RE: ARLA/CLUSTER: Network Radio (Uns radios que não o são, mas que conseguem alcançar redes globais através da Voz sobre IP)

[Antonio Viegas]

Boa Tarde
Caro João , não posso estar mais de acordo! Mas embora este artigo venha focar no Zello , podemos lançar um pouco mais a confusão , os modos de fonia digital!
Cordiais 
ACViegas

-----Mensagem original-----
De: cluster-bounces  radio-amador.net [mailto:cluster-bounces  radio-amador.net] Em nome de João Costa > CT1FBF
Enviada: segunda-feira, 4 de novembro de 2019 13:54
Para: Cluster-ARLA
Assunto: ARLA/CLUSTER: Network Radio (Uns radios que não o são, mas que conseguem alcançar redes globais através da Voz sobre IP)

(Quando tudo falha, os Network Radio também falham...mas vale a pena
conhece-los)

What if you could have a network of handheld and mobile radios with
global coverage? Forget about expensive repeaters and licenses.
Everything will work via the cellular 3G/4G network.

Either you want 1-to-1 or 1-to-many radio communications, this is for you.

No range restrictions. If you have cellphone coverage, you are connected!

Introduction to Network Radio
https://youtu.be/je6xdynS7QU

Network Radios - Good Or Bad? Advantages & Disadvantages
https://youtu.be/HMcF24PTdhI



Network Radio – Is it real Ham Radio?

Introduction
Network Radio began gaining some interest as an amateur radio format
about a year ago. During the past year Network Radio has gained
popularity with Amateur Radio operator as well as with radio hobbyist
in general. The most popular aspect of Network Radio has been based
around Zello using their mobile phone apps for IOS and Android.
Basically Zello is an VOIP service with a push to talk feature that
can be used over WiFi or cellular Data. There are two versions
available the free personal version and a paid commercial version that
offers a larger feature set that would be of interest to business
users. Zello allows for the creation of groups. These groups can range
from just a friends to thousands of members in a group. When a user
presses the push to talk button on their phone’s screen, the voice
message will be heard by all users in the group in pretty much real
time. Zello claims to have a worldwide user base of 120 million users
at the time of this writing.

How does Zello Work?

Zello running on Network Radio

Since most people use the personal version of Zello, simply download
the free app that matches your devices operation system. The device
can be an IOS or Android phone or tablet or a  Windows PC. Once the
app is installed you must create a free user account and user name
with Zello. The user name can be anything that is not in use by
someone else, but you may want to use your amateur call sign for
amateur radio use. Once you have logged in, you search for public
groups to communicate with. These groups can cover a wide range of
interests and topics. You will find that there are groups that cover
various aspects of the radio hobby. In these groups you can discuss
you radio interests with other like minded individuals. Once you’re in
the group, you can chat with other members, send text messages,
photos, and positional information to group members. Keep in mind that
what ever you say is heard by all the other group members. Also, Zello
will store users voice conversations in the group log so members can
review them later. You can also create your own groups. Zello has put
a lot of thought into group management. In any group your going to
have some “bad actors” so Zello has taken that into account and allows
for member management. These features can be turned on by the group
owner by the type of group they decide create.

Zello Group Types
Anyone can talk – These channels are open to the public to listen to
or talk on. The channel owner may turn on the voting feature that
allows the users in a group to vote off a user of the channel after a
certain number of negative votes from members.

Listen Only – Anyone can listen but only moderators can talk. A
channel owner can also designate other members moderators to help
manage the channel. In some cases it might be necessary to switch the
channel to this mode if it is being used for emergency situations.

Zselect – In this mode anyone can listen but can’t talk. To be able to
talk on these channels you will have approved by a moderator to be
able to talk on the channel.

Zselect+ – Only approved channel users can talk or listen to the
channel. These channels are basically private and encrypted. Users
will need to approved by the channel owner or moderator before they
can use the channel.

Ok, what does this have to do with Amateur Radio?
Amateur radio operators have always been really good about adapting
emerging technologies to expand their communications toolkit. Network
Radio offers certain advantages over existing Amateur Radio
communication technologies. Network Radio can offer the following
advantages over other communications modes.

Advantages of Network Radio
1. Not range limited. The Zello system reaches world wide.
2. The audio quality is superb. Usually no dropouts ,digital noise ,
or static unlike VHF, UHF, HF, D-Star, DMR, or C4FM.
3. Very reliable compared to traditional amateur radio communications
technologies since communications are accomplished through the
cellular data network and the internet. Basically a direct link
between the radio users.
4. No expensive repeater system required for local amateur radio communications.
5. No complicated hotspots required. All you need is a cellular
network connection or a WiFi connection for a Network Radio to work.
6. Since Network Radio does not require a FCC license, unlicensed
individuals can be added to the group if the need arises.
7. Equipment costs can be very inexpensive when compared to other
communications methods.
8. No external antennas needed.
9. Easy to setup and use.
10. Non licensed radio hobbyist can be allowed into Amateur Radio
channels to gain knowledge of Amateur Radio by interacting with
licensed Amateurs. Hopefully to eventually become a licensed Amateur
Radio Operator.
11. Can be used easily in mobile or outdoor environments since there
is no need for external antennas.

Disadvantages
The major disadvantage is that if there is no cell phone coverage or
internet then the system doesn’t work. This is the reason that Network
Radio won’t ever replace traditional RF based Amateur Radio.

Amateur Radio Applications
Amateur Radio operators are beginning to integrate Network Radio into
their arsenal of their communication tech. Here are some applications
in use today and some reasons Network Radio is growing very rapidly.

Alternative to modes that require antennas
With the aging amateur radio population downsizing or moving into HOA
restricted housing they often cannot always put up a decent outside or
inside antenna for Amateur Radio modes that require one. Therefore
feel that they often have to give up their involvement in amateur
radio. Some have worked around the issue by the use of hotspots that
connect to D-Star and DMR radio systems over the internet. Network
Radio offers a simpler setup and less expensive way for them to enjoy
“rag chewing” with other amateur radio operators around the world.
Therefore bringing inactive Amateur Radio operators back to the hobby.

Replace or expand local repeater systems.
With aging and almost abandoned local repeater systems, Network Radios
offer a good alternative to local repeaters. Also Network Radio can be
added to an existing repeater system to expand its coverage by
interfacing a network radio device directly to the repeater. This
would allow amateur radio operators to access the repeater from
virtually any where. Of course the interface channel would need to
moderated to allow only licensed hams to access the VOIP connection to
the repeater.

Local Event Coverage
Amateur radio clubs that offer event coverage can quickly set up comms
using only the Network Radio system rather than repeaters. This would
allow for greater range and more reliable coverage given that there is
good cell phone coverage in the area. There is also the benefit of
being able to add non-licensed individuals such as event coordinators,
medical personnel,etc to the channel using their smartphones rather
than stationing an operator with an individual. This also allows
everyone that is involved in coordinating the event the ability to
hear what is going on. The group can be easily added to on the fly.

ARES, Skywarn, etc.
Some ARES groups are already using Network Radio to supplement their
regular communications methods. Again the advantage is being able to
link amateur radio operators in the field quickly to public officials
since they can be added to a Network Channel via their cellphone. The
disadvantage is that Network Radio is only functional if the area
affected still has cellular data service. During Hurricane Michael,
network radio was used to keep the public informed of the storms
progress and to take emergency calls to forward to channels
coordinating rescue and relief operations. However, cellular service
was interrupted in some areas knocking out Network Radios. This was
example where network radio could be used until cellular service and
the internet went down in some areas. After that traditional amateur
radio HF and VHF communications had to be deployed. However that being
said it would be possible to use a portable VHF to Network Radio
repeater link to connect to another VHF – Network Radio link that
still maintained cellular data service. These types of repeaters can
be setup easily and quickly using a Network Radio HT and a VHF HT with
a cable like this one SainSonic RPT-2D Two-way Radio Repeater Box for
Two Transceivers Station DIY.

Smartphone Phone vs Dedicated Network Radio

Mobile Network Radio

Due to the growing popularity of network radio among radio hobbyist,
dedicated network radios have appeared in the familiar form factor of
amateur radio Handi Talkies and mobile/ base units. These radios are
basically based around an unlocked Android phone with a touchscreen.
At then end of the day, Network Radios are in essence a stripped down
Android smartphone in a HT or mobile / base form factor. They
typically contain a small to large touch screen display, dual SIM
cards, and a SD card slot. Most of these devices are made to work over
the GSM cellular network (usually no CDMA networks like Verizon)
carriers such as AT&T, T-Mobile, and others for voice and data. If you
add a SIM card with voice and text messaging you can use the radio as
a regular cell phone. However to use Network Radio you really only
need cellular data. Fortunately Network Radio doesn’t use a lot of
data so smaller data plans can suffice depending on your use. Having
the dedicated data SIM in the Network Radio will allow you to use the
radio anywhere there is cell service. The other good alternative is if
you have a smartphone that you carry with you all the time that has a
WiFi Hotspot feature connected to the Network Radio rather than pay
for a separate service. Using the radio around the house simply
requires being connected to your home WiFi. Dedicated network radios
all come with a side mounted PTT button on the HT or a PTT hand mic
for the mobile/base unit. The HTs are typically constructed out of
high impact plastic of varying quality and are rated as IP68 water
resistance. So they can be abused a bit but they are not built as well
as amateur radios from Yaesu, Icom or Kenwood. The HTs typically
contain a 4000ish milliamp battery that can power the unit for several
days when compared to VHF/UHF HTs that usually will only last a few
hours. The HT’s can be charged via a mini USB port on the radio or a
drop in charger. The mobile/base units are powered by a 12 volt source
and do not contain a battery. The HTs also contain a front and rear
facing camera while the mobile units do not. Both types of radios have
GPS built in with the mobile units have an external GPS antenna. The
HT models also sport an attached cellular antenna which allow for
slightly better cellular reception than most cell phones. The mobile
base units typically have a built in cellular antenna with the option
of attaching an external cellular antenna. Depending on the model,
both types of radio contain additional sensors like an accelerometer
and gyroscope. Both types of radios contain very loud built in
speakers with generally good audio which make them easy to hear over
the background noise in a vehicle or crowded place. Most Network
Radios allow you to download apps from the Android Play store. If the
radio doesn’t come with Zello pre installed you can download it for
free from the Android Playstore. If you intend to use the use the mini
USB port to access any photos or data from the HT or mobile/base unit
you will need to activate the developer mode to gain access to the
internal storage. You can find these instructions easily on the
internet.



If you are new to network radio you might want to just download the
Zello free app for your smart phone and give the service a try before
investing in a dedicated network radio. However, if you use the
service a lot you will probably want to buy a dedicated radio. A
dedicated Network Radio gives you the convenience of true push to talk
operation rather than pressing and holding the PTT button on your
smartphones screen. The audio quality on both transmit and receive can
be much better than your phone. Especially the receive audio which
will be much louder and higher quality than even the best cell phone.
The dedicated radio will should be much more durable than your cell
phone and probably a lot cheaper to replace than your cell phone if it
gets dropped. The dedicated Network Radios shout stand up to more
abuse than your cell phone. If you are going mobile then the mobile /
base unit will be more convenient than your cell phone. Plus most
amateur radio operators just feel more comfortable with something they
can clip to their belt or mounted under the dash. By the way the
mobile units are typically not very heavy or deep so it is easy to
find a place to mount in a vehicle. Another comforting factor for the
radio hobbyist is that these radios come with hard buttons that make
it easier to access certain functions instead of fumbling with a
cellphones touch screen.

However there is a little downside to the radios. While it is pretty
easy to set up Zello on these units it can be a bit of a pain when
working on the small screen in these units which are typically 2.5 to
3 inches. Using the keyboard on the touch screen can be a real
exercise in patience trying to enter information from the tiny on
screen keyboard. Usually you just set it up once and don’t have to
deal with it that often, however if you don’t already have one it
might be worth investing in a Bluetooth keyboard to make typing
easier. Another trick is to set everything up on your Zello account
via your smartphone. When you are done setting up the Network Radio
channels  on your smartphone, log in to the same account the Network
Radio and all the settings will transfer over you put into your Smart
Phone. Be sure to exit the Zello app on your smartphone before logging
in to your Zello app on your Network Radio since you can’t be logged
into your account under the same user name simultaneously. If you do
have more than one Network Radio and want to use them at the same time
you will need to create a separate user name for each one under your
account. Another possibility for working with the small screen is to
install either Vysor or Airdroid to remotely access your Network Radio
via your PC. These apps will give you access to your device on a
larger screen with access to full keyboard and mouse making some
setups much easier. These apps require you to have the developer
option on the Android app and plugged into the host computer via USB
(except for the paid version Vysor which will work over WiFi). .These
apps can be downloaded from the Play Store. A word of caution when
using Vysor it can lock up some radios to the point you have to remove
power from the radio to allow it restart. Another app that you might
find useful for your Network Radio is Button Mapper. Some of these
radios may come with extra buttons and knobs that might not do
anything out of the box. With Button Mapper you can assign these
buttons to various activities like to load a certain application or
turn a rotary knob into a volume control.

What to look for when buying a Network Radio
First of all if you are in the USA, dedicated Network Radios can be
little hard to come by since 100% of them are made in China. So
usually you can’t walk into your local ham radio emporium and buy
one.You can order them on Ebay directly from China but you have to
wait about 4 to 6 weeks to get it. Fortunately since the popularity of
Network Radios are increasing in the USA some US vendors are now
providing them in a few days. These are typically unbranded models
offered at a low price. A few US Amazon vendors are sourcing these
radios, but check the prices carefully. Some Amazon vendors are over
pricing the units since they can be a bit scarce. At any rate, you can
typically have one in your hands in a few days if you can get it from
a US vendor. Secondly brand names mean nothing since a given radio can
be sold under several brand names for the exact same radio. As far as
warranty repair goes, you can probably forget about that since most of
these rigs come out of China. As an early adopter it might be best to
just purchase a basic HT or Mobile/Base unit until situation
stabilizes. A basic HT will run from around $130 to $225  and a basic
mobile will run from around $200. Above all be sure you are buying an
Unlocked GSM version with PlayStore installed. Not having these two
features can severely limit the functionality of the radio.
Alternatively you can find a few inexpensive rugged smart phones for
around the same price as a Network Radio HT with a PTT side button
that will work well as a Network Radio.

What determines the cost of a Network Radio?
1. Size of the touch screen – The least expensive units will typically
contain a 2.5 to 3.5 inch screen. Some models may sport a 4 inch
screen but the  price increases significantly.
2. Android Version – You will find that most of the Network Radios
will run a version 4 to 7. Higher is better.
3. Feature set – This is pretty standard across the board but radios
from Boxchip is offering S700A with a 4 inch screen which also
contains a VHF or UHF transceiver with DMR(which may not be certified
for use in the US market) for $750 They also offer a $499 version
without the transceiver. Street prices are around $699 to $399
respectively. These radios are currently the “Cadillacs” of the
Network radios.

Getting Started
You can explore Network Radio with Zello on your smartphone before
investing in a dedicated Network Radio. The best place to start is to
subscribe to the 8 channels called Network Radios. Just search for
them with the Zello app and you should see them with a blue logo next
to them. There are other amateur related channels that you can also
explore. The Network Radios channels stay pretty busy 24/7 with a
large number of users. The channels are generally populated with users
from the US and Europe. The Network Radios group allow licensed
amateurs operators as well as unlicensed operators. Amateur radio
communication protocols are observed when communicating on the
channels. Users have to be approved to use the channel by a moderator
by speaking to a moderator, however anyone can listen to the channels.
If your user name is a valid amateur license, typically you will be
added to the channels automatically. Usually there are a fair number
of moderators around on the channels, so approval can be pretty quick.
If a user does not adhere to the channels rules, they probably will be
removed pretty quickly. If you wish, you can use an assigned Network
Radio callsign by asking for one from one of the moderators. These
callsigns are usually assigned starting with NR and four additional
digits following.

When you first get started with Zello and subscribe to several
channels things may seem a little confusing at first. This is because
that Zello works like an old school scanner. Zello scans all the
channels you are subscribed to and when one goes silent it jumps to
the next active channel. If you want to stay on a channel you must
change your status from Available to Solo and Zello will stick on that
channel. There are a lot of settings that can affect how Zello works.
Here is a pretty good users guide to setting up Zello for PTT Network
Radio hardware, as well as a good general resource on Network Radios.
Another good resource is the the Network Radio Facebook page with over
2000 members at this writing.

Other Amateur Radio Uses
While the bulk of Network Network radio centers around the use of the
Zello app, there are other Amateur Radio modes that can be used that
connect to the internet. Other ham related  apps that can be installed
on these Network Radio devices since they are Android based devices.
These include APRS, IRN (International Radio Network) using Team Speak
3, and Echolink. So in essence Network Radio hardware can be a very
multi-functional radio that Amateur Radio operators should find
useful.

But is it Real Ham Radio?
Getting back to the title of this article, is Network Radio real ham
radio? It really just depends on how you define “Real Ham Radio”
Amateur radio. Some amateur radio operators contend that because it is
not a RF based communications technology it is not real ham radio.
Well basically Network Radio is a RF based technology since it
transmits a low power RF signal to communicate with a cellular tower
or to a WiFi Hotspot. Some say it is not real radio because it is
internet based. Well, that would eliminate such widely accepted
technologies as DMR and D-Star communications over a hotspot connected
to the internet. Also eliminated would be Echolink ,IRN and APRS. So
that logic doesn’t really make since. Remember some amateur radio
operators don’t see communications technologies such as WSPR or FT8 as
“real ham radio”, but yet will claim that the ancient RTTY or even CW
technology is. So you see really those that discount Network Radio as
a viable Amateur Radio communications technology have sort of a
non-forward thinking process going on. That’s ok though because the
great thing about Amateur Radio is that everyone can find their
favorite niche in the hobby and can contribute. No matter if it’s CW
or Network Radio it’s all ham radio. Another objection that pops up is
that non licensed users can use the technology. Well actually this a
good thing for the hobby. As mentioned earlier, the Network Radio
Zello channels accept both. This allows non-amateur radio users and
licensed amateur radio operators to mingle and discuss communications
technology. Therefore generating interest in Amateur Radio and
attracting more users into the Amateur Radio service. There have
already been members of the Network Radios channels who have gone on
to obtain their amateur radio licenses. Some Amateur Radio operators
feel that Network Radios could mean the death of traditional Amateur
Radio. Not hardly. You have to keep in mind that Network Radio relies
on cellular data and Wifi to work. If you lose those services then
your Network Radio basically becomes a brick. So, RF based amateur
radio will always be the “Last Mile” technology during disasters or
other situations where traditional communications methods are not
available. So, is Network Radio “real ham radio”, sure it is. Network
Radio is just another technology that can be leveraged by Amateur
Radio users to extend their communications ability. Network Radio
won’t replace traditional Amateur Radio, but it can certainly augment
it.

Be sure to subscribe to Ham Radio Science YouTube Channel for future
video’s related to Network Radios.



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