📡 Decode ⌘K
LIVE

ANSRVR Group Messaging

intermediate

What is ANSRVR?

ANSRVR (Answer Server) is a group messaging gateway for the APRS network. It allows operators to subscribe to named groups and exchange messages with all other subscribers — similar to a mailing list or chat channel, but over APRS.

ANSRVR runs on the APRS-IS internet backbone and bridges messages between subscribers regardless of their physical location.

How to Subscribe

To join a group, send an APRS message to the callsign ANSRVR with the text:

CQ <GROUPNAME>

For example, to subscribe to the SOTA (Summits on the Air) group:

To: ANSRVR
Message: CQ SOTA

Once subscribed, any message sent by another subscriber to that group will be relayed to you.

Sending Group Messages

After subscribing, send a message to the group through ANSRVR:

To: ANSRVR
Message: CQ SOTA Activating W4C/WM-001 on 146.52

All current subscribers of SOTA will receive your message.

Important Behavior

  • Session-based subscriptions — Your subscription lasts only as long as you remain connected to APRS-IS (directly or via an IGate). If you disconnect, you must re-subscribe.
  • One group per message — Each CQ command subscribes to one group. Subscribe to multiple groups with separate messages.
  • Rate limiting — ANSRVR may throttle high-volume senders to protect the network.
Group Purpose
HOTG Hams On The Go — #APRSThursday weekly net
SOTA Summits on the Air activations
POTA Parks on the Air activations
WX Weather discussions and alerts
EMCOM Emergency communications
ARES Amateur Radio Emergency Service

APRSPH — Alternative Gateway

APRSPH is another group messaging gateway that works similarly to ANSRVR. Some operators prefer it due to slightly different behavior:

  • Send the group name directly to APRSPH (no CQ prefix needed)
  • Some groups are available on both gateways

For the #APRSThursday net, you can check in via either: - ANSRVR: message CQ HOTG - APRSPH: message HOTG

Tips for Group Messaging

  • Keep messages short — APRS messages have a character limit (~67 characters)
  • Include relevant context (callsign, location, frequency) in activation announcements
  • Monitor your inbox for replies — group conversations happen in real time
  • Remember subscriptions are temporary — re-subscribe at the start of each session

Related Pages