
Ham Radio Deluxe Remote Control and Broadcasting K6JWB John Berry Let's talk about remote control of your rig using Ham Radio Deluxe and Skype.
Overview • What is this all about? • Setup the necessary equipment • Setup the software and Skype • Setup internet connections • Connect to remote base station • Possibilities & Responsibilities
The system works like this: • A setup very similar to a PSK31 station. • There are two computers linked by a Virtual Private Network (VPN) over the internet. This ensures that you, and only you, can access your radio, it complies with license conditions (doesn't matter if it's just a receiver of course).
The system works like this: • On the remote computer you run a serial-port server program which allows the rig to be controlled over the VPN as if it were on your home network. You must also run a VOIP program (Skype, IPVoice...) which sets up a two-way audio link between the operator and the radio. Additional remote control facilities for switching aerials etc can be added as desired.
Setup the necessary Equipment • Current Radio with CAT controls • Audio Interface (Rigblaster) & cables • HRD Server Computer – Connects to Radio and Rigblaster • Internet connection – Connects to HRD Server computer • Laptop or other computer as the remote-controller. Don't forget a headset microphone.
Setup Software and Skype • Install HRD on server PC (as you would for PSK31) and confirm everything works with radio. • Setup the serial port server • Install Skype and Hamachi VPN on the Server PC. Setup new accounts. • Install HRD on Laptop • Install Skype/Hamachi on laptop and create separate accounts.
Setup Internet Connections • After Installing Skype and Hamachi VPN, you should test your connections. • Browse the remote computer folders using Hamachi • Make a test Skype call to each PC and configure the sound and personalize the Skype settings. • Configure your Internet router as needed for VPN and Skype access.
Connect to Remote Base Station • Startup Server computer, making sure the HRD Remote Server “Service” is running. • Make sure Hamachi and Skype are running. • Startup laptop and verify you have a good internet connection and verify Hamachi and Skype are running. • Call to Skype number on HRD Server • Run HRD using the IP address in Hamachi
Possibilities & Responsibilities • Use this setup as a remote receiver • Work friends radios from across the world • Shoot DX from Starbucks or any other WiFi hotspot! • Be sure to password protect everything! • DO NOT USE AMPLIFIERS. • DO NOT TRANSMIT ON REPEATERS, ESPECIALLY N6LXX. • Always have someone at home to reset radio.
Useful Internet References • Remote operation from G3YXMhttp://wireless.org.uk/remote.htm • Rigblaster Plus Manual (Has diagram on radio interfacing) http://www.westmountainradio.com/pdf/Manualplus_5.pdf • Youtube www.youtube.com Search Ham Radio Deluxe, quite a few videos!
Thank you! • From John Berry • K6JWB