A few days ago, I tweeted and posted to Google+ “I’m going to do a blog post on Hamr + Linux. I need to help dispel the myth of “there’s not a lot of hamr software for Linux””. This was started because of a conversation on the local 2m repeater and others making that claim. I typed this knowing full well that there were already resources out there.
There is A LOT of software for amateur radio. It is listed on http://radio.linux.org.au/?sectpat=All&ordpat=title. There’s another list at http://www.dxzone.com/catalog/Software/Linux/. The problems are that some of it isn’t very good, and some aren’t being updated anymore.
So for starters, what distro should you be using? This is really a personal question, and I’m not going to answer it. LeRoy, KD8BXP has done an excellent write up about 19 different Linux distros at http://kd8bxp.blogspot.com/2011/10/follow-up-on-19-different-linux-distros.html. He doesn’t answer that personal question, either, but his blog post will help you answer that question. I use Mint Linux for now. I’ve used and enjoyed Fedora and Ubuntu, but I understand the latest version of Ubuntu has a few issues.
Other resources include Linux in the Ham Shack Podcast (at the time of writing, this hasn’t been updated for a few months) (which just got updated with 3 new shows and they’re doing another as I type!) and Resonant Frequency Podcast.
I will be looking at the following subjects, and probably in this order (or close to it):
- Logging for General Operating
- Digital Modes
- Soundmodem (used for Packet and APRS)
- APRS
- Contest Logging
- Satellite Pass Prediction
- Antenna Analysis
- Propagation Prediction
- Packet
- Software Defined Radio*
- USB Rig Control*
For each of these, I will look into and give a quick evaluation of all up-to-date packages I can find, and then give a recommendation and detailed “how to use”. Starred items are items that require me to get or buy something. Because of that, these may be pushed until I have the items I need or advanced when I get the items (I will update this list as needed).
For now, I bid thee 73s. If you want to influence my order of things above or make sure I mention something (software, etc) or even a concept (like if you really want me to talk about SSTV), feel free to leave it in the comments section below.
-73-
About the Author
2 Responses to Linux and Amateur Radio Series of Posts: The Introduction
Hi, Andrew.
Thank you for mentioning our podcast. It’s nice to see another ham radio operator getting into using Linux for their shack computer. I would like to let you know that I have put out the three episodes that have been backlogged so we’re up to date again. The most recent was recorded last night and should be out in the next couple of days. It’s a pretty Linux-centric offering this time. I’m going to make sure to do a much better job of keeping our content coming out on schedule so folks aren’t left wondering if we’ve packed up and headed for Bermuda. Anyway, I enjoy your blog and hope to see you at the live show sometime. Take care!
73,
Russ – K5TUX
Russ, thanks for stopping by the blog!
I saw a tweet this morning from Richard KB5JBV and I see that episodes 67-69 have just been posted in the last 2 days. Glad to see you’ve added the new podcasts and I look forward to seeing more, and I’m particularly happy to see some of your recent topics line up with things I’m looking at (particularly a contest logger – I used paper for the ARRL 10m contest!).
73,
AC8JO
PS: I did update the post to mention the new episodes and the one you’re working on 🙂