Dave: > On Apr 11, 2019, at 11:51 PM, Dave Cole (NK7Z) <d...@nk7z.net> wrote: > > Hello, > > I am considering the use of a remote base type of setup to get away from the > RFI in my area. I have finally given up on trying to fight it, and want to > move the rig away from the city, as opposed to hunting down and correcting > every new RFI source endlessly. > > My station consists of a KPA500, P3, and K3. I am using a P3 external > keyboard, running an external computer to do FT8, and finally CW via the > radio, not using a computer. > > Is there a system which would allow the same functionality I now have, > remotely via the Internet?
Remote operation is certainly feasible, but it does introduce new considerations/tradeoffs. I’ve been operating remote since purchasing my K3 system in 2014 specifically for remote operation. About 80% of my operating is done remotely. 1. I use a K3/IO-mini with the Remote Rig setup to control the K3 because the K3/IO-Mini front panel is the same as the K3 and I avoid the need to use a computer to control the K3. 2. I control the KPA-500 using the Remote Rig RC-1216H as it provides a web-based front panel that matches the KPA-500. As it is a web-based interface, I can use any device (Mac, ioS iPhone or iPAD, Windows PC) to access the KPA-500 front panel. 3. I have the KAT-500 Tuner which I am forced to run the Elecraft Utility to manage it. I have a serial-to-ethernet converter in the ham shack and my network at the ham shack location is linked to my location (through VPN) so that the Windows computer at my location will connect to the KAT-500 serial interface. 4. I do not have access to my P3 operating remotely. Others have installed video cams aimed at their P3 to forward imagery to their location to see what the P3 is displaying. Others who do this may have some thoughts on managing the P3 remotely. 5. Antenna selection is done using an Antenna Genius from 4O3A. There are a total of 8 antenna ports and two radio ports. The K3 system is connected to Port A and communicates with the Elecraft through BCD to select the antenna based upon the band that the K3 is set (e.g. 10-15-20 goes to the tribander, other bands such as 40 and 80 to an EFHW with additional ports for a dummy load and future 6M antenna). The Elecraft interface to the AG is based upon Y-boxes developed by Bob Wilson, N6TV. See: https://www.kkn.net/~n6tv/Y-BOX/ <https://www.kkn.net/~n6tv/Y-BOX/> Antenna Genius Port B is used by my Flex-6700 Antenna Port ‘1” and associated hardware. The Flex communicates directly with the AG through a CAT5/Local Area Network connection. I also use the AG utility but it can only run in Windows and works with a remote connection through VPN. My primary use for the K3 is voice communications, so I have not delved into digital modes (yet). My presumption is that operating digital may require using the PC in the ham shack to do the actual digital operation while connecting to the shack PC via Team Viewer or other remote access software to manage the process. Again, others who are actually doing digital modes while operating remote may have specific suggestions. Overall, I’ve been very pleased with the K3 setup operating remotely. The Codec(s) used by Remote Rig require very low bandwidth while providing excellent audio. As my station is located in rural SE Georgia where internet access (at best) is typically 768 Kbps upload/20 Mbps download, I have no problems running the K3 remotely while using SSB. While I also enjoy the Flex (particularly since SmartSDR v2 was introduced that allows remote connection), slow internet is better handled by the K3 system because of the Remote Rig audio Codecs and the lack of panadapter/waterfall display that can take up bandwidth. FWIW, Barry Baines, WD4ASW > > -- > 73s and thanks, > Dave (NK7Z) > https://www.nk7z.net > ARRL Technical Specialist > ARRL Volunteer Examiner > ARRL OOC for Oregon > ______________________________________________________________ > 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 ______________________________________________________________ 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
