Remote HF Radio Control Via the Internet

Most Internet aware hams are familiar with ILINK and IRLP - two systems that use the Internet to link users/VHF radios/repeaters around the globe. Several web based HF radio system have been developed using a browser interface to either listen to and/or talk on a remote HF radio.

We wanted to develop a point to point system which would allow real time remote control of the radio, utilize as many features of the radio as possible, be totally controllable remotely - not only radio wise but antenna wise and computer wise also.

The site we used to develop and test the system is KH7R in Hawaii. We have also tested the current remote system at KH2JU's QTH in Guam.

KH7R is a multi multi contest station (click HERE for pictures).

In early 2004, the KH7R contest station was sold to KH6YY.

Remote HF Station At KH7R

Features for the completed system include:

1. Complete remote control of the HF radio and the associated computer equipment.

2. Automatic band switching of multiple antennas for all of the ham bands, 160 meters thru 6 meters.

3. Rotation of antennas on one or more towers.

The basics of how the system works:

The radio control software is in two pieces - a 'server' at the remote site, and a 'client' program that is running on the computer that is being used to control the radio. A full duplex voice over IP program is used to relay the audio to and from the radio. This is a picture of the client software currently being used with the Yaesu FT-920:

Features of the client software include:

1. Frequency/mode selection/tuning using the mouse, keyboard, or preset 'band clicks'.

2. Frequency scanning thru a user specified range of frequencies.

3. Storage and retrieval of 42 memory frequencies.

4. Scanning of selected memory frequencies.

5. Control of the FT-920's built in antenna tuner.

6. Selection of filters (narrow for CW or wide for SSB).

7. Split VFO operation.

8. A real time S Meter display.

9. PTT control using the keyboard, mouse or a foot switch.

10. Selection of the two antenna ports on the radio.

11. Switching of any auxilary device via a relay.

12. Control of rotors with user defined presets.

The 'server' software accepts commands from the client program, forwards them to the radio, and automatically selects the antennas based on the frequency the radio is currently on. It also sends updates (twice every second) of the status of the radio back thru the Internet to the client program so that the user is constantly aware of the state of the radio and which antenna is selected.

As of now (May 23, 2002) we have replaced the ICOM 706 MK-IIG with the Yaesu FT-920 and have added the ability to use CW as well as SSB. The server computer now has four COM ports controlling external devices: Radio CAT system, Antenna Controller, Rotor Controller, and the CW interface. For the time being, we have also decided not to interface the stack matches to the control software.

More Details of the system can be viewed here:

Antenna and Rotor Control

CW Operation (Morris Code for you new guys)

Watch this web page for future developments and more information about the system. If you'd like any questions answered about the system, you can EMAIL Jim, KH2D.

73, Jim KH2D and Ken, KH7R