The Hellenic Free Radio Network (FRN) hosted by hellas-frn server. Ψηφιακά και αναλογικά δίκτυα. Hellas-FRN.net 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" 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.

GRN Client program to use mobile with a cell phone to contact hamradio operators via hellas-frn server. 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 Κάνετε την εγκατάσταση σύμφωνα με τις οδηγίες. Στις εφαρμογές σας θα εμφανιστεί ένα εικονίδιο όπως αυτό που φαίνεται πάνω αριστερά στη φωτό. Μετά πατήστε να ανοίξει η εφαρμογή. Πατήστε εδώClick here Ξεκινάτε με την επιλογή από το μενού "Ρυθμίσεις" Πατήστε εδώClick here Ξεκινήστε να συμπληρώνετε με τη σειρά όπως φαίνονται τα αντίστοιχα σημεία της σελίδας... Πατήστε εδώClick here Πατήστε την επιλογή Διακομιστής FRN System Manager και επιλέξτε την DE (πρώτη επιλογή). Προσοχή, εδώ δείχνει την προηγούμενη κατάσταση η οποία όμως άλλαξε και πλέον επιλέγετε τον DE με τον οποίο συνεργάζεται ο Hellas-FRN Πατήστε εδώClick here Η διεύθυνση του κυρίως σέρβερ είναι hellas-frn.ddns.net και με πόρτα 10024. Υπόψη ότι υπάρχει και εφεδρικός σέρβερ με το όνομα hellasfrn.ddns.net και πόρτα 10024, τον οποίο τον βάζετε χειροκίνητα γιατί δεν ενεργοποιείται αυτόματα όπως σε windows όταν ο κυρίως σέρβερ "πέσει" για κάποιο λόγο. Πατήστε εδώClick here Επιλέγετε ένα από τα δωμάτια επικοινωνιών, εδώ φαίνεται το Ham1, αλλά στην περίπτωση που δεν έχετε πάρει ακόμη έγκριση για πρόσβαση στον Ελληνικό σέρβερ, βάλτε το δωμάτιο "Test" . Πατήστε εδώClick here Γράψτε το διακριτικό σας με κεφαλαία ώστε να είναι ευανάγνωστο. Πατήστε εδώClick here Συνεχίστε με το όνομά σας (στα Αγγλικά). Προσοχή στο ότι με αυτό το τύπο του ονόματος (μαζί με το email που θα γράψετε στην επόμενη γραμμή) είναι τα χαρακτηριστικά του λογαριασμού σας που θα βασιστεί ο system manager για να σας δώσει κωδικό λειτουργίας της εφαρμογής και πρόσβασης σε σέρβερς γενικά. Πατήστε εδώClick here Γράψτε την διεύθυνση του ηλεκτρονικού ταχυδρομίου σας και με προσοχή για τυχόν λάθη. Σε αυτή τη διεύθυνση θα σας έρθει ο κωδικός. Πατήστε εδώClick here Ακόμη στη θέση κωδικός δεν συμπληρώνουμε κάτι εφόσον ακόμη δεν έχουμε κάνει αίτημα για αυτό. Το αφήνετε κενό και θα επανέλθετε να τον συμπληρώσετε όταν τον λάβετε με email. Πατήστε εδώClick here Επιλέξτε στον τύπο του FRN-Client το PC only μιας και πρόκειται για τηλέφωνο με κύρια χρήση την απλή συνομιλία. Πατήστε εδώClick here Προχωρήστε στη συμπλήρωση και των υπολοίπων απαιτούμενων στοιχείων.... Πατήστε εδώClick here Ως αρχική κατάσταση επιλέξτε Διαθέσιμος (QRV) που σημαίνει ότι όταν στο τέλος θα συνδεθείτε θα μπορείτε να κάνετε χρήση του μικροφώνου σας, ενώ οι άλλες δύο επιλογές είναι: Μη διαθέσιμος (QRL) που σημαίνει ότι μόνο ακούτε, ενώ στο Απών (QRT) ούτε ακούτε αλλά ούτε και μιλάτε. Πατήστε εδώClick here Στη θέση αυτή βάζετε πληροφορίες περί του λογαριασμού ή τη χρήση του. Πχ μπορείτε να γράψετε FRN Client, ή αν πρόκειται για διαδικτυακή πύλη το τυποποιημένο: Ham Radio FM Internet Voice Gateway Πατήστε εδώClick here Στο επόμενο επιλέγετε από τη λίστα (και όχι να αναγράψετε εσείς) τη χώρα. Πατήστε εδώClick here Γράψτε την πόλη (ευρύτερη περιοχή) που θα λειτουργεί ο Client. Εδώ βέβαια επειδή πρόκειται για φορητή συσκευή βάζετε την πόλη που έχετε δηλώσει στην άδειά σας (ως βάση σας) ή αν βρίσκεστε μονίμως κάπου αλλού δηλώστε το εδώ για καλύτερη κατανόηση στις συνομιλίες Πατήστε εδώClick here Εδώ συνμπληρώνετε το μέρος της πόλης σας για περισσότερη ακρίβεια. (και πάλι ισχύουν τα προαναφερθέντα για την θέση στην προηγούμενη φωτό). Επίσης μπορείτε να βάλετε και το Locator εδώ. Πατήστε εδώClick here Επιλέξτε τον τύπο του μικροφώνου. Η πρώτη επιλογή είναι και η πιο συνηθισμένη. Η αμέσως παρακάτω ρύθμιση για το επίπεδο κέρδους μικροφώνου είναι προαιρετική καθόσον μετά στις δοκιμές μπορείτε να έρθετε εδώ και να τραβήξετε την μπάρα δεξιά ή αριστερά για ρύθμιση της διαμόρφωσης. Πατήστε εδώClick here Προχωρήστε και στις υπόλοιπες ρυθμίσεις τουλάχιστον σε αυτές που είναι επιλεγμένες όπως φαίνονται σε αυτή τη φωτό, αλλά και στις επόμενες στη σειρά.... Πατήστε εδώClick here Πατήστε για επιλογή γλώσσας του προγράμματος... Πατήστε εδώClick here ...και επιλέξτε Ελληνικά Πατήστε εδώClick here Στις προσπάθειες σύνδεσης επιλέξτε όπως φαίνεται εδώ, που είναι ένας λογικός αριθμός προσπαθειών σύνδεσης (όταν υπάρχει πρόβλημα) πριν σας ενημερώσει για αποτυχία σύνδεσης για κάποιο λόγο. Πατήστε εδώClick here Πατήστε στον περιοριστή του χρόνου μετάδοσης για επιλογή σε δευτερόλεπτα του χρόνου που το πρόγραμμα θα σας αφήνει να κάνετε PTT και να μιλάτε. Πατήστε εδώClick here Επιλέξτε τα 120 δευτερόλεπτα ή τα 180 αν θέλετε, χρόνος που θεωρείται ικανός για μια απλή ανταπόκριση κάποιου χωρίς υπερβολές στο επίπεδο φλυαρίας. Υπόψη ότι το πρόβλημα δημιουργείται στις διαδικτυακές πύλες που βρίσκονται σε εκπομπή όταν εσείς μιλάτε και πρακτικά δεν θα πρέπει να απασχολούνται επί μακρόν. Ήδη όμως να γνωρίζετε ότι αυτές διαθέτουν χρονικό περιοριστή περίπου στα 180 δεύτερα οπότε ήδη χρονοβόρα μικρόφωνα και απαντήσεις πέραν των 3 λεπτών δεν ακούγονται. Πατήστε εδώClick here Το πρόγραμμα έχει τη δυνατότητα να καταγράφει την δραστηριότητα του δωματίου επικοινωνίας. Επιλέξτε την 3η επιλογή ως προς την πιο χρήσιμη. 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.

Introduction to FRN FRN is an analog-free online program that can bring together users of the same program (basically), but also in a combined way with other types of Internet programs in order to exchange opinions and experiences around topics of discussion that arouse their interest. The founder of freeradionetwork is Edwin, PA7FRN. From the last 3 letters of his badge came the name of the program created with his personal and long-term effort. The expression Free Radio Network refers to a generic expression that had to match his callsign for the honorific reasons. The expression Free is justified by the fact that there is no restriction to download and run the program once the passwords are obtained. It is a general communication tool with a very good management program. It depends on the server that one needs to connect to, what security controls they put in place and how they manage user access to their server. Here are the most important differences between Hellas-FRN and some other international servers that allow any use with any communication medium, even prohibited for use on the internet. Due to repeated numerous failures of the original monitoring server/system manager FRN, independent programmers were concerned about the future of the Free Radio Network. In 2016 they developed an alternative FRN monitoring server in Java to allow the Free Radio Network to run smoothly in the event of system administrator failures again. Due to its own database, this alternative system manager can work independently of the original monitoring server, but unfortunately it represents a parallel world that makes it necessary to re-register users and servers to this system, especially for those had received passwords by the Original System Manager FRN later than May 1st, 2023. FRN is used in different ways to use the program. The simple way is to use a computer and communicate only through it without the involvement of a transceiver. Another interesting way is to combine a computer and transceiver so that communication information is broadcast locally and allows the use of a transceiver to go online and communicate with correspondents located anywhere in the world. The third and last place is the operation in interaction mode between two programs on the computer, where the possibility of cooperation of similar programs with each other is now created (e.g., Echolink with FRN, Digital networks with FRN). It is a fact that the possibilities of the internet with the cooperation of communication programs - remote P/D control, on the computer, have changed the framework of perception of the concept of radio communication today. The ease of understanding and use of such programs by new wireless users creates different development prospects. The result of the ease of use of a program such as FRN, but also the disproportionately increased reach of even simple mobile devices due to the Internet, creates an increased interest in engaging with the subject. A separate parallel means of communication is the use of the GRN program for Android devices, where it acts as a simple user (client) in the FRN program. (More on page Downloads ). All of the above ways can work simultaneously and in combination, so the flexibility of accessing such a communications system is obvious, given that the issue of range has been resolved. The Hellas-FRN server consists of 31 communication rooms plus a test room. These communications are completely independent from each other with separate rules and security valves and functionally they correspond to the well-known TG (TalkGroups) of other networks. The connection of users takes place in a specific room each time, without a time limit of stay, with specific access conditions and not with a personal connect to a user token, such as echolink, in conference format. Because they concern communications on amateur radio frequencies, it is therefore necessary to control access to them in order not to create problems and violations related to the legislation on the operation of radio stations by radio amateurs. The existence and operation of an internet portal (gateway) on a predetermined radio amateur frequency also requires its use by licensed radio amateurs, whose license is valid. For those who wish to use a web portal through a specific room in FRN and specifically to be able to broadcast with it, they should activate through the registration and with conditions for good use of the frequency spectrum and a minimal footprint of band interference. Here it should be emphasized that a radio gateway uses only one frequency locally and neither the broadcast nor the communication information is transferred to another band. (Strictly simplex). RoIP Gateways (RoIP Gateways) connecting to the FRN Network give much greater range to portable/mobile radios. These are mandatorily placed in different locations. Everything received from one web portal is sent to other such web portals. They broadcast the received signal and cover communications at a local level, but in a completely different area than when someone is talking on a wireless. The limited range due to low P/W power in an area and the existence of only one gateway within its coverage area at a particular frequency provides the flexibility to use only one simplex frequency for many remote areas and thus avoids the whole process of employing multiple frequencies for a simple connection of two areas for a simple conversation. It also enables radio amateurs to talk with other colleagues through the web portals, but without owning a P/D themselves, by selecting the FRN Client mode and through a controlled access mode. The internet gateways are based on the FRN Client program and are connected to an FRN server. A group of such gateways form a network. Different networks can be active on a server. Any radio amateur within range of a web portal can communicate with fellow radio amateurs in another country or city simply by selecting the appropriate communication room, frequency and a CTCSS (sub-tone). Sub-tone blocking is mandatory in this case a transceiver as online gate not to be opened by noise or unwanted (perhaps malicious) signals and to minimize disturbance to others listening in the same communication room or frequency. With the FRN Client program, a portable/mobile wireless and a few electronic components, you can create a web portal yourself. You can also (alternatively) use the program with your computer's microphone to talk to other users on the network, without the need for a transceiver and for topics that are not necessarily related to radio amateurs, since there will be no broadcast on the air and so the program plays the role of aid for social networking of general interest. In conclusion, we could characterize FRN as a computer program that is free for simple social networking and in the case of P/D use without special equipment requirements or any financial contribution. There are no technical difficulties for anyone to install, but the possibility of placing reliable safety valves of multiple forms and interventions, where these are required for combined use of transceiver by radio amateurs, creates the distinct compared to other analog networks way to ensure safe and within the permitted limits of use. (Clarifications details on another page of this website.)

Click on the image to proceed TGIF Means (Thank God It's Friday). TGIF net started on a analog repeater in west central Florida. It was handed down to robert around the year 2015 and grew to over 50 check ins. A small group of them went to D-Star after the repeater was taken down and then moved over to DMR where we started the TGIF net again. It then moved to the Brandmeister system and has now found its final home as the mothership of the TGIF Network. TGIF Network was started in October, 2018 by Robert (K4WZV) and Mitch (EA7KDO). They started the TGIF Network with just one talkgroup which became 31665, and about 5 Amateur Radio Operators joined the Network, at this time the system was running on a Raspberry pi. Later on, Ty (KG5RKI) came on board to help improve the hblink code it was currently running on and move it to a cloud server, then later rewrote the backend to make what was called Callmgr. Michael (K5MRE) and Andy (G7LRR) also joined the team and created many of the features we enjoy on the website and plenty more behind the scene. Over the course of the next year, the network quickly grew from just a few hundred users to just under 5,500. The network now is home to around 776 active talkgroups available for all to use. The main/original talkgroup is original 31665, and is sometimes referred to as the 'Mothership' by many. All Amateur Radio Operators are welcome to join and try out what the network offers. The Network is still growing rapidly. Recently, Pi-Star and Shark RF Openspot added the TGIF Network to their list of networks. But this tale has not ended. Around the end of 2019, Ty (KG5RKI) could see limitations to how far Legacy would be able to scale with the growing number of clients. So, Ty took it upon himself to once again use his coding skills and knowledge of digital networking and in his spare time rewrite and design a network from the roots up which was codenamed 'Prime' and was open do beta testers during development. With Andy (G7LRR) as his partner in crime against the code, and Rob (K4WZV) having his back, the team is making fast progress at creating a great solution for ham radio operators around the world.

© Hellas-FRN.net The existing diagram is under general revision. Hellas-FRN.net now has a separate DMR server for digital networks, globally connected, which is currently under development to include all known digital networks with the corresponding connections. A detailed illustration of analog and digital connection bridges will be posted on this page, replacing the current one. At the moment you can be informed about the progress of the development of the digital network at http://2022.adn.systems , under the name ADN-HELLAS-FRN, a purely (nature and location) Greek server.

Command to transmit via COM port (RS 232) The following photos show how a simple adapter (interface) can be made between a radio and a PC. A 9 pin connector has DTR on pin 4 and pin 5 is GROUND. (GND) Accessories These are the components used in the circuit: R1 = 330 Ω (Orange, Orange, Brown) (Resistor) R2 = 12 Ω (Brown, Red, Black) (Resistor) R3 = 1 kiloΩ (Brown, Black, Red) (Resistor) R4 = 1.5 kΩ (Brown, Green, Red) (Resistor) C1 = 4.7 microfarads (capacitor) D1 = 1N4148 (diode) T1 = BC549 (transistor) Plugs 2 stereo plugs for connecting to the sound card. 1 sub-d connector female for the COM port. 1 or 2 plugs for the P/D, depending on its model. Settings for the FRN Client The photo shows how to set up the FRN program to send the command through a COM port. Don't forget to disable VOX on the R/D. Select "Settings-->Adapter" (interface) to open the interface menu. Alternative circuits for adapting transceivers with a computer (interfaces). 1. Simple interface for handheld wireless. 2. Simple interface for mobile or base wireless 3. Interface without common grounding (galvanic isolation) for mobile or base wireless.

ABOUT THIS SITE This website is the result of a continuous effort to help Greek radio amateurs who are interested in the subject and the specific means of communication, whether it concerns the analog way of transmission, or its evolution in a digital way, or a combination of both of the above ways at the same time. It is constantly enriched with new explanatory and technical elements for the convenience of those involved in the use of the Free Radio Network. It has no relation whatsoever with other websites – blogspots, (or even occasional servers) which, as the case may be, refer to the subject of the Free Radio Network in Greece and involve PMRs, LPDs and (after notification with the clear limitations of the law) in the use of CBs . The posting of the website was done in such a way that we consider that works sufficiently explanatory to serve the requirements of the average of those concerned, in terms of language, style and concepts. It is made clear that it is aimed at colleagues with basic knowledge and relevant experience in using a computer connected to a transceiver, as well as the necessary concepts and understandings concerning digital communication networks. Therefore, for someone with zero knowledge about the subject, its training, involvement, regulation and operation, either of a client or of a gateway, despite his desire, it is required to make an effort to learn himself at the beginning as absolutely necessary condition and then attempt the application. The notion that someone, in TWO WORDS, will explain everything to him or someone else will set everything up for him, is beyond reality, since avoiding knowledge of the subject and direct operation (especially of a gateway) requires his personal involvement with the necessary elementary knowledge. What is written on this site is the necessary information about the subject and is not a "philosophical" rambling post per subject. If it is difficult for someone to read them, he should also recognize that nothing happens automatically by itself or that someone else is not going to do the work that he has to do. The current state of analog Internet communication has ECHOLINK and now the FRN. There are similarities but also serious and communication security-critical differences which are easily discernible elsewhere on this site. Determining the actual differences between the two programs above is left to the technical concern of those radio amateurs who deal with Internet communication programs. According to Ministerial Decision 38200/1136, Official Gazette 1969/2 Sep 2011 and in particular article 15, paragraph 6, as well as Decision 10800/310, Official Gazette B648 2013, the opportunity is given to implement technological innovations to support radio amateur activity by combining digital technology and the Internet. It broadens the horizon of employment for radio amateurs by applying these technologies, beyond those established to date, for experimentation, communication or even in case of need to offer to society as a whole. (Article 15, par. 6: " Communication between amateur radio stations is limited to the transmission and reception of communications of technical content related to tests and measurements, as well as to observations of a personal nature. Voice communication is carried out in clear language. The use of crypto-phony is prohibited , code words or any unknown code. However, in support of amateur radio activity, it is permitted to use known and internationally recognized technologies−encodings−configurations−protocols (new digital technologies and voice and/or data transmission applications such as indicatively D−STAR, DMR etc.) as well as the use of internationally recognized means of communication related to the Internet or other interconnected digital technologies." ) Attention: The above only concerns radio amateur activity, excluding the application to other types of non-radio amateur transceivers. (e.g., PMRs, LPDs, CBs). With your participation in the FRN program, either as a simple client, or as a gateway, but also with the GRN for Android devices, you help maintain, on the one hand, the existence of the Greek server on the international list of active FRN networks for the obvious reasons, on the one hand, to the general support of the whole effort, so that it continues to be maintained. 73! Administrator Hellas-FRN

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