National Science and Media Museum Visit 2025
The Visit!
Science and Media Museum in Bradford
On the 27th April, we had a visit to the National Science and Media Museum in Bradford, West Yorkshire.
Unfortunately, at the time of our visit two levels of the Museum were closed. I decided to quote a 1970s advert to “Let the Train take the strain!” Fortunately, we have a Railway station in our village although the service could be improved. The Journey via Sheffield was very pleasant with a change in Leeds.
The Museum was only a short walk from the Railway Station in Bradford. To make the trip a little more interesting I tried out an APRS App on my Phone. I am quite fond of APRS and would like to see more Radio Amateurs in the UK making use of it. Normally when you have a QSO with someone one of the first Questions is where are you? Well with APRS you can see where someone is, and that is just the tip of the iceberg. When it comes to APRS its features and uses are many.
The Museum itself.
Well back to the National Science and Media Museum, it is a ‘free’ museum. Although you are strongly pressured into a £5 donation both online and as you arrive. There appeared to be very few visitors when I arrived. We had a good look around, again for some of the exhibition areas we were informed that it costs extra. I don’t mind paying when booking or when arriving, however I think its very poor once you are inside. Do not get me wrong we are a strong Supporter of STEM it being a main part of our hobby.
Inside, the Kodak gallery was perhaps the best area of the museum. It brought back many memories for members, we were able to see many of the photographic equipment that we had owned at one time of that we still have!
Bradford City Park
Café and shop were the standard sort of areas you would expect to find, and once we had finished at the Museum, we had a wonder around central Bradford, which has had something of a rebirth and was worth the visit on its own!
APRS
Real-time Location and Data for Ham Radio
APRS, or Automatic Packet Reporting System, is a digital communications protocol used by amateur radio operators to transmit real-time data, most commonly location information. Developed by Bob Bruninga (WB4APR), it leverages packet radio technology to send small bursts of data, allowing for dynamic tracking and information exchange without the need for voice communication.
At its core, APRS enables hams to broadcast their GPS coordinates, which are then received by other APRS-enabled radios or digipeaters (digital repeaters) and forwarded to the internet. This allows for real-time visualization of amateur radio activity on maps, providing a powerful tool for situational awareness, especially during emergencies or public service events. Beyond location, APRS can transmit various data types, including weather station telemetry, short text messages, and even bulletins.
The beauty of APRS lies in its versatility. It’s used for everything from tracking mobile stations during rallies and marathons to monitoring weather conditions and providing vital communications during disaster relief efforts. Its widespread adoption and integration with internet-based mapping services have made it an indispensable tool for the modern amateur radio operator, connecting the traditional world of radio with the digital realm of real-time data visualization.
