VoIP HF Bridge

(Click on the image to enlarge)

This is a pictorial representation of a recently tested Skype-based amateur radio HF VoIP bridge station. Working with well developed and tested component elements: Skype and a radio computer interface were linked to provide a HF VoIP bridge--somewhat similar to Echolink. Recent tests found that given sufficient Internet bandwidth, and a relatively robust computer to serve as the conference hub, Skype can provide exceptional audio between all participating stations.

In the most recent trials, the HF tranceiver was set for VOX operation thus allowing conference participants to easily key the transceiver. This easy access does require some discipline to minimize doubling on the part of conference and on-air participants.

On-air participants reported excellent audio quality and no objectionable latency. Obviously the readability of the on-air signal will depend on the power of the HF bridge station and propagation conditions between on-air participants and the HF bridge station.

A special thanks to WA5MLF and W4BXI for many suggestions and encouragement.

HF via Echolink

Several of us have been working to setup an Echolink server to facilitate an early morning HF round-table when 75m propagation is not particularly good for all stations. The following screen shots show the current state of affairs. You can click on each image to seen a full size rendering.

The above screen shot shows the microKeyer audio routing necessary for COM port or Winkey PPT. Note that this configuration is called a "C" type of routing.

The following screen shot shows the required port configuration. Note that the PTT port is set to COM4. We'll see that COM4 setting again when we look at a the Echolink PTT setup.

See the Echolink Preferences-Connections-Push-to-Talk Settings below. Note the Serial Port COM4 selection.

Echolink inbound audio (RXCtrl) is set to VOX as shown below.

Echolink out-bound (TX-Ctrl) is also set to COM4 as shown below.

And lastly, Echolink must be told where to find the in-bound (Rcv) and out-bound (TX) audio. In this case, the sound card as shown below.

Configuring this particular installation was complicated by the the interface (microKeyer) choices audio routing and possibilities and transmitter keying, coupled with a number of different parameter choices in Echolink.

I'm not sure we are yet properly configured but I think we are closer.

Grounding Project

Each leg of the tower is grounded to an 8' ground rod. The rods are tied to each other.

One of the three 8' ground rods.

Looking up from the base of the tower to the entry panel. Note the feed lines come off the tower at roof line and go directly to the entry panel.

The entry panel. Note the ground wire. This runs down a leg of the tower and is tied to one of the ground rods.

Feed lines from the UHF, Beam, and Fan dipole. The fan dipole goes to the connector labeled beam--go figure!

Note the tower sits just to the right of the guest bedroom. Can you guess what I'm think?