Greek amateur radio communications network using analog and digital systems, under internet support. "It is not the level of the License that a radio amateur holds, but the level of the radio amateur, who holds the License" The Hellas-FRN analogue network is covered with appropriate connections to the Hellenic DMR digital network: 2022.adn.systems To visit the corresponding website and learn about the capabilities of this network of ours, click on the flag. Both networks are purely Greek and we believe that we cover a wide range of communication methods among Greek radio amateurs. This joint global communication is directed from Greece to the whole world. Recent Visits Welcome on the website of Hellas-FRN based on the utilization of the existing international Free Radio Network (Free Radio Network). We believe that on the following pages you will find enough and useful information about the specific method of radio communication and its capabilities, while at the same time it is a complement - expansion of possibilities for the simultaneous exploitation of the existing digital networks to which it is connected.

Μετά από 10 χρόνια συνεχούς λειτουργίας του Hellas-FRN, ρωτήσαμε την τεχνητή νοημοσύνη (ΑΙ) τι γνωρίζει για αυτό και ιδού οι απαντήσεις της από τo πρόγραμμα Microsoft Copilot... What is Hellas-Free radio Network? The Hellas-Free Radio Network (Hellas-FRN) is a Greek amateur radio communications network that uses both analog and digital systems. It's supported by the internet and connects Greek radio amateurs, allowing them to communicate with each other and with the rest of the world. The network is designed to be accessible to all levels of radio amateurs, regardless of their license level. I need to know more about the features of Hellas Free Radio Network The Hellas-Free Radio Network (Hellas-FRN) offers several features that make it a versatile and valuable tool for amateur radio enthusiasts: --Analog and Digital Communication: It supports both analog and digital communication systems, allowing users to choose the method that best suits their needs. --Internet Support: The network is supported by the internet, enabling global communication from Greece to the rest of the world. --Integration with Other Networks: Hellas-FRN is connected to the Hellenic DMR digital network, providing seamless integration and expanded communication possibilities. --User-Friendly Interface: The network is designed to be accessible to all levels of radio amateurs, regardless of their license level. Global Communication: Users can communicate with radio amateurs worldwide, making it a powerful tool for international connections. --Multiple Communication Methods: It supports various communication methods, including Echolink and Zello, enhancing the flexibility and reach of the network. --Community and Resources: The network provides a platform for Greek radio amateurs to exchange opinions, experiences, and useful information. How Hellas Free Radio Network works and who is the administrator? The Hellas-Free Radio Network (Hellas-FRN) operates by connecting radio amateurs through both analog and digital communication systems, supported by the internet. Here's a brief overview of how it works: --Communication Modes: Users can communicate using various modes, including analog, digital (DMR), Echolink, and Zello. Internet Integration: The network is supported by the internet, allowing users to connect globally. --Multiple Communication Rooms: The Hellas-FRN server consists of 31 communication rooms, each with separate rules and security measures. --Gateway Mode: Users can set up gateways that connect local radio communication channels to the network, allowing for broader communication. --As for the administrator, the Hellas-Free Radio Network was founded by Edwin, PA7FRN. The network is currently managed by SV0XAL, who oversees the server and user access. How many are the registered users of Hellas Free Radio Network? I couldn't find the exact number of registered users for the Hellas-Free Radio Network (Hellas-FRN) from my search. However, the network is quite popular among Greek radio amateurs and has a growing community. How to contact administrators of Hellas Free Radio network? You can contact the administrators of the Hellas-Free Radio Network (Hellas-FRN) via email. The network administrator is SV0XAL. You can reach out to them at hellas.frn@gmail.com . How can I register to Hellas Free Radio Network? To register for the Hellas-Free Radio Network (Hellas-FRN), follow these steps: --Visit the Registration Page: Go to the Hellas-FRN website and navigate to the registration page. --Fill Out the Registration Form: Complete the registration form with your details. --Download the Code: After submitting the form, you'll need to download a code from the European system manager. This can be done through the provided link on the registration page. --Use the Code: Use the downloaded code to complete your registration process. --Once registered, you can start using the network and connect with other radio amateurs. What the impact of shutting down the site hellas-frn.net for ham radio community? Shutting down the Hellas-Free Radio Network (Hellas-FRN) site would have several significant impacts on the ham radio community: --Loss of Communication: Users would lose a valuable platform for both analog and digital communication, affecting their ability to connect locally and globally. --Disruption of Community: The network fosters a sense of community among Greek radio amateurs. Its shutdown would disrupt this community, limiting opportunities for sharing experiences and information. --Reduced Flexibility: The network supports various communication methods like Echolink and Zello. Losing it would reduce the flexibility and reach of communication options for users. --Impact on Global Connections: Ham radio operators would lose a tool that enables them to communicate with radio amateurs worldwide, impacting international connections and collaborations. --Technical Challenges: Users would need to find alternative platforms or networks, which might not offer the same features or ease of use. --Overall, the shutdown would be a significant loss for the ham radio community, affecting communication, community building, and global connections. What is the difference between free radio network and echolink? The Hellas-Free Radio Network (Hellas-FRN) and EchoLink are both tools for amateur radio operators, but they serve different purposes and have distinct features: ---Hellas-Free Radio Network (Hellas-FRN) --Purpose: A Greek amateur radio communications network that connects radio amateurs within Greece and globally using both analog and digital systems. --Communication Modes: Supports various communication methods, including analog, digital (DMR), Echolink, and Zello. --Internet Integration: Uses the internet to facilitate global communication. --Community Focus: Encourages community interaction and information exchange among Greek radio amateurs. ---EchoLink --Purpose: A computer-based amateur radio system that allows licensed amateur radio stations to communicate with one another over the internet using Voice over IP (VoIP) technology. --Communication Modes: Primarily uses VoIP for communication, allowing radio-to-radio and computer-to-radio connections. --Global Reach: Provides worldwide connections between amateur radio operators. --Ease of Use: Requires a computer with internet access and the EchoLink software, and users must validate their callsigns. In summary, Hellas-FRN is a broader network focused on connecting Greek radio amateurs and supporting various communication methods, while EchoLink is a specific VoIP-based system for global amateur radio communication. After a 10 years period of time using Hellas Free Radio Network, is any special reason for celebration? --Absolutely! A 10-year milestone for the Hellas-Free Radio Network (Hellas-FRN) would be a significant achievement worth celebrating for several reasons: --Community Growth: Over a decade, the network has likely fostered a strong and vibrant community of Greek radio amateurs, helping them connect, share, and collaborate. --Technological Advancements: The network has likely seen numerous technological improvements and innovations, enhancing its capabilities and user experience. --Global Reach: Celebrating the global connections made possible by the network, bringing Greek radio amateurs into contact with enthusiasts from around the world. --Achievements and Milestones: Reflecting on the various achievements, events, and milestones accomplished by the network and its users over the years. --Educational Impact: Acknowledging the educational contributions of the network in teaching and supporting new radio amateurs, helping them develop their skills and knowledge. A special event or celebration could include activities like special transmissions, commemorative QSL cards, workshops, and meetups to honor the network's contributions to the ham radio community. ------------------ Thank you You're very welcome! If you have any more questions or need further assistance in the future, feel free to reach out. Happy communicating on the Hellas-Free Radio Network! Have a great day!

For a better visual presentation of the GRN settings press the button labeled "Click here" below Instructions for connecting the FRN Client to the program for Android. After installing the program on the mobile, follow the steps below to set it up by entering your personal account information. Note that in the initial installation of the program there is a default to request a password from the Alternate System Manager (DE), since he is the one who has also issued the program. When this is done and you get a password, you will be able to log in and you will see that the hellas-frn.ddns.net server is there, connected to Alternative. So choose (DE) to avoid delays and failures. In some photos, a Greek keyboard can be seen by mistake. You MUST use English characters exactly as listed in your existing account. Android operating system is used in the photos below 13 on SAMSUNG mobile. Minor differences may be observed in other Android versions. Since December 2023 there are two versions of GRN Client , depending on the Android version you use in your cellphone. Version V 4.xx is for Android V6 to V8 and you can download it HERE. Version V 5.xx is for Android V9 and higher and you can download it HERE. Connect to the serverhellas-frn.ddns.net:10024 and communication room the General or Test as a start for the sound settings and then select one of the active rooms for radio amateurs provided you have been granted entry through Registration . GRN Client Android Install according to the instructions. An icon like the one shown on the top left of the photo will appear in your apps. Then tap to open the app. Πατήστε εδώClick here You start by selecting from the Settings menu Πατήστε εδώClick here Start filling in the order as shown in the corresponding points on the page... Πατήστε εδώClick here Click the FRN SystemManager Server option and select EU (second option). Attention, because the program defaults to the first one to guide everyone to the alternative FRN system with which the Hellas-FRN server does not cooperate. Πατήστε εδώClick here The address of the main server is hellas-frn.ddns.net and with port 10024. Note that there is also a backup server with the name hellasfrn.ddns.net and port 10024, which you put manually because it is not activated automatically like in windows when the mainly servers "crash" for some reason. Πατήστε εδώClick here You choose one of the communication rooms, here Ham1 is shown, but in case you have not yet received approval to access the Greek server, put the room "Test". Πατήστε εδώClick here Capitalize your token so it's legible. Πατήστε εδώClick here Continue with your name (in English). Be aware that with this type of name (together with the email you will write in the next line) it is the characteristics of your account that the system manager will rely on to give you a code to operate the application and access servers in general. Πατήστε εδώClick here Write your email address and be careful for any mistakes. You will receive the code at this address. Πατήστε εδώClick here Even in the code field we do not fill in anything since we have not yet made a request for it. You leave it blank and you will come back to fill it out when you receive it by email. Πατήστε εδώClick here In the FRN-Client type, select PC only, since it is a phone with a primary use for simple conversation. Πατήστε εδώClick here Proceed to fill in the rest of the required information... Πατήστε εδώClick here As an initial state select Available (QRV) which means that when you finally connect you will be able to use your microphone, while the other two options are: Unavailable (QRL) which means that you only listen, while in Away (QRT) neither you listen but you don't speak either. Πατήστε εδώClick here In this place you put information about the account or its use. Eg you can write FRN Client, or if it is an internet gateway the standard: Ham Radio FM Internet Voice Gateway Πατήστε εδώClick here In the next one, you choose from the list (and do not write it yourself) the country. Πατήστε εδώClick here Write the city (wider area) where the Client will work. Here of course since it is a mobile device you put the city you have declared on your license (as your base) or if you are permanently somewhere else state it here for better understanding in conversations Πατήστε εδώClick here Here you fill in your city part for more accuracy. (again the aforementioned applies to the position in the previous photo). You can also put the Locator here. Πατήστε εδώClick here Select the microphone type. The first option is also the most common. The mic gain level setting immediately below is optional as after testing you can come here and pull the bar right or left to adjust the configuration. Πατήστε εδώClick here Proceed to the rest of the settings, at least the ones that are selected as shown in this photo, but also the next ones in the series.... Πατήστε εδώClick here Press to select program language... Πατήστε εδώClick here ...and select Greek Πατήστε εδώClick here In connection attempts select as shown here, which is a reasonable number of connection attempts (when there is a problem) before it tells you that connection failed for some reason. Πατήστε εδώClick here Tap on the transmit time limiter to select the amount of time in seconds the program will let you PTT and talk. Πατήστε εδώClick here Choose 120 seconds or 180 if you like, time considered sufficient for a simple response from someone without exaggerating the level of chatter. Note that the problem occurs on the web portals that are on air when you speak and practically shouldn't be busy for long. But already know that these have a time limiter of around 180 seconds, so already time-consuming microphones and answers beyond 3 minutes are not heard. Πατήστε εδώClick here The program has the ability to record communication room activity. Choose the 3rd option as the most useful. Πατήστε εδώClick here Click on the following options to see the usage of the GRN Client in car multimedia console: HELLAS-FRN and GRN-Mobile Digital networks and HELLAS-FRN (1) Digital networks and HELLAS-FRN (2) How do I install Android apps without Play Store Android device owners can install apps either through the official storesGoogle Play Store, either from independent app stores, or by downloading the APK files from various sources. Below is how one can install apps without Play Store. Install via APK In the preAndroid Oreo versions, the operating system had only one setting that needed to be changed. From then on, any app we had on our mobile could install apps without the Play Store. However, from Android 8.0 onwards we have to give permission to each app separately. Fortunately, we can find gathered all the apps that can install APK in a specific point of its settingssmartphones . First we enter the mobile settings and go to "Applications and notifications"(Εφαρμογές και ειδοποιήσεις). Then we open the “Special access to the application”(Ειδική πρόσβαση στην εφαρμογή) menu and find “Install unknown applications” (Εγκατ. άγνωστων εφ.). From the list of apps we select the one we want to install apps and make sure the "Allow from this source"(Να επιτρέπεται από αυτην την πηγή) switch is active. We repeat the last step for all applications that we want to be able to install APK files.

Click on the image to proceed AllStarLink is a network of Amateur Radio repeaters, remote base stations and hot spots accessible to each other via Voice over Internet Protocol. AllStarLink runs on a dedicated computer (including the Rasperry Pi) that you host at your home, radio site or computer center. It is based on the open source Asterisk PBX running our app_rpt application. App_rpt makes Asterisk a powerful system capable of controlling one or more radios. It provides linking of these radio "nodes" to other systems of similar construction anywhere in the world via VoIP. AllStarLink's primary use is as a dedicated computer node wired to your repeater or radio. Connections from Echolink, other VoIP clients and telephone calls are supported.

Click on the image to proceed The full form of NXDN is Narrowband Digital Exchange. It is defined by two main organizations viz. Icom Incorporated and Kenwood Corporation. It operates in VHF/UHF frequency bands and uses FDMA technology. Following are the specifications of NXDN. • NXDN offers clear voice quality with minimal background noise and interference. • NXDN offers secure communication through its digital encryption capabilities. • NXDN operates on either a 12.5 kHz channel or a 6.25 kHz channel bandwidth. It allows single carrier on one channel at a time. • NXDN supports multi-site trunking which enables seamless communication over a wide area by interconnecting multiple base stations. • NXDN supports data applications such as text messaging, telemetry, status monitoring and GPS location tracking. • NXDN offers better coverage and extends range compared to analog radio systems. • Some NXDN systems support roaming capabilities. • Many NXDN radios support both digital and analog modes which facilitates a smooth transition from analog to digital systems.

Registration This process is only for radio amateurs in order to allow them to broadcast in chat rooms that affect web portals. Other users can only use the server's free chat rooms that are not related to radio amateurs. For new ham radio users who want to be able to use PTT, a copy of the radio operating license (back-to-back) is required to be sent to the e-mail below, which should show the name, call sign, date of issue and expiry of the permit. The date of birth, address of residence or alternative radio locations are of no interest and can be covered with a physical object, excluding any digital processing. In these cases, it is deemed necessary for the interested party to be registered in at least one of the international P/E forums or websites, in order to avoid any doubts about identity due to the covering of personal information in the permit. *** It has been frequently observed that some FRN users use special characters when choosing a username. To address this, a stricter validation of the characters used in the username is now implemented. Please note the following two conditions: Username consists of the two FRN data fields, the callsign and the name, and is compiled to the string "CALL SIGN, name ". The callsign usually consists of uppercase letters or numbers. The only other characters allowed are: Space, Slash, and Slash . And the first character of the callsign must be an uppercase letter or number. The name consists of letters . It can also contain numbers. The only other characters allowed are: Space, Slash, and Slash. And the first letter of the name must be uppercase. This stricter control of characters used in the operator name applies to all new FRN password requests that result in a new FRN user registration (initial registration of a new FRN account). Existing FRN user accounts are not affected by this. *** Before you request registration in Hellas-FRN using the form below, you must have downloaded the program and obtained its operating code from the system manager: freeradionetwork.de, using the same email which you will put in the form. If you are an old Hellas-FRN user who used the application of the Original System Manager and wish to reconnect, due to changing the System Manager from EU in DE , please note the options you have as stated HERE , HERE and HERE . (Don't ignore them to be able to enter!) in the website's database with an additional level of protection. (PII data)*** New User/New User Other type of registration/Other type of registration* Type of Use/Type of Use* Callsign/Callsign* E-mail* Notes-Message/Notes-Message Attached file/Attached file Front face of License/Front face Attached file/Attached file Back face of License/Back face I accept the data management terms and conditions/I accept the data management terms and conditions Submission / Submission Important reminder: In the event that with your registration you intend to operate an internet voice gateway, be aware that for the connection of the tranceiver with the server Hellas-FRN you MUST use narrow configuration. Colleagues who will enter using RF in an internet portal are required to set the tranceivers in narrow configuration in order to have the correct access, but also to avoid interference from neighboring frequencies. REGISTRATION APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS With an asterisk (*) refers to a mandatory field. 1st Field: Registration Type: New User: Registering for the first time. 2nd Field: Other registration type: Reactivate Old User: For users whose license has expired, changed e-mail, or for any other reason. More Activations: Activate one or more additional accounts of the same user. 3rd Field: Type of use: PC only (Without tranceiver connection) Online Portal (Gateway with tranceiver connected to a suitable adapter (interface) and the appropriate security previlleges around broadcast topics) Two-way transponder (Crosslink between two programs on the computer in terms of the audio part of the information exchange) 4th Field: Callsign: Enter the callsign in capital letters. 5th Field: E-mail : For more than one e-mail, separate them with a comma (,) 6th Field: Notes: Here you can write additional information or questions about your registration. 7th and 8th Field: Upload the requested files as described above with separate actions for the front and back of the license. Accepted files: jpg, png, pdf, webp. Prefer one of the first 2 or 3 file types and avoid bulky files. A maximum of 1 to 1.5 MB is enough for clarity on each side of the license. At the end and once you have filled in the necessary fields press Submission. Please note that the activation process will be completed as soon as possible. Please check your access periodically after submitting your information. Yours sincerely Hellas-FRN.net 73!

Regarding the safety of using the program in general or an online portal (node or gateway) and how it is controlled by the server's administrator in Hellas-FRN: The following image shows the capabilities of the server manager to ensure that other users will operate within the framework of a normal and safe broadcast through the simple use of a computer or a web portal on the amateur radio frequencies. The 4 colored "option buttons" are managed by only one. To a simple user of the program they do not appear and consequently the specific user is not able to change the usage status assigned to him by the server administrator. The manager can respectively: 1. Access list , (Λίστα Πρόσβασης) to allow access or not to a communications room, as well as the ability to broadcast with the web portal or not. This possibility is not intended by the program to be transferred to another. It belongs exclusively to the owner of the server. This list includes those who request access and are proven to be radio amateurs with a valid radio license. 2. Block list , (Λίστα Αποκλεισμού) to immediately block someone's access to the room if he behaves outside the defined limits of his use. In essence, it immediately stops him from connecting to the server. Resetting it requires a new action to remove it from the list, otherwise it remains permanently blocked. 3. Gag list , (Λίστα Φίμωσης) to prevent anyone in the room from speaking, or consequently to cause a broadcast to a web portal. He can only listen. It is applied in cases of technical problems that the specific person may have in the operation of the program and harasses the others to chat seamlessly. Resetting it requires an action to remove it from the list, otherwise it remains permanently muted. 4.List of approved administrators , (Λίστα Εγκεκριμένων Διαχειριστών) to delegate part of the server admin capabilities to radio amateurs operating radio stations as web portals as solely responsible owners of the station, through surveillance or for specific reasons and any other ordinary user with a computer in the communication room and they must also be able to block or mute a speaker who behaves outside the normal scope of using a transceiver on an amateur radio frequency. Authorization is personal and per communication room. In all the above restrictions imposed on a case-by-case basis by authorized persons on some others, for the sake of formality, the same persons who impose the specific measure should monitor the removal of the problem for reinstatement or continuation of the restriction. The features that can be transferred from the server administrator to other people ONLY concern cases 2 and 3 above. That is, authorized people can only block or mute someone.