Remote control

 

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Demo and Order

Overview and principle

 

TRX-Manager lets you operate a station by remote control via the Packet network or a Telnet session (through a local area network or the Internet). TRX-Manager also offers remote operation of the rotator, CW keying ; it allows programming any pin of a LPT port as well as sending macro-commands to any com or lpt port.

TRX-Manager uses its Terminal (configured as client/server) to exchange commands between both stations : the Terminal was written to interpret character strings, according to a strict syntax, such as commands controlling a transceiver which are automatically generated by the program and sent via the terminal interface, but may also be entered on the keyboard.

A Web Server is also included and allows controlling any transceiver and station from any smartphone...

The various operating modes

 

Although many software solutions exist to control a remote computer (Windows XP's Remote Desktop, PC Anywhere...), the TRX-Manager's remote control ability minimizes the information being passed on the network and thus, gives faster real-time control which a DX operation requires, with very low bandwidth requirements (even practicable via Packet at 1200 Bauds !). At last, all the logging and DXIng functions are locally controlled which allows you taking full advantage of TRX-Manager and makes the trafic much more easier.

Using TRX-Manager installed on two computers, two modes of operation are available : a standard mode (supported by all transceivers) which allows taking the control over the most important functions of a transceiver and a real-mode which allows controlling your transceiver exactly as if the com-port is open from the master station (only ICOMs, TS-480/2000 and Elecraft K2 & K3 are supported in real mode).

If you prefer using a serial device server, TRX-Manager also offers the specific settings required for this type of operation (for all ICOMs + Kenwoods TS-440 to TS-850/950). Please visit the Larry N8LP 's web site for more information about the use of serial device servers...

It is still possible to control your station via a remote Desktop software (PC Anywhere, Win XP Desktop, etc...) but this type of operation is not specific to TRX-Manager.

The table below summarizes the various way of operation and the required settings :

 
The various ways of "remote operation" with TRX-Manager
 

Remote control in practice

 

Now, please imagine you are comfortably installed, and controlling your DX station located at 15 km on top of a mountain : simply drag and drop the rare DX announced on the cluster to the remote control window and (try to) make the QSO ! You can even control a local transceiver simultaneously and synchronise it with the distant station.

Web Server included

 

In addition to the Telnet/Packet remote control operation, TRX-Manager includes a WebServer which allows you taking control of your station (Transceiver, Rotor, CW Interface, DX Spotting, Quick Logging...) from any Internet Browser and any machine. The server has been conceived to be used with small device including SmartPhone and even Cellular Phone. Add transmission of audio (*) and you are ready to make QSOs from anywhere.

(*) not supported by TRX-Manager. Depending on your system and your provider, various third party solutions are possible.

Remote stations

 

OK1RD's Remote Station
OK1RD's remote station : TRX-Manager running on 3 screens controlling a remote IC-756PRO2 station (real mode)