Setting Up a Receive-Only APRS IGATE with IGate2: A Guide for HAM Radio Enthusiasts

For HAM radio amateurs seeking an affordable and efficient solution to set up an APRS IGATE, the IGate2 mobile app offers a powerful option. IGate2 is a receive-only APRS IGATE software that works seamlessly with a radio receiver or an SDR (Software Defined Radio) dongle, using an internet connection to forward APRS packets to the worldwide network.

How IGate2 Works

IGate2 leverages the capabilities of your existing radio receiver or RTL-SDR dongle (available for as little as €10) and connects to your Android device to forward the received APRS packets to the internet via WiFi or 3G. The app effectively acts as a Software Defined Radio Demodulator, TNC Modem, and Internet Gate, providing a compact, cost-effective solution for radio amateurs.

Setting Up IGate2

To get started with IGate2, you’ll need to install Martin Marinov’s driver for the SDR dongle, which you can find online. If you have an unused Android device, such as a phone, tablet, or TV box, IGate2 turns it into a functional IGATE station. This setup offers an inexpensive and easy-to-use method for contributing to the HAM radio community.

Features of IGate2

• Packet Reception and Forwarding: IGate2 displays raw data from APRS packets on your screen. If authorized, these packets can be routed to the APRS-IS network, where they can be viewed on mapping and bulletin websites like aprs.fi or aprsdirect.de.
• HAM CallSign and PassCode: To forward data to the APRS-IS network, users must have a HAM CallSign and PassCode. If you don’t have a CallSign, you can still use IGate2 in receive-only mode.
• Real-Time Monitoring: The app includes an audio monitor for tuning the SDR receiver’s parameters, and the main page displays the frequency, received packet text, and indicators for SDR and APRS-IS connections. The app also features counters for received, forwardable, and forwarded packets.
• Background Operation and AutoStart: IGate2 continues to operate in the background even when you leave the main page. An AutoStart function is available, ideal for unattended TV Box devices running Android 6.0 or higher.
• Power Considerations: Since the setup consumes significant power, it’s recommended to use a phone charger or power bank. An OTG power cable or powered USB hub is required, and you may need to manually adjust the SDR receiver’s gain or use a band-stop filter in areas with strong FM broadcasts.
• Analog Receiver Setup: If using an analog receiver, an audio cable (not an acoustic coupling) is necessary to connect to the phone. Ensure the power-saving function on the receiver is disabled to avoid discarding truncated packets.

Using IGate2 with a TV Box

For those preferring a fixed station setup, an Android TV Box can be used instead of a mobile phone. TV Boxes, starting at around $20, can connect to an SDR dongle or analog receiver, making them a convenient and cost-effective choice. An external antenna and, if needed, an FM Band Stop filter can further enhance signal reception.

Get IGate2 on Google Play

IGate2 offers an excellent opportunity for HAM radio operators to contribute to the APRS network with minimal investment and technical setup. Whether using a mobile phone or an Android TV Box, IGate2 provides a flexible, powerful solution for setting up a receive-only IGATE station.

Download IGate2 today from the Google Play Store and start forwarding APRS packets with ease.