In today’s rapidly evolving tech world, the need for fast and efficient data management is more critical than ever. One name that frequently stands out in the NoSQL database world is Redis. Since its introduction in 2009, Redis has become a go-to choice for real-time applications that require exceptional speed and flexibility in handling data.

In this article, we’ll explore the history of Redis, how it’s used, and the benefits it offers to various modern applications.

The History of Redis: Origins and Evolution

Redis, which stands for Remote Dictionary Server, was developed by Salvatore Sanfilippo in 2009. Initially launched as an open-source project to address scalability issues faced by large-scale systems, Redis quickly gained popularity among developers for its ability to process data at lightning speeds.

Redis operates as an in-memory database, meaning it stores all data in RAM rather than on disk. This design enables Redis to deliver significantly faster performance compared to traditional databases, making it ideal for applications that demand real-time speed.

How is Redis Used?

One of the primary reasons Redis is so popular is its flexibility, allowing it to be used in various scenarios. Here are some real-world examples of how Redis is utilized:

1. Caching
   Redis is well-known for its use in caching due to its speed. By storing data in memory, Redis drastically reduces the time it takes to retrieve data. This is especially useful in web applications where users need instant access to information such as previously loaded pages, images, or API data.
2. Session Management
   Many large platforms use Redis to store user session information. When users log into a system, Redis can store their session data in memory, ensuring quick access. This is crucial for maintaining a smooth user experience without delays.
3. Real-Time Analytics
   In a data-driven world, companies need instant analytics to make informed decisions. Redis enables companies to process and analyze data in real time, such as tracking user behavior on websites, monitoring IoT devices, or analyzing financial transactions as they occur.
4. Message Queuing
   Redis is also widely used for message queuing via its Pub/Sub (Publisher/Subscriber) feature. This is particularly helpful in systems where real-time communication between services or applications is required, such as notification systems or instant messaging services.

The Benefits of Redis: What Makes It Great?

Incredible Speed
Redis stands out because of its speed. As an in-memory database, Redis delivers sub-millisecond response times, making it one of the fastest technologies available for data management. This is why it is often the preferred choice for real-time applications.

Versatile Data Structures
Another feature that sets Redis apart is its support for various data structures like strings, lists, sets, and hashes. This versatility allows developers to use Redis in a wide range of scenarios, from storing user information to managing complex data in e-commerce systems.

Persistence Options
Even though Redis stores data in memory, it also offers persistence options, allowing users to periodically save data to disk. This provides an added layer of security in case of system failures, ensuring that data is backed up and recoverable.

Easy Scalability
Redis is easily scalable, whether vertically (by adding more RAM) or horizontally (by adding more Redis servers). This is essential for growing applications where the need to process more data increases over time.

Conclusion

Redis has proven itself to be one of the most powerful tools in modern data management. Its incredible speed, support for multiple data types, and scalability make it the top choice for real-time applications. Whether you’re a developer building web apps or a company looking to process real-time analytics, Redis is a technology worth exploring.

There you have it—a brief guide to Redis and the benefits it brings. This technology not only accelerates application performance but also provides a flexible and reliable solution for managing data at scale.

The post Redis: The Powerhouse Behind Modern Databases appeared on Hamradio.my - Amateur Radio, Tech Insights and Product Reviews by 9M2PJU.

When it comes to choosing an operating system for your projects, two names often come up: FreeBSD and Ubuntu. Both have unique strengths and characteristics that make them suitable for different tasks. In this post, we’ll dive deep into the differences and similarities between these two powerful systems, helping you determine which one is the best fit for your needs.

Overview of FreeBSD and Ubuntu

FreeBSD

FreeBSD is an operating system that is derived from the Berkeley Software Distribution (BSD). Known for its performance and advanced networking features, FreeBSD provides a robust environment ideal for servers, embedded systems, and networking applications. The entire operating system, from the kernel to the userland tools, is developed from a single source, which helps ensure consistency and stability.

Ubuntu

Ubuntu is a popular Linux distribution based on Debian. It is widely used for both desktop and server environments due to its user-friendliness and extensive software repositories. Ubuntu emphasizes ease of use and regular updates, making it a favorite among beginners and experienced users alike.

Key Comparisons

1. System Base

• FreeBSD: The entire OS is developed from a single source, providing a consistent and cohesive experience. This unified approach allows for seamless integration between the kernel and userland tools.
• Ubuntu: As a Linux-based system, Ubuntu relies on the Debian base. While it offers a rich ecosystem of software, the diversity of packages can sometimes lead to compatibility issues.

2. Performance & Efficiency

• FreeBSD: Renowned for its lightweight and minimal design, FreeBSD excels in server environments where performance is critical. It manages system resources efficiently, making it ideal for high-traffic applications.
• Ubuntu: While Ubuntu performs well in most situations, its default installation comes with a variety of services and applications that can consume more system resources than necessary.

3. Software Availability

• FreeBSD: With its Ports Collection and package management system, FreeBSD offers access to over 40,000 software options. However, it may lack some of the more niche applications available on Linux.
• Ubuntu: As one of the most popular Linux distributions, Ubuntu boasts extensive software repositories, providing compatibility with nearly all Linux applications. This makes it a go-to choice for developers and users looking for variety.

4. Security

• FreeBSD: Security is a core focus of FreeBSD. It features built-in security mechanisms such as jails (which provide a form of lightweight virtualization) and a strong emphasis on minimizing vulnerabilities.
• Ubuntu: While Ubuntu is secure and receives regular updates, its wider range of installed software can lead to a larger attack surface. However, it also offers tools like AppArmor for enhanced security.

5. Community & Support

• FreeBSD: The FreeBSD community may be smaller, but it is dedicated and knowledgeable. Comprehensive documentation is available, ensuring users have access to the resources they need.
• Ubuntu: Ubuntu has a large and active community, along with professional support available through Canonical. The extensive community means users can find help quickly, whether through forums or official channels.

6. Use Cases

• FreeBSD: Ideal for servers, network appliances, and scenarios where stability and performance are paramount. Its strong networking capabilities make it a popular choice for firewalls and routers.
• Ubuntu: Excellent for desktop use, development environments, and general-purpose servers. Its ease of use makes it particularly appealing for users who are new to Linux.

Conclusion

Choosing between FreeBSD and Ubuntu ultimately comes down to your specific needs and goals. If you’re looking for an operating system that excels in performance, security, and stability, especially in server or networking environments, FreeBSD is an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a user-friendly interface with a wide array of applications for both desktop and server use, Ubuntu may be the way to go.

Both systems have their strengths, and understanding them can help you make an informed decision. Whichever you choose, you’ll be working with powerful tools that are widely respected in the tech community. Happy computing!

The post FreeBSD vs. Ubuntu: A Comparison appeared on Hamradio.my - Amateur Radio, Tech Insights and Product Reviews by 9M2PJU.

In the world of Linux and Unix-based systems, text editors play a vital role in editing system configurations, writing scripts, and handling various programming tasks. Whether you are a system administrator, developer, or simply working on a server, choosing the right text editor can impact your productivity and workflow. Today, we will take a look at some of the most popular text editors: vi, vim, nano, edit, and pico. Each of these editors has its own strengths, weaknesses, and use cases.

1. vi: The Classic Workhorse

vi is one of the oldest and most basic text editors available on Unix systems. Released in 1976, it has remained a cornerstone for many Linux users. One of the key reasons for its popularity is that vi comes pre-installed in almost every Unix-based operating system, making it an editor that you can always rely on to be available.

• Ease of Use: Intermediate
• Key Features: Minimalist, with basic functionality like modal editing (command and insert modes).
• Pros:
• Lightweight and consumes very few resources.
• Always available by default on Unix systems.
• Cons:
• Steep learning curve, as vi relies heavily on keyboard shortcuts, and its modal nature can be confusing for beginners.

vi is perfect for users who prefer something lightweight and don’t need advanced features. It’s especially handy in situations where only a command-line interface is available, and graphical editors are not an option.

2. vim: Vi Improved

vim, released in 1991, stands for “Vi IMproved.” As its name suggests, vim is an enhanced version of vi that offers a wealth of additional features. It retains the same modal nature as vi but includes many conveniences for modern programmers and power users, such as syntax highlighting, multi-level undo, and plugin support.

• Ease of Use: Intermediate to Advanced
• Key Features: Extensive customization, syntax highlighting, and support for plugins and scripting.
• Pros:
• Highly configurable and ideal for coding and scripting.
• Large community support with a variety of plugins for specific programming languages.
• Cons:
• The learning curve is steep for new users due to its complexity.

vim is a go-to editor for developers and system administrators who need the power and flexibility to work efficiently. Once you master its commands and keybindings, it becomes a highly efficient tool.

3. nano: Simplicity at Its Best

For users looking for an easy-to-learn and intuitive text editor, nano is a great choice. It was released in 1999 as a free replacement for pico and has become widely popular due to its simplicity. Unlike vi or vim, nano does not have modes, and all the available commands are clearly listed at the bottom of the screen, making it very approachable for beginners.

• Ease of Use: Beginner-friendly
• Key Features: No modes, simple interface, and basic commands visible on-screen.
• Pros:
• Easy to use and available on most Linux distributions.
• Perfect for beginners or users who just want to make quick edits.
• Cons:
• Lacks advanced features like syntax highlighting, plugins, or scripting capabilities.

If you’re new to the Linux environment and need a no-frills editor to get things done, nano is likely your best bet.

4. edit: A DOS Throwback

edit was originally released in 1981 for the MS-DOS environment and became the default editor for many DOS and early Windows users. While it was simple and effective for its time, edit is largely outdated and rarely seen in modern Unix or Linux systems.

• Ease of Use: Beginner-friendly (for DOS/Windows users)
• Key Features: Classic DOS-style interface, simple for basic text editing.
• Pros:
• Lightweight and familiar to users who have worked in DOS environments.
• Cons:
• Very outdated, with limited functionality compared to modern text editors.
• Irrelevant in most modern Unix/Linux systems.

edit might evoke nostalgia for users who spent time on early DOS-based systems, but it’s not a practical choice in today’s Linux environment.

5. pico: The Original Simplicity

pico, released in 1989, was originally bundled with the Pine email client. Like nano, it is designed for simplicity, with a focus on ease of use. In fact, nano was created as a free clone of pico. While pico was once popular, it has largely been replaced by nano in most Linux systems.

• Ease of Use: Beginner-friendly
• Key Features: Simple navigation, basic functionality, no modes.
• Pros:
• Straightforward and easy to use.
• Best for quick text editing without the need for advanced features.
• Cons:
• Lacks many features, including plugins, syntax highlighting, and scripting.

While pico has fallen out of favor compared to nano, it still serves its purpose as a simple, lightweight editor for users who value ease of use over advanced features.

Choosing the Right Text Editor

So which one should you use? The answer depends on your needs and experience level:

• For Beginners: If you’re new to Linux or Unix, start with nano or pico. They are simple, intuitive, and get the job done without much hassle.
• For Intermediate Users: vim is a powerful tool with a large feature set. If you’re willing to invest time in learning it, vim will reward you with faster editing and more customization.
• For Minimalists: Stick with vi if you want a light, quick-to-open editor that’s always available.
• For DOS Fans: If you’re feeling nostalgic, you can still give edit a try, but it’s mostly a relic of the past.

Each text editor has its place in the Linux/Unix world, and the right one for you depends on how comfortable you are with the system and what features you need.

Final Thoughts

While text editors like vi, vim, and nano have different strengths, it’s important to remember that there is no “best” text editor. The best one is the one that fits your workflow and comfort level. Whether you’re just getting started or are a seasoned sysadmin, knowing the right tool for the job will make your life easier.

Which text editor do you use? Share your thoughts in the comments!

The post A Comparison of Text Editors – vi, vim, nano, edit, and pico appeared on Hamradio.my - Amateur Radio, Tech Insights and Product Reviews by 9M2PJU.

Mark your calendars and get ready for an extraordinary celebration as we embark on a week-long tribute to one of the most resilient and respected operating systems in the world—FreeBSD! From June 19th, we will kick off FreeBSD Week, culminating in the grand celebration of FreeBSD Day. This year, we’re not just commemorating another year of innovation and community; we’re celebrating 31 years of FreeBSD’s unwavering commitment to excellence, security, and open-source principles.

The Origin Story: A Glimpse into FreeBSD’s Beginnings

FreeBSD’s roots trace back to the University of California, Berkeley, where the Berkeley Software Distribution (BSD) project was developed in the late 1970s. Initially a series of patches and enhancements to the original UNIX operating system, BSD evolved into a complete and robust operating system in its own right. The project’s pioneering work laid the foundation for many of the advanced features we associate with UNIX systems today.

The journey of FreeBSD itself began in 1993 when a group of dedicated developers decided to create a free and open-source version of BSD. This initiative came at a time when the UNIX landscape was fragmented, with many proprietary versions of UNIX competing for market share. The FreeBSD Project aimed to provide a unified, reliable, and accessible UNIX-like operating system that anyone could use, modify, and distribute.

From its inception, FreeBSD was designed with a focus on performance, security, and flexibility. The project’s commitment to these principles quickly earned it a reputation as a powerful and dependable operating system suitable for a wide range of applications, from servers and desktops to embedded systems.

Evolution and Milestones: FreeBSD’s Development Over the Years

Over the past three decades, FreeBSD has undergone significant development, introducing numerous features and improvements that have solidified its position as a leader in the open-source community. Let’s take a closer look at some of the key milestones in FreeBSD’s history:

The Early Years: Establishing the Foundation

• 1993: The first official release, FreeBSD 1.0, was introduced. This initial version laid the groundwork for the project’s future development, offering a stable and feature-rich UNIX-like operating system.
• 1994-1996: Subsequent releases, including FreeBSD 2.0 and 2.1, brought significant performance enhancements and new features, such as improved networking capabilities and the introduction of the Ports Collection, a package management system that simplified software installation and management.

Growth and Maturity: Building on Success

• 1997-1999: FreeBSD 3.0 marked a major milestone with the introduction of the GEOM framework for modular disk I/O request transformation, further enhancing the system’s flexibility and performance. This period also saw improvements in SMP (Symmetric Multiprocessing) support, making FreeBSD a viable option for multi-processor systems.
• 2000-2004: FreeBSD 4.x series gained widespread acclaim for its stability and performance, becoming a popular choice for web hosting, ISPs, and other enterprise applications. The introduction of the Advanced Package Tool (APT) and enhanced security features, such as the FreeBSD Secure Levels, further cemented its reputation.

Modern Era: Innovations and Expansions

• 2005-2008: The release of FreeBSD 6.x brought significant advancements in network stack performance, storage systems, and virtualization support with the inclusion of Jails, a lightweight virtualization mechanism that allowed administrators to partition the system into multiple independent mini-systems.
• 2009-2013: FreeBSD 8.x and 9.x series introduced features like the ZFS file system, DTrace (Dynamic Tracing Framework), and the highly scalable and flexible GEOM storage framework. These releases also saw improvements in performance and hardware support, making FreeBSD a preferred choice for high-performance computing environments.

Recent Developments: Keeping Pace with Technology

• 2014-2019: The FreeBSD 10.x and 11.x series continued to build on the project’s legacy of innovation, introducing support for modern hardware architectures, enhanced security features, and improvements in network performance and scalability.
• 2020-Present: The latest releases, including FreeBSD 12.x and 13.x, have focused on maintaining the system’s reliability and performance while integrating cutting-edge technologies such as support for the ARM architecture, enhanced virtualization capabilities, and improved system administration tools.

The FreeBSD Community: A Collaborative Effort

One of the key factors behind FreeBSD’s success is its vibrant and dedicated community. The FreeBSD Project is a collaborative effort involving thousands of contributors from around the world, including developers, system administrators, and users who share a passion for open-source software and a commitment to excellence.

The FreeBSD Foundation

The FreeBSD Foundation, a non-profit organization established in 2000, plays a crucial role in supporting the project. The foundation provides funding for development, organizes events, and promotes the use of FreeBSD through outreach and advocacy. By fostering a strong and supportive community, the FreeBSD Foundation ensures that the project remains vibrant and sustainable.

Contributions and Collaborations

The open-source nature of FreeBSD encourages collaboration and contributions from a diverse group of individuals and organizations. Developers from various backgrounds contribute code, documentation, and other resources, while users provide valuable feedback and support. This collaborative approach has led to the creation of a highly reliable and feature-rich operating system that meets the needs of a wide range of users.

Events and Conferences

The FreeBSD community regularly organizes events and conferences to bring together developers, users, and enthusiasts. These events provide opportunities for networking, knowledge sharing, and collaboration. Some of the notable events include the FreeBSD Developer Summit, BSDCan, and EuroBSDCon. These gatherings not only strengthen the community but also foster innovation and the exchange of ideas.

Top FreeBSD Usages: Versatility in Action

FreeBSD’s versatility and robust features make it suitable for a wide range of applications. Here are some of the top use cases where FreeBSD shines:

Web Hosting and Internet Services

FreeBSD’s stability, performance, and advanced networking capabilities have made it a popular choice for web hosting and internet services. Many major web hosting providers and ISPs use FreeBSD to power their infrastructure, benefiting from its efficient resource management and security features.

Network Appliances and Firewalls

FreeBSD’s powerful networking stack and modular architecture make it an ideal platform for network appliances and firewalls. Solutions like pfSense, a widely-used open-source firewall and router distribution, are built on FreeBSD, leveraging its security features and reliability to deliver robust networking solutions.

Storage Solutions

FreeBSD’s support for advanced file systems like ZFS and its GEOM framework make it an excellent choice for storage solutions. FreeNAS, an open-source network-attached storage (NAS) solution, is based on FreeBSD and provides enterprise-grade storage features such as snapshots, replication, and data integrity.

Virtualization and Cloud Computing

FreeBSD’s Jails feature and support for modern virtualization technologies make it well-suited for cloud computing and virtualization environments. FreeBSD Jails provide lightweight and secure virtualization, allowing administrators to run multiple isolated instances of the operating system on a single physical host. Additionally, FreeBSD is supported by popular cloud providers, making it a viable option for cloud-based deployments.

High-Performance Computing

FreeBSD’s performance optimizations, scalability, and support for modern hardware architectures make it a preferred choice for high-performance computing (HPC) environments. Its efficient resource management and advanced networking capabilities enable it to handle demanding workloads and large-scale computations.

Embedded Systems and IoT

FreeBSD’s flexibility and modular design make it an excellent platform for embedded systems and Internet of Things (IoT) devices. Its small footprint, combined with its stability and security features, makes it a suitable choice for a wide range of embedded applications, from industrial control systems to consumer electronics.

FreeBSD Day: The Highlight of the Week

June 19th, FreeBSD Day, will be the highlight of the week, packed with special events and activities that celebrate the project’s rich history and vibrant community.

Live Stream on YouTube

Join us for a live streaming event where Kim McMahon, a prominent figure in the tech community, will interview key members of the FreeBSD community. This live stream will provide a unique opportunity to hear firsthand accounts from the people who have been instrumental in shaping FreeBSD. Topics will include the project’s history, current developments, and future directions.

Interactive Q&A Sessions

Participate in interactive Q&A sessions where you can ask questions and engage with developers, maintainers, and users of FreeBSD. This is your chance to connect directly with the community and get answers to your burning questions. These sessions will cover a wide range of topics, from technical details to community involvement and future plans.

Exclusive Announcements

Stay tuned for exciting announcements about new features, upcoming releases, and other significant developments in the FreeBSD project. These announcements will highlight the ongoing efforts to improve and expand FreeBSD, ensuring that it remains at the forefront of open-source operating systems.

Historical Insights and User Stories

Throughout the week, we will share historical insights and user stories that highlight the impact of FreeBSD on individuals and organizations. These stories will showcase the diverse ways in which FreeBSD has been used to solve real-world problems, drive innovation, and support critical infrastructure.

Join the Celebration

Whether you’re a long-time FreeBSD user, a newcomer curious about what FreeBSD has to offer, or simply a fan of open-source software, FreeBSD Week has something for you. Engage with the community on social media, share your own FreeBSD stories using the hashtag #FreeBSDWeek, and don’t miss out on the live events.

FreeBSD has been a pillar of the open-source community for 31 years, and its success is a testament to the hard work and collaboration of its community members. Let’s come together to celebrate this incredible milestone and look forward to many more years of innovation and excellence.

Stay tuned for more updates and join us in celebrating FreeBSD Day and the remarkable legacy of FreeBSD!

The post Celebrating FreeBSD Day: A Journey Through 31 Years of Open Source Excellence appeared on Hamradio.my - Amateur Radio, Tech Insights and Product Reviews by 9M2PJU.

Prof Ir Dr Ahmad Faizal 9M2DX and XYL listening to the talk

9M2DX, 9W2SVT and 9M2PJU

posted from Bloggeroid

The post APRS using open source software and hardware talk by 9W2SVT appeared on Hamradio.my - Amateur Radio, Tech Insights and Product Reviews by 9M2PJU.

The post Thanks Ubuntu Project! appeared on Hamradio.my - Amateur Radio, Tech Insights and Product Reviews by 9M2PJU.

To those who own a PengPod1000, feels free to try KB1OIQ – Andy’s Ham Radio Linux on your device.

KB1OIQ – Andy’s Ham Radio Linux is a custom operating system based on Ubuntu. It’s target is for amateur radio usage. For more info, visit http://sourceforge.net/projects/kb1oiq-andysham/

Direct link download for PengPod100 image, http://sourceforge.net/projects/kb1oiq-andysham/files/pengpod_image_4GiB.dd.gz/download

The included amateur radio software is shown

• aa-analyzer.pl – command line program used with RigExpert AA-xxx analyzers
• chirp          – used to program frequencies into HTs (chirpw)
• cqrlog         – a full featured QSO logging program
• cwwav          – command line program to convert text files to CW wav or mp3
• earthtrack     – used with predict and xplanet to display satellites
• flamp          – NBEMS program for Amateur Multicast Protocol (AMP)
• fldigi         – digital modes such as PSK31 (NBEMS)
• flmsg          – companion to fldigi, a simple forms management editor for standard message formats (NBEMS)
• fllog          – to provide a common log across networked computers
• flrig          – rig control
• flwkey         – modem program for the K1EL Winkeyer series
• flwrap         – companion to fldigi, file encapsulation / compression
• Fl Moxgen      – Moxon Rectangle antenna design program
• gerbv          – view Gerber files
• glfer          – QRSS (slow CW) or DFCW (Dual Frequency CW) modes
• gpredict       – satellite tracking
• gqrx           – software defined radio receiver
• grig           – rig control software
• gspiceui       – GUI interface for spice
• gwave          – analog waveform viewer (e.g. spice output)
• hamlib         – radio control library
• ibp            – HF beacons
• net            – a net control logging program by W1HKJ
• owx            – Open Wouxun, command line programs for Wouxun HTs
• pcb            – interactive printed circuit board editor
• predict        – predict orbits of satellites (used with earthtrack)
• qrq            – CW callsign practice
• qsstv          – SSTV (slow scan TV)
• qtel           – Echolink client
• soundmodem     – user mode driver for packet radio (useful with xastir)
• splat          – command line HF propagation prediction
• sunclock       – track day/night line on Earth
• svxlink        – Echolink server
• TQSL           – used with ARRL Logbook of the World
• TQSL Cert      – used with ARRL Logbook of the World
• voacapl        – VOACAP for Linux – propagation prediction
• wsjt           – weak signal communication
• wspr           – weak signal communication
• xastir         – APRS mapping
• xcwcp          – CW code practice
• xdx            – DX cluster TCP/IP client
• xlog           – simpler QSO logging program
• xnec2c         – antenna modeling software
• xplanet        – used by earthtrack and predict to track satellites
• xwxapt         – display APT images from weather satellites

The post KB1OIQ – Andy’s Ham Radio Linux On PengPod1000 appeared on Hamradio.my - Amateur Radio, Tech Insights and Product Reviews by 9M2PJU.

Linux is new anymore, there are many custom Linux operating system that was designed for ham radio operators. Here are the list of famous Linux operating system for ham radio usage

1. KB1OIQ – Andy’s Ham Radio Linux DVD – This is a remastered version of Ubuntu Linux. As of version 13, there are 32-bit and 64-bit versions available.

2. hamOS – A Debian based Live and Installable operating system for radio amateurs.
hamOS contains many preinstalled ham radio applications as well as a
custom menu. This respin is geared toward the newer linux user. hamOS
uses the lightweight LXDE desktop environment and is therefore suitable
for older hardware.
Check out the GetExtras folder on the desktop to run some custom
scripts that will automatically grab flash, codecs, and other non-libre
software.

3. Ar-knoppix

4. Harv’s Hamshack Hack

5.  Digipup – based on puppylinux (lightweight linux distribution)

6. Shackbox – Shackbox provide linux AND windows software like the famous ham radio
deluxe, trunking software and a lot of other software related to
electronics, antenna design and else.

7.  Hamux – CentOS based repository with ham radio software.

However, you can choose any linux distro you like and install any ham radio applications that you desired. Since linux is opensource operating system, you can hack the source to suit your taste. Google, Yahoo also powered by linux operating system and small hardware such as switch, routers, acces point also powered by linux nowadays. Most of websites running on linux webservers. Happy Hamlinux-ing!

The post List Of Linux Operating System For Ham Radio Operator appeared on Hamradio.my - Amateur Radio, Tech Insights and Product Reviews by 9M2PJU.

CHIRP is a free, open-source tool for programming your amateur radio. It supports a large number of manufacturers and models, as well as provides a way to interface with multiple data sources and formats.

Available for Microsoft Windows, Linux and Mac OSX.

Supported transceivers:-


Alinco

• DR-03T

• DR-06T

• DR135T

• DR235T

• DR435T

• DJ596T

Baofeng

• UV-3R

• UV-5R (in daily builds)

Icom

• IC-80AD

• IC-2820H

• ID-800H

• ID-880H

• IC-2200H

• IC-91/92AD

• IC-V/U82

• ID-RPx000V/RP2x

• IC-2100H

• IC-2720H

• IC-T70

• IC-T7H (in daily builds)

• IC-Q7A

• IC-W32A

• IC-746 (in daily builds)

• IC-7200

• IC-7000

• ID-31A

Jetstream

• JT220M

Kenwood

• TH-D7A/G

• TH-D72

• TH-F6A

• TH-K2

• TM-271A/281A

• TM-D700

• TM-D710

• TM-G707 (in daily builds)

• TM-V7A

• TM-V71A

Puxing

• PX-2R (UHF)

• PX-777

TYT

• TH-UV3R (in daily builds)

• TH-UVF1 (in daily builds)

Yaesu

• FT-60R

• FT-817/ND

• FT-857/D

• FT-897

• FT-2800M

• FT-7800R

• FT-7900R

• FT-8800R

• FT-8900R

• VX-3R

• VX-5R

• VX-6R

• VX-7R

• VX-8R

Wouxun

• KG-UVD1P/UV2D/UV3D

• KG-UV6D/UV6X (in daily builds)

The post CHIRP – Opensource Memory Programmer appeared on Hamradio.my - Amateur Radio, Tech Insights and Product Reviews by 9M2PJU.

• if you are a dedicated DXer and/or Award hunter preferring ‘classic modes’ CW and SSB, active on daily regular basis who has a lot of contacts in his log
• if you want a highest possible number of details on the station you are working or calling
• if you want to have a very accurate DXCC, zones and IOTA statistics on the fly
• if you want painless processing of a high number of QSL cards, LoTW and/or eQSL records
• if you prefer the ergonomy over colourful screens with lots of buttons and boxes
• if your operating style presumes to be focused more to your radio and the on-the-air scene than to your computer
• if you prefer linux over Windows and want a more advanced logbook program, if you don’t trust the commercial/shareware programs
• if you are not satisfied with the support of your current logger

• if you are a casual operator with quite few (thousands) contacts in your log
• if you operate mostly on local repeaters or in local SSB roundtables
• if DX is not the matter
• if you prefer digital modes, however CQRLOG integrates with FLDIGI, a high-end digital mode interface (sound card based software)
• if you are a portable (SOTA etc.) guru using a minimalistic computer (ie. palmtop etc.)
• if you are QSL manager who needs a tool for offline processing of many logs
• if you are operator of a club station, where every member needs his own log

• if you want to use the same program for daily logging and contesting, however we don’t exclude a CQRLOG clone dedicated to the contesters
• if you operate a remote station which needs software control of almost everything, ie. you don’t have any access to the front panel of your radio

The post CQRLog – World’s Best Ham Radio Logging App For Linux appeared on Hamradio.my - Amateur Radio, Tech Insights and Product Reviews by 9M2PJU.

Handy app for looking up Malaysian Hamradio callsign
Android
application for looking up Malaysian Amateur Radio (hamradio) callsign.
User only need to key-in the ham callsign that they wished to view and
the application will automatically display relevant information related
to the hamradio operator.

Please download it here and try it yourself, MYcallsign on Google Play

If you like this app, dont forget to rate it on Google Play.

This app was developed by En. Hafiz (9W2WTF).

Source code at https://code.google.com/p/mycallsign-android/

App info:

 

Updated: August 5, 2012

Current Version: 0.9

Requires Android: 2.2 and up

Size: 368k

The post MYCallsign App For Android appeared on Hamradio.my - Amateur Radio, Tech Insights and Product Reviews by 9M2PJU.

Squid merupakan proxy software yang sangat diminati ramai pengguna kerana squid adalah robust, high performance dan boleh di “tune” mengikut keperluan anda.

Gabungan kedua elemen ini sangat memuaskan hati, dimana pfsense dan squid dapat memberi khidmat yang baik kepada pengguna rangkaian. Squid perlu di “tweak” dan ditampal dengan patch supaya dapat menjadikannya agressive dan greedy. Storage yang besar diperlukan apabila squid telah diubahsuai.

Lihat prestasi kerja squid yang telah dipatch, terpasang dalam firewall pfSense

The post Squid Proxy pfSense Firewall Router appeared on Hamradio.my - Amateur Radio, Tech Insights and Product Reviews by 9M2PJU.

Demo of a Morse code keyboard linked to a computer over Bluetooth. More details including source code and schematics can be found at http://zunkworks.com/BluetoothMorseKeyboard

The post Project: Bluetooth Morse code Keyboard appeared on Hamradio.my - Amateur Radio, Tech Insights and Product Reviews by 9M2PJU.

What is Cascata?

Cascata is an Arduino Waterfall display program built using the Arduino and the Sparkfun Color LCD Shield.

It has a selectable 0-4 kHz or 0-2 kHz audio range, and can display a waterfall, a spectrum graph, or both. It features variable attenuation and automatic DC centering.

Background

Ham radio operators use a signal visualization display called a “Waterfall” to plot signal strength and frequency against time on a scrolling display. This type of display is common in both digital mode radio programs and in software-defined radio displays.

Cascata is a simple project using an Arduino and a Nokia LCD color display to provide a pocket-sized display for field operations, or for computer-free operations.

Cascata requires a small amount of soldering and and can serve as an introduction to the Arduino for ham radio operators, or an introduction to ham radio for Arduino enthusiasts.

Video

Source Code

Here is the Arduino Sketch, including the updated LCD and FFT code:

Cascata-20110707.zip

The software is built using enhanced versions of the Mark Sproul LCD library and the FFT Code is the Roberts/Slaney/Bourras/DEIF FFT library with bug fixes in 8-bit conversion. All is included in the zip file, which you can unzip into your Arduino Sketches directory. It will create a new project called Cascata.

Operation

• Top button switches modes: Display, Bandwidth, Attenuation
• Buttons 2 and 3 are up/down. (The Sparkfun LCD Breakout Board doesn’t have button 3, but the Arduino Shield does. Both buttons cycle through all the choices, so you can use this firmware with the 2-button version.)
• Display: Waterfall+Spectrum, Waterfall, Spectrum
• Bandwidth: 0-4 kHz, 0-2 kHz
• Attenuation: -3, -2, -1, 0 1, 2, 3. Negative values are “gain”.

The voltage reference is set to the internal 1.1v band-gap, and the bias network below sets the center point to about half of that value, when referenced to the 5v supply. The firmware automatically determines the DC reference point and the 0.1uF input capacitor AC couples the signal.

If your input signal voltage is too low, use the Attenuator adjustment to change to lower values.

LCD Construction

The SparkFun Color LCD Arduino Shield requires headers be soldered on.

A convenient option is the Sparkfun stackable header set. These headers allow easy access to the Arduino pins, but they stick up a bit above the LCD board and may make it hard to put in a case. If you have plans for build this project in a case, you may want to use a non-standard Arduino (such as the Ardweeny) and in that case you may want the SparkFun Color LCD Breakout Board, but you will sacrifice one button.

Interfacing

The Arduino 2009 and Uno have a choice among 5V ADC reference, internal 1.1V ADC reference, or external reference. 5V is too high for audio input, so we’ll chose the simply 1.1V internal reference. A resistor divider produces approximately 0.55v using standard value resistors, and a 0.01uF capacitor tacked onto the bottom of the Arduino bypasses the VREF signal to ground to reduce noise.

I built my input network on a protoboard first, then “flying-lead” style, but you could put it on a small piece of perfboard and use header pins to attach to the LCD Shield. A 3.5mm audio jack completes the interface, which I plugged into the headphone jack of my radio.

• Tack a 0.01uF capacitor on the bottom of the Arduino from VREF to ground.
• Install the Arduino LCD Shield with socketed headers.
• On the shield headers, put a 15 k Ohm resistor into the Arduino 5V pin to the ground pin below the LCD.
• Solder a 1.8 k Ohm resistor from the ground side of the above resistor. Put the other end into Analog input 1.
• Solder a 0.01 uF capacitor to the 1.8 k Ohm resistor at the Arduino analog input 1 pin.
• Input voltage should be +/- 0.5v max.

Drawbacks

Noise: The default value of the Attenuator is 1, which eliminates the LSB of ADC and cuts down on some of the noise. The 0.1uF capacitor added to the bottom of the Arduino board before VREF and ground helps with the noise some, but doing any better would require quiescing the CPU before the ADC measurement, further reducing the signal bandwidth and processing time available.

Sample time: Sampling at 8kHz takes 125μs, and it takes 100μs for each ADC operation. That leaves only 25μ per sample or 6.4ms for a 256 sample row. That’s not enough time to do the FFT or Display, so we drop samples between lines.

Future Directions

Cascata is designed to be a project for you to undertake and extend. Here are some ideas for ways to move forward:

Put it in a box?

The SparkFun LCD board doesn’t fit nicely in the SparkFun Arduino Shield Case, however with the Sparkfun Color LCD Breakout Board and the SolarBotics Ardweeny and a 5V regulator, you could make a much smaller device in a nice case.

Decode PSK31?

Add a mode to disable display and decode PSK31. Is there enough time in 6.4ms/row to do the decimation, filtering, phase detection, bit decoding, and Varicode conversion?

Make it faster?

At 16 MHz, the Arduino is a wonder at getting this DSP done. Switch to a 72 MHz Maple Board and you could have enough cycles left over to do something really interesting.

Expand the bandwidth?

Can you use aliasing to sample a much wider bandwidth? Since the output display size is limited to about 128 pixels, you would need to do decimation anyway.

Narrow the bandwidth?

David (WB4ONA) asks if you could narrow the bandwidth to 200 Hz, for use as a display with QRSS or other ultra-low bandwidth modes. I think you need to integrate over time; perhaps the Joe Taylor (K1JT) WSTJ source code would be a good start for techniques.

Oscilloscope Output?

Instead of an LCD display, display on an attached oscilloscope using a single DAC (either an I2C DAC from SparkFun or an op-amp/integrator DAC). Use one of the digital out pins for trigger. You could use a green-screen CRT scope, or a portable digital scope that you already have. You won’t get a waterfall, but instead a spectrum display.

Similar Projects

• Arduino Realtime Audio Spectrum. This turned up in searches when I looked for Arduino FFT and I got a lot of ideas from here. It’s good to be able to share ideas across ham and Arduino projects. I found a link to the FFT from reading this post, but had to fix a few bugs to make it work at 256 samples.
• Gabotronics XProtolab GT-0010 This is a great board and I recently bought one. The framework source is available, including an ASM version of FFT, but the DSO source isn’t open.

credits to http://wa5znu.org/2011/07/cascata/

The post Cascata – an Arduino Waterfall by WA5ZNU appeared on Hamradio.my - Amateur Radio, Tech Insights and Product Reviews by 9M2PJU.

Features

• aprs login with a try to autoreconnect on failure
• aprs filter support
• receive messages/bulletins
• create/reply/forward message
• predefined text strings for quick messaging
• predefined list of recipients
• ack autosend
• tracking + smart tracking – corner pegging (tracking on APRS and also on http://youloc.net/ )
• packet compression used on all packets
• pause tracking during phone call
• send status message
• send last know location
• calculate locator grid
• display nearby stations, objects, items
• edit/save into conf file
• portrait/landscape/fullscreen/day/night mode
• screen dim/suspend blocking
• APRS Query – replying to aprs query for position and status
• send any Direct query, predefined Q for P, S, M, O, H, D
• create, edit Objects and Items with predefined names
• Mic-E encoded packets initial support (shows some funny failures sometimes)
• display a map with position with an object/station – based on Openstreetmap or actually on http://ojw.dev.openstreetmap.org/StaticMap/

Requires

• python
• elementary
• FSO freesmartphone middleware framework

http://code.google.com/p/atrack/

The post ATrack – APRS Client For OpenMoko Freerunner appeared on Hamradio.my - Amateur Radio, Tech Insights and Product Reviews by 9M2PJU.

Xastir is an open source software project maintained by Developers and Contributors from all over the globe and is provided free under the GNU General Public License. From its early beginnings, Xastir has evolved into a very robust client with a rich feature set that rivals any other APRS client.

 Xastir APRS Client is a FREE! software program that will run on several different operating systems, including Linux and Windows. Amateur Radio operators trained in the use of Xastir run the program which is attached to two-way amateur radio and TNC (radio modem). The Xastir software program is backed by active developer and user communities.

A few features of Xastir

1. Connection with the Internet and several TNCs possible
2. Support of the AX.25 kernel driver
3. Logging of all data
4. Vector and pixel maps
5. Overlay of maps possible
6. Storable map views
7. Speech output for special events with sound files
8. Speech output with speech synthesis
9. Extensive display configuration
10. The following map formats are supported in the moment

• Vector maps in WinAPRS format
• Maps in GeoTIFF format (with GeoTiff library)
• Pixel maps as xpm file
• American county maps for weather alerts
• Graphics file in 68 different formats, e.g. gif (with ImageMagick)
• Shape files

The post XASTIR – An Opensource APRS application appeared on Hamradio.my - Amateur Radio, Tech Insights and Product Reviews by 9M2PJU.

Gpredict is different from other satellite tracking programs in that it allows you to group the satellites into visualisation modules. Each of these modules can be configured independently from the others giving you unlimited flexibility concerning the look and feel of the modules. Naturally, Gpredict will also allow you to track satellites relatively to different observer locations – at the same time.

Gpredict is free software licensed under the GNU General Public License. This gives you the freedom to use and modify gpredict to suit your needs. Gpredict is available as source package as well as precompiled binaries for Linux, Mac OS X, and Windows via third parties.

This application is suitable to amateur radio operator who loved to hunt satellites or birds in hamradio lingo.

The post Gpredict For Hunting Satellites appeared on Hamradio.my - Amateur Radio, Tech Insights and Product Reviews by 9M2PJU.

GNU Radio is an open source Software Defined Radio (SDR) project that was started about ten years ago by Eric Blossom, an electrical engineer. The main idea which is behind this project, as its founder says, was to turn all the hardware problems into software problems, that is move the complexity of a radio equipment from the hardware level to the software one, and get the software as close to the antenna as possible.

Advantages of SDR

Software defined radio has some advantages that were not been possible before:

1. It can be reconfigured “on-the-fly”
2. It can be easily and rapidly upgraded with new software versions or enhanced features
3. It is possible to talk and listen to multiple channels at the same time

What is the story of GNU Radio?

Blossom initiated this project because he was disappointed by the SDR projects available at that time: all of them had a proprietary nature, and he wanted to bring the free-software philosophy into the SDR world. Richard Stallman, the GNU Project founder, liked Blossom’s idea and agreed to take the project under the GNU aegis.

So far, the GNU Radio project has not disappointed its affiliates and supporters. Eric Blossom, together with his development colleague Matt Ettus, have realized a project which can turn an ordinary PC into a good quality radio receiver; the only additional hardware required are a “low-cost” RF tuner and an analog-to-digital converter to convert the received signal into digital samples. GNU Radio is a free software development toolkit which allows to develop a custom non commercial radio receiver just combining and interconnecting appropriate software modules, as if they were functional blocks (the package include about 100 modules, but others can be added to the initial library). Each module is able to perform a specific signal processing function (for example a mixer, a phase lock loop, a filter), with a real-time behavior and with high-throughput; for this reason, a recent PC with enough processing capability and memory shall be used. With the GNU Radio approach, the designer is a software developer who builds the radio by creating a graph (in a similar way to what happens in the graph theory) where the vertices are signal processing blocks and the edges represent the data flow between them. The signal processing blocks are normally implemented in C++, whereas the graph structure is defined in Python. GNU Radio is well known and widely used especially in academic environments and among hobbyists and radio amateurs; it is used either to implement real and working radio equipments, or just as a research project in the area of wireless communication and transmission. GNU Radio software modules support various modulations (GMSK, PSK, QAM, OFDM), error corrections codes (Reed-Solomon, Viterbi, Turbo Codes), and signal processing capabilities (filters, FFTs, equalizers, timing recovery).

GNU Radio applications are mainly written in Python; however, the critical and low-level algorithms and signal processing modules are written using the C/C++ programming language, with wide usage of floating-point specific instructions for the relevant processor. Python is primarily used to setup the flow graph, after that most of the work is done in C/C++. GNU Radio is simple to use and a radio receiver can be created in a fast and straightforward manner; moreover, the development of a signal processing algorithm can be carried out using a pre-recorded or generated data set, thus allowing the development without the need for a real RF hardware. An example of minimal hardware required to work with GNU Radio is offered by the USRP, developed by Ettus Research LLC.

What is USRP?

USRP, which stands for Universal Software Radio Peripheral, is a general purpose motherboard which can host a wide selection of daughterboards, each of which implements a signal processing block found in the GNU Radio software package. The original USRP is a low cost software radio device which connects to the host computer through a USB 2.0 interface, and can send up to 16 MHz of RF bandwidth in both directions. It hosts an FPGA which can be reprogrammed, 4 high-speed Analog to Digital Converters (ADCs), 4 high-speed Digital to Analog Converters DACs), and many auxiliary analog and digital I/Os.

The following pictures show how the USRP looks like, externally and internally, respectively.

The USRP contains two Analog Devices AD9862 mixed signal analog front end devices connected to an Altera Cyclone EP1C12 FPGA where most of the initial downconversion is done within the RX chain. The USRP family includes:

1. DC to 30 MHz receiver
2. DC to 30 MHz transmitter
3. 1 MHz to 250 MHz receiver
4. 1 MHz to 250 MHz transmitter
5. 50 to 860 MHz receiver
6. 800 MHz to 2.4 GHz receiver
7. 400-500 MHz transceiver
8. 750-1050 MHz transceiver (including cell and ISM bands)
9. 1150-1450 MHz transceiver
10. 1.5-2.1 GHz transceiver (including PCS bands)
11. 2.3-2.9 GHz transceiver (including ISM band)

The motherboard shown in the above picture is equipped with 4 daughterboards: 2 Tx modules and 2 Rx modules.

The GNU Radio USRP2

The USRP2 is based on its successful predecessor, the original USRP, providing the following new capabilities:

1. Gigabit Ethernet interface
2. 25 MHz of instantaneous RF bandwidth
3. Xilinx Spartan 3-2000 FPGA, which can even operate the device in a stand-alone way, without requiring connection to a host computer
4. Dual 100 MHz 14-bit ADCs
5. Dual 400 MHz 16-bit DACs
6. 1 Mb of high-speed SRAM
7. Locking to an external 10 MHz reference
8. 1 PPS (pulse per second) input
9. Configuration stored on standard SD cards
10. Standalone operation
11. The ability to lock multiple systems together for MIMO
12. Compatibility with all the same daughterboards as the original USRP

USRP2 is initially supported on Linux, but drivers will be available also for Windows, Mac OS X, and other operating systems.

GNU Radio applications

The GNU Radio package is provided with a complete HDTV transmitter and receiver, a spectrum analyzer, an oscilloscope, a multichannel receiver and a wide collection of modulators and demodulators. Other advanced projects are still in the feasibility phase or in progress:

1. A system able to recording multiple stations simultaneously
2. Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) waveforms
3. A passive radar system that takes advantage of broadcast TV for its signal source
4. Radio astronomy
5. Digital Radio Mundial (DRM)
6. Software GPS
7. Amateur radio transceivers

For more info, please go to:

1. http://gnuradio.org/redmine/wiki/gnuradio
2. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GNU_Radio

The post GNU Radio – Opensource Software Defined Radio (SDR) appeared on Hamradio.my - Amateur Radio, Tech Insights and Product Reviews by 9M2PJU.

kolts1@estesvalley.net

This free operating system provides your PC with all of the usual features, including lots of ham radio applications.

If you have wanted to upgrade your PC to a new operating system, but haven’t wanted to pay the high cost for some commercial packages, then you might want to consider the world of open source software. Contrary to popular belief, there are several options available for PC operating systems.

After a string of never ending system bugs and finally a hard drive crash, I was finally prompted to look for an alternative operating system for my PC. The hard drive was easily replaced, but I wanted an operating system (OS) that wasn’t going to cost me hundreds of dollars, that would be more robust and would support my ham radio operation.

A suggestion from a friend and a little time spent surfing the Web quickly led me to the Ubuntu Web site. It looked like a good option, but the most important question in my mind was whether it would support any ham radio applications.

What is Ubuntu?

Simply put, Ubuntu is a full-fledged operating system based on Linux (the PC version of UNIX) that has a similar look and feel to other popular OSs, such as Microsoft Windows. The Ubuntu OS supports all of the usual PC functions but with software that is all open sourced. This means that the operating system and all of the programs that it includes are totally free. Over the last few years, Ubuntu has gained in popularity to the point where some PC vendors are now offering it as an option with some of their new products.

In case you might be wondering about the name Ubuntu, it is a concept that comes from several South African languages. It’s one of those terms that does not translate well into English, but according to The Official Ubuntu Book it can be roughly translated as meaning “humanity toward others,” or “I am because we are.”

The Ubuntu desktop looks similar to those of other operating systems. Figure 1 shows the desktop that I use for version 8.04 (also referred to as Hardy Heron). You might notice that the desktop does not have any individual program icons, but this is simply a matter of personal preference, icons can be added if you wish. All of my programs are listed under the APPLICATIONS menu, located at the top left of the display, where I can organize them into folders by program type. Also located in that corner of the display is the PLACES menu, which contains such items as disc drives and networks, as well as folders for pictures, videos, music, etc. The SYSTEMS menu has user preferences and system administration menus.

The Ubuntu OS uses Firefox as a Web browser and Evolution for e-mail. For office applications the OpenOffice suite is provided, which supports a full featured word processor, spreadsheets, presentations and more. The system also includes the usual games, photo, video and music programs as well. Some of the video programs will even support the European video formats. This is an important feature if you have friends or relatives in Europe, as we do, who like to send you home videos of the grandchildren.

Hardware support is good too. I have two different PCs that interface with a router, one via LAN and another wireless. Each has a different printer as well. All of these devices, including the wireless USB adapter, were identified during system installation and simply worked with no problems. Ubuntu supports a wide range of both old and new hardware and peripherals. A list of the supported hardware can be found on the Ubuntu Web site.

If you would like to give Ubuntu a trial run, you can go to their Web site and download the OS, or order a free CD. You could also choose to buy one of the books that provide an introduction to Ubuntu, many of which will also include a CD. Just be sure that the included CD is one of the recent Ubuntu releases. Version 10.04, Lucid Lynx, is the latest, as of this writing.

When installing the OS, you will discover that you have several options. You can either run Ubuntu directly from the CD, just to try it without installing it on your hard drive, or you can create a dual boot configuration and have both Ubuntu and your old OS available. Of course you can also take the big jump and simply install Ubuntu as your only OS.

With the OS up and running, software updates and support are likely to be the next concern. The Ubuntu community, which consists of developers and users, provides periodic software updates, documentation and user forums. These help to assure that your system is kept up to date and that users have a resource for questions and problems should they arise.

Ham Radio Applications

At this point, since Ubuntu is beginning to look like a really viable alternative OS, the next big issue is whether it will support the ham radio applications that we want to run. Fortunately, the answer to this question is — yes it will.

One of the nice features of Ubuntu is the Synaptic Package Manager. This system lets you search through thousands of programs for specific types of applications and once found, download and install them onto your PC. All of this is done in one simple operation. To help make life easier, the programs within the Package Manager are categorized by type, such as games, mathematics, network and science. There is even a separate category for Amateur Radio.

The ham radio applications include programs for Morse code training, APRS and packet programs, rig control, CW and digital mode terminal applications, satellite tracking, Smith Charts, logging, DX clusters and more. In most cases there are multiple programs available for each of these applications and there is also a logging program that interfaces with LoTW.

As an example, I use the program Xlog, shown in Figure 2, for my log. This program not only provides basic contact logging, but it also tracks your scoring for important awards and checks for previously worked stations. In addition to this, Xlog can also read your rig’s frequency, mode and power via the serial port. For contesters, there is a CW keyer mode that allows you to program the function keys with CW messages and, of course, it can also import and export log data in several common formats.

There are a number of programs available for Ubuntu that will support the various digital operating modes. One popular program for digital mode operation is fldigi. This program, shown in Figure 3, supports several digital modes including: CW, PSK, HELL, Olivia, RTTY and more. It also has the ability to perform rig control, measure frequency (calibrated to WWV), log contacts, run in contest mode and interface with QRZ.com.

Wine — It’s Not Just for Drinking

But what happens if you can’t find a Linux application for the task you need and a Windows program is the only solution? Fortunately all is not lost, because there are several ways that you can run Windows based programs on Ubuntu. One of these ways is with Wine.

Wine is a software package that lets you run many Windows applications within the Ubuntu Linux environment. It creates a virtual C: drive on your hard disc and there you will find the familiar Windows folder “Program Files” that contains your Windows applications. When you run a Windows application in Ubuntu it will execute under Wine, but the display will look just like does when it executes from a Windows operating system.

Figure 4 shows an example of the Windows program CircuitMaker, a circuit simulation program, running under Wine. CircuitMaker is an old program that is no longer supported, but in this case I needed this old Windows program to support some of my older homebrew projects. It runs as well now with Ubuntu and Wine as it did with my old Windows system.

The much newer circuit simulation program, LtspiceIV from Linear Technologies, can be run with Wine as well. I downloaded the file a few days ago and it loads and runs on my PC with no problems whatsoever.

Schematic capture and PCB layout applications are also necessary tools for those of us who like to do homebrew projects. The PCB vendor that I like to use for my PC boards provides free schematic and layout software, but unfortunately their software is only available in Windows versions. (Will software vendors ever learn that there are some of us who prefer to operate in Linux? Sigh.) Once again, it only took me about a minute to download their software onto the Wine C: drive and install the programs. As expected, they ran perfectly with no problems.

[Note that the Wine emulator works well for smaller applications such as those described above, but it should not be considered a replacement for a Windows OS. Most of the larger, more complex programs that run smoothly under Windows will run erratically — or not at all — in the Wine environment. — Ed.]

The Bottom Line

In today’s tight economy many of us are looking to get the most bang for our computer buck. Ubuntu, with all of its standard features and functionality, its large library of Linux based ham radio applications and its ability to run Windows applications if necessary, is certainly a viable option when considering an operating system upgrade. Best of all, since the Ubuntu system is open source software, this is all available for free, which makes Ubuntu Linux and ham radio a hard combination to beat. After 2 years of running Ubuntu on two of my home PCs, I find that the more I use it the more I like it, so give it a try.

More Information

This article can’t even begin to describe all of the functions, features and applications available with Ubuntu, so for more information about Ubuntu, Linux, Wine or any of the other applications mentioned here, or to download software, try the following links: Ubuntu, OpenOffice, FireFox, Evolution, Wine, fldigi, Xlog.

The following two books are the ones that I keep next to my computer and refer to most often. They provide a good introduction to Ubuntu for the novice user and they contain Ubuntu CDs.

• Hill, Burger, Jesse, & Bacon; The Official Ubuntu Book; Prentice Hall, 2008.

This is a good overview of Ubuntu, including its history.

• Grant, Rickford; Ubuntu for Non-Geeks; No Starch Press, 2008.

This book provides a lot of good practical “how to” information for the Ubuntu beginner.

All photos are by the author.

Bert Kolts, AB0VI, an ARRL Life Member, was first licensed in 1960 (previously WA2VQB and WA0WZI) and now holds an Extra class license. Bert is a retired electrical engineer who spent 37 years working for Hewlett Packard and its spin-off Agilent Technologies. He is currently refreshing his German via online courses, learning to program in Python and of course hamming, where he works mostly CW and PSK31. Bert has published numerous professional articles on test and measurement and has also articles in QEX and QST. Bert can be reached at 253 Steamer Ct, Estes Park, CO 80517.

taken from http://www.arrl.org/ubuntu-linux-for-hams


Get Ubuntu now http://www.ubuntu.com


To learn how to use Ubuntu, please download Ubuntu pocket guide here http://www.ubuntupocketguide.com/


Join us as Ubuntu ham radio operator https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UbuntuHams and check out our activities. If you like CW, dont hesitate to have a CWIRC Chat on irc.freenode.net #CW.

The post Ubuntu For Amateur Radio Operator appeared on Hamradio.my - Amateur Radio, Tech Insights and Product Reviews by 9M2PJU.

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

Get the latest APRSdroid here http://aprsdroid.org/get

The post APRSdroid – APRS for Android Smartphones appeared on Hamradio.my - Amateur Radio, Tech Insights and Product Reviews by 9M2PJU.

The post Ubuntu Linux for Ham Radio Operators appeared on Hamradio.my - Amateur Radio, Tech Insights and Product Reviews by 9M2PJU.

Yes, i know that Fedora also got their own amateur radio special interest group. That is why i am requesting for Fedora amateur radio SIG logo. Thanks to the Fedora design team especially to Marcstewart.

Here is my ticket https://fedorahosted.org/design-team/ticket/134

The post Fedora Amateur Radio SIG Logo appeared on Hamradio.my - Amateur Radio, Tech Insights and Product Reviews by 9M2PJU.

Event: Hamfest 2010 http://www.hamfest.my
Date: 30 July, 31 July and 1 Aug 2010
Time: 10 am to 10 pm
Who we are:

Malaysian Ubuntu-hams ( Attendee: 9W2PJU, 9W2HDZ and SWL Tony )
What we do here: Promoting Ubuntu to all Malaysia ham radio operator and giving free Ubuntu CDs to them.
Pictures:

See more photo here http://www.flickr.com/photos/9w2pju/sets/72157624490701603/

Credits: Thanks to all Ubuntu-hams, supporters, Malaysian hamradio operators, 9W2FYI the event manager, Apogee for the great logo, 9M2AR, 9W2PYT, 9W2HDZ, SWL Tony for the picnic table, friends, foes, and big thanks To mypapit 9W2WTF for the non stop supports.

The post Ubuntu-hams Malaysia At KL Tower Hamfest 2010 appeared on Hamradio.my - Amateur Radio, Tech Insights and Product Reviews by 9M2PJU.

Steps

1. Get android x86 iso here at http://android-x86.googlecode.com/files/android-x86-1.6-r2.iso
2. you need UNetbootin to make bootable USB drive or just burn the iso if you got cd/dvd drive ( you can also run this iso in your virtual environment, vmware, virtualpc, virtualbox )
3. reboot your pc to your USB drive or burned cd/dvd

Screensnap

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

Get it at http://developer.android.com/sdk/index.html

The post Android SDK on Ubuntu appeared on Hamradio.my - Amateur Radio, Tech Insights and Product Reviews by 9M2PJU.

Watch the video here

The post 2010 ARRL Field Day Running Ubuntu appeared on Hamradio.my - Amateur Radio, Tech Insights and Product Reviews by 9M2PJU.

Hello,

i think this is the first Ubuntu-ham’s blog in the planet Ubuntu. Well, first of all i would like to thank to all ppl who are always supporting me especially to sconklin, joey, kamal, mypapit, ubuntu-my and also to all ubuntu-hams members. i’d like to share my interest about amateur radio or something they called is as “ham radio” and Ubuntu as ham’s perfect shack operating system. Getting to know what is Ubuntu-hams all about ?

Please visit

1. https://launchpad.net/~ubuntu-hams
2. https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UbuntuHamsPackages
3. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amateur_radio

This is my first post to planet Ubuntu. Till then a very 73 from me, 9M2PJU.

The post Hello Ubuntu Planet! appeared on Hamradio.my - Amateur Radio, Tech Insights and Product Reviews by 9M2PJU.

Date : 29 June 2010

Time 5.30pm till 8pm (After end of conference day 1)

Place : Berjaya Time Square, Kuala Lumpur Malaysia.

An Ubuntu Jam is a local event, where people meet to do something with Ubuntu. The point is to have fun, meet great people, learn something new and make Ubuntu better in a way that you like and enjoy.

https://wiki.ubuntu.com/Jams

Its FREE and open to all.

The post Ubuntu Global Jam At MOSC2010 appeared on Hamradio.my - Amateur Radio, Tech Insights and Product Reviews by 9M2PJU.