eightolives' RadioRemote Quick Hints

Installation

RadioRemote is tested using Firefox, Safari and Chrome browsers. The laptop used in development is running Linux (Kubuntu) and is connected to the local network and internet.

RadioRemote requires the Elecraft KX3 radio to be connected to a laptop or equivalent. The Elecraft KXUSB cable is a good interface between the laptop USB bus and the radio's ACC1 connector. The audio connection requires a custom interface to connect the laptop's HEADSET connector to the radio's PHONES and MIC connectors. See the application note on the various interface options.

The computer connected to the radio must have 2 programs running. The RadioRemote web app is the User Interface (UI) - a web page that runs in a modern web browser. It also handles the audio link between the radio and remote platform. The RadioRemote Server handles the USB serial control link to the radio. It also handles communications between all parties.

Basic Startup Procedure

Start the RadioRemote Server software. Observe that the server certificate has not expired. Observe that the appropriate serial USB port has been successfully accessed. Observe that connection to the radio has been confirmed. Observe the Local IP of the computer.

Start a modern web browser and open the RadioRemote web app(web page). The web app is the User Interface. Modern browsers support WebRTC and WebSocket technologies.

When you first start the UI, it may take a minute for data to display. You will be prompted to acknowledge the use of cookies and may be prompted to allow use of the microphone. You may also see a "sound" button in the upper right. Clicking the "sound" button will enable Sound Mode. You can always enable or disable Sound Mode from the tri-bar (hamburger) menu.

If all is well, you are prompted to login. If there is an issue, the Setup menu will display looking for callsign or Server IP address information.

Connecting to the Server

The RadioRemote Server needs an SSL certificate to support WebSockets. You can obtain a certificate from a third party vendor or use a self-signed certificate. You can make your own self-signed certificate or use the default certificate provided in the software download.

The web browser needs to accept the certificate with your approval. One way to do this is to have the browser visit the RadioRemote Server's https web page (https://(server's ip address):3001). Keep accepting options until the certificate is accepted. The hamburger menu and setup menu have Test Server options which are an easy way to try to accept the certificate.

Logging In

To log in, you need to have callsign, license and passphrase entered in the browser that matches data in the server's permissions.js file. Recommended entries are at least one for the Control Operator and one for "guest" (a SWL).

Operating the Radio

Radio controls and displays are grouped into a few sections. The Tuning Section displays the primary or VFO A frequency. It has the main tuning knob, S meter and various buttons to select operating mode and frequency band. The Controls Section has other radio controls. On small screens, click the top Controls button to display this section. The Data Section displays decoded signals in CW and data modes and has the transmit data text box and associated helper functions. On small screens, click the top Data button to display this section.

All actions only use left mouse clicks or touches. Most things on the display are clickable.

The tri-bar (hamburger) button in the upper left gives you various menu options.

Clicking the "eightolives.com" at the top displays the Help menu.

Using a Remote Platform

A remote computer or phone can also run the RadioRemote UI web page and communicate with radio via the radio's connected laptop. You need to enter the Server's IP address in the Setup menu. You need to get the remote browser to accept the certificate. You need to log in. You can select the FIND button

Audio Mode

Browsers which support the Web Speech API and have voices available will display a sound "Stat / Yes" button in the upper right for a limited time upon loading. Pressing the "Stat / Yes" button will enable sound and display four other floating buttons. Sound can be enabled or disabled at any time using the tri-bar menu and then checking "Enable Audio". The "Stat / Yes" button is then used to announce status. During any list announcement, pressing the "Stat / Yes" button selects the current list item for action. Use the "List / No" button (upper left) to step through a list or announce upcoming events from the current display. Use the Menu/Edit button to step back in a list, The "Quiet / Reset" button (lower left) terminates an announcement and "resets" the audio button state machine. The "Menu / Edit" button allows the announciation of the main menu items list. It is also used to navigate back in a list or to edit the search command.

Note: RadioRemote operation and Audio Mode is not compatible with Voice Over. Tell Siri "Turn off Voice Over".