IRC - Hamradio.my

qrmBot: A Feature-Rich IRC Assistant for Ham Radio Operators

9M2PJU — Mon, 25 Aug 2025 09:00:10 +0000

For amateur radio operators active on IRC, having a smart and versatile bot to assist with lookups, logs, weather, propagation, and radio data can make all the difference. That’s exactly what qrmBot delivers—an open-source IRC bot packed with ham radio tools, data-fetching scripts, and API integrations, all wrapped around the reliable Eggdrop bot framework.

Developed by the GitHub user molo1134, qrmBot has quietly matured into a powerful, modular assistant for hams who prefer real-time communication and automation through IRC. It’s not just a bot—it’s a toolkit for the command line and IRC, making radio data accessible in plain text, ANSI, or IRC color formats.

What Is qrmBot?

At its core, qrmBot is a collection of command-line utilities and TCL wrapper scripts that plug into an Eggdrop IRC bot. The goal is to offer fast, scriptable access to various amateur radio resources directly within IRC channels or via command-line terminals.

It’s written primarily in Perl, with additional TCL scripting for integration into the IRC bot. There are tools for weather, propagation, satellite tracking, DX cluster monitoring, QRZ lookups, APRS, clublog data, and much more.

Key Features

Ham Radio Lookups:
- QRZ.com, Clublog, LoTW, DXCC, POTA (planned), DMR users and repeaters.
Weather & Environment:
- AerisWeather, WUnderground, DarkSky (now deprecated), and even fire monitoring.
Propagation Tools:
- Real-time spot lookups, DX cluster updates, HF conditions.
Astronomical Data:
- Satellite tracking (via Astro::Coord::ECI)
- Moon/sun data, passes, and visibility windows
Utility Functions:
- Currency and stock prices (!stock)
- Translation via Deepl
- Bit.ly and Imgur integrations
Data Caching and Local DBs:
- SQLite3 support
- Cached DXCC and call data for offline use

Everything is scriptable, flexible, and adaptable for your specific IRC workflows or terminal utilities.

Configuration & Dependencies

qrmBot is built primarily for Debian-based systems and requires several Perl libraries. Some key dependencies include:

libastro-satpass-perl (custom-built from GitHub)
libdatetime-perl, libjson-perl, libmath-round-perl, and many others
curl-impersonate for stock lookups (to evade TLS fingerprinting)

API Keys Required:
To enable full functionality, you’ll need to configure various keys stored as dotfiles in your $HOME directory:

~/.qrzlogin        - QRZ.com login
~/.aprs.fi         - APRS.fi API key
~/.clublogapikey   - Clublog.org API
~/.deeplapikey     - Deepl.com
~/.aerisweather    - AerisWeather.com
~/.bitlyapikey     - Bitly.com
~/.googleapikeys   - Google APIs
~/.imgurkey        - Imgur uploads

This approach keeps sensitive credentials separated from the core scripts, making deployment cleaner and safer.

Terminal & IRC Output

The command-line tools in qrmBot are built for both VT220/ANSI terminals and IRC clients, with IRC color output adapting standard terminal display conventions.

This dual-mode capability makes qrmBot equally useful in:

IRC channels for real-time collaboration
Terminal dashboards and shell scripts
Scheduled cron jobs for data gathering

Security Notes

While some care has been taken to escape shell inputs, users are advised to sandbox qrmBot in a minimal environment:

Use chroot jails
Run inside a dedicated VM or container
Avoid exposing it on public channels with unrestricted user access

This helps mitigate the risk of command injection or API abuse.

Ongoing Development & Community

qrmBot is maintained and contributed to by a mix of hams and developers across the globe. Contributors include:

Chris K2CR
Josh W9VFR
Dan VK3DAN
Oliver M6WRF
Asara WX0R
Dozens more

New features are added regularly, with recent updates improving TLS circumvention using curl-impersonate and better database caching.

There’s also an active TODO list with planned improvements like POTA integration, coax loss calculators, log searches, and even beer info (sadly blocked by Untappd’s lack of API access).

Why Use qrmBot?

If you’re an IRC user and ham operator, qrmBot offers a unique combination of features that’s hard to find elsewhere:

Full control via chat interface
Real-time lookups with caching
Seamless integration with ham APIs
Scriptable command-line access
Open-source and extensible

It’s particularly suited for clubs, DX groups, or personal use where fast access to ham-related data in IRC is valuable.

Try It Yourself

Check out the project on GitHub:
https://github.com/molo1134/qrmbot

You’ll find setup scripts, documentation, and active issues with community-driven fixes and features. Whether you’re managing a DX cluster, checking sat passes, or posting real-time weather alerts into your club’s IRC room, qrmBot is a flexible companion worth exploring.

The post qrmBot: A Feature-Rich IRC Assistant for Ham Radio Operators appeared on Hamradio.my - Amateur Radio, Tech Insights and Product Reviews by 9M2PJU.

Unveiling History: How IRC Shattered the Media Blackout during the 1991 Soviet Coup Attempt

9M2PJU — Sat, 09 Mar 2024 21:33:39 +0000

Introduction:
In the annals of history, moments of political upheaval often coincide with media blackouts, leaving the public in the dark. However, in 1991, during the Soviet coup attempt, a beacon of communication emerged: Internet Relay Chat (IRC). This blog post delves into how IRC became an unexpected hero, shining a light on the events that shook the Soviet Union and the world.

The Soviet Coup Attempt:
In August 1991, a group of hardline Communist Party members attempted to seize control of the Soviet Union from President Mikhail Gorbachev, aiming to reverse his reforms and restore totalitarian rule. As they took over key institutions and imposed a media blackout, millions were left unaware of the unfolding crisis.

The Birth of IRC:
Meanwhile, thousands of miles away, a virtual community was evolving on the internet. Internet Relay Chat, or IRC, was a platform for real-time communication that allowed users to create channels and converse anonymously. Originally developed in the late 1980s, IRC gained popularity among tech-savvy individuals worldwide.

Breaking the Silence:
As news of the coup spread, IRC emerged as a crucial tool for sharing information. Users created channels dedicated to discussing the events, sharing updates, and coordinating efforts to bypass the media blackout. In a stroke of irony, technology designed for leisure and entertainment became a lifeline for democracy.

Global Collaboration:
IRC’s decentralized nature allowed individuals from around the world to contribute to the coverage of the coup attempt. People shared firsthand accounts, translated news reports, and exchanged insights, creating a global network of citizen journalists. This collaboration transcended borders, demonstrating the power of connectivity in the face of adversity.

Impact and Legacy:
While the coup ultimately failed, the role of IRC in reporting on the events left a lasting impact. It showcased the potential of the internet as a tool for grassroots activism and citizen journalism, foreshadowing its future role in shaping political discourse. Moreover, it highlighted the importance of open communication in times of crisis, challenging authoritarian attempts to control the flow of information.

Conclusion:
The 1991 Soviet coup attempt was a pivotal moment in history, marked by both political turmoil and technological innovation. In the absence of traditional media coverage, IRC emerged as a beacon of hope, bridging geographical divides and empowering individuals to share information freely. Its legacy serves as a reminder of the enduring power of communication in the pursuit of truth and democracy. As we reflect on this chapter of history, let us not forget the role of IRC in shining a light on the darkness of censorship.

The post Unveiling History: How IRC Shattered the Media Blackout during the 1991 Soviet Coup Attempt appeared on Hamradio.my - Amateur Radio, Tech Insights and Product Reviews by 9M2PJU.

Hamradio On IRC

9M2PJU — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 20:48:00 +0000

Channel hamradio and ubuntu-hams on irc.freenode.net is where is used to get some information on amateur radio. IRC stands for internet relay chat. i started to use irc since 1997, until now i never get bored with it. Simple and fast, text only chat. You can talk to any nickname you want, either on the public channels or private messages. I made a lot of friends on IRC. Some of them are mypapit 9W2WTF, Steve AI4QR and Kamal KA6MAL. First IRC client that i use is mIRC, after trying Red Hat linux, i’ve found BitchX (CLI – command line interface) and then X-Chat (GUI). People are forgetting the IRC now, they prefer web-based social sites such as Facebook. Skype is better since it has support for video and voice call.

Some amateur radio old timers are still on the IRC. Discussing and developing software for amateur radio usage. Ted Williams WA0EIR, a 70++ aged ham radio developed lots of software, http://wa0eir.home.mchsi.com/. Steve and Kamal are working with Canonical and developing the hamlib for linux. Diane Bruce VA3DB made a custom FreeBSD for amateur radio called Hamfreesbie. Mypapit 9W2WTF actively working on android apps, visit https://play.google.com/store/apps/developer?id=mypapit

You can simply install an IRC client for your pc or macs. My operating system is Ubuntu and i use xchat. Just search xchat on Ubuntu software center and install.

The post Hamradio On IRC appeared on Hamradio.my - Amateur Radio, Tech Insights and Product Reviews by 9M2PJU.

/dev/dsp CWIRC Problem On Ubuntu

9M2PJU — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 03:30:00 +0000

If you got problem with /dev/dsp for CWIRC on Ubuntu, try to launch X-Chat by typing padsp xchat on terminal. this is pulseaudio problem. Latest Ubuntu are using pulseaudio, not alsa.

The post /dev/dsp CWIRC Problem On Ubuntu appeared on Hamradio.my - Amateur Radio, Tech Insights and Product Reviews by 9M2PJU.

Learn Morse Code Using CWIRC On Linux

9M2PJU — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 21:25:00 +0000

History Of Morse Code

Samuel F. B. Morse (1791-1872) was a painter and founder of the
National Academy of Design. In 1832, while on a ship returning from
Europe, he conceived the basic idea of an electromagnetic telegraph.
Experiments with various kinds of electrical instruments and codes
resulted in a demonstration of a working telegraph set in 1836, and
introduction of the circuit relay. This made transmission possible for
any distance. With his creation of the American Morse code, the
historic message, “What hath God wrought?” was sucessfully sent from Washington to Baltimore.

The Morse code used in those days differed greatly from that which is
used today. Morse code originated on telegraph lines and the original
users did not listen to tones but instead to the clicking sounds
created by sounders. They used the American Morse code as opposed to
today’s International Morse. When sending dahs (Morse code is composed
of dits or short key closures, and dahs or longer key closures) the
user simply sent two close-together dits. This was created by using a
conventional code key.

With the advent of radio communications the international Morse
became more widespread. Users of the international Morse created dahs
with a longer key closure, instead of two close-spaced dits. In order
to increase transmission speed on early landline circuits and later on
radio circuits, semi-automatic “bug” keys were invented in 1902 and
were widely adopted. Bug keys used a vibrating pendulum to create dits
and the user still manually creates the dahs.

In more recent times, the user can employ keyers that
electronically create dits and dahs. Iambic keyers have a memory so
that the user can operate a mechanical “paddle” quicker than the keying
rate of the keyer. This makes for very comfortable and nearly
effortless keying.

Today experienced operators copy received text without the need
to write as they receive, and when transmitting, can easily converse at
20 to 30 words per minute. Morse code will always remain a viable means
of providing highly reliable communications during difficult
communications conditions.

The Beginning Of IRC

IRC was born during summer 1988 when Jarkko “WiZ” Oikarinen wrote the first
IRC client and server at the University of Oulu, Finland (where he was
working at the Department of Information Processing Science).

Jarkko intended to extend the BBS software he administrated at
tolsun.oulu.fi, to allow news the usenet style, real time discussions and
similar BBS features. The first part he implemented was the chat part, which
he did with borrowed parts written by his friends Jyrki Kuoppala and Jukka
Pihl. It was initially tested on a single machine, and according to the
words from Jarkko himself “The birthday of IRC was in August 1988. The
exact date is unknown, at the end of the month anyways.”. The first IRC
server was named tolsun.oulu.fi.

Jyrki Kuoppala pushed Jarkko to ask Oulu University to free the IRC code so
that it also could be run outside of Oulu, and after they finally got it
released, Jyrki Kuoppala immediately installed a server (which later became
irc.cs.hut.fi). This was the first “irc network”.

Ari Lemmke’s own words: “At the same time Jyrki installed ircd, I was
at the same room and had nothing to do, so I decided to crack into tolsun
(the irc server Sun machine at Oulu), and naturally got in through a new
hole in sendmail. (At that time Jyrki was still the best cracker I
knew…)”

Jarkko got some friends at the Helsinki and Tampere Universities to start
running IRC servers when his number of users increased.

Other universities soon followed. Markku Järvinen helped improving
the client. At this time Jarkko realized that the rest of the BBS features
probably wouldn’t fit in his program!

Jarkko got in touch with guys at the University of Denver and Oregon State
University. They had got an IRC network running (they had got the program
from one of Jarkko’s friends, Vijay Subramaniam — the first non-finnish
person to use IRC) and wanted to connect to the finnish network.
IRC then grew larger and got used on the entire Finnish national network –
Funet – and then connected to Nordunet, the Scandinavian branch of the
Internet.
In November 1988, IRC had spread across the Internet.

In the
middle of 1989, there were some 40 servers worldwide.

ircII was released 1989 by Michael Sandrof.

In July 1990, IRC averaged at 12 users on 38 servers.

In 1990, a new network was set up in order to develop a new version (2.6) of
the ircd. The network named ChNet (about 25 servers and no users) existed a
few months before disagreements among the programmers caused it to dissolve.

What is X-Chat

XChat is an IRC chat program for both Linux and Windows. It allows you to join multiple IRC channels
(chat rooms) at the same time, talk publicly, private one-on-one conversations etc. Even file transfers are possible.

What Is CWIRC

CWirc is a plugin for the X-Chat IRC client to transmit raw morse code over
the internet using IRC servers as reflectors. The transmitted morse code can be
received in near real-time by other X-Chat clients with the CWirc plugin. CWirc
tries to emulate a standard amateur radio rig : it sends and receives morse
over virtual channels, and it can listen to multiple senders transmitting on
the same channel. Morse code is keyed locally using a straight or iambic key
connected to a serial port, or using the mouse buttons, and the sound is played
through the soundcard, or through an external sounder.

Note that CWirc doesn’t do any morse decoding : it simply transmits and
receives morse code timing events. A standard IRC user on the same IRC channel
you’re transmitting morse on will only see coded lines when morse code is
transmitted. Only other CWirc users can receive what you send.

Who Invented Linux

Who invented Linux? Linux is the first truly free Unix-like operating
system. The underlying GNU Project was launched
in 1983 by Richard Stallman originally
to develop a Unix-compatible operating system called GNU, intended to be
entirely free software. Many programs and utilities were contributed by developers
around the world, and by 1991 most of the components of the system were ready.
Still missing was the kernel.

Linus Torvalds invented Linux
itself. In
1991, Torvalds was a student at the
University of Helsinki in Finland where he had been

using Minix, a non-free Unix-like
system, and began writing his own kernel. He started by developing device drivers

and hard-drive access, and by September had a basic design that he called
Version 0.01. This kernel, which is called Linux, was afterwards combined with

the GNU system to produce a complete free operating system.

X-Chat with cwirc plugin on Ubuntu Linux in action

Description: 9W2WTF – Mr Hafiz (Malaysian ham radio station) is having CW conversation with KB1OOO – Mr Marc (American ham radio station).

The post Learn Morse Code Using CWIRC On Linux appeared on Hamradio.my - Amateur Radio, Tech Insights and Product Reviews by 9M2PJU.

Numb3rs Description About IRC ( Internet Relay Chat )

9M2PJU — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 08:59:00 +0000

WTF ?

Internet Relay Chat (IRC) is a form of real-time Internet text messaging (chat) or synchronous conferencing.^[1] It is mainly designed for group communication in discussion forums, called channels,^[2] but also allows one-to-one communication via private message^[3] as well as chat and data transfers via Direct Client-to-Client.^[4]
As of May 2009, the top 100 IRC networks served more than half a million users at a time, with hundreds of thousands of channels (the vast majority of which stand mostly vacant), operating on a total of roughly 1,500 servers worldwide.^[5]
IRC was created by Jarkko Oikarinen in August 1988 to replace a program called MUT (MultiUser Talk) on a BBS called OuluBox in Finland. Oikarinen found inspiration in a chat system known as Bitnet Relay, which operated on the BITNET.^[6]
IRC was used to report on the 1991 Soviet coup d’état attempt throughout a media blackout.^[7] It was previously used in a similar fashion during the Gulf War.^[8] Logs of these and other events are kept in the ibiblio archive.^[9]
IRC client software is available for virtually every computer operating system that supports TCP/IP networking.

The post Numb3rs Description About IRC ( Internet Relay Chat ) appeared on Hamradio.my - Amateur Radio, Tech Insights and Product Reviews by 9M2PJU.