As many of you know, NORAC is finally replacing IRLP node 1050's hardware with something brand new and super efficient. We're moving from a double-digit years old PC (that Terry VE7TRZ has resuscitated many a time) to a brand new PiRLP4, created by the god of IRLP, David Cameron himself.
I just received the shipment in the mail from David and here's the unboxing:
First thing to note is that even the shipping box is tiny. That's the box sitting on top of my ARRL Antenna Book.
Unboxing we have the PiRLP4 and the power adapter. All comms with the radio happen via the DB9 shown.
Power adapter is USB type C.
16 GB microSD for storage. No more spinning HDDs!
DTMF, PTT and COS lights are here.
Lotsa ports including hardwire ethernet (yes we like hardwiring). Note the top left USB port has been disabled via hot glue as this is where the USB audio interface connects internally.
When I get together with Terry VE7TRZ to do the hookup with the radio and testing of the unit I'm guessing we'll pull the cover off to take a quick peek inside. Check back for those pics and a summary of our next step activities in a week or so. I hope to hook up with Terry mid October to get it all integrated.
FYI,
Mike VE7KPZ
NORAC Vice-President 2017-2019, technical committee member