December 20, 2010
“Ham Tracker” allows licensed Radio Amateurs on the move to send location updates to APRS-IS (the Internet side of APRS) from their mobile device.
Once sent – your position can be tracked using services such as aprs.fi. Don’t worry though, you’re in control of your privacy and can turn off the sending of position reports at any time!
“Ham Tracker” makes it easy to send an email containing an aprs.fi tracking link for your callsign or a map link showing your current location. Use these to tell colleagues, friends and family where you are, letting them track your progress using a web browser without them needing to phone to ask.
“Ham Tracker” doesn’t even need to be running in the foreground on your device. You can simply install it, configure it, then forget it.
The application will run quietly in the background and notice when your location changes significantly. Then it will wake up and start sending position reports at regular intervals.
This approach only uses the device’s GPS receiver when you’re actually moving so keeping your battery use to a minimum.
Visit http://www.kramstuff.com – for more details and screenshots.
November 9, 2010
Don’t know about you, but I’m not one for strenuous exercise.
My excuse is I do it all in my brain and that keeps me active, but I just had to have a go with this new website and application to hit the streets.
Map My Tracks is the outdoor social network for fitness enthusiasts. You can train, track & share your training or outdoor activities in real-time with friends, family, team mates or coaches.
Now that seems like hard work – but the concept is good. I think it would have many uses for radio and other projects too.
So rather than break up a sweat, I sent the XYL out on 30 minute run in the dark and rain with an ipod touch attached. The results are pretty impressive ( see them here ) plus she came back smiling too. 
Once the GPS had kicked in, it plotted the run very accurately even though the iPod touch was in her running jacket. When she arrived back home and on our wireless network the statistics of the run were synchronised with the profile we had created on the web site.
There are options to track live which requires an iPhone with 3G internet connection and you can also choose to share your plots or keep them private.
Overall I think that Map My Tracks is a fantastic idea. I’m sure there’s much more to come from these guys.
Try it yourself for free : http://www.mymaptracks.com
Andy – 2E0BLF
