Hamshack Hotline is a dedicated Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) network that is free to amateur radio operators around the world. The purpose is not to replace traffic carried over RF, but augment it when conditions are poor or otherwise busy.
Originally conceived by John Rogers, K1WIZ, Hamshack Hotline is a network exclusively allocated to Ham Radio Operators. It has been widely used by Amateur Radio Emergency Communications Operations Centres and individual operator's shacks. Apart from voice calls, Hamshack Hotline will also support the faxing of documents.
The age-old cry of "its not real radio" does not apply here. We all use a telephone when we can't raise our fellow operator on the radio and this system is simply available to do just that. We are experimenters in communications and any system whether it be RF or landline or a combination of both does have an appeal. VOIP will never replace radio communications but it will enhance it in many ways. Telecomms, and Internet are integrated into many commercial radio systems so why not ours? Hamshack Hotline provides another dimension in the hobby.
The Hamshack Hotline will support links to RF Repeaters and Gateways - Allstar and Echolink systems immediately spring to mind.
Hamshack Hotline has its own phone directory which lists individual phone numbers and a list of bridges that link into RF systems. It is not just a one-to-one system as it is possible to set up conference lines. Some of these may be closed and for members only although there are many which are open and welcome all to participate.
Hamshack Hotline is made up of three networks:
HHUS - United States
HHEU - Europe
HHAP - Asia and Pacific
There is an additional Experimental Network HHX
All of these networks are integrated so the operation is worldwide.
Supported Phones
Support is provided for various VOIP phones, some of which can be purchased for as little as £25.00 but considerably more if purchased brand new. CISCO SIP (Session initiation Protocol) Phones are used on this network and the following are compatible:
CISCO SPA-514
The Cisco 514 phone needs to be connected to a router via an Ethernet cable. It can be powered by a Power over Ethernet supply or alternatively can be powered with a 5V plug in unit. Some phones will only allow the Power over Ethernet connection
CISCO SPA-525G2
The Cisco 525G2 phone may be connected via Ethernet or WiFi. If using on WiFi, it will need a 5V power supply. The phone can also be connected via a Power over Ethernet unit.
Other Compatible Phones include:
CISCO SPA-112
CISCO SPA-303
CISCO SPA-504
CISCO SPA-514
CISCO SPA- 941/942
Be advised that second-hand phones may have been locked into a system and will need to be UNLOCKED and RESET before they can be used on any other system. This is generally stated in their description but if it is not you may encounter difficulties setting it up.
Obtaining personal Hamshack Hotline Number
Go to this url and fill in the requested details open a new ticket with a new line request
https://apps.wizworks.net:9090/open.php
All fields should be filled in. The MAC Address will be found on the underside of the phone and must be copied correctly otherwise the system will not interface.
The process of registration may take up to 48 hours before you receive an email.
Once you have received your confirmation Email Follow the steps below:
- Connect the phone to the internet.
- On the router, find thu Intenet> Network Security> DMZ
- Enable DMZ for phone Remember to go back in to disable DMZ after it is installed. Note: Some security is disabled while installing the phone.
- A set of 4 green signal strength bars will appear if the WiFi Connection is sucessful.
- Using another device such as a Laptop or mobile phone on WiFi connected to the router, type in the IP address you found in Step 2 into the x.x.x.x part of the url http://x.x.x.x/admin/resync?
http://apps.wizworks.net:2443/ spacfg-$MA.cfg (The phone will reboot and Hamshack Hotline will configure it for you)
So here is my phone following the connection to the system. It was ready to use straight after reboot. The unit next to the phone is an "Attendant Console" (sidecar)on which one can program up to 32 speed dial settings. The green LEDs show that the phone is connected and on the Attendant Console the Green LED is showing that the listed line is active.
By Typing in the phone's IP address into the url box, it is possible to access all the set-up functions of the phone. Be advised - if you don't know the consequences of changing any of the funtions, it is best to leave well enough alone in case you brick the phone!
Whilst it is possible to contact users on a on-to-one basis, it is possible to set up a conference (Bridge) area for your own club and group (a Conference Area where several can join at once). This will allow individuals to dial up the conference and they will be issued with a PIN number to dial in before joining the conference. Some conferences are open, but, the majority are dedicated to individual groups and may only be joined by invitation.
So give a few Practical Uses for this system
In the shack it can be used as a hotline to a fellow radio operator. Many are the times when you want to test out some equipment and there is not a soul to be found and this will provide a one touch access to organise a sked.
How many times have you initiated a call on the Landline and found yorself still chatting after two hours about a project and associated ideas. The cost of the call can be expensive!
A superb system for EMCOMM. Set up your three independant base stations and link all three to Net Control via Hamshack Hotline. There is many an occasion where net control can save air time by speaking direct to a base station in the field. It will aid the tactical side of the operation to leave the main controller deal with the emerging situation over the air whilst expediting the more mundane tasks over the Land Line.
What about the resilience of the system will be heard in the background. Well this really is only a system to augment the operation. The primary operation in EMCOMMS is handled over the air but much of the non-urgent traffic can be handled through this system. If the proverbial does hit the fan, then this system will provide another means of one to one traffic handling between the localised net controllers. they can pass anything of relevance over the air as required or directed.
How reliable is the Internet or cellular network? In the majority of cases the internet and cellular network is excellent and providing communications during sporting events in Connemara is hardly going to overload the system. Used wisely, and with the usual caution one never puts all the eggs in one basket. for every system there is always an alternative and backup. The Hamshack Hotline does just that job; it is a backup form of communications to >>augment<< the radio network. There is always plenty of room for backup and this is just one of those systems that can be repidly deployed if required.
Is this Network Secure?
The network is secure and one can enjoy privacy on personal calls from person to person. Conference rooms are unique to a group and only those who are issued with a pin number may enter. If you give this pin to all and sundry, then the Conference is no longer unique to your group!
Does this system facilitate Voice Mail?
Yes! All Hamshack Hotline numbers have a voicemail box.
Can I set up a Conference (Bridge) for my Group or Club?
Yes! Send a copy of your Club Call, and Hamshack Hotline will provide a private ot public Bridge for your club or group.
Can My Phone be set up in another location?
The phone can be set up in any location with internet. You may have to reconfigure the network on your phone.
Can this system be Bridged into the Allstar Network?
It is possible to bridge this system to an Allstar Node.
Further Information may be acquired from:
https://apps.wizworks.net:9090/index.php
http://k0lwc.com/hamshack-hotline-the-ham-radio-bat-phone/
https://apps.wizworks.net:9091/index.php
