APRS Chat: Ham Radio Messaging

APRS Chat turns APRS into a modern chat app for licensed ham radio operators. Conversations grouped by callsign, real delivery acknowledgments, group chats, and a station map, over the internet or pure RF.

CHAT-FIRST APRS MESSAGING

• Conversations grouped by callsign, just like a modern messenger
• Delivery acknowledgments (ACKs) with smart, configurable retry
• Group messaging via ANSRVR: join nets and chat with multiple hams
• APRS bulletins and announcements, kept separate from your chats
• APRS services directory: tap a command chip to query services like REPEAT or WXBOT, no syntax memorizing
• Offline message queue: messages send automatically when you reconnect
• Callsign Watchlist: get notified when friends come online (Premium)

MAP & POSITION

• Station map with real-time positions of heard stations
• Distance and bearing from your current position
• Position beaconing with adjustable interval (1–60 minutes)
• Custom APRS symbol, beacon comment, and path (WIDE1-1, WIDE2-2, custom)
• Online presence indicators: see which stations are active

CONNECTION OPTIONS

APRS-IS (Internet)
Connect to the worldwide APRS-IS network with automatic regional server selection. No extra hardware, just internet and your callsign.

TCP KISS (Network TNC)
Connect to a network KISS TNC over WiFi or Ethernet, such as DigiPi or Direwolf on a Raspberry Pi or PC.

Serial KISS over Bluetooth (Hardware TNC, experimental)
Pair a Bluetooth KISS TNC like the Mobilinkd TNC3 or TNC4 and message anywhere: hiking, mobile, RV, SOTA, POTA. Full RF, no internet needed.

COMPATIBLE HARDWARE

Works with any standards-compliant KISS TNC. Verified on:
• Mobilinkd TNC3 and TNC4 (Bluetooth Serial KISS, experimental)
• DigiPi (TCP KISS over WiFi)
• Direwolf software modem (TCP KISS on Linux, Mac, or Windows)
• VGC-N7600, Surecom, and other generic Bluetooth KISS TNCs
• Any radio paired to a compatible TNC: Yaesu, Icom, Kenwood, Baofeng, AnyTone
• Benshi Bluetooth radios, no TNC needed: BTech UV-Pro, Radioddity GA-5WB, Vero VR-N76 (Premium, Android 10+)

FREE VS PREMIUM

Free:
• APRS-IS messaging: up to 2 active conversations, and sending to 1 group (you can join and read any number of groups)
• Station map, beaconing, bulletins, and services, all included
• Ad-supported

Premium (optional monthly subscription):
• Unlimited conversations and unlimited group messaging
• All connection types: TCP KISS, Bluetooth Serial KISS, and Benshi radios (Free is APRS-IS only)
• Callsign Watchlist notifications, with quiet hours and notification intervals
• No ads

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 friends and clubs
• Net control stations and group coordinators
• Digital experimenters and APRS-curious newcomers

REQUIREMENTS

• Valid amateur radio license and callsign
• Internet connection for APRS-IS mode
• KISS TNC and radio for RF modes (optional)
• Android 8.0 or newer (Benshi radio connection needs Android 10+)

FAQ

Does APRS Chat work without internet?
Yes. With a KISS TNC and a radio, APRS Chat runs fully on RF.

Does it work with my Mobilinkd TNC?
Yes. Mobilinkd TNC3 and TNC4 connect via Bluetooth Serial KISS (Premium, currently marked experimental).

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. Premium is an optional monthly subscription; see Free vs Premium above.

How do I manage or cancel my subscription?
Open the Google Play Store app, tap your profile icon, then Payments & subscriptions > Subscriptions. Choose APRS Chat and tap Cancel subscription.

Privacy note: APRS is an open amateur radio network. Position beacons and APRS messages are public by design, and APRS-IS traffic is not encrypted.

Questions or ideas? Email [email protected].

73 de the APRS Chat team!