[CQ-Contest] Remote operation entirely through IP?

[Tim Makins, EI8IC]

Thanks for a fascinating email, Richard. I hope you will write an article on
this for QST someday soon.

This raises the interesting possibility of someone setting up a station in
whatever exotic DX location, and renting the operating to anyone on the web.
It would also allow almost any licensed ham to be a guest operator at your,
or anyone else's station. No doubt the peanut gallery will have plenty to
say about this....

73s Tim EI8IC
www.mapability.com/ei8ic
Ham Map Heaven. Contest Resources.


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Richard Thorne" <rmthorne at cox.net>
To: "CQ Contest (mail list)" <cq-contest at contesting.com>
Sent: Tuesday, August 17, 2004 3:24 AM
Subject: [CQ-Contest] Remote operation entirely through IP?


> Blank
> KRISTINN:
>
> I've been running remote stations for the last several years.  Recently
> I started using two programs to handle my remote entirely over the
> internet using TCP/IP.
>
> I'm using TRX Manager (http://www.trx-manager.com) for rig/rotor/cw
> control. Laurent, the author, has done a great job supporting remote
> operations with his software.  It can be done via TCP/IP or packet. I
> use Skype for audio (http://www.skype.com).  Skype does a great job and
> works perfectly behind firewalls.  I have cable modems (read high speed
> internet connections) at both locations with a static IP address at my
> office.  There is a charge for TRX but Skype is free.
>
> The two programs have made remote operations almost plug and play.  You
> will need to come up with a rotor interface, I'm using an Idiom Press
> interface on my T2X along with some sort of automated antenna switching.
> I'm using a Microham Band decoder for this.
>
> My remote station is located 7 miles away at my office where I have a
> 60' tower on the roof and a F12 C3 Tribander and some wires for the low
> bands.  I just installed a TS-480 200 watt rig which is working great.
> I can control all its functions and its one of the few rigs (the TS-2000
> is the other) that can be turned on and off with software.
>
> This setup works great for dxing and rag chewing but needs some work for
> decent contesting, from an interface stand point.  I'm now experimenting
> with a Lantronix IP to Serial device.  This device will extend my com
> ports over the internet to the remote location.
>
> As far as this being permissable I don't see a problem with it.  My
> remote location is the only place I can have a station.  To take it a
> step further I don't see a problem locating the station at a remote dx
> spot.  Whats the difference wether you fly to the location or access the
> station via the net.
>
> However, it would be a problem if you spread your station out over
> different locations.  For example running a multi-op via remote to
> different 'band' locations to reduce inter station interferance.
>
> I have toyed with the idea of installing a good transmitt antenna at my
> office for the low bands and a K9AY receiving array in my back yard here
> at the house to use with my 756ProII.  I would do this for dxing only
> but I'm not sure if this is in the spirit either for furthering my DXCC
> totals.
>
> If you have any questions on my setup let me know, I'll be glad to help
> if I can.
>
> Rich Thorne
> ARS: N5ZC
> AMA: N5ZC
> Amarillo, TX
>
>
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