it does have an old computer running APRS!

[k3oq]

Useful??? #After playing with it for a while a few years back, I found it to be useless...with exceptions such as uses in Skywarn, weather spoting and search and rescue activities. #Other than that my opinion is that APRS is a waste of bandwidth.

[ve2fet]

"Playing with it"? #I'm assuming you are referring to APRS.

I can understand that your lack of knowledge (referring to "playing with it") of what is and how to use APRS and its many applications is what's driving your comment about APRS.

Free UI-VIEW32 APRS software for Windows (one of them) is available here to all "licensed" Amateur Radio operators: http://www.ui-view.org/

Best 73 and have fun.
Sylvain VE2FET
http://www.ve2fet.com

* On APRS and APRS-IS
VE2FET-7 Mobile
VE2FET-8 Maritime Mobile
VE2FET-3 Digipeater and WX Station
VA2REH-3 Digi and Telemetry data from repeater
VE2REH-1 Digi and Telemetry data from repeater

[n9lya]

>All this, while you're driving at 70mph on the Interstate or elsewhere on the globe, in a car, a truck, an airplane, a boat, etc..<


I Trust you were joking about that line of your post..

73 Jerry

[n7okl]

I would sure hope so as well......

Texting while driving at all is not exactly very safe....

Might be why so many states are making it illegal..

Mel
N7OKL

[ab0wr]

Quote[/b] (k3oq @ Aug. 08 2007,07:00)]Useful??? After playing with it for a while a few years back, I found it to be useless...with exceptions such as uses in Skywarn, weather spoting and search and rescue activities. Other than that my opinion is that APRS is a waste of bandwidth.
After talking about APRS with a policeman friend I decided against using it on a continuous basis in any of my vehicles.

It's just too easy for someone with an intent to harm to find you on the internet this way. That could include almost anything from car-jacking to kidnapping to robbery.

If I had a young child, especially a daughter, I would think twice before broadcasting their location on the internet using APRS.

tim ab0wr

[kd7iba]

My Law Enforcement friends run APRS. APRS is only on when I am in the car but my non-Ham xyl knows how to turn on and use the D700 and IC-706 in an emergency. As soon as the D700 is turned on it beacons it's position as the GPS is always on. I think that's a good thing if she needs help. I also get wx alerts, accident and road condition reports and Amber alerts, also good things. You can also send an email and if you have a boat it is better than a 406 EPIRB as it shows a history of your course even if you don't have time to deploy your EPIRB. Not sure about DOQRZ though. 73, Nate

[KE7CDV]

Quote[/b] (ab0wr @ Aug. 08 2007,11:02)]
Quote[/b] (k3oq @ Aug. 08 2007,07:00)]It's just too easy for someone with an intent to harm to find you on the internet this way.

I suppose that if it's a spur-of-the-moment thing and they even know what APRS is (probably well under 1% of people do?), yes... but if they have a premeditated intent to do you harm, presumably they already know where to find you (at school, work, follow you home, etc.) anyway.

I'd agree, that sure, there's a chance someone is just going to watch you on APRS and come and carjack you when they see you're in the middle of nowhere, but I think you're talking about odds there that are still many order of magnitude less than, e.g., simply being involved in a car crash. :-)

APRS-like technologies have far more significant negative uses when it comes to things like your boss knowing that you frequent his competitor's store, people finding out that you've attended meetings of "radical" political groups or "cult" religious groups, your insurance company knowing you routinely speed or that you routinely eat at McDonalds, etc.

---Joel

[KD4ITI]

I thought there was a call book look-up on APRS...

send msg to: WHO-IS
with the text of the msg the call sign to look up ......

[N8NOE]

The ( DOQRZ ) works here, but I tried the ( WHO-IS ) and Nothing.. The DOQRZ would be nice running the TH-D7 and working the Back-Pack in the Park. Seems APRS has died off some in the past few Years, but I have been going 24/7 for some years now and try pointing out some benefits to others in the area.. Thanks for the Heads up on the DOQRZ..!..

[n9lya]

Quote[/b] (ab0wr @ Aug. 08 2007,06:02)]Quote[/b] (k3oq @ Aug. 08 2007,07:00)]Useful??? #After playing with it for a while a few years back, I found it to be useless...with exceptions such as uses in Skywarn, weather spoting and search and rescue activities. #Other than that my opinion is that APRS is a waste of bandwidth.
After talking about APRS with a policeman friend I decided against using it on a continuous basis in any of my vehicles.

It's just too easy for someone with an intent to harm to find you on the internet this way. That could include almost anything from car-jacking to kidnapping to robbery.

If I had a young child, especially a daughter, I would think twice before broadcasting their location on the internet using APRS.

tim ab0wr
Hi Tim...

I understand your concern... However, I have had times when it was a godsend to have it...

It is sure a shame that some may use this for harm...

My wife a HAM KC9DDP was lost and she called me to ask for help.. I was able to go to my work PC and log in to findu and talk her back to safety...

A freinds car was stolen.. obviously the crook new nothing of APRS and was thus quickly caught when he took his laptop to the police and showed them its exact location..

Now on to ur concern..

I have been running trackers in some of my vehicles for 10 years... Yes I am sure the potiential is there.. But I have had no problems at all...

Everything has potenital to be used for good and bad.. It is up to each of us to take certain precaution in all we do...

If you feel safer with not using APRS that is cool..

73 Jerry N9LYA http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[k4klb]

I just don't see where that is handy.....

[n9lya]

Quote[/b] (k4klb @ Aug. 08 2007,23:14)]I just don't see where that is handy.....
Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder...

I like it, it is handy to me..

Like any aspect of Ham Radio.. To Each his own..

No justification is warranted.. If you do not like it simply do not use it...

No Need to debate what is or is not Handy...


73 Jerry N9LYA

[ab0wr]

Quote[/b] (n9lya @ Aug. 09 2007,03:54)]Quote[/b] (ab0wr @ Aug. 08 2007,06:02)]Quote[/b] (k3oq @ Aug. 08 2007,07:00)]Useful??? After playing with it for a while a few years back, I found it to be useless...with exceptions such as uses in Skywarn, weather spoting and search and rescue activities. Other than that my opinion is that APRS is a waste of bandwidth.
After talking about APRS with a policeman friend I decided against using it on a continuous basis in any of my vehicles.

It's just too easy for someone with an intent to harm to find you on the internet this way. That could include almost anything from car-jacking to kidnapping to robbery.

If I had a young child, especially a daughter, I would think twice before broadcasting their location on the internet using APRS.

tim ab0wr
Hi Tim...

I understand your concern... However, I have had times when it was a godsend to have it...

It is sure a shame that some may use this for harm...

My wife a HAM KC9DDP was lost and she called me to ask for help.. I was able to go to my work PC and log in to findu and talk her back to safety...

A freinds car was stolen.. obviously the crook new nothing of APRS and was thus quickly caught when he took his laptop to the police and showed them its exact location..

Now on to ur concern..

I have been running trackers in some of my vehicles for 10 years... Yes I am sure the potiential is there.. But I have had no problems at all...

Everything has potenital to be used for good and bad.. It is up to each of us to take certain precaution in all we do...

If you feel safer with not using APRS that is cool..

73 Jerry N9LYA http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
Good post.

I agree with you.

tim ab0wr

[KC5SAS]

Tried it yesterday and this morning. Got no reply. I'll have to check with the guy who runs the local I-gate and make sure it's configured to accept messages from that server.

[w5aox]

There has been a QRZ server available on APRS for some time already. #Try sending a message addressed to:
SAQRZ
Message text: #W5AOX

(or whatever call you're interested in)

Same format, same results... and it has been available for some time now. #Is this the same system, or another look-alike?

[ve2fet]

Sending a message to DOQRZ with a callsing in the message will return to your APRS station information from QRZ.COM Database as the post pointed out.

SAQRZ does not. When you try both it is obvious.

DOQRZ is dynamically retrieving for you from the QRZ.COM Database the information about the callsign you are requesting info about, QSL Manager, Location/Grid (if any is defined for that ham), Email, etc...

Try it, best way to find out.

On a technical side again, for sure if you're not within RF digipeating distance of VE2FET-3 your packets need to reach APRS-IS via an I-Gate somewhere to be received by DOQRZ. The I-Gate should be configured for RF to APRS-IS and APRS-IS to RF to get back to you the replies. This is valid for all communications going on via APRS-IS (APRS Internet Services) and RF.

Again, don't hesitate to email me if you have questions, comments... ve2fet@arrl.net

73, Sylvain VE2FET
info: http://www.ve2fet.com

PS for the 70mph while driving, or the 120km/h... depends who's at the wheel. But it works.

PPS Need an amateur from the ISS to do some DOQRZ at 1000km/h Interesting.

[ve2fet]

**More on the technical side**

1- If you are using UI-VIEW32. Please make sure that in your "Messages" window that the following Option IS NOT selected. Again, it must NOT be selected. See under the menu OPTIONS on the "Messages" window that "Use Default Paths For Acks" IS NOT SELECTED (NO TICK). This will tell UI-VIEW to use the same communiation path to send back the replies/Acknowledge to DOQRZ for each line received. This is also the best way to communicate with any one.


2- If you are using an APRS software where you have an AUTOMATIC-REPLY configured, it would be better to turn it off when using a system like DOQRZ that returns you information.

Your automatic replies will be received by DOQRZ and processed as a request for QRZ.COM information.

If you must have an autoreply, just turn it back "on" after you received all the information lines from DOQRZ.

Have fun using it.

73, Sylvain VE2FET
http://www.ve2fet.com

[kc7gnm]

Quote[/b] (k3oq @ Aug. 08 2007,10:00)]Useful??? After playing with it for a while a few years back, I found it to be useless...with exceptions such as uses in Skywarn, weather spoting and search and rescue activities. Other than that my opinion is that APRS is a waste of bandwidth.
Useless? Well apparently you only played with it for a little bit. I find it quite useful for all types of situations. We have bike races here in Cochise county and it is perfect for keeping track of the different groups of riders. Also nice for getting wx warnings and chatting with other hams that use it. There are plenty of things to do on APRS and the DOQRZ option is just another tool added that makes it even more versatile.

Now what do you mean a waste of bandwidth? APRS uses only 1 freq in the 2m band. At least it is pretty much used by hams only unlike the waste of bandwidth called winlink. APRS is the most efficient use of the spectrum by far of any mode. Multiple uses can share the same freq all at the same time unlike voice, sstv, winlink, etc... Try getting 7 or 8 folks talking on a voice freq at the same time. I bet I can shove more information out faster than any of the modes I mentioned above so again I ask how it is a waste of bandwidth?

[kc7gnm]

Quote[/b] (ve2fet @ Aug. 11 2007,12:07)]**More on the technical side**

1- If you are using UI-VIEW32. Please make sure that in your "Messages" window that the following Option IS NOT selected. Again, it must NOT be selected. See under the menu OPTIONS on the "Messages" window that "Use Default Paths For Acks" IS NOT SELECTED (NO TICK). This will tell UI-VIEW to use the same communiation path to send back the replies/Acknowledge to DOQRZ for each line received. This is also the best way to communicate with any one.


2- If you are using an APRS software where you have an AUTOMATIC-REPLY configured, it would be better to turn it off when using a system like DOQRZ that returns you information.

Your automatic replies will be received by DOQRZ and processed as a request for QRZ.COM information.

If you must have an autoreply, just turn it back "on" after you received all the information lines from DOQRZ.

Have fun using it.

73, Sylvain VE2FET
http://www.ve2fet.com
Thanks for putting this out. I will definitely let all my local users know about this new and pretty neat feature.

[kb9mwr]

Quote[/b] (k3oq @ Aug. 07 2007,08:00)]<snip>
APRS is a waste of bandwidth.
I agree with this statement. It's basically a bunch of digi-peated beacons.

Back in the 70s all the way till 90's around here we ran NOS packages over AX.25 to support TCP/IP over the air. TCP/IP is the protocol of the internet, and makes transmissions routeable so they are not being repeated all over the place to places they don't need to go.

With a gateway station you can address a message to:
lookup@qrz.com
In the message body:
lookup callsign1
lookup callsign2

Worked just like what you're posting about, but in a more logical addressable fashion.

To me APRS can have it's place, but there is way to much hype associated with it.

[KU0DM]

wow, that is a lot for a 1200 baud channel
it works, but certainly isn't something i would want people using often.

[AE5PL]

Quote[/b] (N8NOE @ Aug. 08 2007,20:16)]The ( DOQRZ ) works here, but I tried the ( WHO-IS ) and Nothing..
WHO-IS responded but the IGate near you did not gate the responses (or acks) to RF. This is most often caused by an out-of-date IGate that rejects the IS SSID.

73,

Pete Loveall AE5PL

[KC0YEF]

Love it
OR hate it

USE IT!

The software is great you can still use it in your car without the GPS data just set of a permanent location email away.
Your activity still will be tracked but real time tracking is disabled.:) ??

I have used Xastir winlink and UI-viewDOS and UI-View 32, Ui-View is a great program and will continue to grow...
Now if someone can figure how to use any map software and read any map...on it

[KC0YEF]

track

[N9MXQ]

How do you get the ads from qrz.com to go out via aprs?

I'm surprised that they let you use QRZ without them.

[ve2fet]

Quote[/b] (N9MXQ @ Aug. 18 2007,08:08)]How do you get the ads from qrz.com to go out via aprs?

I'm surprised that they let you use QRZ without them.
Hi. I'm sorry, you lost me. What is the question again? Did you try DOQRZ

73, Sylvain VE2FET
http://www.ve2fet.com

PS: DOQRZ is using QRZ.COM data under the authorization from Fred AA7BQ.

[N9MXQ]

Yes, I've tried it. Think it's quite slick actually. Although I don't like the idea of email addresses being sent out like that..

Nothing is free, HRD was using QRZ for lookups, had to add a window to show all the advertisements. Seems to me that all things being equal the QRZ folks would want you to do the same.

Seems only fair..

[w4jnk]

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif

[ve2fet]

Quote[/b] (N9MXQ @ Aug. 19 2007,10:43)]Yes, I've tried it. Think it's quite slick actually. Although I don't like the idea of email addresses being sent out like that..

Nothing is free, HRD was using QRZ for lookups, had to add a window to show all the advertisements. Seems to me that all things being equal the QRZ folks would want you to do the same.

Seems only fair..
Hi. #Here it is again as I posted in my previous post.

PS: DOQRZ is using QRZ.COM data under the authorization from Fred AA7BQ.

As for HRD, ask Simon, he replies to his emails.

As for myself, I'm using my "paid" QRZ.COM account that allows DOQRZ to access QRZ.COM data via QRZ.COM XML Interface.

Don't thank me, thank Fred, the owner of QRZ.COM.

Specifications for XML access to the QRZ Database:
http://online.qrz.com/specifications.html

Enjoy free access, no ads, QRZ.COM data via APRS using DOQRZ.

"Nothing is free" - #DOQRZ is.

73, Sylvain VE2FET
http://www.ve2fet.com

[W1LWT]

Quote[/b] (ab0wr @ Aug. 08 2007,11:02)]Quote[/b] (k3oq @ Aug. 08 2007,07:00)]Useful??? #After playing with it for a while a few years back, I found it to be useless...with exceptions such as uses in Skywarn, weather spoting and search and rescue activities. #Other than that my opinion is that APRS is a waste of bandwidth.
After talking about APRS with a policeman friend I decided against using it on a continuous basis in any of my vehicles.

It's just too easy for someone with an intent to harm to find you on the internet this way. That could include almost anything from car-jacking to kidnapping to robbery.

If I had a young child, especially a daughter, I would think twice before broadcasting their location on the internet using APRS.

tim ab0wr
whaw whaw I talk to POLICEMAN FRIEND . O come on now cant decide on your own .USE it or not come on now . Pull your britches up and tie your shoes . And have fun in live its a part of our hobby to use and dont be so aafraid of evry little thing .You might fine the hobby is fun. You dont need to ask people who are not in the hobby .YOU got a license and radio and computor and coax and antenna and what ever else you can find for the hobby and use it play with it have fun.

OR lock your self in a building and hide under your bed because your scared of life and the moveies you watch and the bad storys you might hear. come on now get a life. Make your own decisions. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[KC0YEF]

Quote[/b] (W1LWT @ Aug. 20 2007,07:24)][quote=W1LWT,Aug. 20 2007,08:34]
whaw whaw I talk to POLICEMAN FRIEND . O come on now cant decide on your own .USE it or not come on now . Pull your britches up and tie your shoes . And have fun in live its a part of our hobby to use and don't be so afraid of every little thing .You might fine the hobby is fun. You don't need to ask people who are not in the hobby .YOU got a license and radio and computer and coax and antenna and what ever else you can find for the hobby and use it play with it have fun.

OR lock your self in a building and hide under your bed because your scared of life and the movies you watch and the bad storioes you might hear. come on now get a life. Make your own decisions. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
Lee what a nice ham you are calling him crybaby,
Someone of your age and experience should know better.

I am sure, since his family is deeply rooted in law enforcement he simply consulted with his family about the security risks... (I do too)
I ask my son wife and brother all the time on Police matters since they are all cops
However, since I also believe Tim [was] trying to keep anonymity for his families sake , which by the way with one Google search of his public record finds him in line with runway 3 or 21, I am sure the constant aircraft landings have gotten to him. since anyone with access to a local phone book, HAM call registry book, or the internet can findU faster than APRS.

So I say use APRS but don't knock it the technology has will and can save many lives just like Laws, if used properly and by the right people. the key being people.

If someone wanted to harm you or your family APRS would make it easier but so does posting your name address and phone number and lack of math skills in calculus...

Be safe TIM and Lee be nice

HIHI
James

[K0QVF]

I just tried DOQRZ and it did not work, WHO-IS does work. Is DOQRZ down?

Ron - K0QVF