From 
Moderné Amateur radio sa už dávno neobmedzuje iba na klasické spojenie transceivera, antény a operátora sediaceho pri stole. Digitálne módy, automatizácia stanice, vzdialené ovládanie a prepojenie s počítačovou infraštruktúrou sa stali bežnou súčasťou prevádzky mnohých rádioamatérov. Mimoriadne zaujímavým príkladom spojenia QRP techniky a modernej sieťovej komunikácie je open-source projekt IC-705 IP Interface založený na platforme ESP32, ktorý vytvoril Dan OK1HRA.
This project extends the capabilities of the popular Icom IC-705 transceiver with networking features, MQTT communication, remote CW and RTTY control, and integration with shack automation. It is also a solution that is of particular interest to QRPlog users and radio amateurs building modern remote stations.
In the article you will read
Why IC-705
The Icom IC-705 has gained immense popularity since its launch. It combines several features that radio amateurs have been requesting for years:
- QRP power,
- operation on HF, 6 m, 2 m and 70 cm,
- integrated SDR receiver,
- compact dimensions,
- battery power.
Wireless connectivity has opened up a lot of room for experimentation with external controllers, ESP32 modules, and remote device management. The OK1HRA project is one of the most practical implementations of these possibilities.
What is IC-705 IP Interface ESP32
The IC-705 IP Interface project is an intelligent interface based on the ESP32 microcontroller. The device communicates with the Icom IC-705 transceiver via Bluetooth and also provides network services via Wi-Fi.
The entire system is designed as a universal interface between the transceiver and the network infrastructure of an amateur radio station.
ESP32 as an ideal platform
ESP32 microcontrollers have become extremely popular in the amateur radio world. There are several reasons for this:
- integrated Wi-Fi,
- Bluetooth connectivity,
- low energy consumption,
- sufficient computing power,
- low price,
- a broad community of developers.
It is practically an ideal platform for projects around the IC-705. The radio itself already includes advanced wireless interfaces, and the ESP32 allows these functions to be easily integrated into station automation.
OK1HRA uses ESP32 as an intelligent bridge between the transceiver and the local network, resulting in a very flexible system.
Integration with QRPlog
One of the most interesting areas of use is cooperation with the QRPlog logging software.
In combination with IP Interface, a very elegant solution can be created:
- automatic frequency reading,
- switching antennas by band,
- MQTT communication with other devices,
- remote CW transmission,
- centralized control of a QRP station.
Such a solution is extremely attractive, especially for portable operators, QRP enthusiasts and users of automated home stations.
Main advantages and decentralized architecture
One of the biggest advantages of the entire system is its absolute independence from cloud services and internet connection. The entire solution works completely decentralized. The hardware with ESP32 itself serves as an access point (AP) or integrates into an existing local network, while the log database is stored directly in the web browser of the client device (smartphone, tablet or computer) using the modern IndexedDB storage. This means that you do not need the internet on expeditions (SOTA, POTA, GMA). All you need is a powered interface module, the radio itself and any phone that immediately runs a clear graphical log environment without the need to install any applications from third-party stores.
MQTT and smart amateur radio station
One of the most technically interesting features of the project is support for the MQTT protocol.
MQTT is a lightweight network protocol designed for IoT devices. In amateur radio practice, it can be used to:
- control of antenna switches,
- switching bandpass filters,
- control of PA amplifiers,
- monitoring of operating conditions,
- remote station automation.
The ESP32 interface can read the current operating frequency from the IC-705 and immediately send it via the MQTT broker to the entire shack infrastructure.
This means that other devices can automatically respond to a change in band or operating mode.
- control of external tuners,
- wireless logging,
- operation monitoring,
- DIGIMODES.
Thanks to its very low power consumption, the entire system is also suitable for battery power.
Conclusion
IC-705 IP Interface with ESP32 QRPlog function is a top-notch tool that brings the comfort of working with the ICOM IC-705 radio to the level of large stationary transceivers. Thanks to low power consumption (less than 1 W), the possibility of operation from an internal battery or a portable power source and high software stability, it is an ideal addition for every active radio amateur who likes to work from the field, but does not want to give up the comfort of a modern logbook and network functions. All materials, diagrams and a web-based firmware installer are freely available to the entire community on the author's website. GitHub .