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My
Remote FT-1000 Project |
This project got started when Terry VE3NSV showed an interest at getting on HF after being grandfathered with the recent changes to Canadian
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Paul VE3SY operating his FT-1000MP remotely from his office |
regulations. Not being sure if he wanted to invest in an HF rig plus having the no-antennas challenge of many new home owners, Terry and I talked about using my station remotely.
Since then, Terry and I have been experimenting with controlling my FT-1000MP via the internet. With this remote set-up we have developed Terry and I are now able to operate my station on all bands from 10 thru 160 from Terry's QTH or when travelling I can still be QRV from a Hotel room or any place providing an internet connection. With Free internet now being available in most hotels, staying connected while on vacation or on business is now a reality.
The Audio Interface
Terry was instrumental in researching the numerous FREE 
audio clients
available and after several experiments we have settled on SKYPE.
Early trials using the VoIP client within Instant Messenger
as well as Team Speak all provided good audio but did introduce some
delays approaching 500 1000 mSec (1/2 to 1 full second). While not
that much it did make VOX break in somewhat challenging.
To date all trials using SKYPE have
been beyond our best expectations. There is virtually zero latency
and on-air tests with break-in tests showed zero perceptible delay.
SKYPE is a free VoIP audio chat client that is available free at http://www.skype.com BTW - if you really enjoy using this program you can buy a bucket of Long Distance minutes and make telephone calls world-wide for well under .04 minute.
The Rig Interface
After looking at many Rig
Control software packages both free and commercial packages, I have
decided on Ham Radio Deluxe. This nice full featured
software from Simon Brown, HB9DRV and
will provide control for virtually any radio that supports CAT commands.
Through it's development cycle HRD (Ham Radio Deluxe) has added
interactive interfaces for Internet Cluster, PSK-31, detailed logging
that can also automatically upload your QSO data to eQSL, interface and
several other neat plug-ins.
The web site for HRD is http://hrd.ham-radio.ch/ here you will find the free download as well as the full user manual.
Give It a Try
Most rigs today provide CAT interface and will work with HRD. If you would to experiment using
a remote station, download
both of the above applications then send me an email
paul@ve3sy.com and I'll
provide you log-in details.
NOTE: This offering is only to give you an idea how remote control of an HF station via the internet or even your home network will work. It is not an offer for regular use.
73 and enjoy the new tools the internet is providing ham radio
Paul VE3SY and
Terry VE3NSV
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