Every amateur operator knows the frustration of a silent radio—especially when it’s forced by HOA restrictions, physical limitations, severe local RFI, or moving to an antenna-restricted location. For many licensed hams, these barriers mean putting a lifelong passion on pause. That’s where OnlineRemoteRadio comes in. I’m writing to let Flex operators know about this terrific resource for other Flex ops. See my own “no antennas here” story below. OnlineRemoteRadio connects hams who lack antenna access with Flex radio owners willing to let other licensed Flex operators run their stations remotely when idle. Using just a web browser—SmartLink not needed, and no extra software installation required on their end—you can give a fellow ham the thrill of tuning the bands, making contacts, and staying active in our hobby using your Flex setup. Why Share Your FlexRadio Station? Pay It Forward: Give an antenna-restricted ham remote access to experience the performance and precision of your Flex setup. Total Control: You decide when your station is available and to whom. Share your radio only when you aren't using it—your rig, your schedule, your terms. Strengthen the Hobby: Keep our HF frequencies active and build real community by offering remote guest-operating privileges. Find out more. Check the website at OnlineRemoteRadio. Join the network of volunteer Flex radio hosts today. Contact K7GFH on the website to get started! My personal story: I’m KK9TT. I operate a Flex 8400 and 6300 but for various personal reasons, my wife and I made the move to a 55+ retirement community this summer. Like many HOAs, outside antennas are a hard no. So I thought my operating days were over—until a friend pointed me to Online Remote Radio. Thanks to this wonderful resource, I’m fully back on the air. A huge thank-you to K7GFH and everyone involved for building and maintaining such a great service for the ham community. It means a lot to be active again. 73, KK9TT
Flex makes it incredible easy. 73 from, Steve https://www.k0uo.com/k0uo "Rhombic Antenna Farm & test range" Miles of Wire In the Air and On the Air Daily.
Just my opinion, but I'm skeptical if this gets any traction. There are plenty of other ways to remote into another (friend's) station, not needing a Flex scenario. You're also opening up your station to another's poor operating or illegal practices, and *you're* on the hook for it. Once this happens, a Flex owner will cease the practice. Why expose yourself in the first place? There are also "pay for play" options, like remotehamradio.com, to accomplish the same thing with professionally installed high power, huge antenna stations. But the bottom line is, unless you reside in a high-rise/multi-dwelling attached condo (with no attic access), there's *always* a way to get on the air despite HOA or other restrictions. There's nothing like operating your own station, even with some limitations. All it takes is a little ingenuity.
