There’s lots of discussion about “Network Radio” at the moment, most notably in the current Practical Wireless and Radcom. It’s controversial, and won’t appeal to everyone, but a growing group of hams are using it, and it’s busy.
Want to know more? We’re very grateful to Essex Ham member Paul G7BHE for submitting the following overview of Network Radio:
Introductions and arguments
Whilst this mode has been around for some years, it is over the past 6 months that it has really taken off. The ease of use, clarity of audio and accessibility makes it a great mode. Beginners and dyed in the wool Amateurs are finding this a fun and effective way to fill the logbook.
What is Network Radio?
‘Network Radio’ is the name given to two things. The first is a type of transceiver. The second, a selection of channels that are used by enthusiasts.
In its current form, Network Radios is a method of communication used by licensed Amateurs and non-Licensed Amateurs. There are various options, but the two main ones use apps written for the mobile phone platform.
- Zello: This is an app available for iOS and Android, it’s even available for your Windows phone, BlackBerry and PC.
- Teamspeak: Available for iOS and Android.
Zello and Teamspeak are both designed to mimic the type of digital communication used in business and the Emergency Services. Zello is the easiest to use and is the most popular here in the UK.
The Zello system is free to use and the app does not cost anything. Teamspeak is free to use but there is a small initial charge from your App Store.
For this article, I am going to focus on Zello. I will explain how it works in reality and how to set it up. I will be taking a look at some of the arguments against it and try to answer some questions. I’m lucky enough to be one of the Network Radios Moderator Team.
Getting started
The great thing about this mode is that you probably own all you need to get started. If you have a smartphone or a Windows PC then you are good to go.
Go to your app store on your smart device and install Zello. It’s free!
When you open the app, you go through the usual setup routine. We recommend using your Amateur Callsign as your username. You choose your own password of course. Next you set up your profile. Mine is simply G7BHE – Paul. Although non-licensed users are encouraged to set up as Name – Location. I will speak about the use of the system by non-licensed members later in this article.
Once you have your account set up, it’s time to join us and have your first QSO.
- Go to the Channels tab (or in the menu) in Zello
- Choose the Add button. Depending on the version you have installed, it may simply be the ‘+’ sign.
- Select “Find a channel”
- You can then search for us, look for ‘network radios ch’ without the quotes.
- You should be presented with a whole bunch of channels. The one you want has a blue icon with number 01.
- Add that channel and you are almost there.
Next thing to do is to check that the channel is not in use. Network Radios is busy, it’s a popular mode. At any one time, there is an average of 40+ people actively on channel.
Key up and call for a moderator, giving your callsign. With luck, one of us will call you back. Having your callsign visible on your profile makes the job of the moderator much easier. Once we are aware of your presence, your account will be authorised for you to start calling.
Before authorisation, you are able to hear traffic on the channels but you will only be able to speak to a moderator.
After adding channel 01, consider adding channels 02 & 03 too. As I said, 01 gets busy. Compare that to your local repeater.
That’s really all there is to it. Let’s move on to some other things to know.
As mentioned earlier, Network Radios is a name also given to a type of transceiver.
As a new user to the system, I would encourage you to try this on your mobile phone or tablet. Purpose made equipment costs money and you can get a real taste of the mode for absolutely nothing. If you decide it’s something you want to stick with then consider buying one of the units made for the purpose.
At the time of writing, the most popular units are the Inrico T320 and the Inrico TM7. Both of these are available from our main Amateur Radio stockists. What is very noticeable, is that second hand Inrico’s are as rare as hen’s teeth on eBay. An indicator of how popular they are.
The T320 is a handheld unit. It’s basically an Android mobile with a PTT button. It has an excellent battery life and a loud speaker.
The TM7 is a mobile variant. Again, it is Android driven but is designed to be used in a car or base environment. You can either hard wire it in the car or use the supplied cigarette lighter plug. The current drain is very low and will not present any problems to your cars electric system. Again this device has a good loud speaker and the added benefit of a fist mic.
Why would you want to use one of these rather than your mobile phone?
These units win over your mobile in various ways. Firstly, if you are in the middle of a QSO and your phone rings then you can kiss goodbye to that VK3 you are talking to. The phone will take over and dump Zello. Start using Zello heavily on your iPhone and watch that battery go. The T320 takes it in its stride. Also you can assign Amateur only apps to your Inrico. Having APRSDroid running 24/7 causes not a bump in the battery life. Also it’s a really nice platform to have things like RepeaterBook and other Amateur apps running on.
The screen on these devices is a tad small at 2.4 inches. But its a trade off against battery life and you will find you don’t really need too much screen real estate.
Ok, so let’s look at some arguments against Network Radios.
‘It’s not Amateur Radio!’
It doesn’t claim to be something you use on the licensed bands. But there are arguments to suggest that it is Amateur Radio. It rather depends on your definition of Amateur Radio. According to Wikipedia, that font of all knowledge:
“Amateur Radio, also known as ham radio, describes the use of radio frequency spectrum for purposes of non-commercial exchange of messages, wireless experimentation, self-training, private recreation, radiosport, contesting, and emergency communication.”
Nowhere in this definition does it require the holding of a licence, the use of Amateur only bands or specific equipment. What we see is self-training, learning, the passing of messages and the use of the frequency spectrum.
It goes without saying that as Network Radios piggyback on the cellular system, it does in fact use the radio spectrum. Even if your unit is connected to WiFi, it most certainly is using RF.
‘It’s not just Amateurs’
That’s true. The people who are saying this, along with the rest of us were not Amateurs once upon a time. What we did have was a willingness to learn. In fact Network Radios are very helpful indeed when training people to become Amateurs. For a prospective M6, using a device they are already familiar with, is a great way to get over ‘Mic Shyness’. It also allows them to learn procedures at a very early stage. This should be seen as a benefit rather than a downside. The use of Network Radios is heavily moderated. Keyers, troublemakers and other undesirables are weeded out rapidly. This allows for a comfortable environment to hear quality QSO’s and for good operator practices to flourish. That said, if you are absolutely anti talking to non-licensed operators, you are fully at liberty to set up your own channels. Again it’s free and simple to do. A slew of ‘Network Radios’ channels have popped up that are not run by the Network Radios team. We are simply numbering ours. Geographic channels have been created but seem to be as quiet as geographic channels on DMR. The moderator team have no control over those channels.
‘It uses the internet, that’s cheating’
This is the one that cheers me the most. Amateurs cheating. It is a very telling comment that exposes the mindset of the hobby currently. If you want to put it in radio terms, these systems use the internet as a method of propagation. Tell an AmSat user that he is cheating by using a satellite. Tell a Moon Bounce user that he is too. If your goal is to get your voice from one person to another so you can communicate with like-minded people and learn, does the method used actually matter that much? My experience is that this argument is normally used by people who have invested a lot of money in HF equipment. Maybe it is frustration, snobbery or a genuine belief that the internet is cheating. I don’t get it, but then I haven’t read any articles that decry Network Radios. Mostly, people join and stay.
‘It’s no good for Emergency Communication’
I definitely have some sympathy with this argument. Whilst some RAYNET groups are adopting Network Radios as a means of communication, I would be loath to rely on them in a serious situation. Reliance on the mobile phone system and not having an RF system in place is asking for trouble. We are lucky in the UK to have a pretty reliable system and for localised emergencies Network Radios work just fine. In the southern states of the USA the ‘Cajun Navy’ used Zello to great effect to coordinate rescue efforts and many lives were saved as a result. That flooding in Alabama, Texas and Louisiana, whilst awful, did not destroy the cellular network. Also many of these rescuers were not Amateurs. I have respect for RAYNET, a well run group can do great things. But in a large scale disaster they would soon be over run. In a massive event, I would definitely want HF, VHF and UHF options available.
‘The Amateur bands are dead’
Sadly this is true, but none of that can be laid at the feet of Network Radios. Many people give up Amateur Radio due to snobbery being aimed in their direction. ‘Oh you’re an M6?’ Well if that’s what people are up against, can you blame them? They will certainly spread the word that Amateurs are a miserable bunch. If you keep telling people the bands are dead, they are going to believe you and these things have a way of becoming true. Network Radios are thriving. As I write this article, there are QSO’s on channels 01 and 02. There is also a stream of people asking for authorisation to use the system. Many of these are M0’s. What does that tell you? Network Radios is populated by people who are positive about the hobby, technically savvy and keen to not lose the RF bands we have been allocated. In fact you will often hear Amateurs develop Skeds via NR to go and meet on HF or VHF. This is because they have a central place to meet like minded people.
‘It’s just Skype’
Whilst it may be true that Skype and Zello work via the internet. Try calling CQ on Skype, or calling up an unknown person to ask for a chat. I’ll leave that one there.
Moving on. Those who come to Network Radios almost always have a positive experience. They don’t get keyed over, they easily find interesting people to talk to and they don’t need to turn their motor vehicle into a bumper car to get on the system. I’m a Network Radio convert, but I use my VHF/UHF set just as much as I always have. I also regularly use DSTAR and DMR. The echoes of ‘That’s not real radio either’ rumble around as I type it.
I will relay a short anecdote, it’s a true story but the person will remain nameless. A network radio unit was sent to the main man of one of the big organisations within the hobby in the UK. I’m being as vague as I can here. That person was initially quite anti the idea and allowed the unit to gather dust for a bit. The person who loaned the unit, eventually got them to give it a go. Now that person is actively using it and has said that he is loving it.
Ask yourself what you want from Amateur Radio. If like me, you enjoy a QSO then does it matter how it happens? If like me, you enjoy learning a new technology, then give it a try. If like me, you love a new gadget, it’s perfect.
We all use technology of different types to enhance our enjoyment of the hobby. Be it groups on Facebook, DX Cluster, WSPR, APRS etc, is this really any different? Try to see it as a bolt on to the hobby rather than a pretender to the throne. Come and join us and rediscover your love of Amateur Radio.
We have an active Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/747365082123751/
You can learn more about the app at https://zelloappdownload.info/zello-pc-mac-walkie-talkie-app
Or you can contact me for more information, I’m good on QRZ.
You are about 90 seconds away from discovering a hidden gem in the hobby, we hope to have you along. There’s actually nothing to lose, apart from your inhibitions.
Best 73
Paul G7BHE
Editor’s Note: Thanks to Paul for the excellent introduction to Network Radio. As I’ve been formatting this article, I’ve been listening to Network Radio Channel 1. It’s been non-stop chat, using callsigns – fascinating listening, and very active. Well worth a listen!
Good article. The rise of Network Radios asks questions of us as Amateurs, many of which we have never had to face before.
Are we only Hams when we transmit on a Ham Band?
Are we hams because we hold a government approved callsign?
Are we hams because we passed a test, even if we didn’t apply for a callsign?
Can we be hams and transmit on other bands?
Does any of this matter anyway and if so, how much does it matter?
I hear people comminicating as they used to, but in a safe moderated environment.
And it looks like fun, sounds like fun, and, it turns out, it IS fun.
Call it what you like, but if Hams are being Hams and communicating like Hams, it sure seems like Ham Radio…
Definitely like the sound of…
Cant agree more with your comment of hearing or NOT hearing from anyone cause you are M6.
We all have to start,and were all not friends with Alan Turring At Blechley Park,as Im sure The Old Greys
wish we were!!!!Read this month on Rad Com from a G7 “Foundation Licensees churned out from license factories”Who does this Grey think he is ITS A HOBBY!!! 73
Myself and a couple of my friends got these radios to chat with each other.
We use Zello as we did on our phones but these ‘Network Radios’ just make it so much easier to PTT.
None of us are Hams or have any interest in doing the license either. Our interests are with gadgets and other electronic tinkering.
We also listen to the network radio channels on Zello. I understand most people on there are Hams as we hear callsigns from the members.
From my point of view a HAM is someone that experiments with RF radio equipment primarily after sitting and doing an exam.
These Network Radios are basically a phone in a radio shell. Anyone can also create a channel and it’s open to anyone around the world use. No HAM license required. So in my opinion I wouldn’t say these are Ham Radios but mostly look like a ‘radio’ rather.
I can only agree with you 100%, I myself have been into radio now for 59 years after following in my Fathers footsteps. I learned cw 30 years ago mostly to listen to the 8 MHZ marine band which I found very interesting. I have never had the interest to become a ham Mostly as you have mentioned your self through snobbery on the ham bands ( why should anyone be able to transmit if they haven’t got a ham licence) that unfortunately seems to be the attitude of quite a number of ham radio operators. I personally think that Network radio is the best thing since sliced bread, and yes it is well controlled to keep of the usual idiots. Long live Zello.
I wholeheartedly agree with the OP and following comments. We (amateurs) need a platform to encourage the new generation. The new generation love tech, love iPhone/Samsung/smartphones, this is the golden opportunity to draw in new people and show them we aren’t all stuffy old fools. One other unmentioned advantage of the system is on site comms when multiple stations are working multiple bands, and you don’t wish to interfere with their signals. Finally, I attended a military Memorial Day as a dispalyer of military radios. There was 11kv overhead lines in close proximity, heavily forested tree line either side and interference from many generators. I set up ft8 on hf, I set up a portable mast for dmr (phoenix) and I had Network Radio. I struggled on hf, dmr was almost a dead loss, no 3 or 4g nearly killed the inrico for use. Then I found a weak open wifi that I managed to use. Network radio won the day….just. But it proved that in this day and age, a multi million pound system will prevail where ham stuff just can’t. This country has good coverage, not long ago I heard 2 cyclists on ch01 in the Scottish highlands. Now I don’t recall hearing any cyclists transmitting from there on hf!!!
73 de 2e0DIQ Andy
I dont agree with being moderated, why is this , ive worked hard for my licence only to be told you will be checked before you can qso, go do one, ive been using zello since day one and have never had any issues.
As far as I can see, the moderation and acceptance is an optional feature of Zello, not something specific to Network Radio. The acceptance seems no different to the Echolonk, DMR & D-Star registration process, as a way of preventing abuse.
it surprises me greatly that anyone should object to precautions that the heady days of howling through repeaters is not reproduced by requesting users to register. Agreed we all worked hard to get our ticket and there is like anything else in the public domain a minority whom cannot resist behaving badly. We are after all moderated by OfComm as licenced radio frequency users and cannot lawfully transmit without their permission.
My thoughts are of course exactly that, if others find that a miniscule beaurocratic process is an insult to their ego then the relaxed and curtios atmosfere for people who are interested in communication with a radio license or not may not be the place for them.
It’s CB radio brought up to date. No harm in that. But real amateur radio’s hierarchy of trusted identity still affords a degree of security that you are not talking to Hannibal Lecter grooming his next meal.
As for call sign snobbery, is that really still an issue? Are some people oversensitive? Although it does sometimes seem that Ham radio has more than its fair share of awkward pedants who want an argument rather a conversation. You soon find out who to avoid.
Don’t forget Echolink has awards too.
It is very easy and was always so easy: 1. If the propagation is involved in a communication session, it is mostly ham radio (can’t write all the certain implications here). If not, it is something else. 2. Chatting and making QSO’s stem from different intentions and interests, and only one of them is a ham radio activity. 3. If you are experiencing with radio electronics, it can also be a ham work, if it follows what is in your license, it is above a certain level (we had to pass an exam for a good reason…), _and_ if they are aimed toward making QSO’s. (I won’t exclude at all the modern era’s digital technology, developing digital modulations, programming SDR’s of any kind, etc.) 73!
I agree 100% about the snobbery from a small minority re being castigated for being an M6.. I nearly packed in ham radio owing to the old school rudeness, happily I found digital and network radio/ Zello, on there all are equal, I find the M0’s etc far more relaxed and chatty, this made me think how stuffy ham radio has become…. perhaps network radio is the breath of fresh air so badly needed for what I consider a brilliant hobby ?? 73
I like the way Network radio is getting Radio Hams talking and putting over their views about network radio, and about the abuse that some Radio Hams have been getting from the minority in the Hobby, when my Grandson and myself was given verbal abuse on the 2m bands nothing was said, when I was threatened with “I am going to sort you out ” from another Ham nothing said, I have as a G0 always welcomed new hams regardless of call sign. We as a group should support all users regardless.
As for my 10 year old Grandson he has not been near my shack since, which is a shame as he had shown an interest in the Hobby. It`s a great Hobby we should cherish it while we still have it, and of course move on if you wish with the new !
On a good note, there are some really good people in the Hobby and it should not be spoilt by the few. Regards Brian.
be careful tho if you form an opinion that the moderators don’t like you will be blocked instantly .
Bravo. Well done and couldn’t have said it better myself. Network Radio has given amateur radio a much needed shot in the arm, especially in the area of appealing to prospective amateur radio operators. I wish this was around when I was a new ham studying for my license. VOIP and amateur radio go hand in hand and is the future. Transmitting on Dstar or DMR through a DVAP and raspberry Pi is no different. People who cannot erect antennas for physical reasons or homeowner association restrictions should not be excluded from this wonderful hobby.
Steve
Consider this : Network radios are a modern form of global communication. When HAM radio was using the technology of the time,in its infancy,weren’t people thought of as being groundbreakers and leaders at the time ?
This I am using to try and understand why some clubs seem quite reluctant and ‘set in their ways’, while the average age of members keeps rising.
Could it be that, as we find in the I.T industry, that there are people struggling with new technology, perhaps they struggle with the small screen of the current Inrico units, which they may well have seen articles on (thanks for this one by the way !), or one of their members has shown them at a meet ?
I did find it worrying that I was the youngest person at a club meet, and I’m heading towards the half century !
How will clubs survive and thrive without new blood ?
Regardless, one thing that may be true is people struggling with using touchscreens, big fingers on a small screen make for mistakes, and whilst we may be able to type with 2 or more fingers on a physical keyboard, the touchscreen might only allow us 1.
This is something that I struggle with on a daily basis,I can churn out 80-100wpm on a physical qwerty keyboard,but perhaps 10 or 20 on a touchscreen one. Although I’ve seen others flying along, fingers blurred !
It’s just a problem to solve, to allow anyone access to new hobbies, life assisting tools and to network with other humans.
As a novice,I’ve been grateful to have met really decent people,but have heard 2 idiots blocking my local repeaters farting around, and it reminded me of the CB days when music was played, the worst language was used and people had echo mikes , but even back then there were a lot of decent folk helping others and having fun !
https://theguildglobal.org/ the best place for network radio talk, join using your real callsign or if like me dont have a license yet then they give you a call sign to use.
Teamspeak is or was a platform used by (PC) Video Gamers for many years to communicate while playing video games – such as when playing as a clan or squad. It’s Voice over IP essentially. And now I’m seeing manufacturers cashing in on those with more money than sense and calling it “Network Radio”. What does any of it offer over such things as Echo Link or DMR via Brandmeister or any other such internet related “radio”? I personally think it’s getting silly and just serves to spread out the amateur community among unnecessary protocols and technologies which aren’t needed. Filling gaps that aren’t there. As it is we have more bands than people can fill and they are getting spread out even thinner just so manufacturers can cash in on what are essentially novelty gimmicks. Soon we’ll lose the bands we have due to lack of use having herded ourselves willingly over to the internet instead of on the air.
It was never invented with Ham operators I as the primary users we just love tech and gadgets and have jumped on the bandwagon. I say this to those that don’t agree with some of the new ish digital modes. If you do t like it, don’t play with it.
Your asking what Teamspeak offeres thats different? First of all, when Network Radio’s first started getting used, TS3 was the only main stream application that would work on them (Zello didn’t at the time and likes of Echolink didn’t either). TS3 started being used and later became known as the IRN Server. It still exists today.
As the popularity of gained, apps like Zello were quick to adapt and improve of their app. This soon lead the way to hundreds of groups on Zello using network radios. One of the most popular has actually used the name Network Radio and can be found easily on Zello.
As for TS3 and is it diluting the bands so to say? Well, probably. But with other modes like BM (US master server particularly) refusing to allow other connections from none BM based crosslinks and some of their Admins being a bit power mad and blocking stations (It’s a bit like the rattle out of pram type politics we occasionally see within the hobby sadly). Echolink also has lots of funny “radio police” that don’t allow crosslinking with other networks without permission, and if your face doesn’t fit you’ve got no chance… These sort of things push people to other groups and modes (You only have to see how popular TGIF has become due to BM US’s tactics).
TS3 is an application that allows users to either create their own server, or connect in to an established one like the IRN who can then in turn connect to whatever they want. It allows mulitimodal crosslinks so people on different modes can come together (removing some of that segregation). The audio quality is crisp and clear and delays for audio are faster than any other ROIP system out there.
Unlike Zello, the IRN Server has been about mixing technology with RF and as such supports both. I certainly don’t think it’s tried to fill a gap that wasn’t there before.
I do however agree that lots of “sellers” have seemingly tried to “cash in” on the name or network radio (as have some groups). To be fair, the only group/seller to use it independently was a company called Mega-Hertz… And they still do… Obviously some of the guys from Raynet/Broadnet were using the term way before then.
Fascinating .. I am just installing Zello on my mobile, and thinking of purchasing the Inrico m-7 for home
As I don’t have a call sign, can I simply choose something , I seem to have read somewhere about NW prefixes ? So NW”NAME”
Thank you
Derek – My understanding is that you don’t need a callsign, but if you want, you can get a callsign starting with NR (e.g.NR001) – The Network Radio Moderators can help with this, I understand, so sign up using Zello and contact a moderator
We’re testing these in our business. We have people in the UK and in two different wifi-connected sites in SE Asia (overseeing over 120 staff). We can immediately link up leadership, operations, facilities, IT, security etc. across our sites without even having to license regular two way radios (which would be a requirement in the country where we operate). I think it will be a game changer for companies operating in real-time internationally. Yes there is Skype and Slack (and we even have direct phone extensions), but radio-style comms work much faster than typed chats, especially from mobile devices, and the two-way nature of radio forces people to be concise and clear in their communications. It also means everyone is on the same page without having to arrange a conference call. Cool beans.
Interesting… will have a look and see what it is all about… however, if you are “into” morse qso`s, or just need to brush up on your sending, there is an excellent program that has been around since Windows 98, that still works on all windows versions since, incl W10. it also works on LINUX and MAC machines…( unfortunately, it does not work on mobile phones/android) …. it is called CWCOM, and you can get all information about it on this blogsite.
https://morsepower.blogspot.co.uk/p/blog-page.html
You don`t need…… a licence…. log-in…. password…….. registration… ham call……rig… or … antenna..
.
You do need….. a computer desk/tower or laptop … a USB to serial converter, for laptop ( or you can see the blog page on how to “modify a 2nd mouse” )
AND, of course, some skill, (even novice skill) at sending morse…
( although you can use the keyboard to type on if you really get stuck ! ! )..
May need…. a morse key…. straight or paddle… (but you can use a mouse, or the down arrow instead)
Procedures are pretty much like on HF radio with Hams …. the “regulars” on there are friendly, and will help if you need it… There are no moderators… but then… who needs them if everyone behaves…. ? We just ignore those who disrupt things.. and they eventually go away…
I just installed thanks to your article.
VU3 KTB from India
I found on Zello really interesting channels. Its by far the best experience to communicate with people far away for me. Most important seems to find the right channels. I will keep my callsign, but the gear will be sold on the fleamarket or ebay, do not need it anymore. One app makes tons of equipment obsolete, this is minimalism. Makes the life simplier.
I think the international radio regulations definition of “amateur radio” is the best description to reference rather than Wikipedia.
“A radiocommunication service for the purpose of self-training, intercommunication and technical investigations carried out by amateurs, that is, by duly authorized persons interested in radio technique solely with a personal aim and without pecuniary interest”
Duly authorized i.e Licensed
So network radio doesn’t really fit this definition and just because it uses RF as part of the transmission medium does not make it amateur radio, any more than using a mobile phone or wifi or even a landline phone if it uses a microwave link, could be classed as amateur radio. The whole term network radio is a misnomer, it’s effectively just another internet chat application instead of using text like Snapchat, Facebook, Twitter et al it uses voice and it is radio like in it’s operation.
But it will have it’s uses particularly in business for PMR like communication and for those people not interested in the technical side of amateur radio who just want to talk. That is, until you use up all your data allowance.
Have just loaded the app on my phone. There are so many channels with QSO’s going on and large nets.
I will be in Europe on a school trip next week in DL. Will give it a try during the quiet time.
Will report back after the trip
I have read this great submission on network radios and followed instructions,installed Zello but have tried to find Network Radios 01 in the list but it does not seem to be there? I tried all on list but still not there,can you advise please.
Search for “network radios ch” to see the channels – and pick 01 – I’ve added a screenshot to the article to make it clear what you need to look for.
Thank you Pete.I have made a new account on zello because they told me M6ECH-Ted is already taken so turned it to Ted-M6ECH which was accepted. I have put channels of G1YPQ on and have been listening but so far haven’t found a moderator to approve me but will try again.Regards Ted
Hi Pete,Wonder if you can help.I joined Network Radio some time back with your help. I have not been on for family reasons for some time,but i have switched on and it seems dead where before it was always very busy.Has something happened or changed do you know? Any help appreciated.Ted M6ECH
Hi Ted,
Just switched it on to check – Conversation going on currently on “Network Radio” (channel 1), and 113 people on channel. Press the Conversation button for archive of recent conversations.
Pete
Thanks for a very illustrative article Pete. I think one of the differences here is that for amateur radio, there is no charge for airwave usage, whereas in network radio you are essentially paying for it. I appreciate that network radio may be fun for a lot of people and I’m good with that, it’s another part of the hobby under the big umbrella, but don’t think it’s something I’ll be trying in a hurry. More like I’ll be on HF somewhere, helping M6’s feel welcome and fostering that part of the hobby.
i just dont’t understand why people think NETWORK RADIO is ham radio, however its very good and does attract licensed amateurs.
Q: is a license required to use network radio…NO
Q: Is an user of network radio goverened by the wireles telegraphy regulations for rf transmissions..NO
Q: Does network radio have a band plan with legal binding notes relating to modes of use ..NO
Q: does a person need to have any technical knowledge to use network radio..NO
i can go on and on, network radio is not amateur radio however i do use it myself and find it an excellent way to speak with like minded people.
The argument that it is rf transmission is a very weak argument to claim its ham radio, it has no connection , the user can not control the transmission from a telephone to either the router at home or the cell outside as neither can the other millions of people walking around with fones in their pocket.
lets have some logic applied here, if you desire to be classified as a radio amateur go sit an exam its easy enough these days, or alternativly get on network radio and enjoy without the need for a license. simple.
In reply to the following… Which made me smile… I thought I’d add a few bits in that the original poster doesn’t seem to be aware of… Sadly I see this a lot and for some reason so many people don’t understand what network radio is yet still pass comments on it as if they do. lol.
“i just dont’t understand why people think NETWORK RADIO is ham radio, however its very good and does attract licensed amateurs.
Q: is a license required to use network radio…NO
-Actually, it can be… Some groups require a licence to use it. I’ll pick on the IRN for that. As a registered organisation and part of the Worldwide Amateur Radio Guild users need to have the relevant licence class to access the system in full. Whilst its only fair to say that technically the requirement for the license is an organisational one rather than a government one, it should also be noted that this is the same requirement for thinks like Allstar, DMR hotspots, Echolink etc.
Q: Is an user of network radio goverened by the wireles telegraphy regulations for rf transmissions..NO
-Actually, there are communications acts across the World that can govern this, but in the sense of Amateur Radio it’s not quite the same. However, as the user can be heard (crosslinked) on RF with live transmissions (RX and TX) they are subject to the rules of the hobby. Technically this responsibility sits with station/repeater keeper where the RF signal emanates (The same rule applies for all repeater keepers and for stations using things like hotspots, Peanut, Echolink, IRN etc…
Q: Does network radio have a band plan with legal binding notes relating to modes of use ..NO
-Errrr, no it doesn’t. Nor should it… A network radio is a device… Not a service. I should point out that a Motorola GP300 doesn’t have a band plan either… Does that mean it’s not a radio ?
Q: does a person need to have any technical knowledge to use network radio..NO
-Again, I don’t see the relevance… I suspect this is due to your misunderstanding of what a network radio is. Does a person need to have any real technical know how to key up on a MD380 ? No… They don’t… But depending on how and what they want to use it on they might… A bit like network radio really.. ;-)
i can go on and on, network radio is not amateur radio however i do use it myself and find it an excellent way to speak with like minded people.
– I agree.. I can be great fun.
The argument that it is rf transmission is a very weak argument to claim its ham radio, it has no connection , the user can not control the transmission from a telephone to either the router at home or the cell outside as neither can the other millions of people walking around with fones in their pocket.
– Again… you’re not grasping what network radio is here… I’ve just been talking to a guy in the US on my network radio who is mobile on a VHF repeater… It wasn’t weak and it involved RF on amateur bands…
lets have some logic applied here, if you desire to be classified as a radio amateur go sit an exam its easy enough these days, or alternativly get on network radio and enjoy without the need for a license. simple.
-Lets also use some logic… If you are going to post a bit of misinformation in a public forum, have a read of the subject matter first… ;-)
Gareth
By the end of this year the exam is going to be considerably harder so if you want easy do it immediately
Their moderation leaves a lot to be desired. I made friends and things were good for a while and became encouraged. After a while, I was untrusted without any explanation. I deleted my Zello account and was discouraged from any ham radio interest. I am now a person who was likely to become a ham that will not be a licensed If you are someone who are moderated then surely the moderators should explain their actions? It was a bad experience and I feel that ham radio is truly and band police setup and does not encourage new people in the hobby. I am so discouraged that I can not see me in the hobby ever. I am so sorry.
Keith
Formerly NR3LSZ
I agree with moderating the channels it stops all sorts of nonsense . I myself got told off very politely on Network Radio channel when I fell into the trap of speaking to a fellow Ham in Portuguese, his native language, I was showing off . As I say I was told that English was the only acceptable language and I ceased immediately.Having said that, I didn’t know it was a rule, but shall not do it again So moderating can be a good thing even if you fall fowl of it. Tim G6BYR
Networks increasing popularity with surge forward again. Why?
Because of the foundation licence real world ability to cause significant frustration due to unrealistic overly restrictive power levels, making it virtually useless.
And the intermediate licence increasing difficulty within electronics that puts it way outside most people’s radio hobby abilities.
So we have useless power levels and a qualification beyond most people’s hobby levels.
Well done – people will get there enjoyment in internet network radio, not ham radio.