Uploaded January 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
In this video, we demonstrate how APRS (Automatic Packet Reporting System) can be an incredibly effective tool during a severe winter snowstorm and other natural disasters. Using ham radio emergency communications, we deployed APRS in real-world conditions to share critical, time-sensitive information when traditional infrastructure was strained.
During the storm, we transmitted APRS bulletins to broadcast important updates to other operators in the area. We used APRS objects to mark downed trees blocking roadways, traffic hazards, and vehicle accidents, giving responders and other hams real-time situational awareness. APRS messaging allowed direct communication with fellow amateur radio operators, enabling ground truth reporting and coordination when conditions were rapidly changing.
Information was gathered and cross-checked from local voice nets and multiple online resources, including TDOT SmartWay, the MTE Electric power outage map, and the NES power outage map, then shared over APRS to paint a clearer picture of what was happening on the ground.
The video also explores how APRS can be used in other emergency and disaster scenarios, such as ice storms, hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, wildfires, and power outages. From emergency management support to ARES, RACES, and SKYWARN operations, APRS proves to be a powerful tool for disaster communications, situational awareness, and public service when it matters most.
Whether you’re a seasoned amateur radio operator or new to emergency communications, this video shows practical, real-world examples of how APRS saves time, improves coordination, and helps keep communities informed during emergencies.
🔹My Favorite Gear - amazon.com/shop/km4ack
🔹Links mentioned in the video
YAAC Setup Guide - youtu.be/vERx3z31Sag
🔹Raspberry Pi Build Guide - tiny.cc/pi4guide
🔹Frequently Asked Questions - tiny.cc/km4ack-faq
🔹Weekly Newsletter - https://mailchi.mp/40da1fe472e3/km4acknewsletter
🔹Follow Me
Twitter @km4ack
🔹FREE Get Started Guide - tiny.cc/getstartedguide
🔹Cool Ham Gear - km4ack.com
🔹Support the channel through Patreon - patreon.com/km4ack
🔹Did you just get a raspberry pi and want to hook it up to your radio? Start here youtu.be/E1SEgPFQk4M
Want your raspberry pi to play nice with your ham radio? Are you into digital modes like FT8, JS8Call, FLDIGI, Winlink, APRS, Digipeaters and others? Each week I put out new content showing you exactly what steps to take to get the latest ham radio software on your raspberry pi. Whether you just want to ragchew or are seriously into emergency preparedness, emcomm, or ARES and want to learn all you can about using the raspberry pi to drive your ham radio, this channel has something for you. Be sure to click the subscribe button and ring the bell before heading off. That way you will get notified of all future videos.
🔹🔹🔹🔹🔹
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
In this video, we demonstrate how APRS (Automatic Packet Reporting System) can be an incredibly effective tool during a severe winter snowstorm and other natural disasters. Using ham radio emergency communications, we deployed APRS in real-world conditions to share critical, time-sensitive information when traditional infrastructure was strained.
During the storm, we transmitted APRS bulletins to broadcast important updates to other operators in the area. We used APRS objects to mark downed trees blocking roadways, traffic hazards, and vehicle accidents, giving responders and other hams real-time situational awareness. APRS messaging allowed direct communication with fellow amateur radio operators, enabling ground truth reporting and coordination when conditions were rapidly changing.
Information was gathered and cross-checked from local voice nets and multiple online resources, including TDOT SmartWay, the MTE Electric power outage map, and the NES power outage map, then shared over APRS to paint a clearer picture of what was happening on the ground.
The video also explores how APRS can be used in other emergency and disaster scenarios, such as ice storms, hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, wildfires, and power outages. From emergency management support to ARES, RACES, and SKYWARN operations, APRS proves to be a powerful tool for disaster communications, situational awareness, and public service when it matters most.
Whether you’re a seasoned amateur radio operator or new to emergency communications, this video shows practical, real-world examples of how APRS saves time, improves coordination, and helps keep communities informed during emergencies.
🔹My Favorite Gear - amazon.com/shop/km4ack
🔹Links mentioned in the video
YAAC Setup Guide - youtu.be/vERx3z31Sag
🔹Raspberry Pi Build Guide - tiny.cc/pi4guide
🔹Frequently Asked Questions - tiny.cc/km4ack-faq
🔹Weekly Newsletter - https://mailchi.mp/40da1fe472e3/km4acknewsletter
🔹Follow Me
Twitter @km4ack
🔹FREE Get Started Guide - tiny.cc/getstartedguide
🔹Cool Ham Gear - km4ack.com
🔹Support the channel through Patreon - patreon.com/km4ack
🔹Did you just get a raspberry pi and want to hook it up to your radio? Start here youtu.be/E1SEgPFQk4M
Want your raspberry pi to play nice with your ham radio? Are you into digital modes like FT8, JS8Call, FLDIGI, Winlink, APRS, Digipeaters and others? Each week I put out new content showing you exactly what steps to take to get the latest ham radio software on your raspberry pi. Whether you just want to ragchew or are seriously into emergency preparedness, emcomm, or ARES and want to learn all you can about using the raspberry pi to drive your ham radio, this channel has something for you. Be sure to click the subscribe button and ring the bell before heading off. That way you will get notified of all future videos.
🔹🔹🔹🔹🔹
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
