Remote base station
Encyclopedia
A remote base station is a common name for an amateur radio
auxiliary station that is controlled and operated from a remote location. Most remote base stations have similar features to any other Amateur radio station but can be controlled over a direct wired connection, the internet
, or by radio
.
In many ways, remote base stations controlled by radio, resemble repeaters with additional features. Remote base stations are usually run and maintained by individual hobbyists or clubs. Unlike repeaters, they are not usually open to all amateur radio operator
s. A remote base is one type of station where the primary control point is not at the station location.
When using a radio link, remote control
of an auxiliary base station consists of sending the primary signal (voice or data) along with some form of control signal, such as DTMF tones, to another station to change its operating parameters i.e. turn it on or off, change frequency or transmitter power level, rotate the antenna
, etc. These signals are considered one form of primary station control, for which the station licensee, and/or a control operator are primarily responsible.
In the United States
, radio control link frequencies must be above 222 MHz. However, the base station being controlled may operate on any amateur frequency. The FCC says that if a radio link is used, the station where the control commands are performed is an auxiliary station, [97.213(a)] and an auxiliary station is "an amateur station transmitting communications point-to-point within a system of cooperating amateur stations" [97.3(a)(7)]
Turn of the century technology has enabled ham radio operators to control remote bases via the Internet. Many people use IRLP or Echolink
to remotely control their stations.
Telecommand
is defined by the Federal Communications Commission
as a one-way transmission to initiate, modify or terminate functions of a device at a distance [97.3(a)(43)]. Control (or telecommand) links for a remote base station may be wire (telephone line
, fiber optic line, Internet, etc.) or radio.
Amateur radio
Amateur radio is the use of designated radio frequency spectrum for purposes of private recreation, non-commercial exchange of messages, wireless experimentation, self-training, and emergency communication...
auxiliary station that is controlled and operated from a remote location. Most remote base stations have similar features to any other Amateur radio station but can be controlled over a direct wired connection, the internet
Internet
The Internet is a global system of interconnected computer networks that use the standard Internet protocol suite to serve billions of users worldwide...
, or by radio
Radio
Radio is the transmission of signals through free space by modulation of electromagnetic waves with frequencies below those of visible light. Electromagnetic radiation travels by means of oscillating electromagnetic fields that pass through the air and the vacuum of space...
.
In many ways, remote base stations controlled by radio, resemble repeaters with additional features. Remote base stations are usually run and maintained by individual hobbyists or clubs. Unlike repeaters, they are not usually open to all amateur radio operator
Amateur radio operator
An amateur radio operator is an individual who typically uses equipment at an amateur radio station to engage in two-way personal communications with other similar individuals on radio frequencies assigned to the amateur radio service. Amateur radio operators have been granted an amateur radio...
s. A remote base is one type of station where the primary control point is not at the station location.
When using a radio link, remote control
Remote control
A remote control is a component of an electronics device, most commonly a television set, used for operating the television device wirelessly from a short line-of-sight distance.The remote control is usually contracted to remote...
of an auxiliary base station consists of sending the primary signal (voice or data) along with some form of control signal, such as DTMF tones, to another station to change its operating parameters i.e. turn it on or off, change frequency or transmitter power level, rotate the antenna
Antenna (radio)
An antenna is an electrical device which converts electric currents into radio waves, and vice versa. It is usually used with a radio transmitter or radio receiver...
, etc. These signals are considered one form of primary station control, for which the station licensee, and/or a control operator are primarily responsible.
In the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, radio control link frequencies must be above 222 MHz. However, the base station being controlled may operate on any amateur frequency. The FCC says that if a radio link is used, the station where the control commands are performed is an auxiliary station, [97.213(a)] and an auxiliary station is "an amateur station transmitting communications point-to-point within a system of cooperating amateur stations" [97.3(a)(7)]
Turn of the century technology has enabled ham radio operators to control remote bases via the Internet. Many people use IRLP or Echolink
Echolink
EchoLink is a free computer-based Amateur Radio system that allows radio amateurs to communicate with other amateur radio operators using Voice over IP technology on the Internet for at least part of the path between them...
to remotely control their stations.
Telecommand
Telecommand
A telecommand is a command sent to control a remote system or systems not directly connected to the place from which the telecommand is sent. The word is derived from tele = remote , and command = to entrust/order...
is defined by the Federal Communications Commission
Federal Communications Commission
The Federal Communications Commission is an independent agency of the United States government, created, Congressional statute , and with the majority of its commissioners appointed by the current President. The FCC works towards six goals in the areas of broadband, competition, the spectrum, the...
as a one-way transmission to initiate, modify or terminate functions of a device at a distance [97.3(a)(43)]. Control (or telecommand) links for a remote base station may be wire (telephone line
Telephone line
A telephone line or telephone circuit is a single-user circuit on a telephone communication system...
, fiber optic line, Internet, etc.) or radio.
External links
- Remote Hams. Created by KG6YPI.
- Software package offered by W4MQ. Stations running this program may be accessed from a web browser.