While I enjoyed test driving Ubuntu Linux (Jaunty Jackalope) I have gone back to Microshaft and their Windows Vista product. Not because I wanted to but in order to easily operate my shack remotely Windows was easier to configure. Ubuntu is a great product with outstanding community support. There is no doubt I will go back to this operating system in the future, but for my laptop and home network, as well as operating my shack remotely with Ham Radio Deluxe and Real VNC.

I intended to complete the install and configuration on the laptop in order to bring it to work on Saturday, but there was too much work to accomplish and updates to install in order to bring the laptop online with my shack. Last night I installed RealVNC, configured the necessary ports and was able to connect the laptop while on my home network.

This time I am taking the remote shack a step further by attempting to use Skype in order to the hear the audio from my radio. It has been proven to work by other hams. In a quick test last night I had Skype on my ham shack computer auto answer the call from my laptop. I was able to hear CW on 20M via the microphone on my web cam. I still have decided how I am going to work the audio. The US Interface Navigator uses an on-board sound card in the unit, I am hoping I can configure my PC sound card to transmit/receive audio without disrupting the interface configuration.

Today I will connect the Verizon USB modem to the laptop and see if I can access my home network. I don’t suspect I will have any issues as this same setup worked previously before I reformatted the laptop to Ubuntu. The only issue that will continue to be outstanding will be that of latency. For example our office space is terrible! I cannot get a good enough connection to keep a transfer rate that would allow me to work RTTY, CW or any other mode. I did make a QSO (domestic) while on a moving train headed into work one day.

So we will see how well this setup works this time around. I am looking forward to getting the laptop back online and connected in order to operate my shack remotely. This seems to be the next wave in amateur radio.