APRS Internet to RF Igates

You will find no Igate set up instructions here. Why? Because running an Igate that send Internet data out to the RF is an advanced use of APRS.

In reality, there should be only one Igate for a 30 mile radius area. This means that the data sent out to RF should AT MOST go only one hop, or even better, NO HOPS!

Igates need to be coordinated so that packet traffic is kept to minimum, overlaps are kept to a minimum, and only ONE Igate in a specific area is in use at a time.

It is good for more that one station in an area to be able to be an Igate, but only when the primary Igate station has failed and is off the air.

Your willingness to be an Igate is appreciated, but, like digipeaters, not every station needs to be one.

This excerpt from an Igate setup guide helps explain why too many Igates or improperly setup Igates are a problem:

"APRS Internet Gateways can transfer data between your local RF network and APRS Internet Servers.  Your local APRS network operates at 1200 bps while your Internet connection may operate at several Megabits per second.  Obviously, the amount of data transferred from the Internet to RF should be kept to a minimum.  IGates can selectively gate packets to RF from the Internet.  Local packets are often handled automatically.  If a transient mobile station comes into your IGATE area, packets from and to him will be passed.  Too many IGATE's in a local network is not a good thing, especially if each is gating multiple identical packets to RF.  Duplicate gating of NWS watches, warnings, advisories, and other weather related data can overwhelm a network during severe weather outbreaks and preclude APRS spotters from exchanging information.  Excessive paths are another pervasive problem.  The gating of watches, warnings, and advisories into unaffected areas should not be done."


In McMinn Co, KG4FZR-7 functions as a two way Igate, sending all data it receives on RF to the internet, and sending only beacons and messages to RF from stations that are in the McMinn Co area and internet connected only, as well as WX data for this specific area only.

Another station stands ready at a moments notice to serve as back up should KG4FZR-7 be off the air.

PLEASE, DO NOT CONFIGURE YOUR STATION AS AN IGATE!