Using Flex with CG NAT - Smartlink and an Exit node VM in Azure

VK1HF

for this who want to try doing things the 'classic way' - I just really wanted to get this working.. not sure it is the way I'll roll forward with, but very happy to get it working for sure..

Update : I got it working.

What : Remote HF (8400) using a cloud hosted 'exit node'. (Azure Cloud)

Status : Seems fine, some packets via the VPN will jump in latency - not sure if this is the VM in Azure or what - testing.

If you want to get your head around how it is setup watch this :

https://youtu.be/8gFNgKUJ8JE

If you want to understand my backstory and why Flex/Why this networking option, LISTEN to this :

https://youtu.be/6fatxaHKEyI

Me.?

• NOT a contester
• NOT interested in driving a radio from a a PC (I want the knows and dials experience and not need a PC)
• ONLY want one VFO/Slice - hence 8400 versus 8600 etc. Way cheaper.
• mainly interested in SSB Voice and CW
• using Starlink at the remote site.

What do I like about this option.?

• it solves the challenges arising from CG-NAT (Starlink, Telco 4G etc).
• I am using the cheap Starlink mobile services - $80 AUD per month - versus the commercial service. (~$150-190 AUD/month)
• it is elegant - networking wise - and does not use any of the new 'magic vpn solutions' like Tailscale or ZeroTier etc.
• there is a RaspberryPi required at the Radio end but none anywhere else.
• it used all open non windows software.

what do I not like.?

• the cost of the VM per month - $18USD.
• at present every 15th packet or so seems high latency - not sure why, working on this.

Where to from here.?

• will see if I can nut out this occasional 1 high latency packet issue
• maybe will try ZeroTier and see how that goes performance wise - but I would need a Pi on the radio and the maestro end for that - not sure I like that.? but ZeroTier does look very cool I will admit.