Field Expedient Digital Comms - EmComm Tools App

[@RedSummitRF]

Modern ham radio experimentation. This is what it's all about. I love the integration of different technologies. Bravo on developing that software. Looks to be a winner when fully developed. Excellent video.

[@TheTechPrepper]

Thanks, Charlie. It helps being my own beta tester. Honestly, I couldn’t stand logging in via VNC, opening terminals, running scripts and then working with GUI’s designed for a desktop environment.

[@backcountryamateurradio]

I think what you’re doing is amazing, Gaston. Your program appears to run so smoothly, and within seconds you’ve sent full messages on different modes! And in the field to boot. Looks like a nice morning there. Excellent radio operating! Thanks for sharing.

[@TheTechPrepper]

Thanks, Eric. This project was born out of the struggle to communicate quickly in the field. In the software industry, we have a term called "dogfooding" that refers to self testing your product throughout the development and release. It's an excellent way to find bugs, add/remove features and in general evolve the product based on real-world use. I'll be eating a ton of dog food. 73!

[@AD6DMDennis]

Looks like the emcomm tools project is moving along nicely. Always appreciate your field testing and sharing. Thanks for the vid 73

[@TheTechPrepper]

Thanks, Dennis. It’s fun taking you guys with me into the field. I was as surprised as you guys when Jason confirmed receipt of the message. More to come! 73

[@mikemcdonald5147]

Pretty cool I look forward to you releasing this for public access. Looks promising. Thanks for sharing your progress with this.

[@TheTechPrepper]

Thanks! The application has evolved since this was dropped and looks very different. More coming on the project with more field testing.

[@Scout75PortableRadio]

Very cool to see the progress you're making with your app. I agree with you on Field Day. Every day is field day when you get into SOTA and POTA. :)

[@TheTechPrepper]

Thanks. The goal is 1-click comms. We’re lucky that we’re able to enjoy field day through out the year. What’s your plan for field day?

[@Scout75PortableRadio]

@@TheTechPrepper Not sure what I'm doing for Field Day. Maybe just a quick morning S/POTA before thing get busy.

[@kurt53641]

Agreed!!

[@TheTechPrepper]

@@Scout75PortableRadio Good move!

[@forgetyourlife]

So you greet the public , get them on the air at a GOTA station. Invite an elected official to survey the site, Do a satellite contact and power everything off a water wheel for bonus points every day? wow! ;)

[@davidg5308]

Great work! Your Tech ADD is inspiring. Have a great week!

[@TheTechPrepper]

Thanks, David. This stuff is so much fun. It doesn't feel like work. 73

[@ghostmandka5498]

Great work on your project! I'm glad to see it's coming together nicely. Don't sell yourself and work short though, plenty of us will pay to support your app! Now, get Pactenna to get those Trekmounts in stock! Keep up the good work and have fun.

[@TheTechPrepper]

Thank you. The prototype came together quickly. Now it's time to put the breaks on and start cleaning up the code base so that I can get a stable beta released in September. (I may hack a few more features in the current before hitting the breaks, so that I can still get some use between now and then). I appreciate the support. By the way, it's official...the PackTenna TrekMount is coming to market as there seemed to be enough interest.

[@ghostmandka5498]

@@TheTechPrepper I currently have a Pi set up with Pi-Star for terminal mode. It used to run Xastir for my digipeater. I have a DRAWS by NW Digital put together but not gotten any further. Will this be able to utilize your program/app?

[@frankwc0o]

Super job dude. Can't wait to try it out.

[@TheTechPrepper]

Thanks, Frank. I’m shooting for a public beta in September. 73

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

I'm finally getting to watch this! Awesome. Great Job, this is the kind of stuff I really enjoy seeing in the hobby. I should get back into developing mobile apps. Thanks for sharing!

[@TheTechPrepper]

Thanks for checking out the proof-of-concept, dude! I’m working on a new feature as we speak to receive station messages. Definitely, jump back into mobile development. 73

[@pgrundle]

Absolutely awesome!!

[@TheTechPrepper]

Thank you. I’m hoping to workout my schedule so that I get this little project out of the prototype phase and out to the community. There’s a feature list several pages long. 73

[@pale_2111]

Not much on 2m SSB here in Tennessee. I got a Comet 24 BNC for my IC-705. SWR is too high to use without a counter poise.

[@TheTechPrepper]

It’s funny the SWR is nearly perfect when run as a pair in the dipole configuration using the PackTenna TrekMount. It’s a bit higher when run as a vertical. Another ham from TN. I talk to guys out there at 2-3 per week. How do you like your IC-705?

[@pale_2111]

I love the radio. I got some great DX a couple weekends ago on 20m running 10w. Worked a station in Slovenia with a signal report of 5&4. A few minutes later, got a station in Serbia with a report of 5&7. Not long after that, I got a station in Venezuela with a 5&5 signal report. On Saturday evening (June 5th), I got a couple of the Kentucky QSO on 75m with a good signal report. I didn't think they would hear me since 75m isn't QRP friendly like 20m and 40m. I've seen quite a bit of noise on the band, but gave it a shot anyways. I was surprised when they got back to me. Also got the AL-705 magnetic loop antenna and the Enhancement Kit this past week. I can tune 75m with an SWR of 1.5:1 or less. Haven't figured out how to tune 20m and 40m yet with the Enhancement Kit. It's going to take some time and experimentation to get it figured out. I was using a MFJ 1982MP EFHW and a 15Ah Bioenno battery to get 10w out.

[@TheTechPrepper]

It sounds like it’s working out for you. Glad to see it when the QRP guys do DX. If that radio ran 20 watts on the top end, it would be perfect. I have the MFJ-1984MP EFHW. It’s surprising how well those antennas work. 73

[@pale_2111]

Some days I can catch a good band opening and make a few contacts. On some others, I'm fortunate to make one. I usually set up the EFHW as an OCF Inverted V. There's lobes in the antenna that gets out more RF. I need to mark the antenna with a paint pen where it gets out the RF. So far the Inverted V and L set up works great. Setting up the Inverted L takes a bit longer. Both configurations work great on 20m and 40m.

[@TheNoCodeTech]

Super cool man, can't wait to try it

[@TheTechPrepper]

Thanks. Here's an unlisted video with the latest features. www.buymeacoffee.com/thetechprepper/emcomm-tools-api-day-13-offline-callsign-lookup-maidenhead

[@TheNoCodeTech]

@@TheTechPrepper Looking good. I like the way you are going with this.

[@TheTechPrepper]

@@TheNoCodeTech The new version from this morning is looking really slick. In the field, and 100% offline, I can lookup a callsign and get the other ham's grid square and distance from my location. I'm shooting to record a little demo for tomorrow. Thanks as always for the support!

[@yv6eda]

Great app Gastón!

[@TheTechPrepper]

Thank you! And, you're the first person in decades who correctly put the accent on my name. ;-)

[@yv6eda]

@@TheTechPrepper Jiji! I'm from Venezuela!

[@MrBobLyons]

Great video enjoy learning and watching your you tube channel. Where did you get the portable rubber duck antenna you use on 818?

[@TheTechPrepper]

It’s the Comet BNC-24 antenna. I picked up mine from DX Engineering. Thanks for the kind note, Robert. Do you have any video ideas? I have a backlog of 30 videos to film, but I’m always curious what you guys want. Again, I’m a new-ish ham and love exploring new areas on the channel. Take care.

[@HamRadioOutlet]

An excellent video and a great project! How are you powering your Pi?

[@TheTechPrepper]

I'm using the 12v USB output on the Buddipole Power Mini. It reports low voltage, but I've never experienced an issue. Both the radio and Pi are drawing power from the 4.5Ah Bioenno battery that's in the admin pouch on the front.

[@HamRadioOutlet]

@@TheTechPrepper I've been experimenting using an ISDT UC1. It's a tiny 18W USB phone charger (1S to 6S LiPo for the input supply) that outputs 2A. Because I fly radio controlled aircraft, I have a lot of 4S (16.8V) LiPo batteries. I've found that using one of those 4S batteries will run the Pi 3B+ for about 3.5 hours. Sometimes I get a low voltage warning too, but often not. I don't think it's due to the state of my LiPos, as I look after them well. I've had the UC1 for a couple of years as an emergency phone charger, but just recently gave it a try running the Pi! Amazon has them as do places like GetFPV. They're about $20.

[@VE7QRZ]

Congratulations!

[@TheTechPrepper]

Thanks, Peter. There's already another build that supports reading APRS messages in the console. Just waiting for the weekend to test. 73!

[@DesertDweller48]

Loved the video and the concept of the app. Would you ever do a small walkthrough on how you did it, or is that what is at the "buy me a coffee" site?

[@TheTechPrepper]

I'm planning on doing a high-level video here on the channel when I get to a beta. Buy Me a Coffee is where I'll being doing regular, low-level updates 1-to-2 times per week. All the posts there are free.

[@Robbbbooo]

Gaston I have recently started looking at the Eberlestock packs (thanks to your review). Have you ever considered using the packs internal radio mounting capabilities so that you could use it on the move with a whip antenna? I'm guessing it would be quite a bit more effective that a HT? Could you set it up in a way that you could have easy access to attach a HF antenna through the packs antenna acces ports?

[@KI4ASK]

Excellent software Gaston

[@TheTechPrepper]

Thank you. The prototype has a few bugs, but it confirmed that what I want to do in the field is possible. Lots of of new features coming.

[@dougbas3980]

Well done. I follow Jason and use 'build-a-pi'. I am currently setting up a go-bag radio with pi & FT857d & 36 Ah LiFeSO4 battery. I am deep in snow and single digits here in MI, but great time to work on the build. My go-bag will be heavy (~22 lbs) but uses equipment I already have. My good friend went the surface pro/ICOM 705 route. He is at 10 lbs and better rig, but I did not have $2500 sitting around to buy in.😉 I will definitely check out your other videos. I am still trying to figure out best packaging. Perhaps with packs/bags I already own (yes, I am cheap and a prepper). Thanks for your efforts and advise ... much appreciated.

[@TheTechPrepper]

Welcome to the channel. The IC-705/Surface Pro route is too expensive in my humble opinion. In the last few months I've moved off the Pi and to a CF-20 Toughbook. I've done a couple videos on why I've landed on the CF-20. Like you, I don't mind the additional weight and tend to go with gear I have. 73's

[@HamRadioPortableOperations]

That's so awesome! Love 2m SSB :)

[@TheTechPrepper]

Thanks, Kev. 2m is great! 73

[@alanfielder280]

Wondering out loud here; How is (or will be) the functionality or end capability of your set up different than what Julian has built? Both of your set ups are really fascinating but I like the idea of fewer parts.

[@TheTechPrepper]

It would be like comparing apples and oranges since he has opted to go down the IC-705 route using a Windows tablet and I have gone down his older-style approach of using a Pi and set of radios that requires a few more cables. We're also very different operators and have different operating needs.

[@alanfielder280]

@@TheTechPrepper I did see that but the meat of the question is if both methodologies end up with the same capabilities. Does your set up have the same digital mode capability as his and/or does the API you wrote enable you to get on or switch modes quicker than using the tablet?

[@TheTechPrepper]

Julian is big on JS8Call and that will likely require you to login via a remote desktop session and use the full application. My application doesn’t prevent you from logging in and directly using the various ham apps, like JS8Call, installed on the Pi. If you’re interested in one-click capabilities, that’s where my project is heading. My mode switcher can potentially speed some tasks up even if you’re planning on using a Desktop experience.

[@MrVertigo1971]

That's an awesome tool, and something I was looking for a quite a while. Are you going to release this to the public once it is ready?

[@TheTechPrepper]

It's good to know that I am not re-inventing the wheel and that other hams have experienced the need for something like this. I am shooting for a public beta in September. It will be free and open-source. 73!

[@craigpalmer9196]

Might convince me dip into the digital pool

[@TheTechPrepper]

My work here is done. 😆

[@craigpalmer9196]

@@TheTechPrepper not, just starting , lol

[@DaveG271]

Perfect country for NVIS as well

[@TheTechPrepper]

Yep. I’ve been using 80m - 40m NVIS primarily for Winlink, but it’s great for making local HF SSB contacts, too.

[@DaveG271]

@@TheTechPrepper not up on US regs, but have you tried 60M?

[@DaveG271]

@@TheTechPrepper also out of interest what make are the poles you use?

[@TheTechPrepper]

I’m planning on experimenting with 60m soon using a random wire antenna and a manual tuner. It’s a video scheduled for the summer.

[@TheTechPrepper]

My wife picked them up from Costco for about $30-40 USD. I’m really enjoying these trekking poles. I had an expensive pair from Leki that broke on a SOTA activation, but these seem to be holding up better and were a third of the price. She hasn’t seen them for awhile as we’ve been looking for a second pair.

[@jimpiper5297]

Nothing to do with your app but rather your mobile antenna (a Diamond NR-770 or similar?) installation that at the very last of your video. Do you have it installed on those plastic fenders that Jeeps come with? If so, what kind of VSWR do you have without a direct connection to a metal ground plane (your Jeep's hood)? Might I guess your installation is a bit directional?

[@robertchambers5821]

Gaston: What an awesome video, your build out of new software is exciting. Do you know of a 2m/70cm SSB handheld? 8P6RC

[@TheTechPrepper]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it, Robert! I have been looking for exactly that-an HT with 2m SSB TX capabilities. I believe the Kenwood D74 has 2m SSB RX. Let me know if you find one.

[@Siskiyous6]

Ape shared this link on TOADS Discord, very interesting project - I see real utility here. WS7PB 73

[@TheTechPrepper]

I didn't realize Ape shared this...time to get on Discord more often. A big thanks to @TheSmokinApe for sharing! The development of EmComm Tools is progressing slowly as I am making frequent changes based on my field tests. I hope to have a public beta ready in the fall. Check out the video I released yesterday, there's an update that includes bearing support for people with directional antenna. 73, KT1RUN

[@TangoOscarMikeN3WS]

Being able to do all that from a web browser is going to be great. I'm not a fan of VNC on a phone.

[@TheTechPrepper]

Yeah, VNC technically works on small screens, it’s just not fun. The trick now is hitting the pause button on the PoC and refactoring the code so that I can move forward on the backlog of features. Take it easy, Tom.

[@malenve6vid]

Great stuff Gaston. Are you planning to get your Emcomm Tools app out soon? Android or I-phone as well?

[@TheTechPrepper]

It actually all runs on the Raspberry Pi, Malen. You can use any phone, tablet or computer that has a web browser. I'm shooting for a beta release lease in September.

[@pauloost59]

That will make it so easy that I'm actually gonna try and get more into digital, thanks man! Nice vids, and I like how high coffee is on your priority list...😎👍🏻

[@TheTechPrepper]

@@pauloost59 It's my pleasure. The project is running much slower, but I hope to release it this year. I'm currently working on integrating it with Jason KM4ACK's Build-a-Pi. He's a good resource for digital comms. Yes, I love my coffee. It's my favorite simple pleasure. 😁

[@forgetyourlife]

2m ssb is awsome. If only it was as populated here as your area seems to be.

[@TheTechPrepper]

Well, it’s dead the most of the week. It’s seems to be mostly active just during our Tuesday and Sunday nets. Start a 2m SSB revolution. Check to see if there is a SWOT net in your area.

[@craigpalmer9196]

Okay pi3 b+ what configuration? THANKS

[@TheTechPrepper]

There's a longer video on that coming, but I just released this a few minutes ago. www.buymeacoffee.com/thetechprepper/emcomm-tools-day-10-aprs-yaac-integration

[@craigpalmer9196]

@@TheTechPrepper thanks for the update and heads up but yes i have seen todays vid. right now i need to get the vhf version up. when my trekmount arrives the fun starts

[@WadeAbout]

Love it. Tiny typo on your status. It’s YAAC not YACC.

[@TheTechPrepper]

Wade, thanks for catching this. I stopped seeing the typo. You deserve some kind of typo bounty. 😂

[@Liberty4Ever]

I can't believe you've been posting videos for a year and I'm just now hearing of you (courtesy of KM4ACK). The KZbin algorithm must not be recommending your videos because you have Prepper in the name. 😀 I love the concept of your app. I never cared for the VNC approach for some reason, but I love the cell phone control concept. When talking to Jason, I said I hoped you wouldn't try to jam too much tiny text in a cell phone screen. He told me to just watch the video. The user interface looks great, and you even alluded to the cell phone small screen issue at 6:20. Any plan for an Android version? I subbed before even watching your first video. I'll probably spend a day binge watching previous videos. I bought you a cup of coffee. 😁

[@TheTechPrepper]

Welcome to the channel. This app runs on a web server running on the Pi. It will run on anything that has a web browser. So, you’re covered on Android, Windows, Mac, etc. I’ll be doing a walkthrough of the end to end setup soon. Also, thanks for the coffee. I appreciate the support. I’m still a new ham, so you’ll likely be catching up on my random learning process the last 13 months. There’s so much left to explore and share. 73!

[@Liberty4Ever]

@@TheTechPrepper - It looked like the Pi was serving web pages but I wasn't sure how browser specific it might be. Awesome work! Thanks! 73 2U2!

[@TheTechPrepper]

@@Liberty4Ever Thanks. I will be working on integrating a technology called PWA's (Progressive Web Apps) that will allow some of the application's features to work even when the Pi (server) is down. I am not a front-end UI/UX engineer, so this project is a great opportunity to ramp-up on some newer technologies.

[@johndamelio9829]

I love playing radio. just sayin.

[@johndamelio9829]

Also delighted that George is going to produce those Trek Mounts.

[@TheTechPrepper]

It’s a win for everyone. After I mentioned the Comet BNC-24 antennas a couple videos back, he bought ALL the units from Comet. I’m going to buy two more TrekMounts once they’re available for sale.

[@TheTechPrepper]

I like saying it, too. 😆

[@wolfholler9939]

Gaston, I like ur vids and the idea of Emcom-Tools APP. As an Android user I see it is unfortunately for the Apple world only. 73 de Wolf, oe7ftj

[@TheTechPrepper]

Thank you! Actually, the software is running on a Raspberry Pi that is connected to the radio. As long as you have a web browser, you can connect to the web application from any device using a web browser. I have a video in the pipeline where I’ll go into more detail on how this works.

[@wolfholler9939]

@@TheTechPrepper Ah ok. Thats fine - tnx for clarification :-)

[@damonschaefer1773]

De K9CQB. It looks like your running an app that controls a Raspberry Pi with Ham software on it? It looks cool. However, not to be a downer, but it would be awesome to see an Android app that connects the smartphone directly through USB or Bluetooth to the ham radio, and does JS8CALL, VARA-FM, VarAC, Winlink, APRS, etc. And if a radio didn't have USB or BT, it would do it over USB-C through a little DigiRig device (via audio and CAT cables). That would be awesome. We have the knowledge and modern smartphones have the power. [while beating dead horse] Why hasn't there been a JS8CALL app on yet? Imagine actually communicating globally with your smartphone/radio instead of just doing FT8 to see how well the bands are working with your antenna.

[@TheTechPrepper]

I am planning on building a commercial app if I can exit my day job, but it will be a very expensive application given the amount the time and resources required to build it. Most software engineers that are consultants have bill rates anywhere from $100-$250 per our hour. Building an application like you're describing requires multiple software engineers with different backgrounds unless you run into and software engineer that can do it all. The features that are your describing are thousands of man hours. If I had to swag a project like this, I would say it could run upwards of $500,000.00 USD to produce the initial working version. My software is an interface that bridges together the work that has been done by other ham software. For example, I did not have to write a modem for packet, ardop, vara, JS8, nor did I have to write an entire APRS library, etc. I currently have about over 1,000 hours into my project and it's nowhere near complete. In general, most people feel that all software should be free, but in reality, we all have to put food on the table. It would be a bit like asking a plumber to fix your toilet for free. I hope this answers your question. This is my honest view on why the application you are describing does not exist.

[@WA-eg7ft]

Thumbs up #100 woo hoo

[@TheTechPrepper]

Thanks ;-)

[@вечная_мерзлота]

😂 dude u got to stop it. cellphones and radios should never be mixed together. be a real ham. cause I'm. nice vid.

[@TheTechPrepper]

Did you catch the SSB voice at the end? A little real ham for you there. ;-)

[@вечная_мерзлота]

@@TheTechPrepper I sure did. Boy I was glad. I did a back flip so happy I was. almost broke my neck. I appreciate your Chanel. I'm your subscriber.

[@jeremyboxdotcom]

At 8:30 you mention "I won't be able to get a confirmation", but I'm pretty sure if you add a ? at the end of the callsign you do actually get a delivery confirmation through SMSGTE. I'm not 100% if it works with @wife? alias, but it definitely should with @callsign? or @phonenumber?. Maybe give it some testing and if so add a popup on the video with this anecdote. Thanks for the vids, just found you and enjoying the content.