Ash,
Welcome to the world of remoting. You asked a lot of varied questions that could be answered in many different ways
over many pages. However, I will try to give you a couple of starting points.
The RemoteRig RRC system provides several advantages over leaving a PC running at the remote site:
Advantages over traditional remote control methods:
o Embedded device - set and forget. User can not mess-up the interface such as they can on a PC running Windows.
o No PC needs to be running at the remote site
o Small size and low power consumption (2.2 watts using 13.8 volts)
o No issue with installing and running in a rough environment such as a mountaintop
o High quality audio (using SIP protocol) with selectable CODEC's
o Extremely low latency (about 20 ms). I know of users that use RemoteRig for QSK CW at 40 WPM over the internet
o Built-in CW keyer allowing the use of a paddle
o Two built-in serial port servers for e.g. CAT and one other device (e.g. rotator or amplifier)
o Support for multiple locations (profiles) to switch between remote station locations on the fly
o Support for a virtual FSK COM port, and/or the operator can use digital modes (e.g. AFSK, PSK31, etc.) by connecting an audio
cable to the control RRC box
o When using a transceiver that has a separate control head, such as the TS-480, or the twin concept, such as the K3 Twin (2x K3's
or a K3 + K3/0) or Yaesus, one can use the control head or other rig at the remote location as if the rest of the transceiver is also
local. This makes for a far better user experience than being dependent upon using only PC software for transceiver control.
Disadvantages over traditional remote control:
o Cost is about $500 per set (would however save money if a PC is not installed remotely)
o Requires some networking knowledge to make the initial set-up, after that essentially "plug and play"
o Cost of 2nd K3 or K3/0 or Yaesu transceiver if you wish to have the "Twin" experience
My basic suggestion to anyone getting a new transceiver to use with RemoteRig is to get one with a remotable head, such as the TS-480.
This provides a so much better experience than using software control, that I couldn't imagine using it another way. Since the system
passes CAT, you can still load HRD or whatever you want and do rig control, logging, etc. as well.
To answer you other questions:
USB: No, this will not work
Sound card: the system goes to the speaker output, so this has no influence
Antenna disconnect: there are many ways to do so using a relay. The RRC even has the possibility to be used as a switch for relays as well
(look at manual for details)
Power supply: your decision, but an IP controlled power strip is inexpensive and easy to implement. You can turn power for AC devices on
and off that way by using a web browser or (in some cases) a smartphone app.
If you want more details from me, I suggest you e-mail me directly at dj0qn (at) darc.de.
Maybe someone else on here would like to give you their opinion. There is no right and no wrong way to do anything and everyone has their own preferences.
73,
Mitch DJ0QN / K7DX
