I wanted to share a 4 port cost effective Web Relay Switch. This is a subset of the one I use on my remote base (I use 16 relays). While there are many other way, I like this software as it allows me to start to build out the RemoteQTH server as you build up your station.
This is a picture of my test setup. When done, all you need is the power cord, the network cable and any devices you wish to turn on or off to be wired in.
Regarding the Remote RCA connector:
This RCA connector is provided for remote power-on functionality. When the RemotePower ON feature is enabled, shorting this input to ground will activate the radio - openingthis connector will disable power on the radio. Refer to the SmartSDR documentation forinformation on how to configure this input. (Note: 3.3VDC Max Input.)
The parts required are:
After that, let's assume you want to add some control for AC Power devices. I found this on Amazon which is the least expensive power switch I could find, called the IoT Relay for less than $30 each.
Once you have all that wired up, this is the One of the Web Views you can get and it works well from a Mobile Device:
There are many other ways to get this done, but this one is one of my favourites and does not require any wire wrapping, soldering on special jumpers.
Mike va3mw
This is a picture of my test setup. When done, all you need is the power cord, the network cable and any devices you wish to turn on or off to be wired in.
Regarding the Remote RCA connector:
This RCA connector is provided for remote power-on functionality. When the RemotePower ON feature is enabled, shorting this input to ground will activate the radio - openingthis connector will disable power on the radio. Refer to the SmartSDR documentation forinformation on how to configure this input. (Note: 3.3VDC Max Input.)
The parts required are:
- Raspberry PI with power supply and SD card
- An RCA cable to plug into the back of your 6000 series (you can cut up an old Stereo cable off the HiFi :) ).
- 4 Relay Shield KS0212 from http://www.keyestudio.com/keyestudio-rpi-4-channel-relay-shield.html
- Software from RemoteQTH and their RemoteQTH Server
- Order the RPI if you don't have one already
- Order the KS0212 for $8.99
- Find and RCA cable that has the RCA connector on one end to plug into the radio and bare wires on the other end to wire up to the KS0212
- Build the RPI server by downloading the image from RemotQTH and booting your RPI (directions are on their website on how to build and image and get up and running. Their image is a complete Raspian install.
- Login into their control panel and you want to configure their relays numbered 1, 5, 17 and 24. This will be relay 1, 2, 3 and 4 on the KS0212 that you have plugged into the RPI.
After that, let's assume you want to add some control for AC Power devices. I found this on Amazon which is the least expensive power switch I could find, called the IoT Relay for less than $30 each.
Once you have all that wired up, this is the One of the Web Views you can get and it works well from a Mobile Device:
There are many other ways to get this done, but this one is one of my favourites and does not require any wire wrapping, soldering on special jumpers.
Mike va3mw
Michael Walker, Employee
Posted 1 year ago
Michael Walker, Employee
Michael Walker, Employee
For those experimenters, I just found this on Banggood that might be worth trying. It is a web based switch that you can use to soft power off your 6000 series radio.
https://www.banggood.com/ESP8266-5V-WiFi-Relay-Module-Internet-Of-Things-Smart-Home-Phone-APP-Remote...
They even have a dual relay one
https://www.banggood.com/5V-ESP8266-Dual-WiFi-Relay-Module-Internet-Of-Things-Smart-Home-Mobile-APP-...
Mike
https://www.banggood.com/ESP8266-5V-WiFi-Relay-Module-Internet-Of-Things-Smart-Home-Phone-APP-Remote...
They even have a dual relay one
https://www.banggood.com/5V-ESP8266-Dual-WiFi-Relay-Module-Internet-Of-Things-Smart-Home-Mobile-APP-...
Mike
Check these out on Amazon:
WiFi Smart Power Strip
- cheap - around $30.00
- 4 Individually remote switched AC Outlet
- 4 USB Outlets - remotely switched together
There are much more expensive versions but likely use the same internal parts..
Working fine.. I'm using an Android App for control
.
US
https://www.amazon.com/Conico-Protector-Outlets-Compatible-Controlled/dp/B074SFQDN5/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1527752246&sr=8-3&keywords=WiFi+Smart+Power+Strip+Surge+Protector
Canada
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B079X2CRK9/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
WiFi Smart Power Strip
- cheap - around $30.00
- 4 Individually remote switched AC Outlet
- 4 USB Outlets - remotely switched together
There are much more expensive versions but likely use the same internal parts..
Working fine.. I'm using an Android App for control
.
US
https://www.amazon.com/Conico-Protector-Outlets-Compatible-Controlled/dp/B074SFQDN5/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1527752246&sr=8-3&keywords=WiFi+Smart+Power+Strip+Surge+Protector
Canada
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B079X2CRK9/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Here's one that's directly controllable with USB. It has eight SPDT relays, comes with free software, doesn't require the Raspberry Pi, and costs less than $18.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07DYNVB38/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
All it needs is a 5 V power supply and a USB connection to a Win 7 computer. The app only only works on Win 7, but you can address it through programming under Win 8.1 or 10.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07DYNVB38/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
All it needs is a 5 V power supply and a USB connection to a Win 7 computer. The app only only works on Win 7, but you can address it through programming under Win 8.1 or 10.
Michael Walker, Employee
Michael Walker, Employee
Michael Walker, Employee
Michael Walker, Employee
I see that, but I will leave that message for Dan's team to get out.
Michael, I have some curious ( maybe far fetched ) questions ... LOL Currently I'm using the Denkovi 8 relay USB unit hooked to an Ameritron RCS-10 Antenna switch.( cheap route ) I also use the c232hm-edhsl-0 for the Amp to track the radio band BCD data. Do you see in near future that Flex may bring out such a simple PCB as Denkovi, & have like 16 relays, 8 for Antenna switching & the other 8 for like Amp AC pwr control .. etc... I suppose the PCB would also have to have Network connection to Turn on the Flex radio First... Not sure if this has any feasibility or not.... Your thoughts on the ideal all-in-one unit ......OH... I forgot to ask... Is the RemoteQth link for security or ??
(Edited)
Michael Walker, Employee
Hi
At the moment, I don't see it on the radar. That is why we did provide the BCD data port that works well with the Denkovi as you have found out.
Can you rephrase your RemoteQTH question? I am not sure what you are asking.
At the moment, I don't see it on the radar. That is why we did provide the BCD data port that works well with the Denkovi as you have found out.
Can you rephrase your RemoteQTH question? I am not sure what you are asking.
Mike,
I am a total newbie when it comes to Raspberry PI. I got the remote QTH disk image successfully written to the micro SD card. When the Pi boots all I get is Linux commands ending in a login prompt.
when I try my callsign with the default password of 1234 all I get is incorrect login prompt.
I am stumped.
Anything you can help with on this?
Thanks,
Dan
I am a total newbie when it comes to Raspberry PI. I got the remote QTH disk image successfully written to the micro SD card. When the Pi boots all I get is Linux commands ending in a login prompt.
when I try my callsign with the default password of 1234 all I get is incorrect login prompt.
I am stumped.
Anything you can help with on this?
Thanks,
Dan
The first time you go to the IP address and log in with “yourcall” then password “1234”. Once you do that, then you go in and change the user name and put your callsign or what ever you want then a new password.
(Edited)
WEB RELAY QUAD: Added a new Remote PTT using one of the WebRelay Quad ports and now can register my Flex remotely. Using others three ports for Flex Remote on, 220 power to SPE 2K-FA amp via HD relay and SPE Amp on. Realy neat and complete remote relay package.
Great little unit. 73 Russ K5OA
Great little unit. 73 Russ K5OA
Running SPE from 220VAC - What HD relay did you use
73 Mike
73 Mike
YC-GP-DPDT-6D YuCo Power Relay 12V DC Coil 50Amp 2 Pole DPDT Heavy-Duty
Got from Amazon put in 6 inch by 6 inch plastic electrical box and made up short power cord with 5-20 proper plug for my 220-230 volt outlet with # 8 wire to power panel.
So I use one relay to turn on this relay with 12 volt coil, , one to turn on amp with 12 volts to remote on, one to turn remote on ground to Flex and had the spare now used to give me remote PTT so I can re-register my unit if needed. Had help VE2WU and lost my unit in Smartlink but SmartCat worked and it is 85 miles away!
Most at local electrial supply will work but hard to find the 12 volt dc coil.
Hope it helps Mike.
73, Russ K5OA
Got from Amazon put in 6 inch by 6 inch plastic electrical box and made up short power cord with 5-20 proper plug for my 220-230 volt outlet with # 8 wire to power panel.
So I use one relay to turn on this relay with 12 volt coil, , one to turn on amp with 12 volts to remote on, one to turn remote on ground to Flex and had the spare now used to give me remote PTT so I can re-register my unit if needed. Had help VE2WU and lost my unit in Smartlink but SmartCat worked and it is 85 miles away!
Most at local electrial supply will work but hard to find the 12 volt dc coil.
Hope it helps Mike.
73, Russ K5OA
I am not using an relay boards but RemoteQTH SW with solid-state relays drived via opto-transistors
(Edited)
Michael Walker, Employee
Michael Walker, Employee
I have been using an IP Power Switch 9258 (http://www.aviosys.com/9258.html) to remotely power devices at my remote base in Maine including Flex. It has worked great, except when it doesn't. Currently, it is offline. When this happens, I have to wait for a power failure after which it normally comes back online (not unusual in rural Maine). Obviously, I will be looking to put in a more reliable system once the snow melts. The ideas presented here will be a big help.
IF you have not done so you might look to see if setting up the ping function to reboot will fix your issue.
Hi Chip,
I've used a pair of Digital Loggers Inc. (DLI) Web Power Switches (version 4 and 7) for years and neither has ever been inaccessible -- not once. An accessory AC Relay adds additional flexibility for controlling equipment, such as the remote on function for your Flex radio. There have been many positive posts on this community in regarding DLI products, including one in this thread.
https://www.digital-loggers.com/lpc.html
http://www.digital-loggers.com/ac.html
73,
Larry KB1VFU
I've used a pair of Digital Loggers Inc. (DLI) Web Power Switches (version 4 and 7) for years and neither has ever been inaccessible -- not once. An accessory AC Relay adds additional flexibility for controlling equipment, such as the remote on function for your Flex radio. There have been many positive posts on this community in regarding DLI products, including one in this thread.
https://www.digital-loggers.com/lpc.html
http://www.digital-loggers.com/ac.html
73,
Larry KB1VFU
Michael Walker, Technologist
Hi Larry
I have one, but I am going to sell it to anyone who wants it in Canada. I really liked it, but it was overkill and for most customers, I would not call it simple.
I was not able to find a simple web interface to turning this on and off. Is there one?
I also tried the IOS app that someone wrote, but it could not find the switch.
If you can share some tips, I am interested and I might then actually install it at my remote station.
Mike
I have one, but I am going to sell it to anyone who wants it in Canada. I really liked it, but it was overkill and for most customers, I would not call it simple.
I was not able to find a simple web interface to turning this on and off. Is there one?
I also tried the IOS app that someone wrote, but it could not find the switch.
If you can share some tips, I am interested and I might then actually install it at my remote station.
Mike
Hi Mike,
No software required -- I just log into the DLI web interface with any browser.
73,
Larry KB1VFU
No software required -- I just log into the DLI web interface with any browser.
73,
Larry KB1VFU
(Edited)
Michael Walker, Technologist
Hi Larry
Yep, I saw that screen. It doesn't work too well on an iPhone.
Don't get me wrong, it is a great device. It is overkill for most of our new remote operators as most struggle with that level of detail.
Mike
Yep, I saw that screen. It doesn't work too well on an iPhone.
Don't get me wrong, it is a great device. It is overkill for most of our new remote operators as most struggle with that level of detail.
Mike
Mike,
I suppose at first blush it appears to be complicated, but after initial configuration of the fixed IP address and local port number, you just plug in the equipment to the labeled outlets and turn them on and off. No Raspberry PI, no local control software -- nothing else needed. It seems fairly simple to me.
I access my DLI switches with Firefox or Chrome on my Samsung Note 8 or Windows 10 tablets. Both work well, but the browsers will complain about security if you don't use the https protocol for remote logins.
73,
Larry KB1VFU
I suppose at first blush it appears to be complicated, but after initial configuration of the fixed IP address and local port number, you just plug in the equipment to the labeled outlets and turn them on and off. No Raspberry PI, no local control software -- nothing else needed. It seems fairly simple to me.
I access my DLI switches with Firefox or Chrome on my Samsung Note 8 or Windows 10 tablets. Both work well, but the browsers will complain about security if you don't use the https protocol for remote logins.
73,
Larry KB1VFU
Michael Walker, Technologist
Hi John
I get it... seriously.
A large part of customers who want to move into remote operating need super simple, so that is the perspective we are coming from. Even handling a port forward is stressful for them as they are afraid of breaking something by logging into a router.
For others, the Digital Logger device is awesome. It would be nice if it had an admin interface and a user interface as well. I have talked to Digital Logger on the phone about this and also talked with them about have a few dry contacts on this device as well to handle things like remote/soft power down and up. Since all their relays are driven by a UN2309 (guessing at the chip number), it is an easy hack to drag a few TTL levels out and do it externally to the switch.
Mike
I get it... seriously.
A large part of customers who want to move into remote operating need super simple, so that is the perspective we are coming from. Even handling a port forward is stressful for them as they are afraid of breaking something by logging into a router.
For others, the Digital Logger device is awesome. It would be nice if it had an admin interface and a user interface as well. I have talked to Digital Logger on the phone about this and also talked with them about have a few dry contacts on this device as well to handle things like remote/soft power down and up. Since all their relays are driven by a UN2309 (guessing at the chip number), it is an easy hack to drag a few TTL levels out and do it externally to the switch.
Mike
It is simple if you use a Raspberry Pi to have it send commands to the DLI devices so there is no need to use that screen.
I wrote my own very simple web software for my Pi and ensured the web interface is very simple and it works very well on phone or computer:
I wrote my own very simple web software for my Pi and ensured the web interface is very simple and it works very well on phone or computer:
Mark, what are you using for secure logon to your pi remotely? Or do you access it via VPN only?
Eduardo, KC8R
Eduardo, KC8R
I have fairly secure login built into the web app. Certainly it is not unbreakable but even with hackers poking at it now for close to 3 years no one has gotten in.
The key in my case is a rotating password. It changes each and every day to something totally new based on a formula only I know. It also changes when I log out so the next login is different.
Its an easy formula to figure out when logging in but not obvious to a hacker. But sure it can be busted.
Mark
The key in my case is a rotating password. It changes each and every day to something totally new based on a formula only I know. It also changes when I log out so the next login is different.
Its an easy formula to figure out when logging in but not obvious to a hacker. But sure it can be busted.
Mark
Thanks for the feedback Mark. I was looking into hosting a site but decided not to because it needed to create a bunch of security around it. Sounds like you have a slick solution.
Eduardo, KC8R
Eduardo, KC8R
Eduardo, My site is written in php which makes this pretty easy to do. When connected to the site the php code that generates the output page computes the new needed password.
The password is sent via form submit from the user back to the server. At this point in time is probably the most vulnerable as that is free text at the moment. But with a little work I could encrypt it or even convert the site to SSL.
Then if the password is correct at the server site a session is opened that has an expiration of I think 60 minutes. When that session expires or the user logs out the expiration code that is run changes the required password again.
The only time the password is seen is during the initial login. The session data is stored in a database on the server and never sent to the client. Commands executed first check if the requester matches the current logged in requester in the session table. If so the command executes, otherwise the code reverts back to the login page which changes the password.
The current logged in user can continue to issue commands as their session is still value. When they finally logout the password is changed again.
It is based a little on time and it is not an overly complex password but it changes each time to fail login and each time you logout or the session expires.
The password is sent via form submit from the user back to the server. At this point in time is probably the most vulnerable as that is free text at the moment. But with a little work I could encrypt it or even convert the site to SSL.
Then if the password is correct at the server site a session is opened that has an expiration of I think 60 minutes. When that session expires or the user logs out the expiration code that is run changes the required password again.
The only time the password is seen is during the initial login. The session data is stored in a database on the server and never sent to the client. Commands executed first check if the requester matches the current logged in requester in the session table. If so the command executes, otherwise the code reverts back to the login page which changes the password.
The current logged in user can continue to issue commands as their session is still value. When they finally logout the password is changed again.
It is based a little on time and it is not an overly complex password but it changes each time to fail login and each time you logout or the session expires.
I am new to Raspberry Pi as well, and setting this remote control arrangement up for the first time, using the KS0212 relay board. I'd like to package this... any suggestions for selecting an appropriate case (RPi 3)?
Got my new 6400 and SmartLink running yesterday... excited to get all this going!
Steve AK0M
Got my new 6400 and SmartLink running yesterday... excited to get all this going!
Steve AK0M
Michael Walker, Official Rep
Hi Steve
I was not able to find a commercial case that will fit this arrangement. But, if someone finds one, that would be awesome.
Mike
I was not able to find a commercial case that will fit this arrangement. But, if someone finds one, that would be awesome.
Mike
It looks to me like this case might work.
https://www.pishop.us/product/highpi-raspberry-pi-b23-case-black/
https://www.pishop.us/product/highpi-raspberry-pi-b23-case-black/
Another useful tool for remote station control is an Ethernet to Serial converter. The device enables remote control of any equipment with a serial interface (RS-232) and related software. Many remote control apps include power cycling among other functions.
I use a USR N540 four-port Ethernet to Serial converter to remotely control an Elecraft KPA500, SteppIR SDA-100 and Green Heron RT-21. Any remote control app that employs a serial interface will work remotely with one of these devices via port forwarding. I run DX Lab Suite, which acquires band data from my Flex 6600 via the web and supplies the data to PSTRotator and WSJT-X.
The USR N-540 (about $120) combined with the DLI Web Power Switches provide full remote control of my station with no computer running in the shack.
https://www.usriot.com/products/4-ports-serial-to-ethernet-converter.html
73,
Larry KB1VFU
I use a USR N540 four-port Ethernet to Serial converter to remotely control an Elecraft KPA500, SteppIR SDA-100 and Green Heron RT-21. Any remote control app that employs a serial interface will work remotely with one of these devices via port forwarding. I run DX Lab Suite, which acquires band data from my Flex 6600 via the web and supplies the data to PSTRotator and WSJT-X.
The USR N-540 (about $120) combined with the DLI Web Power Switches provide full remote control of my station with no computer running in the shack.
https://www.usriot.com/products/4-ports-serial-to-ethernet-converter.html
73,
Larry KB1VFU
Anyone who is interested in an enclosure for the Raspberry Pi and the relay board. This case will fit:
https://www.pishop.us/product/highpi-raspberry-pi-b23-case-black/
https://www.pishop.us/product/highpi-raspberry-pi-b23-case-black/
Michael Walker, Official Rep
wow! that is awesome.
Now there's a surprise - cheaper in Canada! $6.95 (V1000 version with some lettering, but who cares?)
There is on caveat. The screws that came with the relay board are too long. I had to cut them down. I installed just the 2 spacers on the opposite side of the header pin. I installed the screws with the head at the top and just let enough of the screw to fit out the bottom of the pi, then cut it off.
(Edited)
I have my Pi and relay board up and running but not yet wired into my station, but am already looking to the future to add more relay outputs. I am finding that Pi relay boards beyond 4 channels do not seem to be very common, and the board used in this solution is not stackable.
I came across these, which look very interesting... 8 relays per board, and stackable. Does anyone have any experience with these?:
https://www.sequentmicrosystems.com/
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/mbeffa/raspberry-pi-mega-io-expansion-card
Or suggestions for alternate relay expansion options?
I came across these, which look very interesting... 8 relays per board, and stackable. Does anyone have any experience with these?:
https://www.sequentmicrosystems.com/
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/mbeffa/raspberry-pi-mega-io-expansion-card
Or suggestions for alternate relay expansion options?
Michael Walker, Technologist
Hi Steve... you can easily expand beyond 4, but you will have to follow their wiring format on the RemoteQTH server page. I have 16 relays and I use about 6 of them now.
Here are the relays and the GPIO ports they are tied to.
https://remoteqth.com/wiki/index.php?page=Web+relay
Here are the relays and the GPIO ports they are tied to.
https://remoteqth.com/wiki/index.php?page=Web+relay
(Edited)
Michael Walker, Technologist
I went to go look at Sequent Microsystems manual, but it seems I am not able to get to them, even if you register.
These boards work very well. You simply need to buy jumper wires and wire the Pi pins to them. You need to supply +5V/Gnd from the Pi as well. I use two of them.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07CXQS63R/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07CXQS63R/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
(Edited)
Mike,
An additional source for remote controls you might like to consider is Snaptekk, http://www.snaptekk.com/
I have been using their remote 4 port antenna switch with great success.
While they have it currently rated at 1Kw, its been running full legal power here w/o issue.
Tom W3FRG
An additional source for remote controls you might like to consider is Snaptekk, http://www.snaptekk.com/
I have been using their remote 4 port antenna switch with great success.
While they have it currently rated at 1Kw, its been running full legal power here w/o issue.
Tom W3FRG
(Edited)
I looked at their site this afternoon but it looked like they didn’t any products currently available for sale.
What are you using to power the relays for the PI solution? 8 or more relays can drive the +5V current requirement up.... Do you have a separate +5V supply for the relays? Or do you power the whole assembly from one heavier duty supply? Recommendations for suppy?
12V to 5V 2 amp converter for the Pi and it also powers the relay boards.
I'm currently developing a web remoteable antenna switcher based on the ESP32 processor that could be used for any number of control situations. It will be able to run logic on various input sources including CAT and CI-V via RS-232 (two of them) and Flex API via it's WiFi interface.
The output boards (up to 4 in series) add 16 channels each, and should be able to be separated by over 1000 feet from the controller via shielded CAT5. It has switch inputs for "front panel" operations, and will automatically relax the relays when a power sense input is dropped. Here are a few 3D models of the current dev boards going out to fab this week.
Controller board (ESP32 processor daughter board not shown)
Relay output board
I do have an earlier prototype board (8 channel) up and running using serial connectivity via CAT Cables. Oh yeah, it has support for an OLED display (for now)
I plan to kit it up as it is all through-hole so it is possible to be built with normal tools. No time line yet. Still lots of coding yet to do before Alpha testing.
Warren, KD4Z
The output boards (up to 4 in series) add 16 channels each, and should be able to be separated by over 1000 feet from the controller via shielded CAT5. It has switch inputs for "front panel" operations, and will automatically relax the relays when a power sense input is dropped. Here are a few 3D models of the current dev boards going out to fab this week.
Controller board (ESP32 processor daughter board not shown)
Relay output board
I do have an earlier prototype board (8 channel) up and running using serial connectivity via CAT Cables. Oh yeah, it has support for an OLED display (for now)
I plan to kit it up as it is all through-hole so it is possible to be built with normal tools. No time line yet. Still lots of coding yet to do before Alpha testing.
Warren, KD4Z
Michael Walker, Technologist
That is so awesome! I'm working (slowly) on trying to control all my devices in 1 Node-Red window instead of having 3 or 4 open. I would be interested if a Node Red front end could also communicate with it.
Nice job!!
Mike va3mw
Nice job!!
Mike va3mw
Michael Walker, Technologist
test
