I show how I fixed being stuck in an APRS dead zone by building a simple APRS fill-in digipeater using a cheap hamfest radio, a Raspberry Pi, and Direwolf. If you’ve ever struggled with APRS coverage, messaging, or getting your packets heard outside your local area, this setup bridges the gap and actually makes APRS useful again. I’ll walk through the hardware, configuration, and real-world results so you can build your own APRS digipeater and extend coverage wherever you operate.
👉 Blog Post/Instructions: https://temporarilyoffline.com/blogs/tos-blog/escaping-the-aprs-desert-build-your-own-fill-in-digipeater-and-igate
👉 APRS Tools Site: https://aprs-tools.temporarilyoffline.com
APRS Fill-In Digipeater and Igate:
👉 TOADs Digital Interface: https://temporarilyoffline.com/products/toads-digital-interface?variant=42091745378438&utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=TO&utm_content=880aprs
👉 TOADs DI6 Adapter: https://temporarilyoffline.com/products/toads-di6-daughterboard?variant=42293443690630&utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=TO&utm_content=880aprs
👉 5% off TOADs Shell: https://hamradiolife.shop/KM9G
👉 Icom ID-880h (ebay): https://geni.us/V3nci9
👉 6 Pin Data Cable: https://geni.us/mKzF
👉 Short USB-C Cable: https://geni.us/37gZBz3
👉 Raspberry Pi 4: https://geni.us/5nlUN
👉 Simple Magmount Antenna: https://geni.us/cQJTrZ
Handheld Station:
👉 Vero VR-N76: https://geni.us/Hc9b5L
use code "steve" for $10 off
👉 APRSDroid: https://na7q.com/aprsdroid-osm/
Pi Zero Alternate:
👉 Raspberry Pi Zero2w: https://geni.us/Mk1lW
👉 Short TOADs DI to Pi Zero Cable: https://geni.us/k2Qf
👉 USB Hub: https://geni.us/Nygff
Accessories:
👉 GPS Dongle: https://geni.us/aA3U
👉 SD Card Holder: https://geni.us/utg9f
👉 Ferrite Chokes if needed: https://geni.us/VBhU9o
Software:
👉 Raspberry Pi Imager: https://www.raspberrypi.com/software/
👉 Balena Etcher: https://etcher.balena.io/
👉 Putty for Windows: https://www.chiark.greenend.org.uk/~sgtatham/putty/latest.html
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🚐 If you like RV Videos, Check out my RV Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@livingforalivingRV
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📻 Use Code TO15 for $15 off at Radioddity: https://www.radioddity.com/?ref=bpajyqft
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