[Elecraft] Remote rig versus homebrew challenges
Mitch Wolfson DJØQN
dj0qn at gmx.net
Tue Mar 6 10:53:37 EST 2012
Hi Paul,
Note that the use of the RRC Micro PC Client does not require one to
carry more than a small (matchbox sized) dongle with a small headset to
match. This gives you access to the RemoteRig installation through your
laptop/notebook, using a control program such as HRD. See
http://www.remoterig.com/wp/?page_id=28 for details.
I use serial port servers (such as from Lantronix) to provide the serial
ports used for linears and rotors over the internet, a computer is very
seldom needed. I am gradually eliminating all remote computers and
replacing them by these servers. As an alternative, there are also some
excellent web-based controllers for rotors, SteppIR and Acom 2000a
available through RemoteRig, see
http://www.remoterig.com/wp/?page_id=1010 for more details.
The list of possibilities actually goes on and on and there is never a
right or wrong method, just the one that fits your needs and pocketbook.
It is fine to use a remote computer with Skype and local serial ports if
that fits your needs. It certainly is cheaper if you already have
everything available.
73,
Mitch DJ0QN
On 06.03.2012 16:39, Poul Erik Karlshøj (PKA) wrote:
> There are probably many different type of applications of remote control of a ham station.
> Basically I distinguish between
> 1) control of a truly remote station (with better antennas than what you can get at the operators site)
> 2) control of your home station when you are away from home.
>
> Why distinguish?
>
> Because in case 1) you don't necessarily need a computer at the operating position. As others point out, it may even be an advantage to use a dedicated system like RemoteRig.
>
> However, in case 2) you very often need to carry a laptop anyway, so the use of RemoteRig means carrying additional hardware. Even more, iIn case 2) you can do away with a laptop without any special programs installed for the rig control. You can use Logmein which you can reach with a browser. You do need e.g. Skype installed though. In case 2) you can even do away with just an iPhone using Mike KS7D's neat app called K3iNetwork.
>
> You probably can see I'm the typical case 2) user. I've been that for over 5 years now with 15k remote QSOs or more.
> Lately having much fun using the iPhone - it works fine up to 24 wpm on CW with my fingersize :-)
>
> If I will have to live in a place without antennas, I will become a type 1) user and then I will use RemoteRig and K3 (or KX3) to K3 remote control.
>
> 73 de OZ4UN
> Paul
> -----Oprindelig meddelelse-----
> Fra: elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net] På vegne af Mitch Wolfson DJØQN
> Sendt: 5. marts 2012 18:12
> Til: Keith Heimbold
> Cc: Elecraft Group
> Emne: Re: [Elecraft] Remote rig versus homebrew challenges
>
> Hi Keith,
>
> That is a very broad set of questions. I have successfully ran remote stations using computer control only for several years, but have migrated almost everything to the RemoteRig hardware. This brings a number of advantages and disadvantages, for example:
>
>
> * Advantages over traditional remote control methods:
> o Embedded device - set and forget. User can not mess-up the
> interface such as they can on a PC running Windows.
> o No PC needs to be running at the remote site
> o Small size and low power consumption (2.2 watts using 13.8 volts)
> o No issue with installing and running in a rough environment such
> as a mountaintop
> o High quality audio (using SIP protocol) with selectable CODEC's
> o Extremely low latency (about 20 ms). I know of users that use
> RemoteRig for QSK CW at 40 WPM over the internet
> o Built-in CW keyer allowing the use of a paddle
> o Two built-in serial port servers for e.g. CAT and one other
> device (e.g. rotator or amplifier)
> o Support for multiple locations (profiles) to switch between
> remote station locations on the fly
> o Support for a virtual FSK COM port, and/or the operator can use
> digital modes (e.g. AFSK, PSK31, etc.) by connecting an audio
> cable to the control RRC box
> o When using a transceiver that has a separate control head, such
> as the TS-480, or the twin concept, such as the K3 Twin (2x K3's
> or a K3 + K3/0), one can use the control head or other rig at
> the remote location as if the rest of the transceiver is also
> local. This makes for a better user experience than being
> dependent upon using only PC software for transceiver control.
> * Disadvantages over traditional remote control:
> o Cost is about $500 per set (would however save money if a PC is
> not installed remotely)
> o Requires some networking knowledge to make the initial set-up,
> after that essentiall "plug and play"
> o Cost of 2nd K3 or K3/0 if you wish to have the "K3 Twin" experience
>
>
> As far as your problems are concerned:
> - You can pass CAT over COM2 on the RRC's and just run that on your local PC, HRD or whatever software you wish to use.
> - You can pass the rotator over COM1 on the RRC's and just run a software control over the internet
>
> So yes, I believe that this will solve your problems.
>
> --> You need to first decide if you will go the "Twin" route, or just
> run computer control on the control side
>
> You need to buy:
> - The set of 2x RRC's
> - If going the Twin route, then either a 2nd K3, or the K3/0
> - The appropriate cable set depending upon the hardware configuration used
>
> If you have any further questions, just drop me a mail.
>
> 73,
> Mitch DJ0QN
>
>
> On 05.03.2012 17:36, Keith Heimbold wrote:
>> I'm trying to figure out the best way to do remote and I'm really struggling with trying to homebrew remote with HRD and other application Skype included. I'm seriously considering spending $500 for getting the remoterig. I've been messing around with the programs for months I can't seem to get everything to work right.
>>
>> I'm using an i5 laptop with four gigs of RAM any USB to four serial port converter. HRD continuously locks up and digital modes I doesn't work for the rotator. Will transitioning to Remote rig take care of this issue or is something wrong with my configuration will not be resolved with Remote rig. At this point I just want something seamless to use that I can plug-and-play. With all the hours I spent on this I'm certainly utilized much time as I would spending for the remote rig.
>>
>> I like to know which model number I should purchase with PC control and eventually the KX3.
>>
>> Thanks,
>>
>> Keith
>> AG6AZ
>>
>> Sent from my iPhone please excuse typos
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>> --
>> Mitch Wolfson
>> DJØQN / K7DX
>> Georg-Kerschensteiner-Str. 42, 81829 Muenchen, Germany
>> Skype: mitchwo - Home:+49 89 32152700 - Mobile:+49 172 8374436
>> Echolink: 3001 - IRLP: 5378
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> --
> Mitch Wolfson
> DJØQN / K7DX
> Georg-Kerschensteiner-Str. 42, 81829 Muenchen, Germany
> Skype: mitchwo - Home:+49 89 32152700 - Mobile:+49 172 8374436
> Echolink: 3001 - IRLP: 5378
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