Remote Amateur Radio

Frequently asked questions (F.A.Q.)

Is this a software-based service using Skype or some remote desktop connection?

Yes and no. We use a proprietary Web-based console allowing operators to rotate antennas, monitor power/SWR, and control the radio in REAL time.

Both RHR services can be accessed with either the Elecraft K3/0/10/100-Mini for an “authentic” radio experience – a real radio with a VFO knob, microphone and paddles for CW or our WebDX browser technology.

What is the purpose of RemoteHamRadio.com?

Our goal is to provide amateur radio operators the ability to experience operating world-class radio stations from anywhere in the world.

Who would benefit from subscribing to this service?

Any General/Advanced/Extra Class licensed U.S. Amateur Radio Operator that may like to do one or more of the following:

Operate from a HOA restricted area.

Operate from an apartment building.

Experience “running” DX from multiple locations.

Extend your DXing/Contesting Toolbox.

Open and close the bands.

Operate low bands with real antennas with practically no QRN.

Experience operating from some of the largest contest stations in the U.S and Europe.

Operate from mountaintops with big stacks.

Listen and test your station using a remote transceiver.

Operate stacks, 80m and 160m 4 squares,

Avoid expenses of a tower installation and maintaining a station.

Bring your your shack with you when you travel.

Operate stations in more than one location.

Forget about hassles and headaches!

Keep the XYL happy!

Why should I join RHR?

To experience the thrill of operating contest-winning stations, and to take your hobby to a new level.

Why did you start this service?

Actually, the community asked for the service.

During our tower and antenna business (Hudson Valley Towers), we often received inquires from hams that asked about what options they had living in a condo and other types of restricted situations. Many of them asked if it was possible to remotely access the W2RE contest station.

In the beginning, we conversed about the fact the station was dormant 45 weeks out of the year and was only being used during major contests. This seemed like a waste. When guest operators would visit and operate, the reaction was always the same: “Wow, I have never experienced anything like this.”

Through literally thousands of hours of testing, research and investment, we have finally delivered a service that met our high standards. We also wanted to expand this experience to multiple high-end stations to allow hams to really experience exactly what it is like be sit in that operator’s chair up in the mountains.

Why is there a membership fee?

The membership fee covers the all equipment and maintenance costs to maintain our current stations, and also to build more stations for your operating enjoyment.

Is this legal?

Absolutely! We would have never invested this amount of capital if we were not 100% sure about the legality of our service.

Before we even began building the first station, we hired two of the best attorneys that specialize in this field, one of whom was a former FCC lawyer. RHR is no different than renting a station in the Caribbean or some other exotic QTH. In fact, we save you the travel hassle and give you the ability to operate on your schedule!

Is RHR cost-effective compared to building my own station?

Absolutely! The cost to build most of the RHR stations is prohibitive for many hams. A typical 72-foot crank-up tower with tribander, 40m Yagi, and a WARC antenna would cost upwards of $40, 000 to have professionally installed.

RHR sites cost much more than the typical one-tower setup because we provide top-of-the line antennas and equipment, including monoband stacks and 80/160m verticals and phased arrays.

Access to our sites is a fraction of what is would cost to build a comparable station. For example, it would take many years to equal the initial cost of a $40, 000 tower installation – not counting the ongoing maintenance and headaches of the tower, antennas, and equipment. Don’t forget, if you build your own station you are limited to just ONE station! Today we have 16 and counting! We handle everything for you. Our goal is to deliver the absolute best amateur radio experience in the world.

How does the time share work?

We have multiple sites that allow the user to operate at any time with 16 stations on our service. This allows a wide range of operating styles to be accommodated. At the present time with 16 stations, that is 384 hours/day of available operating time.

When you connect to a station, you have full control. It’s all yours. Nobody else can force you off, so run DX or ragchew as long as you like. Additionally the system is 100% anonymous. You have to opt-in to a public chat if you want to chat with the other operators.

We are always increasing system capacity by building and acquiring stations as quickly as possible. Our goal is to make sure there is always a station available for you to operate.

Can I travel with my RHR K3/0?

Yes! As long as you have a decent Internet connection, you can access our sites from anywhere. This is ideal for the ham who travels frequently or has more than one home. Does the XYL want to move south and live in an HOA with restrictions? Who cares?! You will be smiling when you tell that EU station on 10m that you’re sitting in a condo in Florida and operating with 5/5/5 stacks at 2100′ ASL.

Does RHR offer equipment leasing if I want to operate with a K3/0?

No, RHR no longer supplies the optional K3/0 and RemoteRig gear. You can purchase the equipment directly from Elecraft.

Who is RemoteHamRadio.com?

RemoteHamRadio was founded by Ray Higgins (W2RE) and Lee Imber (WW2DX) in 2012. Before RHR, Ray and Lee owned and operated Hudson Valley towers, Inc., a tower and antenna installation and service company that built and maintained over 75 tower and antenna installations in the northeastern United States. In the commercial sector, we have done contract work for government agencies such as NASA and The Department of Homeland Security.

Ray W2RE has years of experience building, maintaining and designing winning contest stations. Lee WW2DX has experience in design, development and engineering new leading-edge network and infrastructure technology. Their team of experience has brought remote stations to the next level.

The proprietary web console was designed and developed by the RHR team, WW1X and WW2DX to provide the best remote ham experience in the world. There is simply nothing like it. Countless hours of coding, testing, design and experimentation has produced one of the most elegant operating experiences in the world.

What is next for RHR?

Remote Ham Radio is looking to expand our technology and service to other parts of the world.

What are the per minute charges?

Under our RemoteDX service you can operate as little as $0.09/minute.

What about rig control and logging software?

When using a K3/0/10/100-Mini, rig control works just as you expect. Configure your COM ports and sit back and click a spot and watch the K3/0 change band/mode. Whatever software you use now will work over the remote system. With the release of our Google Chrome App “RHR-Helper” you will have a direct serial connection to the remote K3 directly in your browser. This means you can use your local logging software with WebDX!