Remote Station Mark 1 (RS1)
The 1 ZULU Remote Station Mark 1 (RS1) is a complete, turn-key remote HF communications system — not just a FlexRadio in a box.
It’s a fully-engineered deployable station, designed for operators who want broadcast-grade remote HF performance without any of the infrastructure headaches. RS1 brings together power, networking, radio, control, and environmental systems into a single integrated package — ready for installation and remote operation from day one.
What You Get
Every RS1 system is supplied fully configured, tested, and on air before delivery. Your package includes:
- FlexRadio 8400 HF Transceiver and 8400 ATU
- DX Commander Antenna system, tuned for multi-band performance
- Victron 100/30 MPPT Charger, 300 Ah LiFePO₄ battery, and dual 400 W solar panels
- Starlink Mini satellite link with weather-proof interface cabling and power supply
- Raspberry Pi 3B+ control node with redundant Ethernet, AWS cloud VPN gateway, and remote management suite
- Outdoor-rated equipment enclosure, fans, lightning arrestor, and all DC cabling
- Full monitoring and telemetry stack (battery voltage, solar input, temperature, uptime)
- Rack and mounting hardware for a clean, field-deployable installation
From solar input to RF output, everything is integrated, delivered, and owned outright by you.
Operating Your RS1 Remotely
Most FlexRadio operators worldwide — around 90% — control their stations entirely over the internet using either a Windows or macOS computer. FlexRadio provides dedicated SmartSDR software for both platforms, allowing full control of transmit, receive, panadapter, filters, memories, and logging — all without any additional hardware.
- Windows SmartSDR: Free download from the FlexRadio website.
- SmartSDR for Mac: Available from the Mac App Store for a modest one-time cost.
- SmartSDR for iOS: Optional iPad and iPhone app available for mobile operation.
No additional control console is required. The RS1 station comes ready to connect — simply install the SmartSDR app on your device, log in with your FlexRadio account, and operate from anywhere in the world. This flexibility makes RS1 ideal for operators who prefer a minimalist, software-based station interface.
Ownership Model
From day one, you own 100 % of the hardware — the radio, batteries, solar, Starlink kit, and control systems. There are no rentals, no shared resources, and no vendor lock-in. All configuration data and VPN keys are handed over at commissioning.
Pricing (AUD)
| Option | Up-front | Monthly | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Option 1 – Outright Purchase | $12,225 | $279 | You purchase and own all equipment. Monthly cost covers link, hosting, and site rental. |
| Option 2 – Finance (Lease-to-Own) | $500 deposit | ≈ $439 / month | Ten-year finance plan. After 10 years, you own all equipment outright. Includes $279 ongoing OPEX. |
Finance Calculation (approx.)
- Amount financed: $11,725 (AUD 12,225 – 500 deposit)
- Term: 10 years (120 months)
- Interest rate assumption: 8 % p.a.
- Monthly repayment (equipment only): ≈ $160 AUD
- Add OPEX ($279 / month) → ≈ $439 / month total
(Finance figures are indicative only and subject to credit approval.)
Remote Location and Deployment
RS1 is designed for secure, off-site installation — typically on rural or semi-rural land with a clear RF environment and reliable solar exposure.
Each RS1 package includes an allowance for a typical remote site rental, already factored into the $279 monthly OPEX fee. This represents approximately $83 per month (about $1,000 per year), which covers secure hosting, access, and site maintenance through 1 ZULU’s partnered landholders across Australia.
Customers who already own suitable land — such as a quiet acreage, rural shed, or outpost property — can host the system themselves. In those cases, the monthly fee can be reduced accordingly.
If you don’t yet have a suitable site, 1 ZULU can arrange a secure and reliable host location through one of our established landowner partnerships nationwide.
Typical Use Cases
- Remote HF operations for operators in apartments or retirement facilities
- Deployable field communications nodes for civil defence, EMCOMM, and research
- High-reliability “set and forget” stations for club or multi-user operation
- Educational or government radio infrastructure where full telemetry is required
Summary
The RS1 is turn-key, owned, and fully supportable. It combines Australian engineering, commercial-grade hardware, and naval-inspired resilience — delivering a remote station that’s locked down, leak-proof, and mission ready.
Sales Enquiries
For all RS1 and RS1M sales or technical enquiries, please contact Ian directly at ian@iangilchrist.net to discuss configuration options, pricing, or site arrangements.