LHS Episode #024: Darth Hideous

In this latest installment of Linux in the HAM Shack, we air the second half of our interview with Bill, KA9WKA, from Episode #022. While the first part of the interview focused on Linux Mint and EeePC netbooks, this part is mostly about amateur radio, answering questions from the chat room and generally having a good time. In fact, it's like a good old fashioned ragchew.

Not ones to leave out actual content and learning, we address questions from listener feedback, and Richard talks about using rig control software under WINE for Icom, Yaesu and Kenwood radios. And of course there are other topics thrown into the mix as well. Thank you to all of our listeners, old and new, for downloading this latest episode. Please tell all your friends about us and send us feedback, whether by e-mail, forum or voice mail. Hope to see everyone in Belton, TX on October 3rd or in Columbus, OH from September 25-27.

And may the force be with you.

LHS Show Notes #013

Contributors:

  • KE7BAF about WUBI. Checkout WUBI at www.wubi-installer.org
  • Timis Via Twitter told us we are #1
  • Tom the Trucker left a wonderful review over at Itunes for us
  • N8XJA Tony found us through Itunes and is re-inspired by the show to pursue his Linux Dream
  • Rochester NY Amateur Radio Association added us to their website as a valuable Resource. Check it out. https://rochesterhamfest.org/
  • Mentioning the Dane Alex OZ9AEC and his Amateur radio software for Linux some of those are Gpredict Sat Tracker https://gpredict.oz9aec.net and Grig https://groundstation.sourceforge.net/grig
  • A Comment from Petr OK2CQR. Developer of CQRlog which we highlighted on an earlier episode. CQRLog can be found at https://www.cqrlog.com/
  • Myron says The Live show is pretty neat. Don't forget the Live recording session every other week check out the main page for more details. www.lhsinfo.org
  • Bob WD4BOB Has added some info to his page about the show go check out his blog at https://wd4bob.com/wd4bob/home/home.html Thanks Bob
  • KC7DEZ Barry Wants to get on packet and we are researching ways to get that happening. If you are good with packet and Linux get in touch with us.
  • WA3FKG Ken Posted about us in his Blog https://www.wa3fkg.com/
  • Josh Looking looking for basic info on Ham radio.

Notes:

Richard is a tester so this is the way he does it. If you are sure that rig control is going to run the way it supposed to then skip the Grig stuff.

  • Make sure you have hamlibham2 installed. Use Grig from the repositories to help make sure your rig control is working. Use “grig -h” at the command line for help.
  • Russ talks about creating a launcher for Grig in the menu.
  • Get you rig ID number by typing “grig - -list” for a list.
  • Make sure your rig is in VFO mode. Rig control will not work in memory mode. Once you have it working move on over to FLDIGI.
  • You can control a radio with libhamlib2, rig cat, mem map. We assume that you already have FLDigi installed and running. Go to the rig control tab. Under rig control go to the hamlib tab. Check the box that says “Use hamlib”. The next box says “use hamlib PTT” leave this unchecked. I did not try this you can experiment with it later. Find your Radio in the drop down list. Port will be the port your cat cable is on with the same settings you use in Grig. Initialize! There you go explore and have fun.

Links:

Music:

LHS Episode #009

Hello, everyone. Welcome to Linux in the HAM Shack, Episode #009. I am enjoying my time in sunny and warm Orlando, Florida as this episode is published. Richard and I would like to thank everyone for downloading and listening to the podcast. We've been getting encouraging pingbacks from other bloggers and amateurs and much good feedback as well. We'd like to encourage everyone who listens to the show to spread the word about us. The more amateur radio folks we can help with Linux and Open Source the happier we'll be.

In this episode, we start out with listener feedback, answering questions and responding to feedback that has come in since the last episode. We also give a shoutout to some guys, because we're some guys too. We then jump into a thorough examination and review of F0FAK's promising new amateur radio Linux distribution called Shackbox. And in the final segment, we talk about serial bus communication and USB-to-serial adapters for fun and profit--and rig control.

Please send us your comments, feedback, questions and remember to spread the word to everyone you know. We can't take over the world without your help. Show notes will follow soon. All hate mail should be directed to Richard.

73 de Russ, K5TUX

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