As I am looking for a transceiver, what hardware elements does it need to
work with this software?
There must be a USB port on the unit.
Which means, how old of a rig would have a USB port?
Glenn
----- Original Message -----
From: "Mike Keithley" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Thursday, June 18, 2015 10:12 AM
Subject: Remotehams.com
Following is from the latest Handiham newsletter:
Remotehams.com rig control software:
The Remotehams.com RCFORB client is in use at the WA0TDA HF remote base. We
think that this client is screenreader accessible and would like to hear
feedback from blind users. So far I have been delighted with this method of
controlling remote base HF radios around the world. The software does speak
the frequency readout and control settings for blind users, a feature
available in the settings. The nifty thing is that once you set up your
preferences in the settings, it applies across all of the radios available
around the world. For example, if I want to ask my IC-7200 what frequency it
is on, all I have to do is the keystroke combo ALT-SHIFT-F. Later that day
I decide to listen on a Flex radio in Alabama. I use the same keystroke to
ask the Flex to tell me the frequency. This is really nice because once I
learn the RCFORB software, the commands are pretty much universal across
radios, subject to the radio's features. Remember that the radio does not
need to have a special speech chip installed because the voice frequency
announcements are done in the RCFORB software, not the radio's hardware.
The procedure for getting the RCFORB software set up is a bit different than
what you are used to with remote base operation. Your first step is to the
website Remotehams.com and read about the system, which provides access to
many stations around the world as a volunteer effort. The RCFORB software
is free and works on Windows computers. You can support the project with a
donation if you wish. You should set up a free account. Uploading a copy
of your license is highly recommended if you expect to request transmit
privileges on any of the remotes.
The Remotehams system has several key advantages over our existing W4MQ
software:
1. It appears to be more blind accessible.
2. It is under current development.
3. It supports physical hardware devices on the client side, like K3
transceivers and a neat little hardware box into which you can plug a
microphone and key, though it can also be operated from a computer or
Windows tablet without these extra devices.
4. There is a great Android app that allows you to control radios from
your smartphone. It's under $10 and works well for me, though I have not
tested it with the Android screenreader.
5. You don't need a third-party audio application like Skype since it has
its own built in audio.
6. Multiple users can listen at the same time without resorting to
Echolink. The RCFORB client allows for a number of listeners with one
control op at a time.
7. From an administration standpoint, the host software for this system is
much easier to manage. If someone wants to use my station, all I need to do
is check my list for transmit requests and check the uploaded licenses for
verification. I can then add the user to the list of those who have
transmit permission. Although I did have to open several ports on my router
to the host computer, this is not necessary for the actual users of the
station, so the client software is very easy to set up. No fiddling with
your router's ports!
8. Finally, once you set up the RCFORB software there is access to many
stations. You don't have to worry about setting a special IP address for
each station as you do with the W4MQ software. This makes it much easier to
use many different stations, a definite advantage as band conditions change
from one geographic area to another.
Please consider testing the Remotehams.com system and letting me know what
you think about it.
|