Ham Radio Science

Apple M1 Mac Mini the Best Budget Shack PC?

KS4JU — Thu, 14 Jan 2021 14:40:42 +0000

Several weeks back Apple introduced their new Apple Silicon M1 computers. There was initially some concerns about how well these new computers would perform. However, when the new Apple M1 computers got into reviewers hands, they performed well beyond expectations. The M1 ARM based chips turned out to be not only to be powerful but also ran cool and quiet. Apple’s new M1 computers performed as well as Intel’s expensive Core i9 chipsets if not better in some cases. The same could be said for higher end AMD processors. So, I thought it would be interesting to take a look at the least expensive M1 computer ($699) the M1 Mac Mini from the perspective of using it as a Ham Shack computer. There were some successes and failures along the way, but the M1 Mac Mini turns out to be a little powerhouse and an excellent budget computer. The M1 Mac Mini is more than capable of handling compute heavy tasks like 4K video editing, photo editing, 3D modeling, and music production. Normally, you would have to spend upwards of $1500 to $2000 or more for a PC to perform as well as the M1 Mac Mini when using compute …

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The Best External Controllers for SmartSDR Windows and macOS

KS4JU — Fri, 04 Dec 2020 16:20:10 +0000

One of the great features of Flex Radios is their desktop control software SmartSDR. The software allows you to control most every aspect of the radio from your laptop, desktop pc, as well as iPhones and iPads. Chances are that even if you have a M model Flex radio that has knobs and buttons, you will probably wind up using the software a great deal for radio control and interfacing to 3rd party ham radio applications. When using the the SmartSDR you will spend some of your operational time using the keyboard and mouse changing settings, tuning the radio, and transmitting. Eventually you will develop a workflow that suits your style of operation. Adding an external controller to your setup can help improve or speed up your work flow. External controllers can give you access to dedicated buttons for radio control, VFO tuning knob, or macro sequences. Using external controllers are far more efficient than a keyboard and mouse interface. When using an external controller for awhile, you will develop muscle memory that will make your workflow far more efficient. This is why creators using computers for music production or video editors will gravitate to hardware controllers to help cutdown …

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SmartSDR for macOS Video Overview

KS4JU — Wed, 30 Sep 2020 14:44:03 +0000

The video for SmartSDR is now available on the YouTube channel. This video is primarily an overview of the various functions and features available in the recently released SmartSDR for macOS software for Flex Radios.

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Smart SDR for macOS

KS4JU — Tue, 25 Aug 2020 18:45:16 +0000

SmartSDR for Windows

Note* Ham Radio Science will be kicking off an new series of videos shortly. So go over to the Ham Radio Science YouTube channel and subscribe.

Introduction
Apparently Hell has actually frozen over. We now have a full desktop client for Smart SDR for Apple macOS systems. It is pretty well known that Flex Radio has the best remote capabilities of any radio available today. This is an area that manufactures like Icom, Yaesu, and Kenwood has not been able to match. Sure, there has been some feeble attempts to offer decent remote and control software for these radios, but they have typically fallen far short of Flex Radio offerings. However, owners of Macs have been left out of the fun for many many years. In the past Mac users were forced to use the workarounds such as virtual machine software like Parallels or Apple Bootcamp to run the Windows version of SmartSDR. This approach has worked pretty well in some cases, but in other cases it didn’t always achieve the best results depending on the machine configuration. Finally, we have a native SmartSDR client for Mac users which will allow SmartSDR to run more efficiently on …

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Boxchip S700A Network and DMR Radio Video Review

KS4JU — Fri, 22 Mar 2019 19:15:25 +0000

Ok, after using and enjoying the Boxchip S700A it was time for a video review.…

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SDRuno v1.3 Released

KS4JU — Thu, 14 Mar 2019 18:30:16 +0000

SDRplay is pleased to announce the release of SDRuno v1.3. This is a major upgrade to SDRuno, which adds a number of important new features and is intended for all RSP models including the now discontinued RSP1.

Major new features include:

Frequency Scanning (for both frequency ranges and stored memory panel lists)

I/Q → Audio Output (for CW Skimmer for example)

A new configurable IF AGC scheme

For a full list of additions/changes and bug fixes, please see the release notes at: https://www.sdrplay.com/docs/SDRplay_SDRuno_Release_Notes.pdf

This release of SDRuno uses a new version of the Windows Service based API (3.02) and so users that also used other applications such as dump1090 and HDSDR with the previous version of the Windows Service based API (3.01) will need to download and install the latest versions of API, dump1090 and the ExtIO plugin from our website at https://www.sdrplay.com/downloads

We have produced two new video guides which describe the use of the Frequency Scanner and I/Q Output functions. Links to these videos along with many others can be found by going to the SDRplay Applications and support catalogue on https://www.sdrplay.com/apps-catalogue/ , and on our Youtube Channel on https://www.youtube.com/c/SDRplayRSP

However, the …

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Boxchip S700A Network Radio Review

KS4JU — Thu, 20 Dec 2018 20:56:12 +0000

Introduction
More and more Amateur Radio operators are beginning to realize the flexibility and utility of Network Radio. Network Radio has become the “Swiss Army Knife” of communications technology. Amateur radio users can reach other Amateurs world wide using such applications as Zello, IRN, Echolink, and APRS. New applications are still popping up. For example the recently released Android app Peanut now allows users to use some popular D-Star reflectors using an android device. The user doesn’t even need a D-Star radio or a hotspot, just an internet connected Android device. In the past month this application has increased D-Star traffic on the popular reflectors dramatically. Not to mention that Zello can be used to establish a repeater like function for Amateurs who don’t have access to a local repeater. Zello can also be used to augment existing repeaters by increasing access to the repeater over unlimited distances very inexpensively. Also since there is no antenna required it allows Amateurs who are in antenna restricted to go back to rag chewing with other Amateurs across the world. Most users can give Network Radio a try by simply downloading the appropriate apps on their cellphones. However if you get hooked, you …

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Kyocera E6560 – A Cheap Network Radio Rugged Smartphone

KS4JU — Sun, 02 Dec 2018 15:36:47 +0000

If you are interested in getting into Network Radio, but not ready to spend $150 to $300 for a dedicated HT style device, you might find that the Kyocera E6560 Smartphone might fit the bill. The Kyocera E6560 is basically a ruggedized unlocked GSM Android Smartphone with a PTT button for Zello use or other PTT applications that sells for $75 to $80. The E6560 has a great build quality and feels good in the hand. Unlike the typical Network Radio HTs the E6550 sports a 4.5 inch screen that makes operating the unit far easier than the 2.5 inch screen models. Not to mention that the E6560 is far more pocketable. The dual front firing speakers provides plenty of volume like the HT style devices for use in noisy environments. So, if you are looking for a dedicated inexpensive Network Radio Device rather than carrying your expensive smartphone around check out the video below from Ham Radio Science. Don’t forget to subscribe to the Ham Radio Science YouTube channel for more upcoming videos.

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Pulsat PM-1100 Network Radio Review

KS4JU — Wed, 07 Nov 2018 19:12:10 +0000

Having found the X Boss TM-7S a great deal of fun, we took a look at a mobile / base version of a Network Radio the Pulsat PM-1100. The Pulsat Network Radio is pretty much identical to the very popular Inrico TM7. The Pulsat Network turned out to be very nice compact mobile / base unit for Network Radio use with a few quibbles. Check out the video on our YouTube Channel. Please don’t forget to subscribe!

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X Boss 7S+ Network Radio YouTube Review

KS4JU — Sun, 04 Nov 2018 14:50:32 +0000

We tried out the X Boss 7S+ Network Radio HT, check out the video!

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