What is an Internet Remote Base? Operate From Anywhere You Have Internet Access –All you need is a computer and a microphone Fully Operational Stations ….. Not Just Repeater Access –SSB, AM, FM, CW –160 thru 2 meters –Enjoy RagChews, Nets, Contests, Chasing DX Provides the Look and Feel of Your Local Station –Control of Radio, Antenna Selection, Rotator Control, Amplifiers

Why Use an Internet Remote Base? Antenna Restrictions Educational Demos Travel Different Propagation Monitor Your Signal License Upgrade No Radio

How Are Hams Using the Internet Remote Bases? Overcoming a Restricted Location –Condo, Apartment, Hotel, Hospital Overcoming Equipment Problems –Continue Net Ops After Storm Damages Antenna –Continue Scheduled Ops During House Move Optimizing Propagation –Continue Skeds After Moving Across Country –Work Europeans on 75 meters from the West Coast –Foreign Hams Enjoying North America QSOs Anytime

How Are Hams Using the Internet Remote Bases? Getting Experience to Upgrade License –No-Code Tech Listening to HF Bands and Getting Code Proficiency Special Operations –Blind Operators Operating HF Without Special Equipment Monitoring Station Performance –On Air Testing of New Antennas –Audio Checks

How Do You Operate an Internet Remote Base? Station Control Interface Audio Interface Microsoft NetMeeting Free -- Standard Business Conferencing Software WebXCVR Windows Application Free – Software Download

How Do You Operate an Internet Remote Base? Station Control Interface Audio Interface Unique User Login ID and Password Multiple Remote Bases Available Standard Radio Interface for all Stations S-Meter, Forward Power, SWR Updated Continuously Push-to-Talk Control Mouse and/or Keyboard Commanding Level Control for Rx and Tx Audio

What Can You Actually Control? Push-to-Talk Frequency Select Bands R I T Mode and IF Fiters Mic Gain Tx / Rx Equalization Notch and Noise Reduction AF and RF Gains AGC PreAmp & Attenuator RF Power Antenna Rotator Antenna Tuner

Who Can Use an Internet Remote Base? Based on FCC Regulations Any Foreign Amateur From a Country Having a Reciprocal Operating Agreement With the US Limited to the Privileges of their Own License and the Reciprocal Agreement Any Licensed U.S. Ham Limited to the Privileges of Their Own License The Station Owner May Impose Other Restrictions Limit Users Based On Station Objectives, e.g. Club Station Unique Operational Guidelines

Who Is the Control Operator? Each User Is Assigned A Unique Login And Password Has Full Control Over Transmissions – Freq, Mode, Power, Duration The Remote Users Sign Their Own Callsigns They Must Indicate That The Transmissions Are Actually Via The Internet Remote Base Stations They Must Abide By The Callsign Requirements in the Reciprocal Agreements The Remote User Is The Control Operator The Internet Acts As a Long Microphone Cord Between The Control Operator and The Station

Currently Operational Internet Remote Base Stations W7DXX – North Easton MA – –TS2000, AL-1200 (80 meters), Dipole, Vertical, 2 meter Beam –Supports operation 80 through 2 meters W4MQ – Reston VA – –TS2000, AL-811(40 meters), Dipole, Mini-Beam –Supports operations 160 through 10 meters KA3ODJ – Bangor PA – –Pegasus, Vertical –Supports operations 80 through 10 meters

Where Do We Go From Here? IRBs Could Make Club and Contest Stations Always Available to their Members IRBs Facilitate Demonstration and Operation of Amateur Radio at ANY School –Expand the ARISS Program by Providing Access to Space Station Astronauts For Longer than the 8-10 Minutes Visibility Window –Talk Around the World Directly From the School IRBs Facilitate Demonstration of Amateur Radio at Public Events –Museum Exhibits –Shopping Malls, etc.. –Special Events, Conventions, etc..

Where Do We Go From Here? IRBs Could Provide A Standard Interface For Disabled Amateurs –Keyboard Only (i.e. No Mouse) Interface –Voice Command Interface is Possible IRBs Allow Prospective Hams and No-Code Techs To Experience HF Without An Investment in Radios and Antennas World-wide Uses of IRBs Could Make RagChews Between Foreign Hams an Everyday Experience –Expand the International Flavor of Ham Radio –Make it More Interesting and Exciting To Attract New Hams

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