The APRS community has a home brewing project called HamHUD active. The HamHUD is a "Heads Up Display" for getting APRS network status and messages without the need for a dedicated computer or an expensive, APRS ready radio. Don't expect the expense and complexity of a HUD as designed into a F-16, but do expect a well designed and not too costly project that is a kick to build... Have you ever wished that you could see what was going on in the local APRS® net while driving? Don't want to mount a clunky laptop in the car, or try to read the squinty little text on a palmtop? Or, have you taken a road trip all alone and wished you didn't have to click buttons on the laptop just to see basic information, or send messages? The HamHUD II is a grass roots project started by Steve Bragg, KA9MVA. It is a small PIC based project which is designed to be a user interface between a TNC and a GPS. Project members really worked together to make this project a reality, Steve breadboarded the first prototype and wrote the software, one member layed out a professional PC Board, and Tony Arnerich had the boards produced and handled distribution. (Sorry, but I forget the some of the names and calls). They did a super job with the the bill of materials, right down to including the vendor part numbers. I was able to put the parts together and have a working unit, minus the case and nice cabling, in about an hour. It looks like the HamHUD III project is really getting going. This version will even include a TNC. For more information go to the <A HREF="http://www.hamhud.net/"> HamHUD Website</A>
