Implementation of APRS Network Using LoRa Modulation Based KISS TNC

AX.25 protocol is the most widely used protocol in amateur packet radio network. It has existed for over 30 years and still exist today in a form of Automatic Packet Reporting System (APRS). APRS is widely used for exchanging real-time information in a shared RF environment. Conventional APRS is built on top of Bell 202 modem that is simple to implement but very inefficient regarding use of spectrum and transmitted power. LoRa modulation scheme can be implemented to extend APRS network to include LoRa based network for power constrained applications. This paper proposes using LoRa as a modem choice for APRS and the implementation of a KISS TNC based on LoRa. The prototype LoRa KISS TNC is operational and can be easily integrated with the existing APRS Internet Service network infrastructure.