SOFTWARE

If you would like to connect to the Free Radio Network from your PC you can download the instructions and software HERE

You can use this software to connect your computer to the system and join in with your headset, or even have your own gateway.

The Clacton Gateway is connected to server "001.446muppets.co.uk" in the " English room"

UPDATE. The muppets server has been getting VERY busy so they have added extra rooms and now many are in the new English room.

See below, highlight the English then click "connect to selected net"

Please do not abuse this system

You MUST leave gaps between over's to allow others to join in.

NO music, swearing or racist comments. Just use common sense and think of the others listening on the system "including children that may be in ear shot".

If you need any help you can EMAIL ME or look me up on Skype user name paul.g0hwc

To connect a radio to the FRN or eQSO network you will need a interface to key the PTT on the radio. you can build a basic com keyer and just run your speaker out to the line in on the pc and your speaker out from pc to the mic input of the radio. Here is some simple Com keyer's to allow the FRN or eQSO software to key your radio also audio interfaces and more complex all in one interfaces

These interfaces can also be used for many other ham radio programs such as: MMSSTV, EasyPal and Echolink

Basic com port PTT Interface for base / mobile radio

 

 Isolated audio & Keyer Interface for base / mobile radio "it is best to isolate the audio"

 

Simple Interface for base / mobile radio

 

Simple Interface for Handheld Radios

Download a PDF file with more details on the above

Transformer: The type of transformer is determined by the source of the RX audio.

If you take it from the radio's microphone or data jack, you'll use a 600 to  600 Ohm (1:1)

transformer. If you take it from the radio's speaker jack (8 Ohm impedance), you'll need a 1000:8 transformer.

 

 

 

R1 = Resistor, e.g. 1K2, to reduce voltage on the IC pin 1
IC =  Integrated Circuit; this sketch shows an IC, such as a 4N33
or PS2603 Optocoupler, which uses a Darlington pair transistor.
(Note: to identify pin #1, look for a small embossed circle on
the top of the IC above pin 1; or looking into the notch in one
side of the IC with the pins down, pin #1 is to the right of the notch.)
D1 = Diode, e.g. IN4001, would shunt any potential reverse voltage
that might damage the sensitive diode/emitter in the IC.
(Note: the band printed on the diode marks the cathode end,
which attaches to the Serial Port/IC Pin 1 line in the sketch above.
The opposite/anode end attaches to Ground.)

The ideal components for your circuit may vary because of your radio's requirements.

For example, you might be able to use a different type of IC, such as a 4N25 or PS2601, but that may require a different value for R1.

Use the RTS ( Request to send ) pins NOT the DTR ( Data terminal ready ) pins

On a DB 9 Serial connector use RTS pins 7 ( PTT ) & 5 ( Ground )

On a DB 25 Serial connector use RTS pins 4 ( PTT ) & 7 ( Ground )

Here is some HT interfaces

There is a guy in the UK that builds good quality ready built Interfaces with isolating audio transformers and relay switching for the PTT for £26.50 plus postage you can contact Alan M0AQC HERE These come ready wired for your radio Alan is a very helpfull guy, you can also phone him on 01507-451547 "please only call during day, not after 9pm"

I have made a interface to take a COS output from the radio to the FRN software. This is far better than using VOX on RX. I have built the interface inside the Uniden 100 and just one wire out to pin 8 of the com port.

The radio used is a Legal Uniden Uniace 100, 4 watt out put with no RF modifications. Just COR output & Fan added.

Antenna Solarcon Antron 99

# The Solarcon Antron 99 has 3x 6' sections which are easy to assemble:

 # The A99 covers far above and below the traditional-CB channels:

 # It has adjustable rings which protect up to 14,000volts:

 # These twin rings (adjust-a-match) allow for tuning low SWR :

 # Suitable for all types of DX'ing:

 Send your signal to the world:

Specification

# Power handling: 2000watts

# Length; 5.60mt / 18' 3"

# Frequency: 25 - 32mhz

# SWR 1: 1.5 or less

# Gain  5.8Db

PMR 446

If you are thinking of putting on a 446 gateway it seems the best radio to use is the Intek DRS-5070

• 8 PMR and 69 LPD channels
• 38 CTCSS tones
• 3 Call tones
• VOX for hands-free communications
• High/low power selection
• Dual Watch
• 8 Memory channels
• Automatic squelch adjustment
• Roger Beep on/off
• Key lock
• Runs on 5x AA batteries (not included)
• Automatic battery saver
• Battery low indicator
• Voice Scrambler Function
• 6-Bar Digital S / RF Meter
• Dimensions: 175 x 144 x 55 mm

As standard the radio is the UK legal 500mw output but by cutting 3 links in the back of the radio it will give 4w output and will also give expanded channels. Please note this is not legal in the UK when the 3 links are cut.

 

Intek also do a hand held version called the Intek MT-5050

• Intek MT5050 radio
• 8 PMR and 69 LPD channels
• 38 CTCSS tones
• 5 Call tones
• VOX for hands-free communication
• 4 sensitivity settings
• High/low power selection 
• Dual Watch
• 8 Memory channels
• Adjustable squelch
• Roger Beep on/off 
• Key lock
• Automatic battery saver 
• Battery low indicator 
• Voice Scrambler Function 
• 6-Bar Digital S / RF Meter
• Runs on 5x AA batteries
• 1500 mAh Ni-MH Pack included
• Dimensions: 245 x 60 x 40 mm

Again as with the DRS5070 you can cut the 3 links in the back to take the output power from 500mw to 4w. Here is the 3 links you would cut in both radios

 

Now for the legal side of things UK "Sort of"

I have read through the UK CB licence that WAS in force dated 2001 that since seemed to be abolished! and Internet linking was not mentioned, You are not allowed to connect a CB to a "public service telephone network" but there is no mention of the internet. It also states that you are not allowed to run a repeater station, once again this is not a repeat or, it is a link. Here is a bit copied from the CB licence:

4. Please note that this Licence does not permit:

If you would like to know more about CB licensing, Click HERE but this is all out of date! Please let me know if you know of more up to date details.

Want to buy a CB here in Clacton on Sea? Click HERE to visit the Costal Communications site



Costal Communications: 19 Cambridge Road Clacton~on~Sea Essex CO15 3QJ.

Phone 01255-474292