Remote ham radio operation just got easier with Universal HamRadio Remote HTML5 (UHRR) by F4HTB. This open-source project offers a sleek HTML5 web interface powered by a Python backend, allowing you to operate your transceiver (TRX) from anywhere—using only your computer’s web browser, microphone, and speaker.

What Is UHRR?

UHRR is a lightweight remote ham radio utility that brings both RX and TX capabilities to your browser. Designed for Raspberry Pi OS Lite (based on Debian Buster), it connects to your radio via Hamlib, and uses audio input/output from your computer for voice (phone) or CW operation.

While it’s optimized for remote use, local operation is also possible—though not officially supported.

Key Features

• HTML5 Web Interface – No extra software needed, just your browser.
• RX and TX Support – Transmit and receive using your PC microphone and speaker.
• Cat Interface Support – Works with radios supported by Hamlib.
• Audio Level Adaptation – Interfaces with external audio circuits to match levels properly.
• HTTPS Access – Secure remote access via https://UHRR.local:8888.

Requirements

To get started, you’ll need:

• A Raspberry Pi running Raspberry Pi OS Lite (32-bit).
• A radio compatible with Hamlib.
• A CAT interface.
• Audio interface circuitry to adapt levels between the radio and sound card.

Docker Support

For easier deployment, UHRR now includes a Dockerfile and docker-compose.yml, allowing you to set up the entire stack in a containerized environment. This makes it even more convenient for advanced users.

Important Notes

• Make sure remote operation is legal in your country before using UHRR.
• If the configuration is missing or invalid, the interface will auto-redirect to a configuration screen at https://UHRR.local:8888/CONFIG.

Still Actively Maintained

While there’s no official release yet, the project is stable, with contributions from hams worldwide. A big shout-out to Mike W9MDB and the Hamlib team, along with all other contributors who make this project possible.

Learn More

• Project Page: github.com/F4HTB/Universal_HamRadio_Remote_HTML5
• Wiki: Installation & Setup Guide
• News & Updates: UHRR History

Final Thoughts

If you’ve ever dreamed of working DX from a web browser while sipping coffee on your balcony—UHRR makes it possible. Whether you’re operating an IC-7300, FT-710, or any Hamlib-compatible rig, this project offers a powerful, minimalist remote setup that just works.

Feel free to contribute, report issues, or share your success stories with F4HTB at olivier@f4htb.fr.

The post Universal HamRadio Remote (UHRR) – Control Your Radio from Anywhere appeared on Hamradio.my - Amateur Radio, Tech Insights and Product Reviews by 9M2PJU.

As a ham radio operator, keeping track of your contacts is essential not just for record-keeping but also for award tracking, QSL card management, and participation in the broader amateur radio community. While many logging options exist, YFKlog stands out as a feature-rich solution specifically designed for Linux and Unix systems.

What is YFKlog?

YFKlog is an open-source ham radio logbook program that runs in a terminal interface. Created by Fabian Kurz (DJ5CW, formerly DJ1YFK), this program combines powerful database capabilities with an efficient interface that works well even over SSH connections. While it may not have the flashy graphics of some Windows alternatives, it offers robust functionality that serious operators appreciate.

Key Features

Flexible Database Options

YFKlog supports both SQLite (perfect for individual operators) and MySQL (ideal for club stations or those who already run MySQL). SQLite is particularly convenient as it stores your entire log in a single file, making backups trivial.

Comprehensive QSO Management

• Quick logging: Efficiently enter QSOs with smart tab ordering and field defaults
• Powerful search: Find contacts by any combination of criteria
• Previous QSO display: Instantly see your history with a station as you log them

QSL Card Handling

One of YFKlog’s standout features is its QSL management:

• QSL queuing: Mark cards for sending later
• Batch processing: Print QSL labels in various formats (via LaTeX/PDF)
• Easy receiving: Quickly mark received QSL cards and optionally queue return cards

Awards Tracking

YFKlog automatically calculates your progress toward popular awards:

• DXCC (with band breakdowns)
• WPX (Worked All Prefixes)
• WAZ (CQ Zones)
• IOTA (Islands On The Air)
• WAS (Worked All States)
• VUCC (VHF/UHF Century Club)
• Custom awards using a flexible tagging system

Additional Capabilities

• ADIF import/export: Exchange data with other logging programs
• LoTW integration: Upload and download from ARRL’s Logbook of The World
• Rig control: Interface with your transceiver via hamlib
• DX cluster/bandmap: Monitor DX spots while logging
• Club membership tracking: See if a station belongs to clubs like HSC, FOC, etc.
• Remote logging: Receive QSO data from digital mode programs like fldigi

Getting Started

Installation

On Debian/Ubuntu systems, installation is straightforward:

# Install dependencies
sudo apt-get install perl libdbd-sqlite3-perl libclass-dbi-sqlite-perl make libsqlite3-0 libcurses-perl libwww-perl libnet-telnet-perl libio-socket-timeout-perl

# For LoTW integration
sudo apt-get install trustedqsl xvfb

# Install YFKlog
git clone https://git.fkurz.net/dj1yfk/yfklog.git
cd yfklog
sudo make install

After installation, simply run yfk to launch the program. On first run, it creates a configuration directory (~/.yfklog/) and walks you through initial setup.

Configuration

The most important settings to configure include:

• Your callsign
• Database preferences (SQLite recommended for most users)
• Default band, mode, and power settings
• QSL handling preferences
• Your station coordinates for distance/bearing calculations

Most settings can be changed either through the setup menu or by editing ~/.yfklog/config directly.

Daily Use Workflow

Here’s how a typical logging session might look:

1. Start YFKlog by typing yfk in your terminal
2. Enter the logging mode from the main menu
3. Type a callsign – YFKlog will show:
   • DXCC information
   • Previous QSOs with this station
   • Beam heading and distance
   • Any club memberships
4. Fill in signal reports and other details (many fields auto-populate)
5. Press F2 to save the QSO
6. Continue logging

Advanced Tips

Managing Multiple Logs

YFKlog lets you maintain separate logs for different callsigns. This is perfect for operators with multiple calls or club stations that share a computer.

QSL Card Production

When it’s time to send QSL cards, YFKlog can generate professional-looking labels formatted for common label sheets. The system tracks which QSOs need cards, avoiding duplicates and ensuring you never miss confirming a contact.

Backup Strategy

Regular backups are essential! For SQLite users, it’s as simple as:

sqlite3 ~/.yfklog/YFKlog '.dump' | gzip -c > logbook_backup.sql.gz

This creates a compressed SQL file that can fully restore your database if needed.

Conclusion

YFKlog may not be as flashy as some Windows logging programs, but its efficient interface, powerful features, and Linux compatibility make it an excellent choice for many ham operators. Its text-based interface works perfectly over SSH connections, allowing remote operation from any device.

Whether you’re a contester who needs rapid logging, a DXer tracking DXCC status across multiple bands, or just a casual operator wanting to keep good records, YFKlog delivers the functionality you need without unnecessary complexity.

The program continues to be actively maintained, with new features like the bandmap added in recent versions. For Linux-using ham radio operators, it’s definitely worth a look!

Visit https://fkurz.net/ham/yfklog/doc/

The post YFKlog: A Powerful Ham Radio Logging Tool for Linux appeared on Hamradio.my - Amateur Radio, Tech Insights and Product Reviews by 9M2PJU.

The rise of drones has brought both opportunities and challenges, particularly in security and surveillance. With an increasing number of unauthorized drones flying in restricted areas, detecting and tracking them has become essential. Fortunately, with affordable Software Defined Radios (SDRs), enthusiasts and security professionals alike can monitor drone signals and even detect jamming activities.

Tracking Drones with SDR

In the YouTube video “Using Cheap Software Defined Radios to Track Drones and Jammers”, the presenter demonstrates how inexpensive SDRs can be utilized to track drones. Most consumer drones communicate using radio signals, commonly within the 2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz bands. SDRs, such as the RTL-SDR or HackRF, allow users to capture these signals and analyze their patterns.

By decoding the signals, users can determine the presence of a drone, estimate its distance, and even identify the manufacturer based on the transmission characteristics. The video walks through the tools and software needed to achieve this, including GNU Radio, SDR# (SDR Sharp), and other signal processing utilities.

Detecting Jammers

Jamming devices, which are often used to disrupt communication between drones and their operators, pose significant risks. While drone jammers are illegal in many regions, they are still used in unauthorized ways. The video explains how SDRs can help detect and locate jamming signals by analyzing unusual spikes in the radio spectrum.

By monitoring the frequency bands where drones operate, an SDR user can identify signal interference patterns that indicate active jamming. The ability to detect jammers is crucial for both drone operators and security personnel to ensure safe and legal drone operations.

What You Need to Get Started

To replicate the experiments shown in the video, you’ll need:

• An SDR device (such as RTL-SDR, HackRF, or Airspy)
• A suitable antenna for capturing drone signals
• SDR software like SDR#, GNU Radio, Kiwi SDR or GQRX
• Additional signal analysis tools for decoding drone transmissions

With these tools, you can start tracking drone activity in your area and even contribute to security efforts by identifying unauthorized flights or potential jamming threats.

Final Thoughts

The video highlights the growing importance of radio frequency monitoring in the world of drones and security. With SDRs becoming more accessible and affordable, anyone can explore the fascinating world of wireless signal analysis. Whether you are a hobbyist, a drone pilot, or a security professional, SDR technology provides a powerful way to track drones and detect jamming activities.

Check out the full video for a detailed walkthrough and start experimenting with SDR for drone detection today!

The post Using Cheap Software Defined Radios to Track Drones and Jammers appeared on Hamradio.my - Amateur Radio, Tech Insights and Product Reviews by 9M2PJU.