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-boun...@mailman.qth.net > [mailto:elecraft-boun...@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 >> ______________________________________________________________ >> Elecraft mailing list >> Home:http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >> Help:http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >> Post:mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net >> >> This list hosted by:http://www.qsl.net >> Please help support this email list:http://www.qsl.net/donate.html >> >> >> -- >> 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 > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > > > -- > 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 ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
