The SharkRF M1KE WLAN IP transceiver
Time for me to invest more time in understanding the M1KE WLAN IP transceiver. As the name suggests, it uses wireless networking over an IP connection. While this means you aren’t using a frequency reserved for licensed amateur radio operators, you are still using RF in the form of a 2.4GHz radio signal to and from your wifi router.
If you missed Part 1, jump to:
Random Wire 157: Part 1 on the m1ke WLAN IP transceiver
It is very low wattage. According to the specifications page, the RF output of the M1KE is only 21 dBm. Using the calculator at https://www.everythingrf.com/rf-calculators/dbm-to-watts, I get an output of 0.1259 watts (call it 126 milliwatts).
Let’s get connected to the device
On the M1KE “About” screen you’ll find the device’s unique ID (UID). You’ll need that if you wish to use a web browser to configure your M1KE. And I do recommend starting with the web browser. It provides a smoother experience when configuring your M1KE. Trying to do the same things through the interface on the M1KE is not as easy.
But let’s back up a step. Getting started is very easy:
Getting started with the SharkRF M1KE involves a simple initial setup:
- Charge it.
- Power it on.
- Connect to your wifi network with the on-screen keyboard.
- Enter your call sign.
- Select your country.
The device guides you through these steps.
There’s a YouTube for that
If you prefer visual guidance, check out M0FXB’s FIRST TIME SET UP – SharkRF m1Ke Digital Radio – No Hotspot:
After initial setup, use the SharkRF Link website or the M1KE app to easily access its web interface (using the device’s UID), select digital modes (DMR, YSF, DSTAR, etc.), and connect to reflectors or servers like TGIF for communication.
And there’s an app for that
From SharkRF:
Besides the sharkrf.link webpage, the downloadable SharkRF Link app lets you open the management web interface of your SharkRF devices based on their UIDs, and you can also use the app as a transceiver (see supported SharkRF devices below).
Note: the SharkRF Link app is not required for using your SharkRF device. Full configuration and monitoring is available on the device’s web interface which can be opened using the site sharkrf.link
I asked Grok for some help
Before I got too deep, I asked Grok for help. This is what I passed to Grok: “I’d like a simplified user guide to setting up and using a M1KE WLAN IP transceiver.” Click here to see what Grok produced. But fair warning, don’t automatically assume that what an AI tells you is correct. One Grok response told me to power up the M1KE with 12 to 24 volts of electricity (you power the M1KE with a USB-C charger).
I found the simplified guide — which was extracted and restructured by Grok from the official user guide — helpful. I also asked Grok how to create and save a custom server for the M1KE and was pleased with the result.
(I also tried Grok on a topic I know more about by asking “What ports do I need to forward for AllStarLink to work on my home network?”. Grok answered.)
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