Remote Heaven

Freezing toes! My "ham station" is tucked into a corner of the room that gets incredibly cold during the winter. Whenever I brought this up to my XYL, she had a simple suggestion: "Why don't you just put on thicker socks?" But no self-respecting ham would settle for such an easy fix. I wanted to be freed from that icy corner and operate in comfort from my favorite spot—the recliner in the living room. This is the story of my journey to make that a reality.

My base station is an Icom IC-7610, which features built-in networking. When paired with the stellar wfview software, it allows for nearly complete remote operation. However, I am primarily a CW operator. While wfview supports remote CW, it is limited to keyboard entry. For me, the true joy of CW lies in the tactile experience of using physical paddles.

Solutions for this exist, ranging from pricey dedicated hardware to free software like Remote CWKeyer, which uses inexpensive USB-to-serial adapters to send CW over a network. Unfortunately, the latter was Windows-only, and I didn’t have a spare Windows box to dedicate to the task.

What I did have was a spare Raspberry Pi, a few FTDI serial adapters, and a cheap Chinese electronic keyer I’d bought for rigs lacking a built-in keyer. Since the IC-7610 exposes COM ports via USB and can be configured for Morse keying by asserting the DTR or CTS pins, I had the building blocks for a solution.

During my research, I discovered that the RigPi Hub and RigPi Station Server (RSS) combination seemed to offer exactly what I needed. The RigPi Hub installs on a Windows client and translates keyer clicks from a COM port into UDP packets. These packets are sent to the RSS, which "replays" them on a connected serial port. Easy peasy! I asked an AI search tool if I could send keyer data from my Windows machine and replay it as USB keying data on the IC-7610's built-in port via the RSS. The AI gave me a resounding "yes" and even provided the necessary configuration.
I burned the RigPi image and configured everything as instructed. On my Windows box, I set up the RigPi Hub and connected it to my FTDI adapter and paddles. The hub tested perfectly, showing it was receiving my clicks correctly. But when I put it all together? Silence.

Time to troubleshoot. After verifying it wasn't a networking issue or dropped UDP packets, I started digging into the RSS code. I eventually discovered that the keyer port in RigPi is always initialized as a Winkeyer device—which is incompatible with the IC-7610’s internal USB keying. Furthermore, the "RigPi Keyer" setting was designed specifically for RigPi’s proprietary hardware, not a DIY Raspberry Pi setup. I finally confirmed this in a buried piece of documentation. So much for trusting AI results!

RigPi Hub setup on windows. Notice the RigPI IP and the RigPI CW Port. Keyer connected on COM22

I had a choice: fork the RSS code and modify it, or build something myself. Since the RSS code was a bit inscrutable, I opted for the simpler route. I wrote a Python script to listen on a UDP port and assert the DTR pins upon packet arrival. By analyzing the packets sent by the RigPi Hub, I realized they were sent in a simple format and repeated to account for UDP packet loss. Once I could parse the data and ignore duplicates, I mapped the output to the DTR pins of the IC-7610. (Note: The IC-7610 exposes two COM ports, USB A and B; you must ensure CW keying is enabled for the specific port you're using). Once it was working reliably, I created a systemctl service to ensure the script would launch automatically at boot.

For my first QSO, I stayed near the rig just in case. My caution was justified: a few wires worked loose from the adapter, resulting in a "stuck" key. Once that was repaired, it was time for a real test. I heard a CQ on 30m and answered at 22 wpm, carefully avoiding the physical buttons on the radio to maintain the remote simulation. The QSO went flawlessly.

My Laptop screen ready for remote action. wfview on bottom left for rig control. I use the RigPi Hub (top left) Key button to initiate tuning.

Emboldened, I moved my laptop a few feet away and tried sending a CQ. This time, something was wrong—the cadence was off. Another troubleshooting session revealed that my laptop was entering a "power save" mode on battery, even though the charge was full. Once I plugged in the power adapter, the timing returned to normal. Happiness restored!

Finally, I moved the laptop and paddles to the living room, put my feet up in the recliner, and balanced the keyer on my lap. I heard a friend calling CQ and responded with a wonderful QSO at 28 wpm. A happier ham I could not be!

I realize that relying on COM ports and UDP makes this solution vulnerable to OS lag and network hiccups. However, unless you’re a serious contester, this setup is more than adequate for casual rag-chewing. It’s a perfect solution for operating remotely within the house, with the reassurance that I can always walk to the shack if something goes wrong. That said, I’m curious to see how it holds up when I’m truly remote, connecting back home via VPN.

Morse from the recliner by the fireplace. I used an external electronic keyer for me to be able to use a paddle because the RigPi Hub only supports a straight key

To Summarize: The final setup

1. Morse key connected to FTDI USB Serial adapter [CTS and ground pins]

2. RigPi Hub pointed at the COM port for the ahove when plugged in. 

3. RigPi Hub connected to my Raspberry pi host and at the port that my python script listens to.

4. The Python script on the PI interprets the UDP packets from RigPi Hub

5. The Python script tickles the DTR pins of the serial port of the ICOM radio

6. CW Tones emitted.

Note: If you do not have a Radio with built in serial port, you can use another FTDI adapter connected to the Raspberry Pi and have its DTR activated. You can then connect a simple audio cable to the radio's straight key input for triggering the radio.

Stinker from an old timer

Note: I have redacted names, callsigns and dates in the narrative 

I was surprised to see an email titled "Interference with XXXX" in my inbox from a fellow operator. Here it is in its entirety. Note this was the second email (with a previous one nearly identical to this one. I am omitting that one for brevity)

Dear Ram,

I have to admit, I am a bit disappointed you started operating on the frequency I was using this evening. Especially with another SKCC member. I am operating a Special event Station (XXX) on x.044 @XX:XX this evening. Worst of all, you never first check to see if the frequency was clear (QRL?). If you had I would have zero beat to your freq to let you know I was there operating. Back in the day we all listened first, then put out a QRL. I realize with more crowded bands and younger hams getting their ticket in a weekend, and lack of ELMERS, it becomes paramount to be more courteous than ever. Since you took over the frequency I was operating, I will bow to you and stop operating the Special event station so you can operate your more important POTA. In the future, I kindly ask that you listen first, then send out a QRL to double check the frequency is in use before you just take it. 

--73--

XXX

I was a little shaken. I was saying to myself what did you do? Questions started racing in my mind. Did I stomp on someone else? I always put out QRLs. Did I forget it that day? So hurriedly I look up the log and found that I was operating 500Hz above the frequency mentioned. Even though the tone of the email irritated me and made some unreasonable assumptions about my operations (such as not putting out QRLs) , I sent the following replies. Originally I had checked the wrong date and responded with the following. Subsequently after realizing that error, verified the date and time in question and sent the second email below.

I looked up RBN Again and only see me on x44.5. I'm wondering if your filters were wider...

73 

XXX,

Rechecked XXX XX. I see no spots for me on x44 for me around the time frame.  All spots for me are on x44.5. Please see attached image. I usually shy away from round number frequencies especially when on the field. I typically operate 5w QRP or at most 10W on bad days. I was 10W that day with a simple wire antenna on the tree.  As a QRP operator I have been run out of the frequency many a time by inconsiderate operators and contesters some of whom are old timers from the halcyon age you allude to. So let's not tar and feather the whole crop of newer operators as there are examples of bad operators of varying tenure and skills. I've learnt to grow a thicker skin than having to dwell on that too much. 

Wishing you the best in the future. 

Ram

KE8UEX

73

Note: Not posting the RBN image was attached to the email that indicated the frequency and dates I was operating on.

I was hoping this clarification should be sufficient. However, I get the response below indicating that operating 500Hz above on CW is considered stomping on the frequency 500Hz below.  The request now seems to be that I should stay 1KHz from his station? He also acknowledged he heard my QRL and walks back his early accusation of me not doing so. Instead of saying sorry he goes on to patronize me for putting out the QRL.

Hello Ram,

I can understand your response, however, the confusion lies in that I was the one on xx.044 holding QSO's for the special event, not you, In looking at my notes I did hear you start out with QRL, which I replied to let you know I was operating 500Hz below you then you started calling CQ pushing me off a frequency because of other stations not zero beat, which got to the point I had to QSY off. I think the issue may lay in if you were using a CW filter? If you were and most CW filters are usually set around 2-300Hz, which means your filters tight response you would not have heard me because I was out of your window. All I am suggesting, in the future maybe open up your filter a bit when putting out a QRL. I commend you for doing that. As crowded as the bands are today because we now have to share our coveted bands with Chicken banders (CB'ers). I guess, really no harm done since I did a lot of QSO's volunteering for the week long special event station and was only kicked off the frequency once. Hahaha! I appreciate your reply.

Hmm... the bands must have been especially favorable for me as a 10W station to push out a QRO special event station 500Hz away! Needless to say, this reply irked me further as the as he still insists I was in the wrong. Other than the suggestion about widening the filter the patronizing/dismissive attitude added to the irritation. The concluding statement dripping with sarcasm made me determine a more direct approach was needed to get the point through. I sent the following reply. Note it is split into two emails because the send button was hit accidentally during composition

xxx,

You said: the confusion lies in that I was the one on x.044...

There is no confusion here.  I clearly understood your original missive. I am responding to your unjust accusations you raised in your original email.

You said: I am a bit disappointed you started operating on the frequency I was using this evening. 

This is clearly not borne out by the evidence I have presented. Operating 500Hz above you on CW is in no way operating on your frequency. This is at the highest end of ARRL recommendations for separation of 150-500Hz separation between stations. This should accommodate even the most egregious non zero-beaters.

You said: Worst of all, you never first check to see if the frequency was clear (QRL?). 

I see that you recanted this in the subsequent email. I understand apologizing is hard, but I appreciate you conceding that this was also an unfounded accusation not based on facts.

You said:  ... it becomes paramount to be more courteous than ever... I will bow to you and stop operating the Special event station so you can operate your more important POTA

Courtesy should extend beyond the air. While I understand the irritation of operating in crowded bands, I respectfully push back on the tone in your original email. I'm sure if you were sitting across from me you would not have used that tone. I'm not sure where the condescension for POTA operations come from given that you're an active POTA hunter as well. I also believe operating special event station does not confer any special privileges on the amateur bands. 

You said in the later email:  All I am suggesting, in the future maybe open up your filter a bit when putting out a QRL
A good suggestion that I may consider especially when expecting a lot of vintage gears on the air. I still do believe expecting a 1MHz separation for CW operations seems a little bit excessive.

You said: we now have to share our coveted bands with Chicken banders (CB'ers)

You said:  really no harm done since I did a lot of QSO's volunteering for the week long special event 

I am glad that you had a successful event. I did have a great outing at the park that day as well. I still wonder if QSYing was such a non event, what prompted the vitriolic email in the first place. 

===== THE SECOND EMAIL TO COMPLETE THE ONE ABOVE

xxx,

Sorry the previous reply was unfinished. Few corrections and the completion of the email follows: 

I said: . I still do believe expecting a 1MHz separation for CW operations seems a little bit excessive

It should read 1KHz

You said: we now have to share our coveted bands with Chicken banders (CB'ers)

I try to stay away from in-group and out-group thinking. We amateur radio operators work with what we have been granted

Hope you have fun on the air

73

Ram

KE8UEX

To which I got the classiest of replies from a courteous old-timer. 

It's clear we think differently, and no sense wasting anymore of my time with you. 

--73--

This goes on to prove age and wisdom does not equate to class. If this operator believes he is trying to educate other hams, taking a softer tone initially would probably fall on more receptive ears. For whatever it is worth, this operator has impressive credentials in the QRZ page which I respect. His supercilious attitude and sense of entitlement... I do not. 

I responded with the following. What would you have done?

XXX.

Sorry you feel that way. Wish you the very best

Ram

73

KE8UEX