Messages

1

General discussion forum / Re: Gateway vs Router

« on: 2016-02-11, 19:57:38 »

Update on Sprint cellular capability.

Although I had a difficult time getting answers from Sprint relative to my remote radio application, I finally felt comfortable enough to purchase a Netgear 6100D gateway plus the Sprint public, static IP address ($3 extra per month).  There was virtually no info on how the service works.  Netgear tech support was more helpful than Sprint. It turns out that Sprint downloads all the WAN-side info directly into the gateway.  I had to add the port forwarding data.

Bottom line is that it works well on LTE.  I now have my basic remoterig K3/K3-mini working at my remote QTH.  Haven't had to do any parameter tuning yet.

Next step is integrating a Lantronix serial port server (WiBox WBE2100E) to provide rotator and amplifier interfaces.

See you on the air.

Dick

Thanks to everyone who provided direct (or indirect) help.

2

General discussion forum / Gateway vs Router

« on: 2015-08-31, 01:58:37 »

I've had some frustrating internet problems that put my remote transitioning on hold.  I'm getting back to it now. 

My remote QTH only has cellular broadband, but my carrier (ATT) does not provide an IP address or routable incoming data.   I've been researching Sprint as an alternate carrier.  They have a public, static IP address for an extra $3 per month.  I have been unable to get a straight answer about the inbound data from their retail staff or customer service.

I just discussed my requirements with Sprint Advanced Support and was assured that Sprint has what I need, but not with their basic hotspot/router (they call it Zing).  They recommend the Netgear 6100D gateway.

Does anyone know if a gateway will provide the necessary connection for the remote rig remote controller if I have an appropriate IP address?  I still have a little doubt that the Sprint support understands what I need, partially because my explanation may be weak.

Thanks, Dick

3

General discussion forum / Re: Wireless broadband question

« on: 2015-03-09, 18:33:10 »

Thanks for the input.

Mitch is correct; it's the radio end that is the problem.  I think I found a solution worth trying.  Sprint offers a public static IP address as an option to their cellular hotspot service.  They say I can cancel the contract within 30 days if it doesn't do what I need. 

I'm close to giving it a try.  I'll post my results.

Dick

4

General discussion forum / Wireless broadband question

« on: 2015-03-04, 16:32:06 »

I'm still confused about how to get a wireless (cellular) remote working.  A couple weeks ago I asked if anyone was using ATT wireless for a remote data provider.  No replies.  I may now understand why.

I originally tried the basic AT&T wireless MiFi, but there isn’t a static IP address.  After many discussions with AT&T in person, by phone and on-line, I’ve concluded that their mobile wireless is not an option.  A static IP address is not available except as a costly business solution.

Verizon has a free IP address with a $500 initial setup fee, but it looks like the IP address may be on their private network.  I don’t know if that would work.  Their signal strength is poor at my QTH so I’m not pursuing it.

Sprint may have an answer.  I think I can get a simple data plan with a Netgear Aircard (similar to the ATT setup), but they can provide a public IP address for $3 extra per month.

Does anyone have any experience using the Sprint wireless broadband service at a remote site? 

Regards,
Dick
N4RA

5

General discussion forum / US cellular broadband ooptions

« on: 2015-03-03, 20:41:33 »

A couple weeks ago I asked if anyone was using ATT wireless for a remote data provider.  No replies.  I may now understand why.

I’ve been struggling to find out how to use a cellular provider at my remote site.  I originally tried the basic AT&T wireless MiFi, but there isn’t a static IP address.  After many discussions with AT&T in person, by phone and on-line, I’ve concluded that their mobile wireless is not an option.  A static IP address is not available except as a costly business solution.

Verizon has a free IP address with a $500 initial setup fee, but it looks like the IP address may be on their private network.  I don’t know if that would work.  Their signal strength is poor at my QTH so I’m not pursuing it.

Sprint may have an answer.  I think I can get a simple data plan with a Netgear Aircard (similar to the ATT setup), but they can provide a public IP address for $3 extra per month.

Does anyone have any experience using the Sprint service at a remote site?  I currently have ATT service so I'd still like to hear from ATT users.

Regards,
Dick
N4RA

6

General discussion forum / Anyone using AT&T wireless broadband?

« on: 2015-02-18, 20:31:54 »

I only have one broadband option at my remote location - AT&T cellular.  Has anyone in the US had success using an AT&T Unite "hotspot/MiFi" at their remote location?  The AT&T units are made by Netgear (originally Sierra) and are known as Aircards.  It works fine for normal internet access like PCs and smartphones.

The control/remote RRCs work fine on my home router.  It appears that the AT&T unit doesn't have a public IP address so I'm still not been able to make a connection with the remote RRC when I switch to the final configuration.
 
I haven't discussed the problem with ATT support yet.  I'd like to hear if anyone has tackled this problem with ATT before I do. 

Thanks.

Dick N4RA

7

General discussion forum / Re: 1258N WiFi Question

« on: 2015-02-12, 02:31:44 »

Mitch and Mike,

Thanks for your very prompt replies.

Mike:  I am trying to get my final configuration working at my home QTH now.  It works OK on my home router.
Mitch:  I have your checklist.  I used it to get my initial config working.  Thanks.

I have set port forwarding for ports 13000, 13001 and 13002 for UDP protocol on my cellular router. 

This has been a very long process.  I have no experience with networking and I'm finding it difficult getting through the checklist.  I'll try again tomorrow

Dick

8

General discussion forum / 1258N WiFi Question

« on: 2015-02-11, 21:57:11 »

I just installed a 1258N WiFi unit in my remote RRC.  I have my K3/K3mini working together on my home QTH WiFi including CAT and winkey.  When I switch from the home WiFi to the WiFi I will be using at my remote QTH (wireless Netgear AC770S), the RRC recognizes and seems to connect to the router, but the radios do not connect.  I get three ascending tones. 

I can follow all the steps in the RRC manual with no problem.  I don't see anything that needs to be changed from one network to another, but I must be missing something.  Any suggestions?

Thanks,
Dick

9

General discussion forum / 1258N WiFi Question

« on: 2015-02-11, 19:48:55 »

I just installed a 1258N WiFi unit in the remote RRC.  I have my K3/K3mini working together on my home QTH WiFi including CAT and winkey.  When I switch from the home WiFi to the WiFi I will be using at my remote QTH (wireless Netgear AC770S), the RRC recognizes and seems to connect to the router, but the radios do not connect.  I get three ascending tones. 

I can follow all the steps in the RRC manual with no problem.  I don't see anything that needs to be changed from one network to another, but I must be missing something.  Any suggestions?

Thanks,
Dick

10

General discussion forum / Re: N1MM Classic and Winkey emulator

« on: 2015-02-06, 21:10:40 »

Jan,

I've been following your parallel discussions regarding similar problem with N1NN+.  I upgraded to 2.85 beta version and the speed control works for me now.  Great work.

Thanks.
Dick

11

General discussion forum / Re: N1MM Classic and Winkey emulator

« on: 2015-02-06, 16:38:53 »

Thanks, Jan.  I had read that thread but thought that upgrade was specific to N1MM+.  I upgraded the firmware and the N1MM resets OK after transmitting the message.

Can you comment on the N1MM keyer speed control?  That is still inoperative.  There is an N1MM parameter to "ignore winkey speed pot".  That has no affect on the problem

Thanks,
Dick

12

General discussion forum / N1MM Classic and Winkey emulator

« on: 2015-02-06, 02:15:31 »

Thanks for all the help getting me over the basic remote setup with my K3/K3-mini.  I have the CAT(N1MM classic) working now and the winkey emulator is almost working.  I have two questions regarding the N1MM-Winkey interface. 

First, the speed control in N1MM doesn't change the winkey speed.  Is it supposed to?  The RRC CW speed control works fine.  The CW is good, but not perfect.  I'll tune the timing parameters after I transition the K3 to the remote QTH.

Second, N1MM does not reset after a memory message is sent.  The red "xmit" indicator stays on and another message cannot be sent.  ESC will reset it and permit another message.  I've seen a similar problem recently on the forum with N1MM+.  I haven't upgraded to N1MM+ yet to avoid that set of potential unknowns.  Any suggestions?

Dick N4RA

13

Hardware, Cabling, Installations / Re: Com Ports

« on: 2015-01-22, 00:19:50 »

I'd be interested also.  I just slugged through the basic radio stuff and I'm now trying to get the rest of the station remoted.

14

Configuration, RRC 1258 / Re: Port Forwarding Question

« on: 2015-01-21, 01:12:07 »

Thanks, Mitch:
I followed your guideline for the most part.  The port forwarding seemed out of line with the directions provided by Elecraft.  The K3-mini Manual clearly stated to set 192.168.1.170 ports 13000, 13001 and 13002 to BOTH TCP and UDP.  I was able to do this on my home ISP router, but not my remote hotspot.

Your guideline says: forward the ports: 12000 (UDP), 11000 (UDP), SIP port you gave (UDP) and web server port you gave (TCP). 
I don't know if these different instructions are equivalent, or not.  I don't know enough to make an informed decision.

I don't understand your comment on the bridge.   Is that what is needed if the router has proper port forwarding or would I need a different unit to "convert" from WIFI to hardwire RRC RJ45?

Dick

15

Configuration, RRC 1258 / Port Forwarding Question

« on: 2015-01-20, 21:59:44 »

Thanks for the recent help.  I have the basic functions working now on my home Wi-Fi.  I was able to set the port forwarding on the ISP router with no problem. 

My remote location will use a Netgear AirCard 770S cellular router.  In trying to set the port forwarding specified in K3-mini Manual I see I cannot set BOTH TCP and UDP protocols for ports 13001, 13002 and 13003 - one or the other only.

Is it necessary to specify both protocols?

Secondly, I will need to use a "bridge" of some sort to interface the wireless hotspot to the remote RRC.  Will that "bridge" need to be elaborate enough to support both protocols also?  I ask this because I planned to use a Linksys WES610N, but it doesn't appear to support port forwarding at all.

Thanks,
Dick N4RA