Question 1

1-What is FRN?

Accepted Answer

FRN is an analog-free online program that can connect users of the same program (basically) but also in a collaborative way with other types of Internet programs in order to exchange opinions and experiences on topics of discussion that arouse their interest. In the Greek FRN server, the objects of interest are exclusively the amateur radio with the participation of colleagues with a valid amateur radio license.

The network offers greater range to users who also use a transceiver.

With the FRN Client program, you can create a gateway station that connects a local mobile/handheld radio amateur channel to the network. The program must be running in “gateway mode” for this. If you are unable to create your own gateway and there is no gateway in your area, then you can use this program in “PC only mode” to talk to FRN users on the network. This software is free but there are some rules for using this software. These rules are created to keep the system as fun to use.

An Internet gateway, in simplest terms, is a computer that connects to the FRN network.

Gateways typically have an RF transceiver interface as well as an Internet connection.

Transceivers can range in size from a repeater transceiver to a low-power transceiver integrated into a gateway. An Internet gateway allows you to connect to other Internet gateways in the HELLAS-FRN network.

Internet gateways come in the form of an inexpensive Raspberry Pi computer or a computer running a Linux or windows operating system.

Question 2

2-Operating frequencies according to Reg 1 bandplan

Accepted Answer

The operating frequencies (in MHz) are on VHF: 145.23750 or 145.28750 or 145.3375 and on UHF: 433.950 or 433.9625 or 433.975 or 433.9875 or 434.0125 or 434.025 or 434.0375 or 434.050.
There are corresponding frequencies in other bands for such operation according to the bandplan.

Question 3

3-How is the function of the FRN mentioned in the bandplan?

Accepted Answer

Simplex FM Internet Voice Gateway.

Question 4

4-How does a gateway work in FRN?

Accepted Answer

With the help of the internet and a transceiver connected to it.

Question 5

5-Who supports the FRN?

Accepted Answer

The Hellas-FRN team, consisting of a limited number of fellow volunteers, with a daily effort to develop and support the whole effort and led by the server administrator and owner of the present website, SV0XAL.

Question 6

6-Where is the central server "(system manager)"?

Accepted Answer

https://www.freeradionetwork.eu/

Question 7

7-What is the name of the Greek Server and what is the internet speed?

Accepted Answer

The Hellenic server named hellas-frn.ddns.net is located in a data room with a line speed of 10Gbps. Measured speed 1Gbps, due to server hardware limitation. There is also a backup server named hellasfrn.ddns.net to support the main one, in case of disconnection for any reason. The transition as well as the restoration from one server to another is done automatically except in the case of the GRN program where you need to manually change the name of the server in each case.

Question 8

8-The configuration type, is it digital?

Accepted Answer

The modulation type [mode] is analog FM Narrow.

Question 9

9-What is the Link of the Greek support page?

Accepted Answer

https://hellas-frn.weebly.com and the new under development https://hellas-frn.net

Question 10

10-How do I download the "CLIENT" PC application?

Accepted Answer

Besides the others and from the page https://www.hellas-frn.net/frn-client

Question 11

11-How do I download the app for mobile phone and multimedia car player, android GRN?

Accepted Answer

Besides the others and from the page  https://www.hellas-frn.net/grn-client

Question 12

12-How do I register for the first time in the Hellas-FRN network?

Accepted Answer

a. From the page https://hellas-frn .weebly.com and directly at https://hellas-frn.net/registration
 Instructions in video 1:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vGHUQaUi8jsand in 2 : https:// www.youtube.com/watch?v=0vjW-X9o8Wg

b. There are two actions in a row that are done in order for someone to enter Hellas-FRN.
The first is the acquisition of a code that someone requests when they put their information in the program for the first time.
The critical elements are the token and the email.
Further down in the data form that has the code window, you don't put anything yet but click on request code.
This will be sent to the email you wrote above in the form.
Check this email frequently and when the code arrives, copy it into the data form window and press OK.
Only then can you access the global FRN network.
The second action now concerns access to the Hellas-FRN server which maintains locked rooms only for radio amateurs and should be approved after sending your license, but also for the specific email you used. This should be the same as what you put in the form with your details.

Question 13

13-How can I create a new gateway on the Hellas-FRN network?

Accepted Answer

With administrator permission, with minimal common equipment and provided there is a geographic coverage gap.

Question 14

14-What is a gateway?

Accepted Answer

The way communication is transmitted from the internet to pre-approved radio frequencies and vice versa.

Question 15

15-Can I have the same account on the mobile phone and the computer at the same time?

Accepted Answer

A separate account with a different email is required because with the same account on two devices, one will be rejected. Currently using gmail does not return a program code. With other types of accounts (outlook, yahoo, etc) there is no problem.

Question 16

16-I did not connect to the network for more than 30 days. Am I at risk of deletion?

Accepted Answer

If someone is inactive in the FRN application for more than 30 days, the system manager (not Hellas-FRN) suspends the credentials (validity of passwords) for account security reasons. The user applies for a new code to the same system manager and usually receives the same code in the same email. The normal system manager code works everywhere. The code of the alternative system manager only in it.

Question 17

17-How far does the FRN sound?

Accepted Answer

Via mobile app or PC it sounds globally, via RF it depends on the local range of the gateway.

Question 18

18-What equipment do I need to talk to FRN?

Accepted Answer

Do you have a mobile phone, computer, transceiver? Then you probably have all the hardware you need to get started!
In addition to mobile phone access, all our members have amateur radio licenses and can use radio equipment, including hotspots and gateways, to connect to our multi-function system using analog and/or digital connections. Extends via droidstar from android & ios phones and from computer with dudestar in all digital Modes, but using ONLY Ham2 UHF and Ham4 VHF communication rooms. Even from raspberry with added sound card and microphone. Note that there is a ready iso for installation and use. For full details of the connections currently available, see our connections page: HERE

Question 19

19-What equipment do I need to build a gateway to the Hellas-FRN network?

Accepted Answer

The transceiver in vhf uhf or other permitted frequencies, power supply, antenna, interface, computer with the FRN program, internet.

Question 20

20-What portable radio do I need to talk to Hellas-FRN?

Accepted Answer

Simple analog wireless that tunes to the frequency of a gateway that exists in the area and is in range.

Question 21

21-Are the Hellas-FRN gateways repeaters?

Accepted Answer

No, it's a simplex communication. And this is why when two stations are in the same area the gateway does not interfere and each radio relies on its own transmit power to hear each other.

Question 22

22-Is it Link?

Accepted Answer

NO it is an internet voice  gateway.

Question 23

23-Is it Simplex?

Accepted Answer

Yes it is simplex

Question 24

24-What is the pitch and configuration?

Accepted Answer

The pitch is 12.5KHz and the modulation is FM Narrow!!!

Question 25

25-How much does the subscription to Hellas-FRN cost?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely nothing! Registration in Hellas-FRN is completely free! We do not expect anything for the services we provide.
The best way to donate is to use the system and enjoy a QSO with friends!

Question 26

26-Where do I find the equipment?

Accepted Answer

Of course in the trade in terms of P/D, and for the need to combine with an interface there are also suggestions on the U-HAM page.

Question 27

27-Where can I go if I have questions or technical problems regarding the use of the FRN systemand the new FRN programs?

Accepted Answer

Unanswered questions or possible technical problems with this FRN system or the programs offered
here they can be reported using the forum or directly via email.
The intended support email address is:hellas.frn@gmail.com

Question 28

28-Is new user registration required?

Accepted Answer

Yes, on the page: https://hellas-frn.net/registration and download a code from the European system manager: https://www.freeradionetwork.eu/. When using GRN android mobile app choose ORIGINAL SERVER.

Question 29

29-I have forgotten my password. What can I do;

Accepted Answer

New application to the system manager in the mail that was made for the first time and usually the code is always the same, sent to the same e-mail and by the same system manager.

Question 30

30-Is there a digital connection?

Accepted Answer

Yes and for more information on the page https://www.hellas-frn.net/bridges

Question 31

31-Which bridges are there connected to Hellas-FRN?

Accepted Answer

More information on the page: https://www.hellas-frn.net/frn-crosslinks

Question 32

32-How do I get a code from the system manager?

Accepted Answer

By installing the application on a computer or mobile from the corresponding location of the code request applications.
There are detailed instructions in the FB group, as well as video and illustrated instructions.

Question 33

33-What is the registration process for the Hellas-FRN network?

Accepted Answer

From the page https://hellas-frn.weebly.com or directly https://hellas-frn.net/registration

Question 34

34-If I do not have a valid amateur radio license, can I register on the Hellas-FRN network?

Accepted Answer

There is no such possibility because the network is only for radio amateurs with a proven valid license.

Question 35

35-How can I connect to ZELLO on Ham1?

Accepted Answer

By logging in and staying on the HELLAS-FRN channel to compare data if you are already a Hellas-FRN Member.
The Hellas-FRN network is bridged directly with ZELLO ONLY on Ham1 and in HD quality and on the Hellas-FRN channel. Members of the network after entering the channel can initially only talk to the administrator, who will mark them in the program as "trusted" so that they can enter the active members list from the waiting list that was before. Once approved, they then talk to the entire network. The radio amateur callsign must be visible first for their recognition by other radio amateurs.

Question 36

36-What is the Hellas-FRN channel on ZELLO?

Accepted Answer

HELLAS-FRN

Question 37

37-What is the Hellas-FRN talkgroup?

Accepted Answer

Across the network the same 20222.

Question 38

38-Who is the founder of the European (ORIGINAL) FRN network?

Accepted Answer

This 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 Free Radio Network expression 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 one needs to connect to, what security controls they put in place and how they manage user access to their server. Here arise the most important differences between Hellas-FRN and some other international servers that allow any use with any means of communication, even prohibited for use on the internet.

Question 39

39-Who is the owner of the Greek server Hellas-FRN?

Accepted Answer

Antonios SV0XAL, hellas.frn@gmail.com

Question 40

40-Why is the download of the code slow?

Accepted Answer

The request to receive the password is made to the "system manager" and the response time is his responsibility. The Greek server responds within 72 hours regarding the registration of new members, but does not issue passwords. The network can be used without registration from RF, DMR BM TG20222, YSF ID 17810, D-STAR, XLX165, Echolink, NXDN TG 20222, P25 TG 20222.

Question 41

41-How do we check if the "system manager" is fully functional?

Accepted Answer

On the computer in the GRN application of the FRN in the second row on the magnifying glass symbol we click, if the servers appear then it works. It is not always certain that it gives codes in this phase as well.

Question 42

42-How do I know if it is possible to get a code from the "system manager"?

Accepted Answer

By trial only. When everything is fine, receiving the code in the email is almost immediate. The email usually goes to spam and not to inbox.... beware!!!

Question 43

43-Does Ham1 VHF communicate with Ham2 UHF or the rest of the rooms?

Accepted Answer

The communications rooms are completely independent. The server has a total of 32.
There is a free room, GENERAL, for connecting and testing general access to Hellas-FRN, ONLY with the use of a computer and not with the combination of some P/D. The room is constantly checked. If abuse with P/D is detected, that account will be permanently banned from the server. There is also an acoustic rehearsal room, TEST [parrot]. Press start to repeat voice and stop to stop this function.

Question 44

44-Chat Best Practices.

Accepted Answer

--DO NOT GO FOR QUICK PTT. Wait about 2 seconds after PTT and between transmissions when talking between modes.
--Fast typing may result in your mode not being picked up by other modes.
--Allow even more time during conversations when switching modes.
--Announce which mode you are entering. For example: "SV2SNH on DMR, listening", or "SV2SNH is listening to SV0XAL on D-Star"
--Don't be afraid to say hello to unfamiliar voices/callsigns. This is the quintessence of amateur radio. It is communication with other colleagues that we don't even know, with the aim of expanding technical knowledge, friendship, sociability and always with goodwill.

Question 45

45-What is needed to broadcast on FRN from Brandmeister via droidstar, dudestar or hotspot?

Accepted Answer

For Brandmeister you must register in Brandmeister and then create a code for Hotspot, then this code is entered in the application in the corresponding position in the droidstar and dudestar programs

Question 46

46-Request to download a code from the application on the android mobile.

Accepted Answer

The code from the "ORIGINAL" system mqnager is the one that works. The code from the "ALTERNATE" system manager does not work on the original one, to which the Greek server "HELLAS-FRN" is connected. We always ask for a code from the ORIGINAL.

Question 47

47-Hellas-FRN connections

Accepted Answer

DMR Brandmeister Greece 2021, TG 20222,
FreeDMR Greece TG:20222,
D-STAR XLX165,
TGIF ID: 20222,
NXDN TG:20222,
P25 ID:20222,
YSF ID: 17810,
M17-FRN,
ALLSTAR NODE:56557.
You can log into HELLAS-FRN using any of these features and more! All links are only accessible to licensed radio amateurs because the networks are only connected to amateur installations such as DMR and D-star. Others are open to all licensed radio amateurs.

Question 48

48-Are there bridges to the digitals from the Ham1 room?

Accepted Answer

In the Ham1 room there are no bridges, only echolink and Zello channel HELLAS-FRN.

Question 49

49-Are there bridges to the digitals from the Ham2 room?

Accepted Answer

There are bridges on almost all digital channels and echolink. ZELLO does not exist here!

Question 50

50-What is the relationship between PRIMARY and ALTERNATE system manager?

Accepted Answer

The ORIGINAL system manager is a creation of Edwin, PA7FRN, the alternative one comes from Germany and the purpose of the second one is to cover the gap whenever it is created in the cases when the Original one is down. The codes that work everywhere are issued only by the ORIGINAL. The German codes for non-members of the ORIGINAL are only valid for it.

Question 51

51-For the new colleagues on the Hellas-FRN server:

Accepted Answer

Please, the first time you connect to the server, you are required to make the relevant microphone and headphone settings in the FRN program.
Log in to the Test chat room.
In this way and using the audio replay you can make your settings so that when you connect to a normal communication room, the setup process and observations by the others can be avoided.
Another reason is to avoid distracting others from the topic of discussion.
Of course, for final micro-adjustments when you enter a normal communication room no one will refuse to help you, but with your pre-work this will be short and effective. Note that the Test room has no access restrictions.

Question 52

52-I have a question that is not covered in this FAQ, how can I get an answer?

Accepted Answer

You can post it on Forum or by e-mail:hellas.frn@gmail.com

Question 53

53-I want to make a node. What are the actions?

Accepted Answer

To create a node, the admin must first be informed about joining the server, but at the same time the location of the candidate node and its usefulness in the specific location must be discussed, always taking taking into account the economy of frequencies, materials and human resources for 24-hour surveillance. Then information is given on the necessary and appropriate equipment and wiring. Admin SV0XAL-e-mail:hellas.frn@gmail. com.

Question 54

54-I want to bridge via echolink to the Hellas-frn network.

Accepted Answer

In any case, permission must be given by the SV0XAL administrator, based on the feasibility of the connection.

Contact details for further actions and after approval:
​XLX Peer Interlink Settings
Please contact: SV2SNH for XLX peering
email me:xlxsv2snh@gmail.com.Greetings Sakis.
Note: Currently only Module A is used for International interlinks.
Other Modules can be done on request.
Edit xlxd.interlink, add the following line:
# xlxd.interlink
XLX165 xlx165.ddns.net A

Question 55

55-What is "parrot" voice repeat test room?

Accepted Answer

Voice replay test room is the "Test" room.

Question 56

56-Are there CB, PMR in the Hellas-FRN network?

Accepted Answer

NO the HELLAS-FRN network is ONLY FOR HAMSTERS WITH AN ACTIVE LICENSE. Internationally FRN as an online program can be used for any purpose in connection with other servers EXCEPT Hellas-FRN. The connection to Hellas-FRN follows a standardized access protocol and adherence to amateur radio ethics with continuous monitoring.

Question 57

57-Which is the Server listed in the computer application and with which port?

Accepted Answer

Server is:hellas-frn.ddns.net and port :10024.

Question 58

58-Which is the Server listed in the android mobile application and with which port?

Accepted Answer

Server on mobile is listed: hellas-frn.ddns.net:10024 .

Question 59

59-Is there a time limit for each conversation?

Accepted Answer

The time limit between conversations is 180 seconds (3 minutes).
 All transmissions must be below this threshold or they will be momentarily rejected.
The 3-minute rule with the use of μ-interfaces is applied to the transmission and reception of the web portals, to protect machines from excessive use of RF or malicious acts with "anonymous" access by RF resulting in practically beneficial employment of the frequency.

Question 60

60-Are connections with the Hellas-FRN network allowed?

Accepted Answer

Only in some cases it is allowed (interlink), but after informing the administrator and if it is deemed appropriate.

Question 61

61-What is the room of Brandmeister 2021 GR in Hellas-FRN?

Accepted Answer

The room is Ham2 TG20222, accessible from all BM servers internationally.

Question 62

62-What is the room of FreeDMR GREECE in Hellas-FRN?

Accepted Answer

The room is Ham4 TG20222.

Question 63

63-What is the short HF room in Hellas-FRN?

Accepted Answer

The short room is Ham3 and the frequency is 29.250 Mhz with 71.9 undertone and FM modulation.

Question 64

64-How can I connect to the XLX165 reflector?

Accepted Answer

As with other reflectors, you can connect using DTMF to access an XLX reflector directly. Just use the Axxxyy platform. Example, to connect to XLX165 unit B, you can send A16502 in DTMF tones. The 02 at the end corresponds to the B of the alphabet.
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