There's lots of talk about digital modes in this forum but I thought to introduce the idea of using an Android device as the computer for PSK31/63, SSTX, RTTY, WSPR, HFAPRS
My current setup
- Yaesu FT-817ND or YouKits TJ2B
- Google Nexus 9 or Samsung Galaxy S4 i9506
- WolphiLink radio interface
- Chameleon F-Loop or Chameleon MPAS
Apps
- DroidPSK
- DroidRTTY
- DroidSSTV
- WSPR Beacon
- ANDFLMSG (FLDigi)
The WolphiLink is powered through the TRRS port on the smartphone or tablet. It handles audio levels and PTT. I enjoy the WolphiLink since it requires no external power source or drivers.
The benefit of using Android over a laptop is power and efficiency. It's far easier to power an Android device for longer off grid then it is a hungry Intel powered laptop. The downside is there aren't that many apps for amateur radio or emergency communications on Android yet but they're coming. The most recent addition being fldigi for Android.
Here is an example of me doing PSK31 with my FT-817 and Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 (its an old video).
https://youtu.be/bVnHOFXE9RU
If this topic is of interest to anyone, I'll start making a few new videos of data mode ops using Android devices and the Wolphilink interface as an alternative to Windows based solutions.
73 &Good DX
STN
Thanks for the post! I saw this posted somewhere EPs, but forgot where. Very interesting.
Thanks. Ive been operating like this for about 2 years now.
I do lots of training hikes above the arctic circle in Lapland. Not having to carry a laptop and spare batteries saves me lots of weight and frustration.
I wish we had apps with other modes, but im hoping the Android version of FLDigi will open up the Android world to Amateur radio even further.
thanks for the feedback. More to come.
STN
You did not mention Droid APRS too as an app.
Fair enough. I'm using DroidPSK almost daily! In fact I think it's my most popular video in YT.
Thanks for mentioning it!
Thanks for the tip! If only modern radios had Bluetooth built in... What are they waiting for?
Gil
Maybe the problem is old people who sit in an armchair, never doing anything other than ragchewing in 80 meters :)
Btw, new video coming today. Rapid Deployment simulation, man portable, with ft817, Android phone, and Chameleon MPAS.
Quote from: gil on April 29, 2016, 04:15:28 AM
Thanks for the tip! If only modern radios had Bluetooth built in... What are they waiting for?
Gil
I do not understand the lack of Bluetooth circuits in radios and other equipment. Just installed a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse on my computer to make it more portable and immune to RF noise. Have no idea why manufacturers are not more creative about that.
Can you share a pic?
Can you share more information about using the YouKits TJ2B with digital modes?
"Maybe the problem is old people who sit in an armchair, never doing..."
Oh lighten-up on blaming us old guys, or I'll whack you with my cane. 😜 A fundemental law of life is:
ThE only way to cease aging is to die immediately.
-RadioRay ..._ ._
Fair enough!
Quote from: RadioRay on August 19, 2016, 04:13:11 PM
"Maybe the problem is old people who sit in an armchair, never doing..."
Oh lighten-up on blaming us old guys, or I'll whack you with my cane. 😜 A fundemental law of life is:
ThE only way to cease aging is to die immediately.
-RadioRay ..._ ._