Remote Ham Radio, Simplified: Universal_HamRadio_Remote_HTML5 by F4HTB

For amateur radio operators looking to operate their station remotely without complex setup or expensive proprietary gear, Universal_HamRadio_Remote_HTML5 is a refreshing open-source solution. Developed by Olivier (F4HTB) and hosted on GitHub, this project offers a streamlined way to control your HF transceiver via any modern web browser—securely and responsively.

The goal is simple yet powerful: give hams the ability to operate their rigs remotely using a Raspberry Pi, Hamlib-compatible transceiver, and standard audio interfaces—all through a clean, HTML5-based web interface.

🌐 What Is It?

Universal_HamRadio_Remote_HTML5 (UHRR) is a lightweight software suite that brings together:

• A Python-based server backend
• A responsive HTML5 frontend
• Secure access over HTTPS
• Audio support via your computer’s speaker and microphone

Once deployed, it allows two-way communication (both RX and TX) through your browser, making it ideal for voice (phone) and CW (Morse code) operation.

🧩 How It Works

The project is designed around a Raspberry Pi running Raspberry Pi OS Lite (32-bit), although it should work on other similar Linux environments. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Hamlib-compatible transceiver
   (e.g., Icom, Yaesu, Kenwood, etc.)
2. CAT interface for rig control
3. Sound interface
   • Audio level adaptation between rig and soundcard
4. Web browser (Chrome, Firefox, etc.)

Access your rig at https://UHRR.local:8888 and manage configurations at /CONFIG.

🔐 Secure by Design

Unlike many DIY radio tools, UHRR prioritizes secure remote access:

• SSL encryption (HTTPS)
• Local authentication via pre-configured .crt and .key files
• User database support
• Browser-based access with no need for third-party apps

This makes it suitable for off-site remote station management, whether you’re away from home, operating from a hotel, or setting up a shared club station.

🚀 Quick Deployment with Docker

For advanced users or those who prefer containerized setups, UHRR provides a Dockerfile and docker-compose.yml, making deployment and updates significantly easier. This also improves portability across servers, cloud platforms, or other ARM-based boards.

📸 Visual Configuration & Interface

The system auto-detects if the configuration is missing or broken and redirects to the setup interface. This means you don’t need to SSH into your Pi every time you need to tweak a setting. It’s beginner-friendly without sacrificing flexibility.

Also included are graphical representations like:

• Audio flow diagram
• Functional block overview
• UHRR interface screenshots

These help new users understand signal flow and operation at a glance.

🙌 Why It Stands Out

What makes Universal_HamRadio_Remote_HTML5 especially attractive is its pragmatic approach:

• It avoids feature bloat.
• It’s focused on reliability and legality.
• It supports real-world, practical use cases.
• It encourages contributions and community feedback.

This is not a full SDR interface or logging suite—it’s designed for remote station operation in a legal and practical manner. You won’t find QSL features, SDR waterfalls, or plugin systems. Instead, you get a focused tool that works well and stays out of your way.

🤝 Community & Contributions

This project owes its success to multiple contributors, including:

• Mike W9MDB and the Hamlib team
• Developers and testers like @xylle, @n1zzo, @f6fvy, and others
• Radio amateurs worldwide who test, fork, and share improvements

Have a success story? The creator encourages you to email him at:
📧 olivier@f4htb.fr

🛠 Where to Start

• GitHub Repository:
  🔗 https://github.com/F4HTB/Universal_HamRadio_Remote_HTML5

Whether you’re a seasoned operator or a curious maker, Universal_HamRadio_Remote_HTML5 is a practical and polished tool to add remote functionality to your station. It’s open source, secure, and built with ham radio needs in mind.