The advantage of APRS is that there is a HUGE network of digital repeaters (digipeaters) across the US (and probably world-wide though the US is my main interest). APRS also has several internet cross-over listening points so you could hook into a service like https://aprs.fi to listen for updates hitting the network from your weather stations.
The licensing requirement isn't steep in the US; if memory serves its 35 questions, all multiple choice, and the question pool is published. Readers of Hacker News should be able to pass the technician exam with about a week of light study and that gives you full privileges from 30 MHz and up (APRS runs between 144 and 146 MHz depending on which country you're in).
The licensing requirement isn't steep in the US; if memory serves its 35 questions, all multiple choice, and the question pool is published. Readers of Hacker News should be able to pass the technician exam with about a week of light study and that gives you full privileges from 30 MHz and up (APRS runs between 144 and 146 MHz depending on which country you're in).