In May 2006, I had a fascinating QSO that introduced me to a new aspect of our ever-evolving hobby - Internet Remote Base (IRB) stations. My contact was with YI9DXX, a station located in Baghdad, Iraq, but remotely operated by Alan, K6AMD, from his location in the United States.
IRB stations are an intriguing development in amateur radio. They allow operators to control radio equipment at a distant location via an internet connection. This opens up possibilities for amateurs to operate from areas where they might not be able to set up a physical station due to restrictions, space limitations, or other factors. It also allows for operation from rare or difficult-to-access locations.
PSK31, or Phase Shift Keying 31 baud, had been gaining popularity since its introduction in the late 1990s, and by 2006, it had become my go-to mode for digital operations. What I particularly appreciate about PSK31 is its efficiency. The narrow bandwidth of just 31.25 Hz means it's excellent for weak signal work and allows for multiple QSOs to take place in the space previously occupied by a single SSB signal.
As I tuned across the 20m band that day, the distinctive waterfall display on my computer screen showed the narrow PSK31 signals. Among them, I spotted YI9DXX calling CQ. The clean, phase-shifted signal stood out clearly.
I felt a surge of excitement. Iraq was a new one for me, and the opportunity to work a station actually located in Baghdad was too good to pass up. I called and, to my delight, received a response.
During our QSO, Alan explained the IRB setup. The actual radio and antenna were indeed in Baghdad, but he was controlling everything from his home in the US. It was a strange feeling, knowing that my signals were being received in Iraq, then relayed back to Alan via the internet, and his responses making the reverse journey.
This contact opened my eyes to the possibilities of IRB operations. While some may debate whether it's the same as traditional radio operation, I found it fascinating. It allows amateurs to put rare locations on the air more frequently and provides opportunities for those who might otherwise be unable to operate from certain areas and experience the thrill of working a large pile-up that they might never have when using their home call..
The YI9DXX contact was a highlight in my logbook, not just for being a new country, but for the unique way it was achieved. It demonstrated how amateur radio continues to evolve, embracing new technologies while still maintaining the core spirit of communication and technical experimentation that defines our hobby.
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