What is an Internet Remote Base? Operate From Anywhere You Have Internet Access –All you need is a computer and a microphone Fully Operational Stations.

What is an Internet Remote Base?

• Operate From Anywhere You Have Internet Access– All you need is a computer and a microphone

• Fully Operational Stations ….. Not Just Repeater Access– SSB, AM, FM, CW– 160 thru 2 meters– Enjoy RagChews, Nets, Contests, Chasing DX

• Provides the “Look and Feel” of Your Local Station– Control of Radio, Antenna Selection, Rotator

Control, Amplifiers

Why Use an Internet Remote Base?

Antenna Restrictions

Educational DemosTravel

Different PropagationMonitor Your Signal

License Upgrade

No Radio

How Are Hams Using the Internet Remote Bases?

• Overcoming a Restricted Location– Condo, Apartment, Hotel, Hospital

• Overcoming Equipment Problems– Continue Net Ops After Storm Damages Antenna– Continue Scheduled Ops During House Move

• Optimizing Propagation– Continue Skeds After Moving Across Country– Work Europeans on 75 meters from the West Coast

– Foreign Hams Enjoying North America QSOs Anytime

How Are Hams Using the Internet Remote Bases?

• Getting Experience to Upgrade License– No-Code Tech Listening to HF Bands and Getting Code Proficiency

• Special Operations– Blind Operators Operating HF Without

Special Equipment

• Monitoring Station Performance– On Air Testing of New Antennas– Audio Checks

How Do You Operate an Internet Remote Base?

Station Control Interface Audio Interface

Microsoft NetMeeting“Free” -- Standard Business Conferencing Software

WebXCVR Windows Application“Free” – Software Download

How Do You Operate an Internet Remote Base?

Station Control Interface Audio Interface

Unique User Login ID and Password

Multiple Remote Bases Available

Standard “Radio” Interface for all Stations

S-Meter, Forward Power, SWR Updated Continuously

Push-to-Talk Control

Mouse and/or Keyboard Commanding

Level Control for Rx and Tx Audio

What Can You Actually Control?

Push-to-Talk

Frequency

Select Bands

R I T

Mode and IF Fiters

Mic Gain

Tx / Rx Equalization

Notch and Noise Reduction

AF and RF Gains

AGC

PreAmp & Attenuator

RF Power

AntennaRotator

Antenna Tuner

Who Can Use an Internet Remote Base?

• Based on FCC Regulations

• Any Foreign Amateur From a Country Having a Reciprocal Operating Agreement With the US

• Limited to the Privileges of their Own License and the Reciprocal Agreement

• Any Licensed U.S. Ham• Limited to the Privileges of Their Own License

• The Station Owner May Impose Other Restrictions

• Limit Users Based On Station Objectives, e.g. Club

• Station Unique Operational Guidelines

Who Is the Control Operator?

• Each User Is Assigned A Unique Login And Password

• Has Full Control Over Transmissions – Freq, Mode, Power, Duration

• The Remote Users Sign Their Own Callsigns

• They Must Indicate That The Transmissions Are Actually Via The Internet Remote Base Stations

• They Must Abide By The Callsign Requirements in the Reciprocal Agreements

• The Remote User Is The “Control Operator”

• The Internet Acts As a “Long Microphone Cord” Between The Control Operator and The Station

Currently Operational Internet Remote Base Stations

• W7DXX – North Easton MA– http://www.lamonica.com– TS2000, AL-1200 (80 meters), Dipole, Vertical, 2 meter Beam– Supports operation 80 through 2 meters

• W4MQ – Reston VA– http://www.w4mq.com– TS2000, AL-811(40 meters), Dipole, Mini-Beam– Supports operations 160 through 10 meters

• KA3ODJ – Bangor PA– http://ka3odj.servemp3.net– Pegasus, Vertical– Supports operations 80 through 10 meters

Where Do We Go From Here?

• IRBs Could Make Club and Contest Stations Always Available to their Members

• IRBs Facilitate Demonstration and Operation of Amateur Radio at ANY School– Expand the ARISS Program by Providing Access to

Space Station Astronauts For Longer than the 8-10 Minutes Visibility Window

– Talk Around the World Directly From the School

• IRBs Facilitate Demonstration of Amateur Radio at Public Events– Museum Exhibits– Shopping Malls, etc..– Special Events, Conventions, etc..

Where Do We Go From Here?

• IRBs Could Provide A Standard Interface For Disabled Amateurs – Keyboard Only (i.e. No Mouse) Interface– Voice Command Interface is Possible

• IRBs Allow Prospective Hams and No-Code Techs To Experience HF Without An Investment in Radios and Antennas

• World-wide Uses of IRBs Could Make RagChews Between “Foreign” Hams an Everyday Experience – Expand the International Flavor of Ham Radio– Make it More Interesting and Exciting To Attract New Hams

The End