Status Packets

In the APRS network, a status packet serves a specific, functional purpose. It is not meant to be an advertising banner or a static message. Its goal is to inform other stations about the current state, activity, or configuration of your device in real-time.

Our firmware uses status packets to announce key events, which can be helpful for remote diagnostics or simply understanding what the tracker is doing.

Available Status Messages

Below is a list of the status packets that your station can automatically transmit, along with their meanings.

  1. System booted at 10:45:57Z Ws TX&RX 434.855MHz 1200bps

    • When it’s sent: Transmitted shortly after the device boots up.
    • Meaning: This is an announcement that the tracker is online and operational. The packet is composed of several dynamic parts that provide useful information:
      • at 10:45:57Z: The UTC time when the device booted. This is only included if the device has an active internet connection to synchronize its clock.
      • Ws: A short code indicating the device’s operational mode.
        • W flags indicate the digipeater mode: Ws (self-digi, only repeats its own packets), W1 (WIDE1 digi), W2 (WIDE2 digi).
        • WX flags indicate the weather station status: WX (WX module is enabled), WX+ (WX sensor is connected and working), WX- (WX sensor was not detected).
      • TX&RX: The radio state. This can be TX&RX (both transmitting and receiving are active), TX (transmit-only), or RX (receive-only).
      • 434.855MHz 1200bps: The current LoRa frequency and speed, which is very useful for other users in the area.

  2. Remote update / Remote update (query)

    • When it’s sent: At the beginning of a remote firmware update process initiated via the web interface.
    • Meaning: Informs the network that the device is attempting to download and install a new firmware version from the internet.

  3. Remote update failed

    • When it’s sent: If the remote OTA update process fails for any reason (e.g., download error, invalid file).
    • Meaning: Indicates that the firmware update was not successful.

  4. Local update started

    • When it’s sent: When you start a manual update by uploading a .bin file through the web interface.
    • Meaning: The device has begun the process of a local firmware update.

  5. Local update finished

    • When it’s sent: After a local firmware update has been successfully completed and the device is about to reboot.
    • Meaning: Confirms that the manual update was successful.

  6. User reboot

    • When it’s sent: When the “Device Reboot” button is clicked in the web interface.
    • Meaning: A simple notification that the device was intentionally rebooted by the user.

  7. Scheduled Reboot

    • When it’s sent: When the device performs an automatic, scheduled reboot (e.g., a daily restart configured by the user).
    • Meaning: Notifies the network that the reboot was part of a routine maintenance schedule, distinguishing it from a manual reboot or an unexpected crash.

  8. Low battery - sleeping

    • When it’s sent: Only on devices that do not have an AXP power management chip. It’s transmitted just before the device enters deep sleep due to low voltage.
    • Meaning: This status serves as a “last gasp” message, informing the network that the device is shutting down temporarily to protect its battery until the voltage recovers (e.g., through solar charging).