A Beginner's Guide to Remote HF Station Setup
By Michael Walker VA3MW
Published: May 2022
Brand: FlexRadio Systems
Introduction
The staff at FlexRadio often get asked about building out a remote HF Station. This guide provides ideas to help ham radio operators automate their stations. Please note that vendor products and designs may change, requiring ongoing research.
Caveat: FlexRadio, in no way, supports or provides any warranties for any of the information shared in this document. It is just a collection of possible ideas and solutions. It is informational only.
Goals
The objective is to build a basic, reliable remote HF station with minimal investment, ensuring the radio is online and accessible via SmartLink. Most items are off-the-shelf.
This guide assumes a 1 or 2-feedline antenna system, no amplifier included in the solution, and no rotator.
- AC Power Supply on and off
- Flex 6000 soft power on and off
- Internet modem auto reboot
This guide serves as a starting point for managing basic concerns, enabling remote radio reboot, and automatic internet modem reboot.
A Windows PC on the same LAN network is highly recommended for remote diagnostics and reliable digital operations via remote connection software, especially for extended periods away from the station.
Requirements
- Internet: 2 Mb/sec upload throughput via Cable, DSL, or Fiber. Cellular or satellite networks are not suitable for reliable remote operations.
- WiFi is required to control the Kasa Web Switch.
- Flex 6000 series radios
- All devices on the same LAN Subnet
- Highly recommended: Windows PC on the local LAN network
AC Power Control
TPLink Kasa Smart WiFi Outlet
AC power is controlled via a web switch. FlexRadio sells the TPLink Kasa Smart WiFi Outlet, which connects to your 12V DC power supply.
Image Description: A small white TPLink Kasa Smart WiFi Outlet with a single socket and a button on the side.
The Kasa Smart Control application (iOS/Android) allows remote control of multiple power outlets, enabling operators to manage power for the radio and 12VDC power supply.
App Screenshot Description: A mobile app interface showing a list of smart devices, including "Smart Bulbs" and "Smart Plugs," with toggle switches to turn them ON or OFF.
FlexRadio Soft Power Control
- TPLink Kasa Smart WiFi Outlet Min
- Digital Logger AC-powered relay
- RCA cable
These components control the soft power up and down of the Flex 6xxx radio using the Remote RCA connector.
Image Description: A small black Digital Logger AC-powered relay module with screw terminals labeled "RESET", "OFF", "ON", and "power".
4 Port Web Switch
The MHCOZY 4CH WIFI RF Smart Switch Module features:
- 4 Channel remote switch
- 2.4Ghz WiFi
- Remote PTT control with an RCA Cable
- Remote 12VDC accessory control
- Control for other devices
Available on Amazon for approximately $25.
Image Description: A white MHCOZY 4CH WIFI RF Smart Switch Module with multiple input and output ports, labeled "INPUT", "OUTPUT", and "RF".
App Screenshot Description: Mobile app screens showing "Inching Settings" with duration options and device control with large "ON" and "OFF" buttons for different channels.
Internet Modem Monitoring
NetReset - Digital Timer
The NetReset-Digital Timer Outlet Automates Modem and Router Reboot. It turns the modem on 2 minutes before the router, providing a secure, fast, and reliable internet connection. It functions as a 24-hour timer.
If your internet connection fails, a smart home becomes a problem. The simplest solution is to routinely cycle power to your modem and router. This is recommended by the FBI for auto-correcting home network issues and mitigating malicious cyber-attacks.
Note: These items have not been tested.
Image Description: A digital timer outlet with two sockets. It has a digital display showing "3:00" and buttons labeled "HOURS", "MINS", "RESET", "CLOCK", "PROG".
ezOutlet5 - Internet Enabled IP & WiFi Remote Power Switch with Reboot
- Monitors Internet Connectivity and Cycles Power Outlet when Broadband (DSL, cable, satellite, FiOS, etc.) Connection is Lost.
- Automatically Restarts Remote Equipment such as Modems, Routers, PCs, or Security Cameras when they Crash, Freeze, or Lock-Up.
- Connects to your LAN via 2.4G WiFi or 10/100 Ethernet.
- Schedules Multiple Automatic Power Cycles (e.g., ON at 6 AM, OFF at 9 PM).
- Provides a Free Monitor & Control App for iPhone / iPad / Android Phones & Tablets, or use Cloud & Web Interfaces.
Note: These items have not been tested.
Image Description: A black ezOutlet5 device with various ports and buttons labeled "LAN", "FUSE", "PWR ON/OFF", "AUTO RESET FN", "AUTO RESET", "CLOUD LINK", "INTERNET".
Links:
- Amazon.com: ezOutlet5 - Internet Enabled IP & WiFi Remote Power Switch with Reboot
- ezOutlet5 - Internet Enabled IP & WiFi Remote Power Switch with Auto Modem/R... (Note: Actual YouTube link not provided, using placeholder)
Recommendations
Remote PC (highly recommended)
FlexRadio Systems (FRS) recommends installing a remote PC (desktop or laptop) at the remote station for maintenance access. This allows software updates for FlexRadio 6xxx radios and remote access to your router for configuration changes.
Digital mode operation can be executed on the remote PC, providing a more reliable experience by avoiding streaming SmartSDR DAX data over the internet, which can consume significant upstream bandwidth.
Remote access to the PC can be achieved using software tools such as:
- Chrome Remote Desktop
- Teamviewer (Note: Teamviewer may lock out users if it detects commercial use.)
- Anydesk
Watch: HF Remote - Why a PC at the remote end? – FlexRadio (Note: Actual video link not provided, using placeholder)
UPS - Uninterruptible Power Supply
A UPS is highly recommended for any computer, router, or modem. While not strictly required for the radio's power supply, it can provide protection against power surges, such as those from SSB voice peaks (up to 2000-watt surges).
Drawing Overview
Diagram Description: This network diagram illustrates a remote HF station setup. The core components are connected as follows:
- Internet connects to a Modem.
- The Modem connects to a LAN Switch.
- The LAN Switch connects to:
- A 115 VAC Web Switch (which powers a 12V power supply).
- The Flex 6xxx Radio.
- A UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply).
- The Flex 6xxx Radio also connects to another 115 VAC Web Switch.
- A separate unit labeled "AC Power for Modem/Switch and Router" connects to the UPS.
- Wireless symbols (Wi-Fi icons ?) indicate wireless connectivity for the web switches.
Other Hardware to Consider
iBoot G2
The iBoot-G2+ Expandable Network Power Switch offers extra features to minimize site visits. It can control up to three independent outlets, protecting more devices. iBoot saves time and money by reducing downtime; a simple browser login allows you to bring a failed system back to life. It can detect failed systems and take immediate action, featuring an auto-ping function to verify modem/router accessibility during outages.
Note: The author expresses a desire to recommend this, but testing is needed to confirm control over the 12V power supply, radio software reboot, and modem/router.
Image Description: A black iBoot G2+ device with cables and ports. A web interface screenshot shows power status for outlets (Exp1, Exp2, Main) with options for Power ON, Power OFF, and Cycle Power.
SONOFF Web switch
This switch is noted as being good and having its own write-up available.
Link: A Remote Relay Switch for Powering on a FLEX-6000 – FlexRadio (Note: Placeholder link)
Image Description: A white SONOFF 4CHPRO 4-gang Wi-Fi Smart Switch with RF Control, showing multiple relay outputs and screw terminals.
$3 Remote Solution (from Hackaday)
This is a DIY solution for making your router reboot automatically when the internet connection is lost. It uses an ESP8266 01 and a single relay and is not a plug-and-play solution.
Accessories
Amplifiers
Consider investing in a solid-state, no-tune amplifier, such as the FlexRadio PGXL. The PGXL integrates seamlessly with FlexRadio 6000 series radios and supports legal limit power. Amplifier status is displayed within the SmartSDR application. Other amplifiers may be compatible; consult your dealer/vendor.
240VAC Power Control
One recommended switch is the Suraielec WiFi Pool Timer, an Outdoor Indoor Smart Switch rated for 40 AMP, 2HP, 120, 240, 277 VAC.
Link: Remote 220-240VAC Switch
Further discussions can be found in the FlexRadio Community: https://community.flexradio.com/categories/remote-operation
Image Description: A weatherproof electrical enclosure for a smart switch, showing labels for "Detach Clip", "Wi-Fi LED Indicator", "Power & Program Button", "Power Indicator", "Load Indicator", and "Grounded Terminal", along with knockout openings.
Antenna Switching
The 403A 2x8 antenna switch is a LAN-based device that works well with FlexRadio solutions. When paired with a Flex 6600 or 6700, it allows access to up to 8 unique antennas for ANT 1 and 2.
Other solutions are available via the FlexRadio Community and can integrate with CAT/BCD data from Flex 6000 series radios.
Image Description: A black antenna switch unit labeled "ANT 1", "ANT 2", and "OUT A", "OUT B", with multiple coaxial connectors.
Lightning Mitigation
Hardware Solutions
Comprehensive lightning mitigation solutions are challenging. Standard precautions are necessary. The Dual Antenna Disconnector by Paradan Radio is a good starting point but may not survive a direct lightning strike.
This device requires a 12V DC switch to turn on/off. It can be wired to the power supply and used to ground antennas when the station power supply is turned off.
Image Description: A black Dual Antenna Disconnector by Paradan Radio with connectors labeled "A", "B", "From", "To Antennas", and "Connected".
Publications
Ward Silver N0AX has authored "Grounding and Bonding for the Radio Amateur," a recommended read available in the ARRL Book Store.
There is also a YouTube video: https://youtu.be/sF6F2cjPWqc
Image Description: The cover of the book "Grounding and Bonding for the Radio Amateur" by H. Ward Silver, N0AX, featuring graphics related to electrical safety and lightning.
Other Resources
FlexRadio Community
The FlexRadio Community is a valuable resource for asking questions related to operating your FlexRadio station.
Website: https://community.flexradio.com/
Discussion Group: https://community.flexradio.com/categories/remote-operation
Other Resources
For Station Automation using Node-Red:
Amazon.com
The Fast Remote Desktop Application â AnyDesk
community.flexradio.com/
TeamViewer – The Remote Connectivity Software
