ShackCam update

Taking inspiration from a none-radio related project I am working on I have modified the ShackCam page so that instead of the inelegant auto-refresh of the page, only the ShackCam image will change, this resolves one issue in that the ShackCam page would need to be manually refreshed if the connection were to drop in it’s previous setup, a blank space will appear instead while the page script tries for the image until it can find it again, so there is no need for user intervention here.

The ShackCam is online nearly every time I am in the shack, you can find a link to the right of this page.

 

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CB gateway testing update

The gateway went through it’s first proper test yesterday with the gateway computer in its new configuration.

Yesterday was the monthly DX net I take part in, as this was going to be high traffic I put the CB gateway into the DX net, and it did very well and did not bounce, this makes me pleased so I have for the moment left it switched on and put it back into the 446Muppets English net where it will spend nearly all of it’s operating hours when operational.

I am pleased with how well the CB gateway is now working and look forward to getting the antenna connected to the radio next.

As for the DX net, that was enjoyable, though I did make at least one contact that I hadn’t logged myself, I was listening for the most part to keep a close eye on the CB gateway, and got myself in the host operator’s log early on, the ShackCam was on during this event as well

I shall post an update on the CB gateway’s progress soon

 

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Another CB gateway update–positive progress

The new matched RAM for the CB gateway computer arrived this afternoon, though I was a little concerned it may not, as I have since installed it and powered up the gateway radio, the gateway appears to be working rather well, so I am impressed with this, the lockups that were happening have since been largely eliminated with the replacement of the RAM and CPU.
The gateway is now being tested for any issues on it’s dummy load in the English net of 446Muppets, so far this is proving to be positive, meaning that tomorrow I can test it out in the DX net I will be taking part in
The antenna is to go given that I now have the dipole centre and I should be able to get the gateway on the air in February as I hope to do.

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Another CB gateway update

But first a belated Happy New Year to regular readers of this blog, hope 2013 is a good one and perhaps I will hear you on air soon.

This morning the Moonraker dipole centre arrived ahead of the RAM for the gateway computer, though the RAM is on it’s way to be delivered either tomorrow or Monday, this leaves the two mobile whips to complete the antenna and then the tedious task of installing the antenna, though if I can have the gateway functional on just the dummy load currently connected to it on Sunday I can use my handheld CB to monitor it in the kitchen when I make refreshments during the day as I intend to take part in the DX net taking place that day though probably be operating in the shack as I do not fancy going out, the existing PMR446 gateway will not be used as part of this and will remain connected to it’s usual server.

I hopefully will be getting a car this year and naturally it will be fitted with a CB radio, my Midland Alan 78 Plus Multi B to be precise, if this gateway works I’ll be able to use it on the road, that would also work in favour of anyone passing through that is in range, though I don’t expect a good range to begin with due to the limited size of the antenna but we’ll see what happens when the gateway finally goes live.

I look forward to finally being able to switch on Richmond’s first and only CB gateway to the Free Radio Network.

 

73 de 26CT730