APRS Chat

APRS Chat is a modern APRS messaging app for ham radio operators. Send messages, track stations on a map, and get notified when friends come online.

WHAT IS APRS CHAT?

APRS Chat brings the Automatic Packet Reporting System to your pocket. Licensed amateur radio operators use APRS to exchange short text messages, share position, and stay connected over RF and the internet. Clean, modern ham radio messaging.

KEY FEATURES

• Callsign Watchlist — monitor friends and get push notifications when they come online over APRS

• Direct callsign-to-callsign messaging with delivery acknowledgments

• Group messaging via ANSRVR — join nets and chat with multiple hams

• APRS bulletins and announcements — read and post network-wide messages

• Station map with real-time positions for all heard stations

• Connect via APRS-IS, TCP KISS, or Bluetooth Serial KISS

• Smart message retry with configurable timing and attempt count

• Position beaconing with adjustable interval (1–60 minutes)

• Offline message queue — messages send automatically when reconnected

• Customizable APRS symbol and beacon comment

• Real-time connection status with TX/RX packet counters and uptime

• Automatic regional APRS-IS server selection

• Path selection (WIDE1-1, WIDE2-2, custom paths)

• Background service for reliable position reports and messaging

• Station distance and bearing from your current position

• Online presence indicators — see which stations are active

• Quiet hours — suppress notifications during sleep

• Raw APRS packet view for digital ham experimenters

CONNECTION OPTIONS

APRS-IS (Internet Gateway)

Connect to the worldwide APRS-IS network with automatic server selection. No extra hardware — just internet and your callsign.

TCP KISS (Network TNC)

Connect to a network-attached KISS TNC over WiFi or Ethernet. Works with DigiPi, Direwolf on a Raspberry Pi, and other software modems.

Serial KISS over Bluetooth (Hardware TNC)

Pair with a Bluetooth KISS TNC like the Mobilinkd TNC3 or TNC4. Take APRS messaging anywhere — hiking, mobile, RV, SOTA, POTA. Full RF, no internet needed.

COMPATIBLE HARDWARE

APRS Chat works with any standards-compliant KISS TNC. Verified on:

• Mobilinkd TNC3 and TNC4 (Bluetooth Serial KISS)

• DigiPi (TCP KISS over WiFi)

• Direwolf software modem (TCP KISS, any Linux/Mac/Windows host)

• VGC-N7600, Surecom, and other generic Bluetooth KISS TNCs

• Any radio paired to a compatible TNC — Yaesu, Icom, Kenwood, Baofeng, AnyTone

WHO IT'S FOR

• Ham operators and packet radio enthusiasts

• Search-and-rescue and emergency comms volunteers

• SOTA, POTA, and outdoor activators

• Mobile operators tracking position with friends and clubs

• Net control stations and group coordinators

• Digital ham experimenters and APRS-curious newcomers

WHY APRS CHAT

Modern alternative to legacy APRS apps. Built for current Android — Material Design, dark mode, fast Bluetooth pairing, reliable background services. No 2010-era UI — just APRS messaging that works.

REQUIREMENTS

• Valid amateur radio license and callsign

• Internet connection for APRS-IS mode

• Compatible KISS TNC and radio for RF modes (optional)

• Android 8.0 or newer

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Does APRS Chat work without internet?

Yes — with a KISS TNC and a radio, APRS Chat operates fully on RF.

Can I use APRS Chat with my Mobilinkd TNC?

Yes — Mobilinkd TNC3 and TNC4 are fully supported via Bluetooth Serial KISS.

Can I join APRS group chats?

Yes — connect to ANSRVR groups to chat with multiple operators.

Is APRS Chat free?

Yes — the core app is free with optional premium for advanced features like Callsign Watchlist notifications.

73 de the APRS Chat team!