Beginners Guide to Ham Radio Remote Control for FREE

If you have an old laptop you were wondering what to do with, perhaps take a look at a free remote control setup. Take your ham radio station anywhere in the world with you! It's easy. Just follow my step-by-step instructions. Of course, there are many ways to skin a cat. This is not a list of all the different solutions - but the way I got it work absolutely free. Enjoy. Callum.

[@Chris_KI4WCO]

Very interested in this want to work from my truck while I'm lunch. Just a laptop, headset, and a hotspot. Thanks Cal

[@2E0YKD]

Absolutely fantastic video Callum, haven't a clue what you were doing but I loved every minute of it. I do know however that I now want a Shelly.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Legend!

[@michaelcarey]

Excellent tutorial Callum. I've used the Icom RS-BA1 software to remotely control my IC-7100 in the past. I run an OpenVPN server on my router. It has worked well but my biggest issue is caused by the technology used for my internet connection. My VDSL2 connection will drop with the slightest hint of RF on 160m and 80m. 40M used to be bad as well but I have added a 7MHz notch filter to my old copper phone line which causes the VDSL2 modem to not use frequencies around 40m. VDSL2 also makes using the 30m band impossible with S9+ modem carriers raising the noise floor. I'm getting a fibre upgrade next year, it can't come soon enough 🙂

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Ah! RF and external comms are a pain in the *ss.. Good luck.

[@Oldmanham]

Am planning to put shack in garage this summer. But dreading the coming winter with 50 meter walk through the snow. Thank you.

[@DonDegidio]

Hi Cal, Great info. Didn't realize that amount of software and hardware needed to operate a remote station and get it all configured. That was a fun time earlier today. Hope propagation will allow it to happen again. You and the family stay safe. 73 WJ3U

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Not so much hardware Don.. only for switching on and off.. But yeah, it was fun today earlier!

[@G5STU]

Great that all levels of UK hams can run remote by the end of this month !

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Yes Stu!

[@Terry-ib6uv]

This video is the work of a genius. Sorry 😔 my I.Q. is too low.

[@k1lmo]

Thanks for the video, this has inspired me to set up a remote bunker in the cellar which will I think be far more acceptable for the family!

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Yes!

[@morecambeanglersandtrawler1074]

Lol me to relegated to the shed lol

[@g4lmn-ron401]

I can operate FT8 with remote desktop, I could never work out the audio for SSB, but now I know. Fantastic, thanks.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Excellent!

[@jockmazza]

Deffo a starter for 10 cal. My shack is going to be abt 40 metres of potentially not cheap coax to my antenna(s). If i set my 2 old laptops up beside radio in man cave where it coud be 5m of coax and the other in the front room shack I can save a load of coax dosh. I'm an IT guy used to realvnc skype and teamviewer.. so this is a great video Cal

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Perfect!

[@alanlyons9022]

Cheers Cal great video. Only 2 things to solve now my end: Mac and accessing the remote through Starlink both of which I think I have solutions for.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

OK good luck!!

[@DD5LP]

I've used pocketRxTx / JAREC with various radios. Access via USB, BT or Network (local LAN or Internet access). As always YMMV. There are a LOT of options out there depending how complex you want to go. 73 Ed.

[@stevendodd6477]

If you are interested in a couple of remote/computer control options I have written a scriptable command line programmer for the ic-9700 and an infrared rotator controller compatible with Hamlib (I think there will be an article in a Radcom next month about the rotator control). I found that a lot of the options that I use regularly are not available in remote control software including Icoms own remote software, for example, I can set input and output levels and change the mod input, control external preamp etc - I'm adding to it as I find the need.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Oh! I'll look out for that!

[@migalito1955]

Boy, that took a lot of researching to source out all needed. Nice job. I'd hire you in an instance....

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Deal!

[@ve3pcp]

Very important to check regulations in the country your station is in and where your amateur radio qualifications are to make sure you are able to operate a remote station with the qualifications you have.

[@DifferentGearTV]

I don't think anyone is going to call the Radio police over this.

[@ve3pcp]

@@DifferentGearTV You have no way of knowing that. I have two remote stations in Canada and you need advanced qualifications to have a remote station here, which I have. There have been several people called the "band police" as you call them. You never know what motivates people to be negative about others operations but it can and does happen.

[@Aussat]

Brilliant! Thanks Callum, appreciated.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

My pleasure!

[@WU3Shamradio]

Fantastic Video, some definite inspiration for me to have remote capabilities without a flex!!!

[@DXCommanderHQ]

You can do it!

[@scottturobin-harrington4377]

A really interesting and well presented video. However, I really need to install the Sig 9 before I play with more toys. Hahaha.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

You should!

[@nandrews8412]

A radio power on/off relay connected to coax disconnect for lightning protection while away.

[@kingduckford]

My biggest issue is, I don't want to fully heat my cabin where my main shack is, and it gets down to -40 here in the US north midwest (that's the same F and C). Remote would be nice so I don't have to sit down in that cold cabin to work my main station, but then again, it gets so cold it isn't even good for the equipment itself. Between that and concerns of audio quality loss, I have not started down this path yet. That's the issue with all this remote stuff, as you put out. It isn't just one issue with a quick fix, it is a whole path of many issues and remedies and complications. Suppose I need to stop making excuses and get on it....

[@DXCommanderHQ]

There is no audio quality loss if you use Sonobus. It's completely configurable. Listen back to today's live-stream. I had set it to 24kbps but you can lower that - or go right up to lossless, over-the-top hi-fi quality. Also, leave the gear ON when it's dead cold..

[@CurtNovitsky]

Cal I heard u on 14 mhz broken but solid copy on 21 MC and 18 the strongest in Michigan thks for vid

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Nice!

[@Scotscan]

Super signal from Roly at the end there, will have to play back that live stream

[@sergeimo]

Good presentation with all details you can dream of, but camera needs better mount or to be removed from the desk

[@DXCommanderHQ]

OK, you buy the gear - I'll use it. I'm not the BBC and I don't charge for these free lessons..!

[@sergeimo]

Didn't mean to upset you with advice to make the channel even better. Probably would work better as a private note, but here we go. Guess this still doesn't deserve that reaction. Bye @@DXCommanderHQ

[@LB7EJ_Bjorn_Otto]

Inspiring video Cal. Thanks

[@DXCommanderHQ]

My pleasure!

[@adyg6ad73]

Great on video, even better in the flesh!

[@ArduinoAlan]

fantastic video Cal! I have an icom ic706 that I have ft8 working like you said but with an external sound card and cat control. it's not built into the radio. when I give the radio power though, it doesn't turn on up automatically. any thoughts but how to make that work?

[@DXCommanderHQ]

OK.. so you need to physically hit the button? Check the user guide, there maybe a command you can send to it - or just leave it on.

[@NamasenITN]

What do you think about (remote) CW? "Live" SK- or paddle- manipulation is out of question, for obvious latency reason and lack of feedback. Keyboard CW is a thing, although hardcore oldtimers will say it is cheating.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

I have also thought about this.. I think the only way out the problem is type it.. However, your ear will still be working it out.. And of course, top contesters don't "paddle", They just type the callsign into their logging software and hit ENTER..

[@akiddoo8113]

"NoMachine" software has audio transport built in. Easy setup -Free!

[@DXCommanderHQ]

I'll check it out. It'll be hard to beat Sonobus for the drop-down quality possibilities..

[@dan_in_sd]

Hi Callum,, what do you think of using WF-View for control of iCOM 7300? Do you have any other recommendations for PC control of the 7300? this one only has USB for the PC control

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Why not! Looks great! Perfect fit :)

[@ua9lif]

Hello, how do you split com ports? N1MM and ARCP using some com port for CAT.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

OK, TS-990s has the USB Com port *and* another Com port. I use both. However, there are plenty of Com Port sharing solutions.

[@wblue74]

PC not a Mac- It's slightly annoying that functional radio related software is harder to find on the Mac. I do have a Windows computer but it's old and crap, and I'm too tight to buy a new one.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

There is remote software for Macs. I can't demo because I haven't got one.

[@morecambeanglersandtrawler1074]

Please can anyone tell me can I remote from holiday to my g90 at home. G90 thanks

[@DXCommanderHQ]

If G90 has a CAT port and the software recognises it, then yes.

[@morecambeanglersandtrawler1074]

@@DXCommanderHQ thanks my friend cal brilliant vlogs lives vids thanks mark

[@OFFICALVA3DLO]

HI DX COMANDER ITS DON VA3DLO IN CANADE MATE.... i was wanting to ask if you ever made a 10 meter antenna like like the DX Commander Rapide Ham Radio Antenna (40m - 6m) you sell on your site but for just one ham band a 10 meter band thanks.... also do you make antennas for single bands? like one band ham radio antennas?

[@DXCommanderHQ]

I don't make mono-banders because it's so easy to make. A single 7m Rapide pole can be put to use on any band.. I will make a video sometime to explain. Hang on!

[@OFFICALVA3DLO]

​@@DXCommanderHQ ok do you have a portable multi band antenna ??

[@finnenjr]

Hello , im new on you chanel. I was looking at you 160m receive antenna attempt. and started to think. Here in Sweden we have wild animal fence lengst the highway.. And guess who lives next to it. so im thinking. what do i need to use it as a looooooooooong antenna? can i just use the one little box with the ring divider and connect me to the fence? the fence is approx 150cm high stel net and couple of kilometers long going from north to south.. im thinking this should lett me listen to you an Murrica with ease. or is the length really important on receive? // Jony

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Not important - although VERY long will be directional.

[@finnenjr]

so im hearing, trying out and finding out is the way. @@DXCommanderHQ

[@DD5LP]

Hey a different kind of UK Bunkers on the Air. .....

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Yes!

[@che59v]

Great for those who can not stay in their home for what ever health reason, not so great for those who are addicted to the hobby, so much so that they see the need to have it everywhere, those sad individuals need to buy something very special called a LIFE.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

I met a man tonight who has his shack down the bottom of his back-yard / garden. He's in a wheelchair and can't physically get there. We discussed this in detail and I wish him luck. PS - Not sure what spin you were trying to create with your comment but the last three words sums it up. I hope you find it.

[@che59v]

@@DXCommanderHQ Yes, there are certain times that a remote system could make a difference, All the rest, well I summed up in the last three words. Hope you find it; time waits for no one. now back to the real life. do try it.

[@che59v]

@@DXCommanderHQ Spin ??? wasn't " health reasons" mentioned? yet you took the bite, couldn't stop yourself (how predictable). Who cares about reading before making a comment. Big egos (and addiction) shines within this hobby (the first one was proven, so thank you) now back to the boat and fishing, this sunset won't be the same tomorrow, enjoy the bands, and yes, it was a great video, and I am sure some who seek and need such solution would find the information useful.