Introduction
More and more Amateur Radio operators are beginning to realize the flexibility and utility of Network Radio. Network Radio has become the “Swiss Army Knife” of communications technology. Amateur radio users can reach other Amateurs world wide using such applications as Zello, IRN, Echolink, and APRS. New applications are still popping up. For example the recently released Android app Peanut now allows users to use some popular D-Star reflectors using an android device. The user doesn’t even need a D-Star radio or a hotspot, just an internet connected Android device. In the past month this application has increased D-Star traffic on the popular reflectors dramatically. Not to mention that Zello can be used to establish a repeater like function for Amateurs who don’t have access to a local repeater. Zello can also be used to augment existing repeaters by increasing access to the repeater over unlimited distances very inexpensively. Also since there is no antenna required it allows Amateurs who are in antenna restricted to go back to rag chewing with other Amateurs across the world. Most users can give Network Radio a try by simply downloading the appropriate apps on their cellphones. However if you get hooked, you …
