LHS Episode #007

Episode #007 is out! Due to popular demand, this is an install episode. After running through comments and questions from listeners via the web site, e-mail and forums, we take a look at the procedure of installing Debian and Ubuntu Linux on a computer from start to finish. The show notes from this episode will include video footage of the Debian install so those of you who are interested in installing Debian on your own machines will be able to follow along with the video and audio of the install procedure. We will be posting screen shots of an Ubuntu install later on as well.

This is also the first episode that features interaction with participants of the live feed that made it into the edited version of the podcast. We'd like to encourage everyone to listen to (and sometimes watch) us live when Linux in the HAM Shack gets recorded. Get all the juicy tidbits, bloopers and anecdotes that don't make the final cut. And your contribution could easily wind up in the show! Check the web site regularly for the broadcast schedule.

Thanks again to all who download and listen to Linux in the HAM Shack. We're nothing without you. And please keep the e-mail and feedback coming.

LHS Episode #006

After putting this off some because of the holidays and other obligations, Episode #006 is now hot off the press. This is the second in our two-part series on PSK31. In the first part, we looked at sound cards, rig control interfaces and the basics of getting a PSK31 software package installed on your Linux operating system.

In part two, we take a much closer look at two popular programs for operating PSK31 mode on Linux: gmFSK and fldigi. On top of that, we respond to listener comments and questions, talk about updates to the web site, and explain how you can be involved in the recording of Linux in the HAM Shack by listening to the live feed and interacting with us in the chat room.

Next up in Episode #007: Install episode! We'll guide you step by step through the entire process of installing Debian or Ubuntu Linux on a machine to use in your HAM shack. If you join us for the live feed, we'll even be able to answer your questions in real time.

Stay tuned, and please, keep the feedback coming.

LHS Episode #005

Episode #005 is here. This is the first in a two-part series where we begin to discuss using Linux with your ham radio to participate in digital modes. We outline the software and hardware you might use to enjoy PSK31, a very popular digital mode in amateur radio. We take a look at sound cards, serial ports, rig control interfaces and prepare you for part two, which will get into the specifics of using Linux software to operate your radio in PSK31 mode. Thank you for downloading our latest episode, and please send us your feedback.

Also, we now broadcast the recording of Linux in the HAM Shack using Ustream TV. Follow Richard or Russ on Twitter to find out when the recording goes live, or check on the web site. An event calendar will be available shortly which will let you know when we will be recording. Your comments may even be included in the podcast!

73 de Russ, K5TUX

LHS Episode #004

Episode #004 is finally here! I need to make two apologies. The first is a re-apology for the crackling in the audio for this episode. It appears to have been a problem with the machine that recorded the episode. My studio was in disarray and I didn't have a place for my laptop so I used an older desktop. The crackling that appears on the recording was not evident from my mixing console or to Richard over the Skype connection. Rest assured that it will not happen in Episode #005. Second, I apologize for this being late. We really would like to keep things on schedule at Linux in the HAM Shack, but the last two weeks have been very busy for both Richard and I.

In this episode, we go through our feedback from between the last release and this one. Then we get down to the heart of the matter: What software is available under Linux for amateur radio enthusiasts? We answer that question, respond to your questions and comments, talk about virtualization and techniques for getting the most from whatever software you decide to use. We even try to have a little fun here and there. So thank you for downloading this episode and thank you for listening. Please send us feedback, good or bad, and any comments or questions you may have. We'd love to hear from you.

73 de Russ, K5TUX

LHS Episode #003

Richard and I had a lot going on in our lives over the past two weeks. Most of it had nothing to do with amateur radio or Linux. Luckily we managed to get Episode #003 recorded and as I write this it's about 3:15am. But the podcast is going to be released on time. Please remember to send us that feedback, whether it's by e-mail, comment on the LHS web site or the Black Sparrow Media forums.

In this episode, we discuss downloading and installing amateur radio software from remote repositories using the various commands provided by Debian-based Linux distributions. We also mention a few other kinds of package managers, those used by Red Hat, OpenSuSE, Gentoo and more. And we touch on installing applications from source code, among other juicy tidbits. Enjoy.

73 de Russ - K5TUX