Noob Question - SmartSDR and operation w/in Local Network and via Internet

Dave - N6XVZ

Jim Gilliam

Rick - W5FCX

I find best operation from Windows client on local area network (LAN), especially for digital modes where you need the higher bandwidth DAX audio streams between WSJT-X and the radio. I run pretty much how you describe regularly. 6300 is on table in upstairs bedroom (could be in a closet, I suppose, except for air flow and temperature concerns). I generally operate downstairs from my office desktop PC, where I have many additional software applications and drivers installed. I can also use the Mac, iPad, iPhone, and Surface Pro and Maestro over the LAN. Remote access via the Internet to just the radio is now possible in 2.x SmartSDR, as you have seen. I say just the radio as it’s possible you can have additional peripherals you need to remotely control (eg, amplifier, antenna rotators, antenna switches, tuners, etc.), where a VPN connection, TeamViewer or some means of Remote Desktop and/or remote serial operation may be desired or required. Because I operate two stations remotely on a regular basis, I also use a Web Power Switch to power up/down the 12V power supply to the radio, to ensure I have absolute control over the radio and station peripherals. I think you’ll have a blast learning the ropes and exploring the increasingly vast amount of flexibility Software Defined Radio brings to the table. It’s been 2 years for me now, after 45 years of non operation and its a real blast learning and experimenting with the spectrum of potential modern day SDR and ham radio has to offer in the digital age. This forum is chock full of tips, techniques and advice. Lots of great people, too. Enjoy!

Bill Carnett

K2KXK

I second Ricks thorough reply. You can do all of what you want with SDR 2.x. I am a computer freak so I run a lot of additional 3rd part programs but this is more icing on the cake. I love my 6300 and have more fun with it every day. Go for it.

K3SF

Mark WS7M

Dave - N6XVZ

Ah. That’s a nugget I needed clarity on. Great. Thanks!

Dave - N6XVZ

Great points. Yes I expect it’s a learning curve of time that should be fun to traverse!

Rick - W5FCX

Correct. And if you plan to run DAX remote, you’ll need significant bandwidth (more than DSL), which will entail some testing. Hopefully you won’t be limited by DSL, which isn’t great fir remote operations in my experience.

John WA7UAR

One other thing Dave about Dax over the Internet — while it is true at the moment (for PCs) there are the third party products “xDax” and “xCat” that operate over the Internet in conjunction with the DogparkSDR product that runs natively on a Mac. So until this feature enhancement is made available on the PC you can still enjoy these features on our other favorite platform! Cheers! John WA7UAR

Dave - N6XVZ

Ah - most excellent.  Thanks.  I'll explore that when I'm up and running.

Matt NQ6N

Rick Ciotti W3DIY

Dave - N6XVZ

Thanks Matt.  Yes I intent to hardwire it.  I have a good router that supports VPN so I'm covered there (it runs OpenVPN).  The fallback was building out a Raspberry PI VPN host but I think I'm good.

Thanks for the tip on RemoteKeyerInterface!  Looks intriguing.

Dave - N6XVZ

I am on the board but have to recuse myself from the vote.  In reality its the deed restriction that can't be overcome without approval.  Our HOA just says with written permission one can do it.  They are just waiting for the last board member to ok it.

I know HOA's can be a pain.  One of the things I'm learning is the rules and covenants are setup by a builder and they are many times boilerplate from their last project or legal firm.  Very hard to change them.  And I believe virtually bulletproof when codified as a deed restriction - not much federal law can do to override a deed restriction.

I do anticipate being on the good side of this shortly.  

Asher - K0AU

Dave - N6XVZ

Wow. Great and encouraging insights. Thanks!

Roger_W6VZV

John KB4DU

Eric-KE5DTO

For others just tuning in to this thread, note that SmartSDR v2.4+ supports SmartLink connections for CAT and DAX.  This means you can operate digital modes remotely with ease.