Connecting D-RATS to DPRS Interface

1. Overview

This wiki page describes how two separate pieces of software, being D-RATS developed by Dan Smith KK7DS and DPRS Interface developed by Pete Loveall AE5PL, can be configured to operate simultaneously across a D-STAR radio's low speed DV channel.

DPRS Interface is designed to pass GPS-A DPRS messages received from a D-STAR radio's low speed DV channel and pass them on to the APRS-IS network where it is combined with APRS and DPRS traffic world-wide.

As many internet connected D-STAR repeaters already have an operational DPRS > APRS-IS interface this should only be applied in areas where:

There are no internet connected D-STAR repeaters already supporting DPRS > APRS-IS gating; or
On DV simplex frequencies.

The end result of combining the two programs is the following:

Ability to gate locally received DPRS information from RF to the APRS-IS network.
Ability to view locally received DPRS information in real time through the D-RATS Station Map.
Ability to send D-RATS beacons via RF.

2. Requirements

A computer with a spare COM port connected to the Internet.
A D-STAR radio complete with data cable.
DPRS Interface by Pete Loveall, AE5PL.
APRS-IS Server Validation Code (same number as used in programs such as UI-View), or obtainable from Pete Loveall
D-RATS (version 0.2.6 or later) by Dan Smith, KK7DS
DPRS Interface and D-RATS must be installed and running on the same computer.

3. Installation / Configuration

Download and install DPRS Interface. You will need an APRS Server Validation Code. If you currently use programs such as UI-View to view APRS traffic via the Internet, use this same APRS-IS Validation Code, otherwise you will need to obtain a Validation Code from Pete AE5PL.
Tune your radio to the desired frequency and start DPRS Interface. When a valid DPRS beacon is received a line of text should appear on the main DPRS Interface window. This will change whenever new DPRS beacons are received. It is worthwhile at this point to confirm that DPRS packets are being gated to the APRS-IS by checking on systems such as aprs.fi or jfindu
Download and install D-RATS. Under File > Main Settings > Data set the Serial Port to: net:127.0.0.1:14550
D-RATS should acknowledge with the following message: Time: Callsign > Online (D-RATS).
DPRS beacons that are received should now be displayed in D-RATS, as well as being sent to the APRS-IS.
Confirm that you can still send an AutoQST message from D-RATS and see your radio start transmitting.
All being well, your system is now correctly configured. Have fun.

4. Acknowledgements:

Thanks to Pierre VE2PRT for advising the appropriate network port to point D-RATS to.