README.NOW

APRS consists of the .EXE file and dozens of MAP, HISTORY, BACKUP and README
files, each in their own directories, all zipped up into a single .ZIP file.
This .ZIP file is then distributed on a HD 3.5 inch disk with a licensed copy
of PKUNZIP.EXE and this README.NOW file.

*NOTE! YOU MUST USE A RECENT VERSION (1993) OF PKUNZIP.  AND YOU MUST USE IT*
*WITH THE -d OPTION TO GET THE SUBDIRECTORIES!                              *

Despite the 3 Mbyte size of the whole APRS system, a minimum system can be
built in under 350K with only the .EXE, MAPLIST.APR, and one .MAP file.

APRS will run on any PC,XT or AT machine with standard CGA,EGA, or VGA graphics
interfaces.  If you have a Hercules Video card, run SIMCGA P first to make it
simulate a real CGA device. This works, but poorly.

TO INSTALL APRS on your SYSTEM:               DOS COMMAND
--------------------------------------------  --------------------------------
1.  Create APRS directory on your Harddrive-  MD APRS
2.  Change Directory into that directory   -  CD APRS
3.  Put APRS disk into A and change to A   -  A:
    Do Pkunzip with directories:           -  PKUNZIP -d  APRSxxx.ZIP  C:
    (don't leave off the C: at the end!)
4.  Execute APRSxxx                        -  APRSxxx
    a. Give your call and other info as prompted.
    b. Move cursor to your exact QTH using arrow keys and PgDn (shft-PgDN)
    c. Hit INPUT-MYpos command and answer QTH questions
    d. Use UNPROTO command to set your VIA Digipeater path (needs TNC)
    e. Move and center map to your area of interest and preferred range scale
    f. Save a config file using SETUP Menu  (repeat steps e - g at anytime)
    g. Provide your Validation number when requested during the SAVE command.
    h. Have fun! READ all the README\xxx.TXT files!
    i. Use the OPERATIONS-COMM mode to communicate with your TNC.
    j. If you have some AEA or KANTRONICS simplified TNC's, you may need to
       set EXPert ON in order for the TNC to repsond to all APRS commands
    k. For convenience, you may RENAME the .EXE file to APRS.EXE

My distro disk contains all of the major APRS maps, but HAMS in CA and OH have
been prolific map makers.  The small street level maps of those states and
hopefully others, will be found in a file called CA or OHMAPS.ZIP on any
local BBS in those states (I also provide a file called XTRAMAPS.zip on a
SECOND disk of all the maps that don't fit on my distro for an additional $9) 
See XTRAMAPS.txt for a list of all these XTRA maps and more info on
customizing your MAPLIST.xxx files to your area.

THE LATEST APRS is posted on 410-280-2503 BBS. I will also usually post a
file similar to: 57to60.zip which will contain only the files that changed
since the earlier release.  Please note that this is NOT MY BBS, and I AM NOT
THE SYSOP.  I also rarely check in, so DO NOT SEND ME MAIL VIA THAT ROUTE.
I DO read my normal packet mail @ WB3V.MD.USA; but do not send me any mail
not appropriate for the FCC rules.

************    REMEMBER TO USE PKUNZIP -d    ***********

P.S.  If you are unzipping an upgraded copy of APRS, or the XTRAMAPS.ZIP file,
you can use the command PKUNZIP -dn and only NEW files will be unzipped into
your APRS system...

Other phone line BBS's known to carry APRS:

        CALIF    415 359-6985 Daly City
        OHIO     614 443-4249 Columbus
        FLORIDA  407 575-9680
        VIRGINIA 703 255-2172 Vienna
                 703 362-8673
        ARIZONA  602 938-7528
        INTERNET @ muncey.com ip 140.174.180.1 in Public\APRS
                   loggon as Guest or Anonymous with EMail addr as Pwd.
                 @ oak.oakland.edu in SIMTEL/PACKET/PUB/HAMRADIO
                   (Im not sure of the sequence of the above directories)

