Hi All, I've been tinkering with remote operation. It's been on my "wish list" since I saw my first demo by Paul, W9AC, at FDIM a few years ago. He was using his TS-480, which is a fairly easy rig to set up for remote operation. I say "easy", but there is some complexity to it. However, it is very intriguing.
Right now I'm using my TS-480, and I've acquired the Swedish "RemoteRig" system to accomplish the task. This is a very nice system! It makes the process somewhat less complex than what W9AC was using. However, what I really have my eye on is the possibility of doing remote operation with my K3. Obviously, the K3 is a far better radio than the TS-480, and to have something like that available on a remote basis would be very cool indeed. Elecraft currently has the K3/0 unit available, and I got to see it in action when Eric came down for our Tucson Hamfest a month or so ago. Eric was remote operating his K3 back in California, and it was very impressive indeed. He really has a Cadillac system set up, and some great software which allows him to control just about everything in his shack--including his antennas and amplifier! The RemoteRig accessory package is part of the system. Eventually I may opt for the K3/0, but what I'm really hoping for is that Wayne's inference that "someday" the KX3 might be a possibility to match remotely with a K3 at your base location. I sure hope this comes to pass, since I also have a KX3. The K3/0 is probably more capable, but it also has more bulk. However, since the architecture of the KX3 is different from the K3, I suspect there will still be something else required to hang on the end of the KX3 to enable remote operation. I further assume that the RemoteRig system (or something similar) will also be required. Remote operating opens up a lot of doors. For me, it's potentially very beneficial. We travel in the summer a good bit, and I can remote back to my home station without having to drag along a lot more equipment and antenna options. Motel stays can be a lot more enjoyable!!! Then there is the plight of folks with deed restrictions. What if you could set up something remotely somewhere, outside the restriction area, and have a reasonably competent station? I'm sort of one of those too. My antennas are definitely compromise due to deed restrictions. I can tell you, just from what I've been able to do so far, that remote operation has improved to where just about all modes are possible with reasonable efficiency. I'm primarily CW, and the keying issue is pretty effectively resolved with the RemoteRig system. I can't do QSK, and there is a very, very slight delay, but it's nominal. It's not the "end all" solution, but it's pretty darned good! With my TS-480 I just have to carry the remote head, the small RemoteRig control side box (another box is connected at the other end with the radio itself), a computer, and a small power supply. You only need the computer to connect you to a WiFi system. You do have to set up a "virtual private network (VPN) connection on the computer, but once you do it once, you just activate it each time you begin operation. No additional software is required, although you can use some if it suits you better. It can get more complex at the base station end, depending on what controllability features you want, like turning things on and off, antenna control, etc. The control head functions just as it would if you were directly connected to the rig itself. As long as the WiFi is half way decent, you are in business! A K3 based remote system would be pretty much the same arrangement except you substitute the K3/0 for the TS-480 remote head. If this peaks anyone's interest, you might want to download the manual for the RemoteRig system. It describes how to set up a system for various rigs, including the K3. Also, I'm sure others have considerably more advanced setups than I have, so there may be a lot of additional info available from this group, including corrections of anything I may have misstated here. I'm still in the "novice" class on remote operation, but what I've been able to do so far is pretty fascinating. Dave W7AQK ______________________________________________________________ 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
