Ham Radio Deluxe Remote Control and Broadcasting

1
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.

2
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

3
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).

4
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.

5
Setup the necessary Equipment
6
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.

7
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.

8
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.

9
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

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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.

11
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!

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Thank you!

• From John Berry
• K6JWB