Remote Stations

One technical challenge I enjoy involves remote operations.

Flex-6400

The Flex-6400 can be remotely operated via the SmartConnect link embedded in the radio’s software.

I especially enjoy using the Mac OS and iOS SmartSDR clients. They work extremely well.

I’ve started experimenting with using Chrome Remote Desktop to remotely access the Flex from the Macbook Pro in my home office. Sure, I could just walk downstairs, but it’s fun to try new things.

ICOM IC-705

SDR-Control on MacOS

The same developer of the SmartSDR for Mac and iOS has developed a set of applications for remote access to selected ICOM transceivers called SDR-Control. The application runs on MacOS, iPad, and iPhone.

I have successfully used SDR-Control to access my IC-705, and have tested it with another operator’s IC-7610.

Windows 11

I now run Windows 11 under Parallels on a Macbook. This gives me access to Winlink and VARA FM, and various Windows-only packet programs. See the description here.

ICOM IC-7300

The IC-7300 does not have the network circuitry needed to permit “out-of-the-box” control like the IC-705 or IC-7610 using SDR-Control. Apparently, there is a USB control option that I have yet to explore.

However, I do use and enjoy remote control of my IC-7300 using the RemoteTx.net service. This service allows me to access my IC-7300 from a web browser.

I have experimented with remote control via an early version of the RigPi station server.

ICOM IC-9700

The 9700 can be controlled remotely via the SDR-Control and SDR-Mobile apps.

NARC mountaintop stations

Some colleagues and I have been experimenting with remote access to the NARC mountaintop station’s IC-7610 and Flex 6400M radios. Access to the IC-7610 is easy via the MacOS SDR-Control or iOS SDR-Mobile apps, but this requires connecting to the NARC VPN. Access to the Flex 6400M can be made via SmartLink and SmartSDR for Windows, Mac OS, or iOS. We have a very nice array of antennas “up at the mountain,” so this has been an enjoyable experiment.