Remote HF Station |
The GCARC Remote HF Radio System
By Chris Prioli, AD2CS
It has been a little while since this topic has been discussed, so I figured that it was time to make a change in that history. As most if not all of you already know, GCARC has a full-legal-power HF radio system available for use by Club members from the comfort of their homes. Lately, this radio system has been seeing an increase in use by Club members, and that is great! That is exactly why the system exists, and I hope that this increased use continues.
To refresh the memories of those of you who may have forgotten, use of the radio is on a first-come, first-served basis, managed by a public calendar to which all users of the radio have access. The rules that were developed to help ensure equitable access to the radio system specify a few key points. (The guidance document from which this information is drawn is attached to the end of this article.) The key points are :
These are the basic rules under which the radio time is shared by Club members. There are some time periods when the radio is not available due to being reserved for Club use purposes co-incident to various Clubhouse activities. Examples might include the Dinner at the Clubhouse evenings and the Tech Saturday Forum.
It is also possible that the Club might book the radio for all or part of certain on-air Contesting events, so as to allow a group of interested Club members use the system from the Clubhouse. As far as Contests go, however, the rules specifically state that no single user can reserve the radio for the entire period of time that a contest is active. This is to ensure that other interested Club members have an opportunity to participate in the same contest using the Club’s radio system.
Recently, we had a period of instability in the remote system that started with an un-commanded upgrade to Windows 11. That “upgrade” caused all sorts of problems with the working of the system. In the midst of correcting that issue, we then lost a sound card in one of the external peripherals. Ultimately, with the operating system completely removed and the drive freshly partitioned, a clean install of the operating system was installed and configured, the failed sound card was replaced, and we got everything properly configured and operating again. The system is in good shape and should be rock-solid and reliable at this point.
Remember that all licensed Club members can obtain authorization to use the remote radio. I trained three new users on a recent Sunday morning, and I have added them to the user list. However, the more users that we have who are able to use the system, the more we have to stick to the guidelines when we use the system.
To make it simple to get to the Clubhouse Calendar, it is a good idea to create a shortcut to that calendar on the Desktop of your computer. This can easily be done by following the steps below :
1. Right-click on a blank spot on your Desktop, and select New > Shortcut.
2. In the Create Shortcut dialog box that appears, type the text string https://teamup.com/ksfzzr4y6atkr45biv in the blank line labeled “Type the location of the item”, and then click Next.
3. The new dialog box that appears is labeled “What would you like to name the shortcut?”… to which you will type Clubhouse Calendar into the text box under the string instructing you to “Type a name for this shortcut:”.
4. Click the Finish button and the new shortcut will appear on your Desktop.
5. It may be desirable to change the icon associated with this shortcut to something that you will instantly recognize as a calendar, which will separate this icon from any other web-page shortcut icons that may also be on the Desktop.
6. To change the shortcut icon, right-click on the shortcut icon and select Properties.
A. Click on the Change Icon button on the Web Document tab.
B. Click on one of the icons shown there for the browser in use on your system, or click Browse to select an icon from a different location.
C. After clicking the browse button, browse to the specific location and file as follows : C:\Windows\System32\SHELL32.dll. Note that the actual path to the SYSTEM32 folder may be different on individual machines. For this reason, it is also possible to enter the path into the box by typing the string : %SystemRoot%\System32\SHELL32.dll which will effectively point to the
same location.
D. A collection of icons stored within that Dynamic Link Library (.dll) file will appear.
E. Choose one of the icons for use with your Calendar shortcut by clicking on the desired icon and then clicking the OK button.
F. Then click the Apply button, and the icon will be assigned to the shortcut.
There is probably already a shortcut to the RC Forb Client software on your desktop, placed there when the application was installed to your computer. This is, of course, the software that is used to access the remote radio system.
Remember that the specific frequencies to which any member will have access within the remote system will depend upon the license that the individual member holds at the time that the member is added to the remote radio user list. The software will help to keep you legal by not permitting you to tune a frequency which is not permitted for your license level. As a result, if you should happen to upgrade your license to one at a higher-level, you must specifically request the increased privileges, as the upgrade will not be automatically recognized by the software. All that it takes is an e-mail to me and I will make the change in the system.
As you use the remote radio, remember that the radio’s native output power must be reduced to about 35 watts when the linear RF amplifier is used. Also remember that this radio will not automatically select the correct sideband for use based upon the selected operating frequency. It is the user’s responsibility to make the proper sideband selection.
All of the required antenna tuning has already been done, and the system will select the correct antenna from the available array of antennas when an operating band is selected. The antenna rotator control will allow the user to point the antenna in the desired direction. We no longer require the antenna to be parked at the 45° azimuth as we previously had done. This is because we have decided that it is better not to cause excessive wear in the one spot in the rotator system, but instead to allow the antenna to remain in different positions when not in use. If it is parked in the same spot all of the time, that particular spot in the rotator system will see accelerated wear because of the wind acting on the antenna.
If any member reading this decides that remote access is something in which you have an interest but you are not yet a user of the system, drop me an email and I will set up a training meeting for you. At that meeting, we will configure the software and familiarize you with the RC Forb client interface, including instruction on the use of the amplifier and the rotator system. We will also spend a few minutes discussing the Clubhouse Calendar and how to use it to reserve the radio for your use. Training takes about an hour and a half in most cases, and it can be done via a special ZOOM session. The radio is available to all licensed Club members – including those who hold Technician tickets. There is currently a lot of activity on ten meters and even some on six meters, so why not?
The remote radio system is one of the nice perks of membership in our Club. Unfortunately, most of the time, that radio sits there idle and is vastly under-utilized, but that does not have to be the case. This system is available to all licensed members, so let’s make use of it!
By Chris Prioli, AD2CS
It has been a little while since this topic has been discussed, so I figured that it was time to make a change in that history. As most if not all of you already know, GCARC has a full-legal-power HF radio system available for use by Club members from the comfort of their homes. Lately, this radio system has been seeing an increase in use by Club members, and that is great! That is exactly why the system exists, and I hope that this increased use continues.
To refresh the memories of those of you who may have forgotten, use of the radio is on a first-come, first-served basis, managed by a public calendar to which all users of the radio have access. The rules that were developed to help ensure equitable access to the radio system specify a few key points. (The guidance document from which this information is drawn is attached to the end of this article.) The key points are :
- Use of the radio must be by reservation as entered on the Clubhouse Calendar.
- Any time period that is not already claimed by another user or Club function is available for personal use.
- It is acceptable to reserve radio time immediately before the time period begins if no other user has previously booked the time period.
- Any user who has reserved time on the Clubhouse Calendar takes precedence over any user who may be operating the radio but did not in fact book the time in the Clubhouse Calendar, at which time the “un-booked” user must relinquish control of the radio system to the “booked” user.
These are the basic rules under which the radio time is shared by Club members. There are some time periods when the radio is not available due to being reserved for Club use purposes co-incident to various Clubhouse activities. Examples might include the Dinner at the Clubhouse evenings and the Tech Saturday Forum.
It is also possible that the Club might book the radio for all or part of certain on-air Contesting events, so as to allow a group of interested Club members use the system from the Clubhouse. As far as Contests go, however, the rules specifically state that no single user can reserve the radio for the entire period of time that a contest is active. This is to ensure that other interested Club members have an opportunity to participate in the same contest using the Club’s radio system.
Recently, we had a period of instability in the remote system that started with an un-commanded upgrade to Windows 11. That “upgrade” caused all sorts of problems with the working of the system. In the midst of correcting that issue, we then lost a sound card in one of the external peripherals. Ultimately, with the operating system completely removed and the drive freshly partitioned, a clean install of the operating system was installed and configured, the failed sound card was replaced, and we got everything properly configured and operating again. The system is in good shape and should be rock-solid and reliable at this point.
Remember that all licensed Club members can obtain authorization to use the remote radio. I trained three new users on a recent Sunday morning, and I have added them to the user list. However, the more users that we have who are able to use the system, the more we have to stick to the guidelines when we use the system.
To make it simple to get to the Clubhouse Calendar, it is a good idea to create a shortcut to that calendar on the Desktop of your computer. This can easily be done by following the steps below :
1. Right-click on a blank spot on your Desktop, and select New > Shortcut.
2. In the Create Shortcut dialog box that appears, type the text string https://teamup.com/ksfzzr4y6atkr45biv in the blank line labeled “Type the location of the item”, and then click Next.
3. The new dialog box that appears is labeled “What would you like to name the shortcut?”… to which you will type Clubhouse Calendar into the text box under the string instructing you to “Type a name for this shortcut:”.
4. Click the Finish button and the new shortcut will appear on your Desktop.
5. It may be desirable to change the icon associated with this shortcut to something that you will instantly recognize as a calendar, which will separate this icon from any other web-page shortcut icons that may also be on the Desktop.
6. To change the shortcut icon, right-click on the shortcut icon and select Properties.
A. Click on the Change Icon button on the Web Document tab.
B. Click on one of the icons shown there for the browser in use on your system, or click Browse to select an icon from a different location.
C. After clicking the browse button, browse to the specific location and file as follows : C:\Windows\System32\SHELL32.dll. Note that the actual path to the SYSTEM32 folder may be different on individual machines. For this reason, it is also possible to enter the path into the box by typing the string : %SystemRoot%\System32\SHELL32.dll which will effectively point to the
same location.
D. A collection of icons stored within that Dynamic Link Library (.dll) file will appear.
E. Choose one of the icons for use with your Calendar shortcut by clicking on the desired icon and then clicking the OK button.
F. Then click the Apply button, and the icon will be assigned to the shortcut.
There is probably already a shortcut to the RC Forb Client software on your desktop, placed there when the application was installed to your computer. This is, of course, the software that is used to access the remote radio system.
Remember that the specific frequencies to which any member will have access within the remote system will depend upon the license that the individual member holds at the time that the member is added to the remote radio user list. The software will help to keep you legal by not permitting you to tune a frequency which is not permitted for your license level. As a result, if you should happen to upgrade your license to one at a higher-level, you must specifically request the increased privileges, as the upgrade will not be automatically recognized by the software. All that it takes is an e-mail to me and I will make the change in the system.
As you use the remote radio, remember that the radio’s native output power must be reduced to about 35 watts when the linear RF amplifier is used. Also remember that this radio will not automatically select the correct sideband for use based upon the selected operating frequency. It is the user’s responsibility to make the proper sideband selection.
All of the required antenna tuning has already been done, and the system will select the correct antenna from the available array of antennas when an operating band is selected. The antenna rotator control will allow the user to point the antenna in the desired direction. We no longer require the antenna to be parked at the 45° azimuth as we previously had done. This is because we have decided that it is better not to cause excessive wear in the one spot in the rotator system, but instead to allow the antenna to remain in different positions when not in use. If it is parked in the same spot all of the time, that particular spot in the rotator system will see accelerated wear because of the wind acting on the antenna.
If any member reading this decides that remote access is something in which you have an interest but you are not yet a user of the system, drop me an email and I will set up a training meeting for you. At that meeting, we will configure the software and familiarize you with the RC Forb client interface, including instruction on the use of the amplifier and the rotator system. We will also spend a few minutes discussing the Clubhouse Calendar and how to use it to reserve the radio for your use. Training takes about an hour and a half in most cases, and it can be done via a special ZOOM session. The radio is available to all licensed Club members – including those who hold Technician tickets. There is currently a lot of activity on ten meters and even some on six meters, so why not?
The remote radio system is one of the nice perks of membership in our Club. Unfortunately, most of the time, that radio sits there idle and is vastly under-utilized, but that does not have to be the case. This system is available to all licensed members, so let’s make use of it!
GCARC HF Station Usage Guidelines
- All members who wish to operate the HF Station, either locally at the Clubhouse or from a remote location, are to reserve operating time for use of the station via the Clubhouse Calendar.
- Members may schedule a time period immediately before use if the time slot is open.
- No single user may block out any time period that encompasses an entire contest period.
- For major contests, as determined by our Contests Committee Chair, the station may be reserved for multi-operator local use at the Clubhouse, and therefore may not be available for remote use.
- The HF Station will be reserved for local use at the Clubhouse from 1000 to 1400 hrs on all Tech Saturday Forum dates.
- The HF Station will be reserved for local use at the Clubhouse from 1800 to 2100 hrs on all Dinner @ The W2MMD Clubhouse dates.
- Any member who reserves time on the HF Station and does not exercise that reserved time period within twenty minutes of the scheduled start time may be pre-empted by another user.
- When reserving a usage period via the Clubhouse Calendar, be sure to enter your call sign in the Who block, and to enter a valid phone number where you can be reached during the scheduled time period.
- If you find yourself not using the time period that you have reserved, or if you finish up prior to the expiration of your reserved time, go back to the Clubhouse Calendar and revise the time period to reflect the actual times, so that other members will see that the station is available for use. DO NOT DELETE YOUR RESERVATION ENTRY!
HF Antenna
Tech support for help in using our Remote HF Station
at our W2MMD Clubhouse
Please contact Chris Prioli, AD2CS at : ad2cs <at> arrl <dot> net
Phone : 1-856-689-6783
at our W2MMD Clubhouse
Please contact Chris Prioli, AD2CS at : ad2cs <at> arrl <dot> net
Phone : 1-856-689-6783
Virtual_Audio_Cable_Issue_Resolved_2022-07-26.PDF
Clubhouse Calendar Event Box
How To Use The Clubhouse Calendar
Whether you are going to the Clubhouse to operate or using Remote Operating, all members are required to use the “Clubhouse Calendar” on the website to book time slots for all operating.
1. There are two ways to access the Clubhouse Calendar :
3. Enter the Event Title (e.g., CQ WPX CW Contest, Local Operating, etc).
4. Make sure the date and times are set. It defaults to “All day”, but un-check it to enter specific times.
5. Under the Calendar field, you have four options :
7. Under the Where field, enter W2MMD Clubhouse if you will be there, Home if you are remote operating.
8. Under the Description field, type a brief description of what you will be doing (e.g., remote operating for a contest, local operating, working, etc.).
9. Click Save.
Be advised that everyone is an administrator on this calendar, so yes, you can delete someone else’s appointment.
So let’s have a little respect for our fellow members and use this calendar correctly.
Whether you are going to the Clubhouse to operate or using Remote Operating, all members are required to use the “Clubhouse Calendar” on the website to book time slots for all operating.
1. There are two ways to access the Clubhouse Calendar :
- Go to Clubhouse Calendar menu on the left hand menus on the website.
- Or click the Clubhouse Calendar button on the Remote HF Station page.
3. Enter the Event Title (e.g., CQ WPX CW Contest, Local Operating, etc).
4. Make sure the date and times are set. It defaults to “All day”, but un-check it to enter specific times.
5. Under the Calendar field, you have four options :
- Clubhouse Events is used for such things as Tech Saturday or the Board meeting.
- Clubhouse Operating is used if you are going to the Clubhouse to operate, either using the HF radio or bringing your own radio.
- Clubhouse Work is used if you planning to do some work at the Clubhouse such as cut the grass, weed whack, paint the shed, etc.
- Remote Operating is used if you will be operating the HF radio remotely.
7. Under the Where field, enter W2MMD Clubhouse if you will be there, Home if you are remote operating.
8. Under the Description field, type a brief description of what you will be doing (e.g., remote operating for a contest, local operating, working, etc.).
9. Click Save.
Be advised that everyone is an administrator on this calendar, so yes, you can delete someone else’s appointment.
So let’s have a little respect for our fellow members and use this calendar correctly.
Remote HF Station : KPA1500 Amplifier Update – January 21, 2022
By John Hill, W2HUV
The KPA1500 amplifier has been available for six months now. It has been necessary to leave the amplifier power on to avoid spurious trips of the dedicated 15A Lightning Protection circuit breaker custom designed by Ron Block, NR2B. Ron determined that the corrective action would be to replace the 15A breaker with a 20A breaker. The new breaker was installed on January 8, 2022. I am happy to report that the issue has been resolved. The reason for the delay was that the breaker had to be custom assembled because it is one of a kind.
It is no longer necessary to leave amplifier power on. In fact, we don’t want you to leave it on. An “Auto-Track Radio Power” option has been enabled in the server to ensure that amplifier power is turned off. Amplifier power is turned on when you turn on the radio if it was on before the radio was turned off.
In short, you may disconnect and not worry about turning off the radio and amplifier. The radio is turned off if no one signs on within 60 seconds. There is five-minute timer that prevents anyone from turning on the radio until the delay is completed.
Have fun!
By John Hill, W2HUV
The KPA1500 amplifier has been available for six months now. It has been necessary to leave the amplifier power on to avoid spurious trips of the dedicated 15A Lightning Protection circuit breaker custom designed by Ron Block, NR2B. Ron determined that the corrective action would be to replace the 15A breaker with a 20A breaker. The new breaker was installed on January 8, 2022. I am happy to report that the issue has been resolved. The reason for the delay was that the breaker had to be custom assembled because it is one of a kind.
It is no longer necessary to leave amplifier power on. In fact, we don’t want you to leave it on. An “Auto-Track Radio Power” option has been enabled in the server to ensure that amplifier power is turned off. Amplifier power is turned on when you turn on the radio if it was on before the radio was turned off.
In short, you may disconnect and not worry about turning off the radio and amplifier. The radio is turned off if no one signs on within 60 seconds. There is five-minute timer that prevents anyone from turning on the radio until the delay is completed.
Have fun!
Remote HF Station: KPA1500 Amplifier Now Available!
By John Hill, W2HUV
It was announced that the Remote HF Station was ready for prime time two years ago on 7/19/2019. An Elecraft KPA1500 Solid State Amplifier has since been added to the station. The station now consists of an ICOM IC-7300 transceiver, KPA1500 amplifier, 54’ crank-up tower with a 12/17 meter beam, a 10/15/20 meter beam, a 40 meter beam, a common rotator and an inverted-V for 80 meters. Free software available from RemoteHams.com is used for remote control. The RCForb Server is used at the Remote station (W2MMD-HF) and the RCForb Client is used at the Control station (your Windows laptop or PC).
Help topics are provided under “Remote HF Station” on the GCARC website. The help topics have been thoroughly reviewed and revised to reflect addition of the amplifier and other changes that have occurred, such as rotator replacement. Prospective users are encouraged to read “Getting Started” and install the RCForb client as directed. That includes sending an email to ad2cs <at> arrl <dot> net requesting addition to the Authorized User list. The topic now includes "Amplifier Operation" and "Phone Operation" sections, which are crucial to a basic understanding of station operation.
Prospective amplifier users are required to attend training in small groups at the W2MMD Clubhouse on Tech Saturdays or by appointment.
Enjoy!
By John Hill, W2HUV
It was announced that the Remote HF Station was ready for prime time two years ago on 7/19/2019. An Elecraft KPA1500 Solid State Amplifier has since been added to the station. The station now consists of an ICOM IC-7300 transceiver, KPA1500 amplifier, 54’ crank-up tower with a 12/17 meter beam, a 10/15/20 meter beam, a 40 meter beam, a common rotator and an inverted-V for 80 meters. Free software available from RemoteHams.com is used for remote control. The RCForb Server is used at the Remote station (W2MMD-HF) and the RCForb Client is used at the Control station (your Windows laptop or PC).
Help topics are provided under “Remote HF Station” on the GCARC website. The help topics have been thoroughly reviewed and revised to reflect addition of the amplifier and other changes that have occurred, such as rotator replacement. Prospective users are encouraged to read “Getting Started” and install the RCForb client as directed. That includes sending an email to ad2cs <at> arrl <dot> net requesting addition to the Authorized User list. The topic now includes "Amplifier Operation" and "Phone Operation" sections, which are crucial to a basic understanding of station operation.
Prospective amplifier users are required to attend training in small groups at the W2MMD Clubhouse on Tech Saturdays or by appointment.
Enjoy!
WSJT-X Tone Distortion Issue
By John Hill, W2HUV
July 19, 2020
The AC7AV video http://youtu.be/lO5Da4fyt2k includes recordings of distortion generated by the RemoteHams.com audio compression methods as well as a work around. The work around is to mix a tiny amount of white noise with the WSJT-X audio output. Al Arrison, KB2AYU, and I have verified that this issue applies to the Remote HF Station and the Remote VHF Station (when it becomes available).
It is amazing that I have been making FT8/FT4 QSOs using the Remote HF Station since January of 2019 and never knew that there was an issue! As they say, “Ignorance is bliss”.
I have already tested the free Windows White Noise app (https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/p/white-noise/9wzdncrdfs44?activetab=pivot:overviewtab) available at the Microsoft Store with the CABLE Input (Audio Virtual Cable) output device and it does works.
An interesting observation is that there no longer is any ALC action. The ALC stays at zero. It is now apparent that the ALC increases as the noise builds up without the white noise and that most of the power output goes into the noise. The power level no longer exceeds about 45 to 50 watts.
I have completed rewriting the WSJT-X Operation.PDF help topic to incorporate the use of the free Windows White Noise app. Jeff has uploaded it to the website on the Remote HF Station page.
By John Hill, W2HUV
July 19, 2020
The AC7AV video http://youtu.be/lO5Da4fyt2k includes recordings of distortion generated by the RemoteHams.com audio compression methods as well as a work around. The work around is to mix a tiny amount of white noise with the WSJT-X audio output. Al Arrison, KB2AYU, and I have verified that this issue applies to the Remote HF Station and the Remote VHF Station (when it becomes available).
It is amazing that I have been making FT8/FT4 QSOs using the Remote HF Station since January of 2019 and never knew that there was an issue! As they say, “Ignorance is bliss”.
I have already tested the free Windows White Noise app (https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/p/white-noise/9wzdncrdfs44?activetab=pivot:overviewtab) available at the Microsoft Store with the CABLE Input (Audio Virtual Cable) output device and it does works.
An interesting observation is that there no longer is any ALC action. The ALC stays at zero. It is now apparent that the ALC increases as the noise builds up without the white noise and that most of the power output goes into the noise. The power level no longer exceeds about 45 to 50 watts.
I have completed rewriting the WSJT-X Operation.PDF help topic to incorporate the use of the free Windows White Noise app. Jeff has uploaded it to the website on the Remote HF Station page.
WSJT-X Integration Into N1MM+
By John Hill, W2HUV
The World Wide Radio Operators Foundation (WWROF) Slovenia Contest Club sponsored the first World Wide Digi DX Contest (WWDIGI) on Labor Day weekend. It was a tremendous success! It is likely to be followed by Digi versions of the popular ARRL and CQ DX contests. There was a frantic effort to update contest logging software in the weeks just prior to the contest to provide new features required. This included the folks that update the free N1MM+ software.
What is unique about this contest, other than the need to run WSJT-X or JTDX for FT8/FT4 decoding, is that the multiplier is grid fields, not grid squares. The world is divided into an 18 x 18 equal grid for a total of 324 grid fields as opposed to a 180 x 180 equal grid for a total of 32,400 grid squares. Grid fields are much more manageable for a worldwide DX contest than grid squares. The problem is that grid fields haven’t been used before, so the challenge was making contest logging software identify grid fields that are new, worked, or duped on each band.
The N1MM+ approach to this challenge was to provide a “WSJT-X Decode List” that highlights stations in grid fields that are new, worked, or duped on each band in red, blue, or gray text. The same background colors are used to highlight the same stations in the “Band Activity” window of the WSJT-X clone. The clone is opened from within N1MM+ by opening the “Load WSJT/JTDX” window. Data is exchanged between the two via software linkage. N1MM+ CAT control must be used and is specified by selecting the rig “DX Lab Suite Commander” in the WSJT-X clone. There is no need to install “DX Lab Suite Commander”.
Here is what the highlighting looks like in WSJT-X and N1MM+. You may double click a line in either list to initiate an exchange.
By John Hill, W2HUV
The World Wide Radio Operators Foundation (WWROF) Slovenia Contest Club sponsored the first World Wide Digi DX Contest (WWDIGI) on Labor Day weekend. It was a tremendous success! It is likely to be followed by Digi versions of the popular ARRL and CQ DX contests. There was a frantic effort to update contest logging software in the weeks just prior to the contest to provide new features required. This included the folks that update the free N1MM+ software.
What is unique about this contest, other than the need to run WSJT-X or JTDX for FT8/FT4 decoding, is that the multiplier is grid fields, not grid squares. The world is divided into an 18 x 18 equal grid for a total of 324 grid fields as opposed to a 180 x 180 equal grid for a total of 32,400 grid squares. Grid fields are much more manageable for a worldwide DX contest than grid squares. The problem is that grid fields haven’t been used before, so the challenge was making contest logging software identify grid fields that are new, worked, or duped on each band.
The N1MM+ approach to this challenge was to provide a “WSJT-X Decode List” that highlights stations in grid fields that are new, worked, or duped on each band in red, blue, or gray text. The same background colors are used to highlight the same stations in the “Band Activity” window of the WSJT-X clone. The clone is opened from within N1MM+ by opening the “Load WSJT/JTDX” window. Data is exchanged between the two via software linkage. N1MM+ CAT control must be used and is specified by selecting the rig “DX Lab Suite Commander” in the WSJT-X clone. There is no need to install “DX Lab Suite Commander”.
Here is what the highlighting looks like in WSJT-X and N1MM+. You may double click a line in either list to initiate an exchange.
Other features provided are a “Grid Fields Map” added to the “Multipliers” windows and upgrading the “Generate Cabrillo File” option to provide the Cabrillo 3.0 file required for the contest.
I used this configuration while I was operating the Remote HF Station during the contest. Unfortunately, CAT control was lost frequently. My only choice was to close the clone, close N1MM+, open N1MM+, and open the clone. This was a real pain and had a big effect on my QSO rate. I later found out that this issue only occurred when the rig specified for CAT control was an Elecraft K3, which is the case when using the Remote HF station. The issue has since been resolved. The new configuration appears to work flawlessly now. I recently made twenty-nine 40-meter FT8 QSOs in an hour, which is near the maximum possible.
I have revised the Using N1MM Logger.PDF on the Remote HF Station page to switch to this method for FT8/FT4 operation.
Official instructions for using the “WSJT Decode List” with N1MM+ are located at :
https://n1mmwp.hamdocs.com/manual-windows/wsjt-x-decode-list-window
Automatic Antenna Selection For A Remotely Controlled Station
By John Hill, W2HUV
I submitted an article with this title to QST back in March. I was advised of the tentative decision to publish it in the 2019 November issue in June. I completed proofreading the copy in the first week of September. It appears that it will be published in the 2019 November issue as planned!
The article describes how I added automatic antenna selection circuitry and LED indication to the tiny 3.75 × 2.75 × 1.75 inch box for the MFJ-4716RC remote control selector switch for the MFJ-4716 six-position antenna switch that we purchased for the Remote HF Station.
You’ll have to read the article for more information. I am very excited about it because it will be my first article published in a major magazine. Please look at it when the November issue of QST comes out. The digital version of the magazine should be available in the first week of October.
By John Hill, W2HUV
I submitted an article with this title to QST back in March. I was advised of the tentative decision to publish it in the 2019 November issue in June. I completed proofreading the copy in the first week of September. It appears that it will be published in the 2019 November issue as planned!
The article describes how I added automatic antenna selection circuitry and LED indication to the tiny 3.75 × 2.75 × 1.75 inch box for the MFJ-4716RC remote control selector switch for the MFJ-4716 six-position antenna switch that we purchased for the Remote HF Station.
You’ll have to read the article for more information. I am very excited about it because it will be my first article published in a major magazine. Please look at it when the November issue of QST comes out. The digital version of the magazine should be available in the first week of October.
Remote HF Station :
DX Commander and VOX Not Required For WSJT-X Operation
By John Hill, W2HUV
Years ago, I was taught “Never assume anything” and “Have a questioning attitude”. Occasionally, I forget to apply these rules. I assumed DX Commander would be required for WSJT-X operation because it is required when I am operating a RemoteHamRadio.com station. I received a call from Eric, N2BRJ, a few days ago. We discussed anything that came to mind regarding use of the Remote HF Station for about an hour. Eric brought to my attention the fact that he couldn’t get DX Commander to work, so he tried not using it (an example of having a questioning attitude). Much to his surprise, it worked! I tried it and had the same experience!
I have since revised WSJT-X Operation.PDF to eliminate the use of DX commander. This also eliminates the need to use the client’s local VOX to transmit because setting the WSJT-X PTT Method to CAT now does the same. The changes have significantly reduced the complexity of getting setup for WSJT-X operation. Thanks for the call, Eric!
Please don’t hesitate to call me on me if you need help or have comments. I am retired and have plenty of time on my hands.
DX Commander and VOX Not Required For WSJT-X Operation
By John Hill, W2HUV
Years ago, I was taught “Never assume anything” and “Have a questioning attitude”. Occasionally, I forget to apply these rules. I assumed DX Commander would be required for WSJT-X operation because it is required when I am operating a RemoteHamRadio.com station. I received a call from Eric, N2BRJ, a few days ago. We discussed anything that came to mind regarding use of the Remote HF Station for about an hour. Eric brought to my attention the fact that he couldn’t get DX Commander to work, so he tried not using it (an example of having a questioning attitude). Much to his surprise, it worked! I tried it and had the same experience!
I have since revised WSJT-X Operation.PDF to eliminate the use of DX commander. This also eliminates the need to use the client’s local VOX to transmit because setting the WSJT-X PTT Method to CAT now does the same. The changes have significantly reduced the complexity of getting setup for WSJT-X operation. Thanks for the call, Eric!
Please don’t hesitate to call me on me if you need help or have comments. I am retired and have plenty of time on my hands.
Remote HF Station : Now Available To Club Members
By John Hill, W2HUV
The Remote HF Station is finally ready for prime time. The station consists of an ICOM IC-7300 transceiver, a 54 foot crank-up tower with a 12/17 Meter beam, a 10/15/20 Meter beam, a 40 Meter beam, a common rotator and an inverted-V for 80 Meters. Free software available from RemoteHams.com is used for remote control. The RCForb Server is used at the Remote station (W2MMD IC-7300) and the RCForb Client is used at the Control station (your Windows laptop or PC).
Help topics are provided under “Remote HF Station” on the GCARC website. Prospective users are encouraged to read Getting Started.PDF and install the RCForb Client as directed. That includes sending an email to ad2cs <at> arrl <dot> net requesting addition to the Authorized User List.
By John Hill, W2HUV
The Remote HF Station is finally ready for prime time. The station consists of an ICOM IC-7300 transceiver, a 54 foot crank-up tower with a 12/17 Meter beam, a 10/15/20 Meter beam, a 40 Meter beam, a common rotator and an inverted-V for 80 Meters. Free software available from RemoteHams.com is used for remote control. The RCForb Server is used at the Remote station (W2MMD IC-7300) and the RCForb Client is used at the Control station (your Windows laptop or PC).
Help topics are provided under “Remote HF Station” on the GCARC website. Prospective users are encouraged to read Getting Started.PDF and install the RCForb Client as directed. That includes sending an email to ad2cs <at> arrl <dot> net requesting addition to the Authorized User List.
Remote HF Station : Summer EURAO Party Premier Of FT4
By John Hill, W2HUV
The new European Radio Amateurs' Organization (EURAO) and the Summer EURAO Party were introduced in the ARRL Letter for July 18, 2019. The party was a gathering of FT4 users that occurred on the weekend of July 27 - 28 for 24 hours starting at 1200 UDT on Saturday. I took advantage of the gathering to try out FT4 for the first time using the Remote HF Station. It looked like a great way to practice for the WW Digi contest to take place on August 31 - September 1 sponsored by the World Wide Radio Operators Foundation (WWROF), in collaboration with the Slovenia Contest Club (SCC). It was announced in the same ARRL Letter.
It didn’t help that I didn’t previously read Jim Wright, N2GXJ’s excellent article, “How To Fix Frequencies List To Use For FT4” under “The Elmer’s Shack” on the GCARC website. His articles are not just for newbies, they are for everyone!
Anyway, it turns out that the frequencies listed in the EURAO Party announcement for 80, 40 and 20 were incorrect! I determined the frequencies needed by observing the frequencies used by stations monitoring FT4 transmissions on those bands on the PSKREPORTER.
I must say that I enjoyed FT4 operation more than FT8 operation due to the rapid pace. It felt more like I was in a contest.
Here are my statistics for the “gathering”:
You too may use the Remote HF Station to operate in the FT8 and FT4 modes. There is some preparation required though. Read WSJT-X Operation.PDF located under “Remote HF Station” on the GCARC website for more information.
By John Hill, W2HUV
The new European Radio Amateurs' Organization (EURAO) and the Summer EURAO Party were introduced in the ARRL Letter for July 18, 2019. The party was a gathering of FT4 users that occurred on the weekend of July 27 - 28 for 24 hours starting at 1200 UDT on Saturday. I took advantage of the gathering to try out FT4 for the first time using the Remote HF Station. It looked like a great way to practice for the WW Digi contest to take place on August 31 - September 1 sponsored by the World Wide Radio Operators Foundation (WWROF), in collaboration with the Slovenia Contest Club (SCC). It was announced in the same ARRL Letter.
It didn’t help that I didn’t previously read Jim Wright, N2GXJ’s excellent article, “How To Fix Frequencies List To Use For FT4” under “The Elmer’s Shack” on the GCARC website. His articles are not just for newbies, they are for everyone!
Anyway, it turns out that the frequencies listed in the EURAO Party announcement for 80, 40 and 20 were incorrect! I determined the frequencies needed by observing the frequencies used by stations monitoring FT4 transmissions on those bands on the PSKREPORTER.
I must say that I enjoyed FT4 operation more than FT8 operation due to the rapid pace. It felt more like I was in a contest.
Here are my statistics for the “gathering”:
- Bands : 20M and 40M
- Contacts : 112
- 20M 68
- 40M 44
- Entities : 34
- Hours : 6.55
You too may use the Remote HF Station to operate in the FT8 and FT4 modes. There is some preparation required though. Read WSJT-X Operation.PDF located under “Remote HF Station” on the GCARC website for more information.