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Click on the image to see the dashboard 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.

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.)

Don't ask something that has been answered. It has negative consequences! Συχνές ερωτήσεις General Questions 1-What is FRN? 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. 2-Operating frequencies according to Reg 1 bandplan 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. 3-How is the function of the FRN mentioned in the bandplan? Simplex FM Internet Voice Gateway. 4-How does a gateway work in FRN? With the help of the internet and a transceiver connected to it. 5-Who supports the FRN? 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. 6-Where is the central server "(system manager)"? https://www.freeradionetwork.eu/ 7-What is the name of the Greek Server and what is the internet speed? 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. 8-The configuration type, is it digital? The modulation type [mode] is analog FM Narrow. 9-What is the Link of the Greek support page? https://hellas-frn.weebly.com and the new under development https://hellas-frn.net 10-How do I download the "CLIENT" PC application? Besides the others and from the page https://www.hellas-frn.net/frn-client 11-How do I download the app for mobile phone and multimedia car player, android GRN? Besides the others and from the page https://www.hellas-frn.net/grn-client 12-How do I register for the first time in the Hellas-FRN network? 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. 13-How can I create a new gateway on the Hellas-FRN network? With administrator permission, with minimal common equipment and provided there is a geographic coverage gap. 14-What is a gateway? The way communication is transmitted from the internet to pre-approved radio frequencies and vice versa. 15-Can I have the same account on the mobile phone and the computer at the same time? 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. 16-I did not connect to the network for more than 30 days. Am I at risk of deletion? 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. 17-How far does the FRN sound? Via mobile app or PC it sounds globally, via RF it depends on the local range of the gateway. 18-What equipment do I need to talk to FRN? 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 19-What equipment do I need to build a gateway to the Hellas-FRN network? The transceiver in vhf uhf or other permitted frequencies, power supply, antenna, interface, computer with the FRN program, internet. 20-What portable radio do I need to talk to Hellas-FRN? Simple analog wireless that tunes to the frequency of a gateway that exists in the area and is in range. 21-Are the Hellas-FRN gateways repeaters? 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. 22-Is it Link? NO it is an internet voice gateway. 23-Is it Simplex? Yes it is simplex 24-What is the pitch and configuration? The pitch is 12.5KHz and the modulation is FM Narrow!!! 25-How much does the subscription to Hellas-FRN cost? 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! 26-Where do I find the equipment? 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. 27-Where can I go if I have questions or technical problems regarding the use of the FRN systemand the new FRN programs? 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 28-Is new user registration required? 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. 29-I have forgotten my password. What can I do; 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. 30-Is there a digital connection? Yes and for more information on the page https://www.hellas-frn.net/bridges 31-Which bridges are there connected to Hellas-FRN? More information on the page: https://www.hellas-frn.net/frn-crosslinks 32-How do I get a code from the system manager? 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. 33-What is the registration process for the Hellas-FRN network? From the page https://hellas-frn.weebly.com or directly https://hellas-frn.net/registration 34-If I do not have a valid amateur radio license, can I register on the Hellas-FRN network? There is no such possibility because the network is only for radio amateurs with a proven valid license. 35-How can I connect to ZELLO on Ham1? 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. 36-What is the Hellas-FRN channel on ZELLO? HELLAS-FRN 37-What is the Hellas-FRN talkgroup? Across the network the same 20222. 38-Who is the founder of the European (ORIGINAL) FRN network? 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. 39-Who is the owner of the Greek server Hellas-FRN? Antonios SV0XAL, hellas.frn@gmail.com 40-Why is the download of the code slow? 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. 41-How do we check if the "system manager" is fully functional? 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. 42-How do I know if it is possible to get a code from the "system manager"? 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!!! 43-Does Ham1 VHF communicate with Ham2 UHF or the rest of the rooms? 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. 44-Chat Best Practices. --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. 45-What is needed to broadcast on FRN from Brandmeister via droidstar, dudestar or hotspot? 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 46-Request to download a code from the application on the android mobile. 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. 47-Hellas-FRN connections 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. 48-Are there bridges to the digitals from the Ham1 room? In the Ham1 room there are no bridges, only echolink and Zello channel HELLAS-FRN. 49-Are there bridges to the digitals from the Ham2 room? There are bridges on almost all digital channels and echolink. ZELLO does not exist here! 50-What is the relationship between PRIMARY and ALTERNATE system manager? 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. 51-For the new colleagues on the Hellas-FRN server: 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. 52-I have a question that is not covered in this FAQ, how can I get an answer? You can post it on Forum or by e-mail:hellas.frn@gmail.com 53-I want to make a node. What are the actions? 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. 54-I want to bridge via echolink to the Hellas-frn network. 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 55-What is "parrot" voice repeat test room? Voice replay test room is the "Test" room. 56-Are there CB, PMR in the Hellas-FRN network? 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. 57-Which is the Server listed in the computer application and with which port? Server is:hellas-frn.ddns.net and port :10024. 58-Which is the Server listed in the android mobile application and with which port? Server on mobile is listed: hellas-frn.ddns.net:10024 . 59-Is there a time limit for each conversation? 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. 60-Are connections with the Hellas-FRN network allowed? Only in some cases it is allowed (interlink), but after informing the administrator and if it is deemed appropriate. 61-What is the room of Brandmeister 2021 GR in Hellas-FRN? The room is Ham2 TG20222, accessible from all BM servers internationally. 62-What is the room of FreeDMR GREECE in Hellas-FRN? The room is Ham4 TG20222. 63-What is the short HF room in Hellas-FRN? The short room is Ham3 and the frequency is 29.250 Mhz with 71.9 undertone and FM modulation. 64-How can I connect to the XLX165 reflector? 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. 65-Clarifications regarding the operation of a gateway and whether it can face malicious or even accidental interference by third parties, as well as application of the surveillance term. The FRN program through which the collaborated gateways are connected and which are also the target of the “well-wishers” have the following properties with which the harassment is negated at any time and this update is made for the awareness of those mentioned below. Each gateway owner is connected to the FRN program in simplex mode and with tone sql, locked to prevent accidental access by any parasitic RF source. Anyone interested in radio amateur access can talk by RF, as long as they put in the appropriate sub-tone that is announced by each gateway. The gateway owner monitor is not obliged to respond to anyone who ignores the access setting. And this is because without the sub-tone, any broadcast from third parties is automatically excluded from the gateway’s employment and consequently also outside the FRN network. This consequently excludes the obligation to monitor the gateway since such a broadcast does not concern the network. One could claim that the frequencies are free and that he can choose the specific frequency of the gateway to talk with his company and without an sub-tone, regardless of whether there is an internet network. However, such an act is contrary to the mutual respect between the ham radio coleages and compliance with the current band plan. FRN follows the band plan faithfully and does not use any of the many other frequencies where ham radio operators chats with their mates. On the contrary, it is harassed by adjacent frequencies, where the narrow modulation imposed by the band plan is not used, as well as by unnecessary excessive use of output power colleagues transceivers, who insist on exhausting the limits of the legal use and not the useful for coexistence in it the limited frequency space. In cases where someone now deliberately broadcasts with the correct sub-tone, but without behaving as expected according to the amateur radio code of conduct and indeed with the intention of harassing a communication already in progress, there is a way to block it. This is done by the intervention of the owner of the specific gateway and through the FRN program to mute it or even stop it, so that it does not receive incoming RF emissions or does not communicate at all accordingly. He is the authorized administrator of the given gateway. When the harassment stops, it restores it to full operation. Furthermore there is additional-parallel surveillance in the same communication room by the owners of the remaining gateways, who in addition to being administrators of the gateways in a similar way to them, they have administrator rights on all other gateways as well. This makes the network flexible in terms of surveillance because it does not rely only on the owner of one gateway, but on the overlap of all the owner gateways that are in the same communication room. Simply put and at any time if there is a problem of malicious or accidental parasitic broadcast, any authorized gateway owner, as well as any other user of the FRN program can mute his or any gateway of another colleague as an instant reaction. This mute stops the receive, but the rest of the activity on the FRN continues without the involvement of the offending gateway alone. Finally, the following should be mentioned: In the event that someone calls normally from RF and does not get an answer, this does not mean that the system is not monitored (after the above description), but it is very likely that the specific gateway is muted or closed. Also, monitoring is limited only to whether the gateway works as intended and does not imply that the operator monitoring it will also answer any calls. It is not a correspondent in service. But if the gateway is interfered with, then it intervenes. The supervision criterion is therefore limited whether there is corrective action in the case of misuse of the gateway. For information, each gateway owner is not obliged to have the gateway open if it is not monitored, so he can take it out of the network, e.g., at night. So someone calling in a certain area and not getting an answer should make sure that the gateway is in operation, before concluding that it is not monitored. Each gateway can be permanently connected to the network and appear in one of three operating states. 1. No broadcast and receive 2. No receive, but only broadcast of what it receives from the internet 3. Broadcast and receive All of the above is for the information of the fortunately very few who are unaware of these overlapping FRN gateway support conditions and attempt, either with DTMF tones or repeated PTTs to interfere or disrupt forcibly the conversations of colleagues at that moment. Finally, and to make it more illustrative, at the time of intentional or accidental interference, the owner of the gateway or anyone else authorized to do so, simply right-clicks on the availability of the gateway and it mutes it, while the rest of the conversations are heard. Just like that. When the problem is gone, it brings it back again simply with another click on the computer. 66-What will happen if the Original System Manager suddenly stops working? —Those who are connected to Hellas-FRN at that time will not understand anything and will continue to use the network normally. That is, for those who keep the program open on a 24-hour basis, there will be no problem. —Those who usually close the program at night will notice a delay in their next connection attempt. —They will not be able to select from the list of available servers by pressing the magnifying glass. They should type the name hellas-frn.ddns.net —Those who are in this process will not be able to get a code. —If they take a long time to log in, they will not be able to enter at all, since in this case it is necessary to renew the connection data with the system manager. —For those online, if the regular hellas-frn server also goes down, the automatic transfer to the backup hellasfrn.ddns.net will not work. Caution: Do not make any changes to your existing FRN accounts on 1 PC, nor transfer an account to another PC, because such actions require the cooperation of the system manager who is out. That is, an account that was running normally on 1 PC and you moved it to another, it won’t run there and when you return to the previous PC, it probably won’t run there either. Usually the period of time when the system manager is down is relatively short and happens either for upgrade reasons, or for reasons of solving technical problems arising from network load or by “well-meaning” smart people who have pleasant managing to make communication systems to go out of business. 67- Why my callsign is not visible on the Hellas-FRN analog network when I use the input from one of the known digital networks? When you are listening or transmit from a digital network and you see a different callsign on the screen than that of the operator, this means that the station that is transmitting or your station is coming from the analog side of the system. Due to the fact that the analog side does not transmit encoded information, you will not see the callsign of the transmitting station. Under this way you can realize that the station is coming from the HELLAS-FRN network's side. This is considered normal. 68-Why did Hellas-FRN.net change connection with the System Manager and from freeradionetwork.eu connected to freeradionetwork.de? January 27th, 2024 After 9 years of cooperation with the Original System Manager, the Hellas-FRN.net network exhausted whatever limits of goodwill and patience it had and taking seriously the efforts of colleagues who employ machines and waste personal time relying on the Greek server, decided to leave the connect to it and connect to the Alternative System Manager, for the following serious reasons concerning the Original System Manager: 1. Frequent instabilities and interruptions in its operation, as a result of which the Hellenic server remains exposed to the colleagues who have trusted it for so many years and despite the tireless and costly efforts to improve the quality of the latter's communications. 2. No information from him or any early warning of any problem with his operation, so that there is a premeditation for actions of the servers connected to him. 3. No update if any attempt is made to resolve in case it goes offline or time perspective of re-opening keeping everyone in the dark and in doubt. 4. Instability or inability to give codes when requested for clients. Refusal to provide passwords to a specific type of email without an explanation as to why. 5. No new update-improvement to the operating program provided on the computer, not even when Hellas-FRN.net sent him the translation of the program into Greek, so that in the next version it is integrated from the beginning of the installation for easy selection. 6. Incorrect data synchronization of his website with the real connection lists of servers and clients around the world. Show connection status of previous months or even six months as current. In addition to the above and the specific decision as Hellas-FRN.net, all of us who accepted his services, want to thank him for everything he has offered us so far. As it appears that continued support is now becoming difficult for him and for reasons we do not know, we count his positive contribution so far and will continue to push his original idea - inspiration further, inviting and challenging old and new radio amateurs to engage primarily with the hobby and then with the specific way of communication, enriched recently with the bridges of digital configurations and programs. 69-What is the prerequisite knowledge background in order for someone to be able to meet the requirements of regulating and managing the FRN program? 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. So in conclusion, 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 mandatory to make an effort to learn himself at the beginning as an absolutely necessary condition and then to 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.

To connect to ZELLO's HELLAS-FRN channel so that through it you can access the communications room of Hellas-FRN which is for radio amateurs, you must first create a Zello account and indeed along with the username to be and the your amateur radio badge, in a way that is visible during your connection. The participants in this channel are those who have registered at Hellas-FRN.net and are radio amateurs with a station license wireless in force. This requirement comes from the capacity that each active member has in their Zello channel to activate radios through Hellas-FRN. The link is made with the Ham1 room which contains only VHF radios, as shown in the photo below. This is achieved on the one hand by Zello which works as a gateway (and not with VOX as as usual, which presents serious communication delay problems), and besides the possibility of the FRN program to work in the crosslink position for cooperation two programs with controlled PTT on broadcast and SQL on reception over independent COMs at TTL level. The adjacent photo shows an example of connecting to Zello and specifically to the channel of HELLAS-FRN. The yellow boxes show fellow radio amateurs with a visible badge, where after checking that they have registered they have been designated as "trusted" (Trusted or not is the translation of the terminology used by Zello). The names shown in the red box are waiting to be designated as Trusted by the administrator. This state of Zello comes from the setting that access to the channel is by approval. People there can only listen to the conversations of colleagues at the top of the app, but they can talk to the program administrator or moderators for access instructions or something else. As mentioned at the beginning of the page, those who are in the "untrusted" list they are considered as pending access approval. It is necessary to have their badge visible and to have registered at Hellas-FRN.net. Radio amateur callsign and CBr callsign next to it is not a problem, neither for approval nor for use, as it is considered that the colleague in this case is acting as a radio amateur and not as a CBr. Other forms of nouns or diminutives or attributives - descent they cannot be approved for communications security reasons by pure radio amateurs, since random names do not identify radio amateur status. Also subtly only club CB are not approved. The names in the red box in the adjacent photo are taken as a real example of the above mentioned. It is impossible their classification as trustworthy as long as they state plain names or surnames or toponyms, information from which does not indicate whether they are radio amateurs. Note: They may be , but it is not listed and thus the radio amateur status is not recognized. There are some who really aren't and are connected there on Zello for simple listening.

Welcome to my web site. As radio amateur, beyond the common way of acting the hobby, I have the passion to design and build ham radio projects up to a complete set. I started this hobby a long time ago, circa decade of 70s, and many projects came out since then. Recently, I continued designing a lot of other specialized on digital communication projects of which the most popular was the “μ-Interface v.1.2“. Many ham radio amateurs are happy because of using this, even on deferent mods. Currently, I'm finalizing a new version of μ-Interface that will cover 99,9% of ham radio needs. In perspective of a general view of my efforts, I could say that the projects are 99% designed, assembled and tested by personal care and caution. I always use relevant component manufacturer’s data information to design from scratch all the projects, rejecting any “copy-paste” ready solution from the web. I also power the Hellas-FRN network in Greece and therefore support a lot of private ham radio users on the matter.

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.