The document outlines a system for remotely operating an amateur radio using TRX-Manager software over a Virtual Network Connection (VNC). It describes setting up a Dynamic DNS service to allow remote access by name instead of IP address since dynamic IP addresses are common. Running the TRX-Manager VNC server on the radio host computer and VNC viewer on a remote computer would allow remote control of radio functions and use of NetMeeting for audio.
2. March 12, 2002 W4UOA
Presentation Outline
• TRX-Manager
• Dynamic DNS Service
• Virtual Network Computing (VNC)
• Remote Control using
VNC & TRX-Manager
3. March 12, 2002 W4UOA
TRX-Manager
Overview
http://www.forcetacticalkit.com/
4. March 12, 2002 W4UOA
TRX-Manager
In-Practice
• “The easiest way to tune a rig is with the knobs
on front.” Laurent Labourie
http://www.forcetacticalkit.com/
• DX Spotting
• Frequency tracking
• Rotor control
• DXAtlas
• Logging
• Memory management
36. March 12, 2002 W4UOA
Radio Control
Remote Control Terminal Setup
37. March 12, 2002 W4UOA
TRX-Manager Remote Control
• TRX-Manager must be installed on the
slave and on the remote computer.
• The slave computer is located at the base
station and connected to the rig.
• The remote computer connects to the slave
via the Internet.
38. March 12, 2002 W4UOA
Internet Protocol Addressing
• Every computer on the Internet has a unique
Internet Protocol (IP) address.
• Network servers, routers, hubs, and
switches and many desktop computers
frequently employ some form of permanent
IP addressing. This may take the form of a
single static IP address or address
assignment by a DHCP service.
39. March 12, 2002 W4UOA
Internet Service Providers
• Internet Service Providers (ISPs) typically do not
provide static IP addresses to customers like you
and me. This is true for low speed telephone, as
well as cable, and ADSL connections.
• As a consequence, your computer—or home
network—is assigned a new IP address every time
you logon to the INTERNET. If you have a cable
modem or ADSL connection, the IP address is
usually changed at least once a week.
40. March 12, 2002 W4UOA
Dynamic DNS
To find the slave computer we must know its
IP address. TRX-Manager does have the
ability to e-mail the slave’s IP address.
However, there is an alternative.
Dynamic DNS
41. March 12, 2002 W4UOA
Dynamic DNS: The Steps
• Registered the domain--W4UOA.COM
• Establish a dynamic host--dyndns.org
• Requests for W4UOA.COM are directed to
servers at dyndns.org which in-turn direct them
to the current IP address of the host computer.
• DirectUpdate running on the host computer
directly updates dyndns.org when ISP changes
the actual IP address on the host.
44. March 12, 2002 W4UOA
Virtual Network Computing
• Virtual Network Computing (VNC) is a system
for viewing and controlling a remote computer via
the Internet.
• VNC is composed of two components: the VNC
server running on the host; and the VNC viewer
running the on the remote computer.
• The VNC server and viewer are free and available
from AT&T.
45. March 12, 2002 W4UOA
Review
• Basic Functions of TRX-Manager
• TRX-Manager’s ability to use Telnet over
the Internet to control a remote host
• “Finding” a remote computer using
dynamic DNS addressing
• Virtual Network Computing
46. March 12, 2002 W4UOA
Virtual Network Computing
• The VNC server is running on the host machine—
w4uoa.com—which is connected via a com port to
a Yaesu FT-1000.
• Point the VNC viewer on the remote computer to
w4uoa.com.
• The VNC viewer will provide a graphic image of
the host desktop and full operational control of all
host machine services and applications.
47. March 12, 2002 W4UOA
Remote Operation
• From the remote machine, start NetMeeting
on the host. NetMeeting provides audio to
and from the rig.
• Set NetMeeting on the host to Autoanswer
incoming calls.
• Start NetMeeting on the remote machine.
• Place a NetMeeting call from the remote
machine to w4uoa.com.
48. March 12, 2002 W4UOA
Remote Operation
• Use the VNC connection on the remote
machine to start TRX-Manager on the host.
• You now have control of many of the
FT-1000’s functions as well as control of
the Yagi rotor.
• To talk use the “Key” button in the Monitor
Window of TRX-Manager as a PTT switch.
49. March 12, 2002 W4UOA
Remote Operation
• Control the FT-1000’s frequency using TRX VFO
controls, TRX Quick Memories, or its own
Memory Channels. You can also edit all of these
remotely.
• Don’t forget to use the Memory Channels to
“select” the right antenna if you QSY to 40m or
QSY from 40m to 10-15-20m.
• Don’t forget to Tune if you change bands.
• Let’s see the demo….
