SN Spotter Network: APRS—>SN Unstable Again

[Mark Drees]

@RyanHickman is probably best at answering this. Maybe @John Wetter can as well.

 

[DPetsinger]

Thank you Mark. I may just put together my own script to produce an APRS list out of the APRS-IS stream. I was hoping not have to put that much work into it. But it seem like SN may or may not work on fixing this. So if SN works on this and needs help, let me know.

Thanks a bunch.

 

[Mark Drees]

Thank you Mark. I may just put together my own script to produce an APRS list out of the APRS-IS stream. I was hoping not have to put that much work into it. But it seem like SN may or may not work on fixing this. So if SN works on this and needs help, let me know.

Thanks a bunch.

It has been almost two years since the APRS function has displayed correctly on the place files. I’m unsure why it’s even listed as an option anymore since it doesn’t work.

 

[D McAnally]

Thank you Mark. I may just put together my own script to produce an APRS list out of the APRS-IS stream. I was hoping not have to put that much work into it. But it seem like SN may or may not work on fixing this. So if SN works on this and needs help, let me know.

I am interested in creating a script or method to generate filtered place files from APRS too. I need to set up an iGate first though.

After my initial post, I discovered that AllisonHouse.com provides a custom APRS placefile, in addition to custom SN placefile. The cost may not be for everyone, but it is an option I can use.

David McAnally
WD5M

 

[Mark Drees]

After my initial post, I discovered that AllisonHouse.com provides a custom APRS placefile, in addition to custom SN placefile. The cost may not be for everyone, but it is an option I can use.

David McAnally
WD5M

I’ve used the custom SN place file on Allison House for a few years. The only drawback is the icon doesn’t indicate movement (you have to hover the cursor over the icon to see it). However, it doesn’t really matter with most SN users now converting to RadarScope because movement isn’t displayed. It is an option if you’re able to subscribe.

 

[Mark Drees]

What the... It appears APRS data is flowing through the placefiles again.

 

[Mark Drees]

And it’s stopped again.

 

[Mark Drees]

Until Spotter Network resolves the APRS issue, my suggestion is to use the AllisonHouse tracking option that is available to subscribers. I've uploaded screenshots of how I have it setup and how it appears on GR.

 

[Mark Blue]

This thread is almost like a cold case murder file where you need to start from scratch with a fresh viewpoint and hope you find a detail that may have been overlooked. It would be nice if someone who understands the inner workings of APRS could remote into your computer using Team Viewer to take a look. That's taking support to a whole new level though on freeware!

 

[Mark Drees]

This thread is almost like a cold case murder file where you need to start from scratch with a fresh viewpoint and hope you find a detail that may have been overlooked. It would be nice if someone who understands the inner workings of APRS could remote into your computer using Team Viewer to take a look. That's taking support to a whole new level though on freeware!

There lies the issue. From what I understand the APRS data is flowing into SN, but no one knows why the information isn't being transmitted to the various place files and apps.

 

[Mark Drees]

Here’s another issue I have. I understand SN is volunteer based, but why does it take so long to get a response from anyone? That has been my issue since the support was moved to Stormtrack. There is a lack of accountability and communication gap. Yes, it is useful to have others give input; however it doesn’t get the job done in the long run.

 

[Mark Blue]

Was the support more timely before it was relocated to ST? If so we'll need to discuss that, probably in a new thread so we don't get off topic here.

 

[Mark Drees]

Was the support more timely before it was relocated to ST? If so we'll need to discuss that, probably in a new thread so we don't get off topic here.

I think the problem is people have been frustrated with this issue not being resolved in the two years since it started. No one knows or sees anything on the backend being done. All they see is what is being said in a “forum” style response, which at times has been less than empathetic by some on the SN board. Coming from someone that has worked in the customer service industry for over fifteen years, anytime you don’t empathize, assure, and understand where the user or customer is coming from, everyone suffers externally and internally as well.

 

[Mark Blue]

@John Wetter do you have any ideas left on how to troubleshoot this issue with APRS?

 

[John Wetter]

At this point we can't find what is making it unstable. We go to troubleshoot and there is data there... It's reported down... We go to look again and there is data... So at this point we just aren't able to track down the source of the problem. I'll admit it, the APRS one has stumped us. Ryan and I have certainly been spending time on it. We've changed out how we are authenticating to the data source and thought that fixed it but then the reports started again. Then we changed out how the data is being parsed and that seemed to fix it but then didn't... We've talked about putting a watcher on the data but we see data moving, but apparently yours either drops out, or a portion of the feed does, or some state where not all of the data stops moving so there isn't something we think we can even watch to identify the issue, troubleshoot and correct.

We were talking about options at ChaserCon when we were both there in person. We assume there is likely some worker process that was running on the AH side and when we did the service separation a year ago something didn't carry over. There are some pretty significant system things we're changing right now to help scaling for this coming year, and we are evaluating what kind of support we can offer for APRS going forward.

As far as support over-all, Yes, I don't monitor this as much in the off-season, but April to October I'm here pretty much every day, or at least a couple days a week. We can always improve and I welcome constructive criticism. Obviously this is a stubborn issue we just can't seem to find the real root cause of. I guarantee you that we've been investing time in to it though.