1 Amateur Radio, Your PC and the Internet Presented by Tony Langdon, VK3JED For the Melbourne PC Users Group, Dec

2 Topics of Discussion Introduction VK3JED and Amateur Radio What is Amateur Radio? Traditional Amateur Activities IT and Amateur Radio Monitoring Amateurs from your PC Where to Listen Receiving Amateurs for Yourself The Internet Radio Linking Project – What it is and its impact on Amateur Radio. How to become a Radio Amateur More Information – WWW sites to follow up. Demonstration of IRLP Thank You

3 VK3JED and Amateur Radio Licenced since 1989 as VK3JED Active in the following areas: –Internet Radio Linking (IRLP) –Satellites –Education and Publicity –Mobile and Portable Operation Member of Moorabbin & District Radio Club

4 Amateur Radio stations are operated for the purposes of self training in radiocommunications, intercommunication using radiocommunications and technical investigation into radiocommunications by persons who: –do so solely with a personal aim; –have no pecuniary interest in the outcome of the operation of the station; and –are operated on [specified] amateur frequencies or frequency bands... What is Amateur Radio?

5 Traditional Amateur Activities HF (Shortwave) communication Morse code Analogue Voice VHF/UHF repeaters Radio Teletype (RTTY) Homebrewing (construction) “Dxing” (long distance contacts)

6 IT and Amateur Radio Computer Controlled Modes –Packet Radio –Slow Scan TV –Narrow Band Teletype (PSK-31, etc) Digital Signal Processing Internet Radio Linking Remote Bases and Web Radios Internet Collaboration Publicity

7 Australian Amateur FAQ – Remote Bases and Web Radios –W7DXX Remote Base (RA) –Lots of online receivers IRLP - Internet Radio Linking Project –Reflector 2 Live Audio There are many more online receivers on the Internet! Monitoring Amateurs from your PC

8 Example of a Web Receiver

9 Where to Listen Amateur bands include –1.8-2 MHz, MHz, MHz, MHz, Mhz, Mhz, 21 – MHz, – Mhz, MHz, MHz, MHz (UK only), MHz, MHz (North America only), MHz. And many higher bands, up to 250 GHz. Modes to Monitor (rough guide) –LSB below 10 MHz. –USB MHz. –Try FM and USB above 29 MHz.

10 Receiving Amateurs for Yourself Receivers –Shortwave receiver (0-30 MHz) Must have BFO or SSB/CW facility Digital tuning an advantage –Scanner for VHF/UHF FM will do for most common activity, though SSB can be helpful Computer –Any P100 or later running Win95 or later. Soundcard a must –Lots of freeware and shareware applications available for download off the Internet for accessory functions and decoding the newer computer based modes. –One of many sites with Amateur Radio DSP applications.

11 The Internet Radio Linking Project (IRLP) Uses the Internet to link distant radio sites together. Gives global coverage to normally localised VHF and UHF frequencies. Enables minimally equipped stations to communicate globally. Allows end user control of links via their radio.

12 How Internet Linking Works Mobile Station Repeater IRLP Node Radio Link Internet Distant Repeater The Internet is used as a link to connect distant repeaters together

13 Typical IRLP Node Standard PC compatible is usually used. Pentium P100 or faster. Linux operating system. Soundcard and appropriate drivers. Simple hardware interface to control link radio. Radio tuned to the appropriate link frequency. ISDN/xDSL/cable/broadband Internet connection.

14 IRLP Reflectors Enable multiple nodes to be linked together into a network – number limited only by bandwidth. Running a reflector requires very fast Internet access (32 kbps per connected node) to handle the multiple data streams. Most reflectors are hosted at Internet Service Providers who often donate the bandwidth.

15 Impact of IRLP on Amateur Radio and the Public Level of amateur activity has increased dramatically. Amateurs who have been inactive for a long time are coming back on the air. Amateur Radio is becoming more appealing to today’s Internet oriented youth. New opportunities for experimentation. –Global network to communicate with ISS

16 The Future Internet linking is already becoming commonplace – over 250 IRLP nodes on air. Improvements in technology will improve performance of links. IPV6 and multicast offer more flexible linking with less bandwidth. Technology can be ported to high speed amateur microwave and satellite links.

17 How to Become a Radio Amateur Radio amateurs are licenced by the ACA, once they pass required examinations in Amateur regulations, radio theory and optionally, Morse Code. Examinations are conducted privately or through radio clubs. Many radio clubs run study courses for amateur theory and regulations. One on one tutoring, self study and study by are other study options. More information –Amateur information from the ACA –Ron Bertrand’s online study course

18 More Information IRLP – Amateur Radio FAQ – Online Receivers – Software Moorabbin and District Radio Club – WIA Victoria Wireless Institute of Australia –

19 Demonstration of IRLP What you are listening to is streaming audio which originates from IRLP Reflector 2, which is the busiest IRLP reflector in the world. The URL to listen is Or alternatively, select the “Listen Live!” Link from

20 Thank You Tony Langdon, VK3JED