Anybody with RoIP experience? (Radio over IP)

[tropiradio]

I need to provide remote access to an analog radio over a private IP network. The radio would be a base station, with access to internal Rx/Tx audios and PTT. And at the remote operator side only both audios plus PTT functionality needs to be handled with a simple (as possible) headset with a PTT button. Absolutely no dispatch or any other fancy functionality is required beyond of what I just described. This would be to replace an old wireline analog remote system they where using years ago.

Been looking on what is on offer out there and found several providers of what seems to be the appropriate gateways that can be connected at either end where the radio on one hand and on the other where the operator headset would be located. But first of all they are quite expensive, and on top of all they also expect you to pay an outrageous monthly license fee to use this stuff even after all has been paid and installed for as long as the system remains operative. And not only that but the expect you to also pay a minimum of 12 months in advance at the time of the equipment purchase. So they will obviously be in full control of the system and could at any point step in and shut it down at will. WTF.

I know many things nowadays seem to be going this horrible software/license based way, and it goes without saying that I want to avoid this like the plage if there are any alternatives, and find a solution with plain hardware with embedded software that one could purchase, setup, and be done with it.

Anyone have any suggestions?

 

[ramal121]

What are you looking at that has a occurring charge for service?

Some suggestions found here...

Suggestions on Radio over IP adapters with 4-Wire Line-Level

I know the JPS NXU-2B is the gold standard, with a gold price. However, I am looking for a reasonably priced, simple pair of adapters to connect two radio sites by IP and interface at line levels (-10 dBm) with either E&M or PTT & COR transport. No fancy options, once programmed they just...

forums.radioreference.com

 

[tropiradio]

What are you looking at that has a occurring charge for service?

Some suggestions found here...

Suggestions on Radio over IP adapters with 4-Wire Line-Level

I know the JPS NXU-2B is the gold standard, with a gold price. However, I am looking for a reasonably priced, simple pair of adapters to connect two radio sites by IP and interface at line levels (-10 dBm) with either E&M or PTT & COR transport. No fancy options, once programmed they just...

forums.radioreference.com

So far Omnitronics, Skymira, and Citech, still waiting on response from JPS. These all manufacture RoIP hardware IP gateways but incorporate software that requires recurring forever licenses.

Its like BMW charging every month customers to use the heated seat feature, or to unlock advanced suspension, on a car the customer has already paid for over 70K. Ridiculous, but its the world we live in now.

Thanks for the link.

 

[mmckenna]

If you can replace the repeater, the Kenwood NXR-1700/1800 will do what you want. There's an option for a SIP telephone interface that will let it handle phone calls in/out.
There also an IP console option.
All built into the repeater and you pay once.

 

[emacs]

I have no personal experience with ETC, nor do I know pricing, but perhaps their IP remotes would meet your needs:

CS-61TR Single Channel Radio Remote - Essential Trading Systems Corp

CS-61TR Single Channel Remote can monitor or Push to Talk (PTT) on single Multicast (VoIP) or SIP channel. The CS-61TR is capable of remote channel/frequency control. NEW DESIGN: Breakthrough Purpose built SIP/Multicast Device Two Tone Paging Remote frequency control via function buttons...

essentialtradingsystems.com

Basic interface with a gooseneck mic, PTT button, and headset interface.

I believe they are also the OEM for JPS’s MCC remotes.

 

[tropiradio]

If you can replace the repeater, the Kenwood NXR-1700/1800 will do what you want. There's an option for a SIP telephone interface that will let it handle phone calls in/out.
There also an IP console option.
All built into the repeater and you pay once.

There is no unfortunately no repeater, just a stand alone VHF air band base radio that needs to be controlled remotely, or rather just operated remotely: Tx audio, Rx audio, PTT. That's it.

 

[tropiradio]

I have no personal experience with ETC, nor do I know pricing, but perhaps their IP remotes would meet your needs:

CS-61TR Single Channel Radio Remote - Essential Trading Systems Corp

CS-61TR Single Channel Remote can monitor or Push to Talk (PTT) on single Multicast (VoIP) or SIP channel. The CS-61TR is capable of remote channel/frequency control. NEW DESIGN: Breakthrough Purpose built SIP/Multicast Device Two Tone Paging Remote frequency control via function buttons...

essentialtradingsystems.com

Basic interface with a gooseneck mic, PTT button, and headset interface.

I believe they are also the OEM for JPS’s MCC remotes.

Interesting and looks like what I need. But I wonder do they also have the IP gateways for both sides including where the radio would be connected, or just that operator end console? Hoping that the gateways into the network at each end can also can work stand alone, or is there any system software involved, or a PC required to run as a host for the system etc?

Anybody have experience with this system?

I'll take a look at this. Thank you.

 

[mmckenna]

There is no repeater, just a VHF air band base radio that needs to be controlled remotely, or rather just operated remotely: Tx audio, Rx audio, PTT. That's it.

OK. The Kenwood will do base station function, but it won't do AM airband.

What radio is it you have you want to interface to?

 

[dickie757]

You might gleen some info from this thread:

New Air Methods Dispatch Center

I thought you guys might find this interesting. This is Air Methods Communications (AirCom) new dispatch center in Omaha NE and one of our wonderful dispatchers, technically "Communications Specialists". Dispatch Center It took a lot of long days to move an entire dispatch center while also...

forums.radioreference.com

 

[tropiradio]

OK. The Kenwood will do base station function, but it won't do AM airband.

What radio is it you have you want to interface to?

Icom IC-A120 analog AM Air Band radios.

 

[tropiradio]

You might gleen some info from this thread:

New Air Methods Dispatch Center

I thought you guys might find this interesting. This is Air Methods Communications (AirCom) new dispatch center in Omaha NE and one of our wonderful dispatchers, technically "Communications Specialists". Dispatch Center It took a lot of long days to move an entire dispatch center while also...

forums.radioreference.com

I will certainly take a look. Thank you.

 

[tropiradio]

Checking on ETC Systems Corp, and they indeed offer a 4-radio LMR gateway, and the VG-500 gateways to connect to the private IP network on both ends. Also looks like the CS-61 single channel remote could be used at each remote operator position for each to control only their own radio.

4X Radios->CG-954 4-channel LMR control gateway->VG-500 gateway->[IP NETWORK]<-VG-500 gateway->CS-61 Remote.

Wonder if that is what would be needed. Just sent them an email to inquire and request a quotation.

 

[kf8yk]

Since you are using an Icom radio have you looked at Icom's RoIP solution: VE-PG4

The A120 radio has a preassembled interface cable available (OPC-2275).

 

[mmckenna]

Icom IC-A120 analog AM Air Band radios.

I would suggest what kf8yk posted above.

There's some benefit in keeping everything same brand. Makes support much easier.

 

[tropiradio]

Since you are using an Icom radio have you looked at Icom's RoIP solution: VE-PG4

The A120 radio has a preassembled interface cable available (OPC-2275).

I was not aware that Icom was offering this, and not even my radio dealer that also carries Icom did mention this when I asked about what to use for a RoIP. Very good information, will certainly be looking into it, thank you.

 

[tropiradio]

As mentioned indeed looks like the VE-PG4 gateway/router can connect directly to the A120 and other Icom radios with the OPC-2275 cable for the remote radio side, and on the operator end one can plug in a HM-241 speaker-microphone directly into the microphone connector on the VE-PG4, and that would enable simple base operation which is exactly what I need. Will talk again to the Icom dealer to check pricing on this stuff.

Thanks again goes to KF8YK for making me aware of this equipment.