Host and Client devices
The full OpenShack Remote system uses a Windows 11 PC at the station Host and a Windows PC at the operator for the complete feature set. A tablet or smartphone can be used for operation without a PC when you do not need every local interface and program.
Receive and transmit audio
The station must provide audio from the radio and audio back to it. That can come from a radio with native USB audio or from your existing station interface. OpenShack uses that bidirectional path; the OpenShack Box is not a replacement for the station’s audio interface.
Radio control
OpenShack uses Hamlib with our own extensions to support many different radio types. If the radio offers two COM ports for CAT, OpenShack can also provide a second 1:1 CAT path for software that needs its own direct connection.
CW and PTT
For good remote-CW integration we recommend an OpenShack Box at the Host. It connects to CW and PTT at the station and recreates the intended timing locally. A Client Box is optional; it adds a paddle input, immediate sidetone and footswitch PTT beside the operator.
Internet connection
You need a stable Internet connection at both ends, but normally no special router project. OpenShack tries a direct Peer-to-Peer route and uses its connection servers automatically when CGNAT, DS-Lite or another restriction prevents a direct path.
Station equipment
Depending on your setup, OpenShack can bring waterfall, DX cluster, rotators, amplifiers, tuners, antenna controllers and URL-controlled switches to the Client PC. If your exact device is missing and protocol documentation exists, ask us about an implementation.