Parts List for Raspberry Pi Bootcamp

by  Eric K0JEG

We’re still planning the agenda for the Raspberry Pi bootcamp, but I have a plan for the class room build phase. I think a good project will be to build an Aircraft ADSB receiver, using a USB tuner and GNU (SDR) radio. This ADSB Radio Receiver (combined kit) can then be used to upload ADSB Real-Time digital flight data to FlightAware.com or just used as a launching pad for more SDR projects.  (below an example)

We were aiming for sometime in May, but it turns out May is a very busy month. Must have something to do with pent-up demand from winter… Anyway, we’re now looking at June 4th for the date. Ken White, KD0YDH has permission for us to use his WiFi classroom at Rifle High School. Thanks Ken for doing the legwork! (Update: 30APR2016 – note date may change)

The project will require a Raspberry Pi 2 or (preferred) Pi 3. The Pi 3 is shipping in quantity so it should be fairly easy to pick one up, although you might pay a little more than the $35 target price. The Pi 2 is more than powerful enough though, so don’t worry if you can’t get a Pi 3.  Pi3 advantage?  WiFi (and Bluetooth) built right into the tiny motherboard.  Pi2 has to add WiFi externally via one of its USB ports.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00T2U7R7I  – Link to the Pi 2

http://www.amazon.com/Rasberry-Pi-Model-Mother-board/dp/B01CD5VC92/ – Pi 3

For the Price of (2) Baofeng’s you can get a complete Pi3 – Kit (case, micro-SD hard drive and Power Adaptor and HDMI cable $69.99

http://www.amazon.com/Vilros-Raspberry-Complete-Starter-Kit-Clear/dp/B00L87YMGM?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s01

http://www.amazon.com/Wifi-Antenna-Raspberry-Pi-Instructions/dp/B00H95C0A2 – good WiFi/USB adapter for the Pi 2. Has a removable (SMA-RP) antenna connector

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MARDJZ4 – Micro-USB power supply, 2.5 Amps, more than enough to power the Pi and a few USB devices. You can use a minimum of 1A phone charger, but if you’re going to do anything permanent it’s a good idea to pick up a good power supply.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JRSPSZI/ – Micro-SD card.  This acts as the Pi Computers (hard drive). The Pi 2 and 3 switched to micro-SD cards and a much more stable card reader. 16 GB is the minimum I’d get, 32 GB is better. Get a higher-class (read: faster disk drive) micro-SD card so that it doesn’t become a bottleneck.

http://www.amazon.com/NooElec-NESDR-Mini-RTL2832-Antenna/dp/B00P2UOU72 – USB-SDR module (photo). There are others that are a little less expensive, but the manufacturer of this model claims they use a more stable TXCO circuit, which means lower phase noise and more precise frequency control. Your mileage may vary… Just make sure whatever model you buy is based on the RTL2832 chip.

You’ll also need a keyboard, mouse and HDMI monitor.

Check out this amazing list of the number of USB-SDR Receiver projects this NooElec $22.50ea adaptor is capable of…and the list is GROWING!  (Click Here)

You can’t beat this $23.99 Logitech Wireless Mouse and Keyboard (uses just 1 USB tiny connector)  Logitech even includes the batteries for the Mouse and Keyboard.

http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Wireless-Combo-MK270-Keyboard/dp/B00BP5KOPA?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00

Once you get your Pi working you’ll be able to access it remotely on your home network.  We can show you how to download the (free) Remote Desktop App for the Pi – that allows your home PC to “Remote Desktop” to the Pi for complete control.  But for the class we’re going to be connected directly. A case would be a good addition too, especially if you plan on using the Pi permanently. There are lots available, at lots of different price points. You don’t really need to worry too much about heat dissipation unless you are going to overclock your Pi, which won’t be necessary for the class (but I will go over the process).

Anyway, we have 13 people who signed up during last months’ meeting. I’ll also have a sign-up sheet at the foxhunt in May or just drop me an email if you plan on attending.

Traveling MOAB with Stealth Radio Rigs

by   Clark K3NI

My son, Peter KB3VSS, and I departed for Moab on Thursday, November 5 intending to ride the White Rim Trail for three days with two overnights. The first picture attached is of our jeeps (all clean) just off I-70 with the beautiful la Sal Range in the background.  (Just Click-On any of the “Radio Free” Photos below to enlarge them)

We stayed at Motel 6 in Moab Thursday night and got our final supplies at Gear Heads and City Market. The second picture is of Pete surveying the descent into Mineral Bottom at the start of the White Rim.
At first the trail was wet and muddy, tuff on mountain bikers, but the steep parts were dry with excellent traction. Three hours on the trail we had our only Jeep failure when Pete’s new/used rear axel (4.11) broke its passenger side lower shock mount. The third picture is of Pete under his somewhat dirtier Jeep removing the shock.

In short, the scenery was fantastic. The campsites at Potato Bottom and Airport were primitive with pit toilets where campfires weren’t allowed but they were flat with plenty of space between sites. The fourth picture is a sample of the rock scenery.Traffic on the trail was light, mostly mountain bikers with a few sag wagons, the occasional trail bike and assorted full sized pickups and Suburbans. The night sky was spectacular with the occasional meteor shower and we believe we saw the light from the rocket fired off L.A. on Saturday night. We made good use of our 2 meter “Stealth” rigs (never actually photo’d) at Murphy’s Hogback when we were told two pickups were about to descend but they didn’t show up. We sent Pete alone to scout the trail and upon reaching the top he prevented three pickups from descending as I was starting up. There are three 2m repeaters in the Moab area but none of them were available along the Green river side and by the time we passed White Crack we were in cell range. VHF 146.52 HZ simplex was quite useful. The last picture is of our Jeeps on the lookout point just east of Muscleman arch.

FYI the park service has posted a “do not walk on the arch” sign at the arch so the tracks in the sand look like people were running or riding the arch. I don’t recommend crossing that hairy thing. Pete and I highly recommend the trip and are already planning a return ride.

– Clark Heckert  K3NI

National Weather Service & Skywarn 2015 Event

by  N0ECT

Are you into the Weather as well as Amateur Radio?

Well then… this weekend – Saturday, December 5th 2015 is for you!

It’s really more of an “Event” as opposed to a traditional HF Contest.

QSO’s by “whatever means available”.  EchoLink and IRLP based QSO’s to NWS Stations are encouraged!

Object: For all amateur stations to exchange QSO information with as many National Weather Service Stations as possible on 80, 40, 20, 15, 10, 6, and 2 meter bands plus the 70 centimeter band. Contacts via repeaters are permitted. SKYWARN Recognition Day serves to celebrate the contributions to Public Safety made by Amateur Radio operators during threatening weather.

The Radio event Exchange:  Call sign, signal report, QTH, and a one or two word description of the Weather occurring at your site (“sunny”, “partly cloudy”, “windy”, etc.)

For more information on this Amateur Radio Event – sponsored by our National Weather Service – visit here:  http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/mtr/hamradio/

Colorado Connection – Changes & Updates

From:  John Thomson  W0IG   and  Jim Patton  N0WGQ

Subject: Colorado Connection BULLETIN – SUB-AUDIBLE TONE CHANGES

Date: Tue, 25 Aug 2015

There are LOTS of changes going on the Colorado Connection these days – Better and more reliable linking – voting receivers – better audio – and now to minimize interference all the system repeaters are changing to a new tones system.

The system is to transitioning to utilize a CTCSS tone of 88.5 Hz on ALL repeater receivers.  ALL the repeater transmitters will provide a tone of 123.0 Hz.

This is a split tone system but never fear, all you really need is that new tone of 88.5 Hz on your transmitter. (in other words, if you do not have split tone capability on your radio, program your radio to transmit 88.5 Hz and listen to the repeater using carrier squelch.)

Please keep in mind that this kind of transition cannot take place overnight given the scope of the system and the scattering of sites across the state of Colorado. We will keep the web site up to date with the access information.  So, when accessing any of the repeaters if 88.5 Hz does not work, try the old 123.0 Hz tone

AGAIN, THE OLD 123.0 Hz TONE IS BEING REPLACED WITH 88.5Hz THROUGHOUT THE SYSTEM.  Gentlemen (and ladies) re-program those radios and get ready.

We will keep you advised as tones are updated.

The current status (25AUG2015)  is:

Repeater Tone  IN

145.310-   Denver/Boulder    88.5 now

145.445-   Leadville         88.5 now

147.390+   Breckenridge      88.5 now

147.285+   Salida            88.5 now

147.345+   Vail              88.5 now

145.130-   Colorado Springs 88.5 later this week

146.850-   Glenwood Springs  123.0  (88.5 soon)

145.355-   Grand Junction    123.0  (88.5 soon)

145.160-   Walden            123.0  (88.5 soon)

147.075+   Kremmling    Off Air – 88.5 later this summer

145.400-   Akron Off Air – 88.5 later this summer

VHF tbd   Steamboat Springs

147.345+   Durango  (pending)  Will be 88.5

ARRL – Field Day 2015

by   Eric K0JEG and Bob K9MWM  (see Eric’s video announcement below)

Time to Mark your calendars – ARRL Field Day 2015 – weekend of June 26, 27, 28th. That’s 3PM – Friday, June 26th for Antenna setup, tents and power generators.  Please bring your power generator and portable fire extinguisher if you have one.  Field Day Radio Transmissions start officially at Noon (mountain time) and runs 24 hours till noon time on Sunday the 28th.  Break down time after that.

Field Day 2015    Talk-in      146.88Mhz  (–)     PL 107.2

Field Day 2015 will be a camping experience. Our site is again on the same private land (as last year) 5.3 miles north of El Jebel (see map below).  We will again have a commercial porta-potty.  Drive on Hwy 82 to El Jebel and turn north off Hwy 82 and drive up the hill on El Jebel Road 3.8 miles where the pavement will end.  You will see Spring Park Reservoir on your right and a gate for Spring Park Meadows on your left. Turn left to enter the gate. It will be open for the weekend.  Drive SLOWLY 1 mile on the gravel road to a cattle guard and turn right on Spring Park Ridge. There is a street sign and a Field Day Pink Flamingo.  Go another 1/2 mile and you will be at our Field Day site.  If you prefer to stay a couple nights, we will begin setup 3 PM Friday afternoon.

Field Day Tips:  Generally…it tends to be hot and dry (often windy) during the day – Hat and Sunblock a good idea.  Please bring your food and beverage and a dish to share for the Saturday Evening Pot Luck – a portable chair is a good idea too.  If it’s clear into the evening…long pants and a light jacket come in handy too.  Also, if it’s clear in the evening – star gazing is good (little ambient light at the Field Day QTH) so bring whatever..if you’d like to take advantage of that when you’re not working QSO’s.

Here is Eric’s K0JEG awesome 30 second TV ad advertising the Ski Country Amateur Radio Club’s – Field Day 2015.   Eric was able to get the famous MTV – Video DJ (Adam Curry) to do the voice over for this Video.

HF Band Conditions? – Vail Mountain – Saturday – December 27th 2014

by  N0ECT

Don’t know what the HF Band Conditions were…however the “Sun Dog” (Click Here) conditions over Vail Mountain this past weekend were amazing.  The “Sun Dog” weather show lasted about 1/2 hour on Vail Mountain and gave all willing to operate their shutters (with their ski glove off) a real chance at Frost Bite.  It was uncomfortably below zero at the top of Vail Mountain.

The SKY over Vail Mountain actually looked just like that…there was NO camera (weird) optical effects in play.  What you see in these photos – is just what the sky looked like over Vail Mountain that very cold morning.

		Vail Mountain’s Sun Dog Event – Saturday, December 27th 2014 VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

RadioSport? QSO’s earned by whatever means Available!

by  N0ECT

HF Contest?  No, a HF Radio Event for sure…

By our count this was the 16th Annual – HF event traditionally held on the first Saturday in December.  Sponsored by the NOAA/NWS Offices (all over the U.S.) and ARRL – this event was all about making contact (QSO’s) with any NWS Office in the country – by whatever means available.  (1) point was earned for each QSO – no matter how you made it..

HF, EchoLink, CW, DStar, IRLP any method available was considered as good as any other method.  The event “exchange” was simply a quick weather report – that included your location…so you didn’t have to have (qrz.com) running to ID the location of the FCC call when you heard it.

Event organizers also maintained a “twitter link” on the event web site (see above) so participants could “spot” and report a QSO that was just made.  N0ECT experienced an IRLP “pileup” via the Internet audio connection to NWS (K0MPX Minneapolis, MN), however noted (via twitter) that, that NWS office was on at 14.240Mhz and quickly made a new QSO to the same office via HF.  An IRLP “pileup” before an HF pileup?  HUH?…That’s gotta be a first for some operators!

Obviously in times of (weather emergency) getting a current report from (NOAA/NWS Skywarn – Spotters) in the field to the local NWS office – is the goal – when Public Safety is at risk – and by “whatever means available”.

For a list of the 2014 NWS U.S. offices that participated (Click Here) – the closest office to our SCARC is (N0W) in Grand Junction, CO.   N0ECT made contact with Jim Pringle’s (KC0ART) office in Grand Junction via IRLP – since at 118 miles from Avon, CO. – normal HF conditions don’t work very well at such short distances…

To learn more about how your Amateur Radio Skills can advance the cause of Public Safety – during times of severe weather – consider becoming a NWS “Skywarn – Spotter” – and just click on the graphic below.

73 – N0ECT

Announcement: K0RV-DR on air

I’ve finally got all the pieces/parts cobbled together and we now have a D-star repeater! It went on the air last weekend temporarily using K0JEG for testing, but yesterday afternoon I got the response from the various registration groups to make it all “official”

The hardware:

As seen above, the main radio is a Kenwood TKR-820 repeater. This is a fairly simple repeater, just two radios and duplexer. There is an internal controller, but for d-star that’s not used. I picked it up on eBay. The nice thing is there’s a single connector on the back that brings all the important signals out for an external controller. D-star uses GMSK modulation, which is able to pass through non-linear equipment much like FM. The only caveat is that it uses a lot of low frequency information, which normally is filtered out of the audio chain. However a radio that has either a 9600 baud input/output or (in the case of a repeater), direct modulator input/discriminator output can pass the entire passband without any issue.

Above is the Raspberry Pi running the repeater controller and gateway software. Note the DV Dongle on top is not connected to the Pi in any way (well, technically it is connected with double stick tape) in this configuration. At some point I’ll move everything over to a Model B+ I picked up at Fry’s over the weekend, but for now this will work. The radio interface is in the white plastic box on the right. It is a GMSK modem, made by Jim Moen, K6JM. It uses a USB interface to the Pi and a db-9 breakout cable to the radio. The GMSK modem actually regenerates the digital signal, so it is a true digital repeater. I did try passing a D-star signal using the internal repeater controller and it worked, but I’m sure regeneration is going to output a much cleaner signal. 

That’s all there is to it. Of course there’s an antenna and coax, but for a basic D-star repeater that’s really all you need. Technically we could stop right here, but a single 10 Watt D-star repeater out in Parachute is a fairly lonely thing, so having an Internet connection helps too.

The Software

When D-star was first introduced, Icom put repeater linking in place to allow for callsign routing, using a system called USTRUST. If you wanted to add a repeater, it had to be an Icom repeater. There were some other issues with the system as well. A few enterprising hams in Europe and the US began looking to expand the capabilities of the growing D-star network. 

First, hams in Atlanta GA developed the D-plus system. This allowed repeaters to connect to reflectors, much like IRLP, Echolink, and All-Star systems. It also made it possible to use DVAP and DV-Dongles to link to repeaters and reflectors over the Internet. Here’s a link showing the current reflectors. Click on the status links to see users currently connected, etc. Reflector 30C is very active, along with Reflector 1C and sometimes the PAPA system in Southern CA on 12A.

In Europe, a few hams have developed their own system for callsign routing called ircDDB. Instead of using a database to keep track of callsigns and radio locations, it uses Internet Relay Chat (IRC) servers for repeater updates. This allows for much faster updates (typically the USTRUST system can take up to half an hour for your routing info to show up). It has since become very popular, and there is a “plug-in” for Icom controllers as well as home-brew setups. The Pi is running 2 programs: D-star Repeater and ircDDB Gateway.

The D-Star Repeater controller listens for packets from the GMSK board. When it gets a valid packet, it decodes the header and passes the audio data to the output port(s). Here you can see a station coming through (via Reflector 30C) the gateway interface (K0RV/G) and the repeater is passing it on through the RF interface (K0RV/B). If a station were transmitting locally, RPT1 would be K0RV/B and RPT2 would be K0RV/G. The repeater software also handles the housekeeping functions like PTT and 10 minute legal ID beacon. It also has the capability to play out recorded announcements and pass along some remote commands.

ircDDB Gateway is the repeater interface to the rest of the world. The primary use is for announcing stations to the ircDDB callsign routing system, but it does much more.

The gateway will connect to up to 4 repeaters, either hosted on the same PC or networked. This is primarily for cross-band use, but could easily be used to set up a remote receiver or multiple repeaters over a single Internet connection.

The ircDDB system will allow users to contact each other using callsign routing, without needing to know what repeater the other station may be using. 

One function of D-Star is DPRS, which is similar, but not completely compatible with APRS. The ircDDB software is able to pass D-PRS position information to the APRS-IS servers, so stations can be seen on aprs.fi, for example. Note that this will not transmit APRS information using AX-25 on 144.39MHz, but D-PRS data will pass through to other D-star users.

Another add on is DPLUS, which as mentioned, allows repeaters to be linked using various reflectors. It also allows DVAP and DV-Dongle users to connect to the repeater through the gateway. 

Finally, yet another linking system called StarNet allows for on-the-fly reflectors. I’m still figuring this one out.

This repeater will also support D-RATS, which is a messaging/chat system that uses the low speed data fields built into the protocol.

The System

D-Star continues to grow in popularity. My impression is many of the stations have come on in the last year or so, many on various dongles and access points. The expensive part continues to be the radio, but a company called Connect Systems is getting close to releasing the CS-7000, a 70cm HT with FM, DV and DMR compatibility, and later a mobile rig, and a CS-7000 plus, that will have WiFi built in (make your own hotspot). It is possible to combine an AMBE vocoder chip, GMSK modem and Raspberry Pi to make your own D-star radio. NW Digital Radio is still working on the  UDRX-440, a 70cm digital radio that will also work with d-star. Along with the UDRX-440, NW Digital radio sells a Raspberry Pi compatible AMBE decoder chip for setting up a DV-Dongle or DV-analog gateway. The JARL, who maintains the standard, recently released version 5.0 of the specification (pdf). A translation into English is in progress. I’ll continue to update the club as things progress. In the mean time, if you’re looking for a stocking stuffer, the ID-31a is “on sale” -$5.00 off list price at HRO.

10/18 Presentation

Here’s a copy of the digital presentation. Check the presenter notes for links and other information. 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B8dALljET_kMV19qc09ubXR3d0E/view?usp=sharing

Download the Power Point viewer here:

http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=13