LHS Episode #090: Purple Hays

Introduction:

• Join us this episode as our intrepid hosts, Richard and Russ (mad posstcatter!), interview John Hays of NorthWest Digital Radio.

Topics:

• Interview with John Hays (K7VE) from NorthWest Digital Radio.

• John has been a licensed amateur radio operator for 40 years. His wife and all of his children are hams, too!

• A couple years ago John gave a presentation at TAPR, and discussed his wish for a reasonably priced radio for digital communications with just a few connections: antenna, power and Ethernet.

• Bryan Hoyer (now K7UDR) approached John and volunteered to build one. Their collaboration (with Basil Gunn) resulted in NorthWest Digital Radio.

• Their first product will be the UDR56K-4 Universal Digital Radio, planned for availability in early 2013.

• John goes on to discuss the features of their digital radio and some of the design decisions the company made.

• Specifications (subject to change, of course):

• 25W 70cm Transceiver

• 4800 to 56Kbps

• FSK, GMSK, 4FSK

• Open Source Linux Platform – a full Linux-based web server is built-in. It uses the Debian kernel, running on an ARM processor (faster than a Raspberry Pi).

• Web Interface over Ethernet

• 4 USB Host Ports

• Applications:

• Winlink Email

• APRS

• D-RATS

• D-STAR Digital Data

• Digital Voice with AMBE Card Option

• 44 Net (AMPRNet)

• The radio can be completely controlled through the web interface or the command line.

• John talks about other potential applications for their radio platform.

• Keep an eye on the website for more information and to sign up for email announcements.

• You may also be interested in John’s blog.

Contact Info:

• Contact Richard at [email protected], Russ at [email protected], or both at the same time at [email protected].

• Listen to the live stream every other Tuesday at 8:00pm Central time. Check the LHS web site for dates.

• Leave us a voice mail at 1-909-LHS-SHOW (1-909-547-7469), or record an introduction to the podcast.

• Sign up for the LHS mailing list.

• Sign up for the MAGNetcon mailing list.

• LHS merchandise is available at the Merch link on Web site. Check out the Badgerwear or buy one of the other LHS-branded items at PrintFection.com/lhs or Cafe Press. Thanks!

• Thanks to Dave from Gamma Leonis for the theme music.