Remote operation and a unexpected QSO with Thailand

I've always been able to operate remotely, even with the 857. I was able to operate FT8 and other digital modes without issue. When I got my IC-7300, I thought to myself, "A whole new world of remote operation has finally opened up to me." That was until I realized that the Icom factory software only runs on Windows. All of my radio gear runs off a Raspberry Pi 4.

Linux computers are great. Windows boxes have their purpose, but for something that just sits there, does everything you need it to, and doesn't take up a bunch of electricity, the Raspberry Pi platform wins.

I looked for options and found wfview. It gives me most of the features of the OEM software with the advantage of being free and running on a Raspberry Pi. I've had it working but thought it would be nice to be able to run SSB, FM, or AM. I managed to get the audio routing set up properly between my laptop and the Raspberry Pi but was having issues with very low audio output. I was working with one of my friends, having him monitor my audio from his QTH and also listening on an SDR. I adjusted the output level of the 7300 to provide audio with an appropriate level on the SDR. While we were going back and forth discussing settings and checking audio, he told me that 20m was open to Thailand.

It was 7:16 p.m., and much to my surprise, 20m was wide open to Thailand. I tuned the VFO over to 14.227 and started listening for HS0ZMY. I heard my friend give out his call, and then the operator, Denis, made the QSO with him.

I called HS0ZMY a few more times, and although the QSO initially sounded weak, he called me back. I was 5-2 going his way and 5-3 coming back my way.

I can generally get into Europe, but seeing areas in Asia, especially on sideband, is new and very infrequent for me. We eventually got the audio levels set for wfview, which is super handy, but it also requires me to change the preset on the radio to make sure the audio output is where it needs to be.

For my day-to-day, I'm not too sure of the utility—at least for me—of phone operation remotely. It's way easier to sit there and make digital QSOs. I imagine people would look at you weird if you're talking into your laptop, likely repeating yourself trying to make a QSO. There's much more I can go into regarding the Raspberry Pi or the remote operation setup, but it's getting late. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me, and I'd be more than happy to answer them for you.