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.
This .ZIP file is then distributed on a HD 3.5 inch disk with a copy of
PKUNZIP.EXE and this README.NOW file.

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

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

I am also not trying to keep track of all small maps in every state.  There
should be an APRS MAP COORDINATOR for your state. Find him... In Ohio, now
there are over 40 maps!

APRS will run on any PC,XT or AT machine with standard CGA,EGA, or VGA graphics
interfaces.  If you have a Hercules Video card, run SIMCGA P first to make it
simulate a real CGA device. This works, but poorly.  It only costs $25 to buy
a better VIDEO card!  I have heard from some folks that the graphics does not
work on some of the new monochorme VGA laptops!  Can someone tell me what is
the problem?  APRS uses QBasic SCREEN 8 and SCREEN 9 types.

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 SETUP Menu  (repeat steps e - g at anytime)
    g. Provide your Validation number when requested during the SAVE command.
    h. Have fun! READ all the README.xxx files!
    i. Use the OPERATIONS-COMM mode to communicate with your TNC.
    j. If you have some AEA or KANTRONICS simplified TNC's, you may need to
       set EXPert ON in order for the TNC to repsond to all APRS commands
    k. For convenience, RENAME the .EXE file to APRS.EXE so you don't have to
       always remember the version number and can put it in your AUTOEXEC.BAT

You should be prepared to modify the MAPLIST.APR file to select those
maps of interest to you.  Remember that APRS can only support 140 active maps.
So use a TEXT editor to remove the * in front of the maps you want to activate,
and insert * in front of those you do not need.

THE LATEST APRS is posted on 410-280-2503 BBS. I will also usually post a
file similar to: 501to507.zip which will contain only the files that changed
since the earlier release.  Please note that this is NOT MY BBS, and I AM NOT
THE SYSOP.  I also 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.  Apparently a lot of BBS sysops are
trapping all messages with the word APRS or TO/FROM me because they claim
I cannot use amateur packet to talk about APRS...

Other phone line BBS's known to carry APRS:

        OHIO     614 443-4249
        FLORIDA  407 575-9680
        VIRGINIA 703 255-2172
                 703 362-8673
        ARIZONA  602 938-7528


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

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

