README.NOW

APRS consists of the .EXE file and dozens of MAP, HISTORY, BACKUP and README
files, each in their own directories, all zipped up into a single .ZIP file
distributed on a HD 3.5 inch disk with a licensed copy of PKUNZIP.EXE and this
README.NOW file.

*YOU MUST USE A RECENT VERSION (1993) OF PKUNZIP.
*YOU MUST USE THE -d OPTION TO GET THE APRS SUBDIRECTORIES!

Despite the 3 Mbyte size of the whole APRS system, a minimum system can be
built in under 350K with only the .EXE, MAPLIST.APR, and one .MAP file.

APRS will run on any 8088 through 486 PC with CGA,EGA, or VGA.  If you have a
Hercules Video card, run SIMCGA P first to make it simulate a real CGA device.
This works, but poorly.

TO INSTALL APRS on your SYSTEM:               DOS COMMAND
--------------------------------------------  --------------------------------
1.  Create APRS directory on your Harddrive-  MD APRS
2.  Change Directory into that directory   -  CD APRS
3.  Put APRS disk into A and change to A   -  A:
    Do Pkunzip with directories:           -  PKUNZIP -d  APRSxxx.ZIP  C:
    (don't leave off the C: at the end!)
4.  Execute APRSxxx                        -  APRSxxx
    a. Give your call and other info as prompted.
    b. Move cursor to your exact QTH using arrow keys and PgDn (shft-PgDN)
    c. Hit INPUT-MYpos command and answer QTH questions
    d. Use UNPROTO command to set your VIA Digipeater path (needs TNC)
    e. Move and center map to your area of interest and preferred range scale
    f. Save a config file using alt-S-SAVE  (repeat steps e - g at anytime)
    g. Provide your Validation number when requested during the SAVE command.
    h. Use the OPS-COMM-TNC command to communicate with your TNC.
    i. If some AEA or KANTRONICS TNC's, you may need to set EXPert ON in
       order for the TNC to repsond to all APRS commands
    k. For convenience, you may RENAME the .EXE file to APRS.EXE

My distro disk contains all major APRS maps, but HAMS in some states (OH, CA)
have been prolific map makers.  Look for files called CA or OHMAPS.ZIP on
local BBS's in those states.  I also provide a file called XTRAMAPS.zip on a
SECOND disk of all the maps that don't fit on my distro for an additional $19.
See XTRAMAPS.txt for a list of all these XTRA maps and more info on
customizing your MAPLIST.xxx files to your area.

THE LATEST APRS is posted on 410-280-2503 BBS along with a file similar to:
61to64.zip which will contain only the files that changed since the earlier
release.  Note that this is NOT MY BBS, and I AM NOT THE SYSOP.  I rarely
check in, so DO NOT SEND ME MAIL VIA THAT ROUTE.  I DO read my normal packet
mail @ WB3V.MD.USA; but do not send me any mail not appropriate for the FCC
rules.

************    REMEMBER TO USE PKUNZIP -d    ***********

P.S.  If you are unzipping an upgraded copy of APRS, or the XTRAMAPS.ZIP file,
you can use the command PKUNZIP -dn and only NEW files will be unzipped into
your APRS directories...

FOR A LIST OF INTERNET and other phone line BBS's known to carry APRS, and 
more state maps, see the last paragraph of the README\README.1st file.  It
also announces the APRSsig on the Internet for exchange of ideas on APRS!

READ: README.1st, APRS.doc, HELP.doc, etc...

