00:00 Intro 01:22 Strategy & Goals 02:19 Manufacturers don't understand 02:46 Dump the audio interface 04:54 CAT Control & audio cables 06:38 Dump the USB power cable 07:15 12v DC external power 08:26 Location and Time 11:05 Connecting with any device without wires. 13:51 Wireless Access point 15:40 Ham Radio Manufacturers don't get it! 16:21 Enclosures & field ops 18:18 AmRRon Setup scripts for Raspberry Pi 22:30 Raspberry Pi powered Rigs 27:10 DRAWS Hat NWDR 29:45 PiJuice Hat 31:35 Raspberry Pi goes to Lapland 32:15 Final thoughts 73 Julian oh8stn
Fantastic, I've been working towards the same goal for a couple of years. Going to be a long night.. One question what was the Android terminal you used in the video? It looked fairly well built physically. Thanks, I'll check out your other videos.
Hi! I went on your site to find more information on how to get the Pi to create it's own network and the link to the Pi site is broken. I searched all over on how to get the Pi to create it's own network but everything I can find requires an ethernet connection. Do you have more information on how I can configure my Pi 4 to create a network I can connect to with a tablet to run VNC with no ethernet/wifi.
i have a question. what would i need to know to know how to build my own HAM. is there any programming that would be beneficial and if so what program would i use and also what hardware?
Your best quote ever, "the need to get MS Windows out of ham shacks and away from Emergency communications". Now if radio vendors will listen, we can make some head way to getting better programming software. Thanks for this video and everything you do and share! Keep it up! I like being part of the amazing things you do!
That was still true until recently. Unfortunately emergency communications is still stuck in the windows ecosystem. I would love to use a MacBook or Linux system exclusively but, development and these other systems he's the lacking from an emergency communications perspective 😥
I am a new lurker but a HUGE supporter. Your programs are the motivation that I needed to go beyond the local FM scene. A newer licensee I may be, yet I'd hung up my PTT for several years, because the overall motivation and aim of local emergency services groups didn't quite meet the expectation of what I'd hoped to find. Thanks for the introduction to and virtual mentorship for man portable, HF field ops and overall system integration! IMHO, your contribution through YT to the amateur community is tremendous, and without parallel. Thank you Sir a thousand times over for all that you do.
Julian, unlike so many Ham Radio TH-camrs, your dedication to actually providing helpful content without extraneous verbiage stands alone. Thanks for a great channel!
Excellent video as always Julian. There are two key take-aways from this and similar videos. 1. You actually use your gear in the field under field conditions. 2. Taking gear into the field, you quickly find out where the excess weight and hardware flaws are. I highly encourage everyone who is truly interested in field ops to pack everything, carry it around their yard then deploy it in the backyard without going back inside for those "other parts". While very basic, this will still show you where you're carrying too much or what you're lacking. Once you can walk to your backyard and get on the air without external support, expand it to the neighborhood ballfield...rinse and repeat. These small, simple tests will quickly show where your deficiencies are and will make for a far more effective and enjoyable deployment in the future. As for me, my next "deployment" is Winter Field Day 2020. Hope to see you on the air.
Don't worry you'll have another chance in the next video when I take the Raspberry Pi to Lapland :-) Thanks for the comment and the kindness, It's very much appreciated.
Hi Julian, great video. Couple of notes: The FTDI chipset "problem" was designed into the *Windows* drivers to attempt to stem the flow of cheaper Chinese chips. Linux systems (including the RPi) don't care if the serial chip is "real" or "fake", they both work just fine. Also, if anyone is concerned about putting audio signals from the audio interface directly into the radio (can go bang), cheap 1:1 transformers (in the form of "ground loop isolators" of the sort you can get on eBay for pence) are the way forward.
I agree with you 100%!!! I am tired of the rats nest of wires we have to contend with wether it be field or ham shack centered. Once we can come up with a very clean and compact digital station it would be nice if someone could create a weather proof case sized for field use. I love the Pelican products but a case with a view would be nice no matter how remote we make the station to interface with an external device, I still like to keep an eye on stuff within the case. I have used in the past an industrial spray on silicone conformal coating that protects the board from condensation issues however the problem remains with the interface ports of the Pi. All of its connectors are the weakest link in keeping it dry and operating properly. Keep up the great work and research, looking forward to the next video! 73!
I’ve been following you for about 7 months. I know this video has been around for a bit, but I wanted to mention how I’ve enjoyed coming back to your channel when I learn something new to learn (more) of something new. 👍🏻
Another great video, so glad you talked about the DRAWs Hat! I can't wait until you post more about your experience with that. I love your dedication to specific requirements and why manufacturers are failing by not engaging their customers (or at least customers like us) in their development process. Keep up the excellent work!
Every time I watch your videos they make me want to build more. I have built your radio packs already, so now I need to get over my fear and jump into Raspberry Pi for my 891. You've done a truly great job! 73, K8JLW
This video seems like a capstone for all of your previous Raspberry Pi, tablet, & soundcard videos, but I know you're just going to continue to adapt and evolve. I was so happy to watch this video this morning. Keep up the incredible work! 73 de KI7POL
Yeah we've definitely come a long way since sitting in the freezing rain getting frostbite with the 817 and tablet. 👍😀 The amount of effort going into these videos, is driven by the field testing. Without the field testing, the evolution can't happen. Comments like yours let me know the recipe is working. Thanks for that. 73 Julian oh8stn
Fantastic content. Thank you. Newbie Ham in UK. Currently studying for foundation Licence. Ex-RN Radio OP keen to go portable cw ops. Keep this up. So valuable.
You have made excellent points on how to build a portable station. I am a fan of the Draws hat and use it for most of my ham digital modes. I agree it needs help with the software because we do not have the drivers for it. You made us look at cabling and exiting from the rear is importantance. Some manufactures get it but most do not. You keep driving us to a simpler more useable portable ham system. Thank you,
I found on Amazon a board that takes a very wide voltage input and has a fan to keep the Pi cool. It also has a switch to shut down the Pi. Not sure if it cuts power or does it normal software shut down. I think it has the pins on it to put another board on top of it. If so then you could put the board with the power supply and fan on top of the Pi and another board on top of that. This may make the Pi start to get taller, and not easy to find a case to fit it. But it will take something like 9 to about 16 volts, keep your Pi cool and give something like 4 or 5 amps of power to the Pi. I don't think you will need more power than that. But everyone has what they think is most important for their application. THANK YOU FOR THE INFORMATION YOU GIVE!
Sounds like a good one. Be careful with the fan Cooling. Fans create noise on HF. If you don't live in a terribly hot environment, passive cooling is definitely better. Anyway without seeing that bored, it's difficult for me to answer if another board can be stacked on top. I think the best bet would be sending a message to the seller Anne asking about the stacking capabilities. If designed correctly, it should be no problem.
@@OH8STN The best part is the buck convertor to take 10 to16 volts to 5 volts with power leftover for the Pi 4 to 5 amps at 5 volts. Not sure if it will make noise, it said low noise but that could be sound. I think there is a way to switch the fan on and off if needed. I live in south Florida. If working Pi4 the fan may be needed. Working outside with 95F weather fan may help. I will check on some things and see. Don't know if a Pi3 will need a fan. The fan has a plug to the board so can be unplugged. It does have the header pins on top of it to put another board on top of it. Just a idea if you want. It does use a plug coming out the side but it looks like you can put wires to the board and run them out the back and put power pole on it. My next 2 disability checks are spoken for but I want to get it later this year. When I get it I can tell you more about it.
I also like commsprepper, but admittedly I'm a little sad that he's not making so many videos anymore. Eric has a nice channel. He can get people generally motivated about the hobby. I don't know that other channel. My favorites Communications channel is GuerrillaComm. He doesn't make that many videos anymore, but he has a solid library on TH-cam. If something seen in this channel is useful or entertaining to people, it makes it worth the effort. Thanks for the comment. It's very much appreciated. 👍
OH8STN: Outstanding video!!! Even though I specialize in portable CW, I still integrate my RasPi-4 with my gear as assistive technology. I have learned a few more things that I didn’t know about the RasPi configuration for Amateur Radio. Thank you & 73!!!
Great video! I love seeing the progress and experimenting followed by the solutions you end up with. As a relatively new operator with an interest in off grid/emergency Comms, this is exactly the stuff I love learning about. Great work and keep it up! Thank you for all your work.
Julian oh8stn, your approach toward radio communication development is highly appreciated. Your methodology to convey vast experience into hands-on build with reasoned explanations makes this subject easy to learn. I thank-you for for sharing through TH-cam. I pre-ordered an IC 705 and intend to obtain a first time operator rating through a local club located in Renton, Washington. Looking forward to future projects focused on an IC 705. All the best to you and your family for this Holiday Season and the New Year.
I'm have just recently passed HAM licensing exams here in the Phils. If it were not for this pandemic, I might have already gotten my license/callsign, but I have to wait a little longer to do that. Having that said, your videos inspires me to the fascinating world of radio communications, especially your practical ways of doing thing. Keep it up Sir. Thank you for keeping it interesting. 73.
Congratulations on getting your amateur radio license. Hopefully you'll get your call-sign pretty soon. Hey thank you for this wonderful comment, it's a nice way to start my day. Hopefully this channel can keep you interested and inspired. Your comment has certainly inspired me. Thanks for the kindness and the feedback oh, it's very much appreciated. 73 Julian oh8stn
Thanks again for another excellent video. I have two Raspberry Pi's sitting in a desk drawer inches from my laptop. It is my plan and has been for some time now, to get a portable digital station up and running. I've been inspired by your portable field tests and ongoing gear development. It's my opinion that Linux is clearly the way to go for portable emergency communications. Less expensive get which is totally man packable has a clear advantage over something which can only be moved with a vehicle. Likewise, gear that has a low energy demand and can be recharged via solar makes total sense. I now have the power supply side of a field station completed so can actually operate man-portable but only with phones mode. As winter sets in here in Canada, I hope to have more time to get the Pi out of the drawer and start working on the digital side of the station. Thanks for your continued inspiration.
Thanks Marvin. The only thing that limiting Linux absorption for newcomers, is a lack of good documentation and tutorials, specific to our working tools. Even with these challenges, integrating the Raspberry Pi with our rigs, has clear advantages for station deployment and operations. It's not perfect, but we're certainly getting there. The next video will be a field test of sorts. Can you wait Marvin oh, thanks for the comment feedback and kindness. It's very much appreciated. 73 Julian oh8stn
The RPi4 arrived yesterday, and was used tonight on FM without a head to check into the local ARES net using FLDigi. Way cool. The AmRRon scripts were indispensable to the effort. Excited for the arrival of LFP cells and components this week to build a battery, and then off to the field for R&D trials on HF using a rotary dipole that I've assembled for the same purpose. There is still much left to learn and build, but so far, its not a bad start IMO. None of which I could have accomplished were it not for your contribution to the radio community. TY Sir.
While I don't agree that every manufacturer should make it work the way you want (as they couldn't meet everyone's needs). I am however very intrigued with your setup and this is the best use of a RPi for ham radio I have seen. Thank you.
Thanks Eric. No need to agree :-) this is more about using my platform to give manufacturers new product ideas, and showing Operators what we can do with a little ingenuity. Thanks for the honest comment oh, and kindness. It's very much appreciated. 73 Julian oh8stn
I had a couple of HAM buddies and their wives over for dinner last night and the topic of conversation eventually turned to you. I realized I had watched a couple of your videos quite a long time ago but had forgotten about you. Logging in today and watching this video I can see I have missed quite a bit. I will be catching up on your excellent videos. Thanks for all of your efforts!
Awesome comment. It's taking me awhile to understand what I'm passionate about, and how to present the message. Those old videos were all over the place. I guess I was trying to make too many people happy, ... Thanks for this comment, and support. It's very much appreciated.
Just found your channel and this video in particular. I have a lot to learn but what you are doing resonates with what I want to do with radio. I'm a new ham two years and primarily do SOTA and POTA. I only have an Elecraft KX3. No base station, no mobile. Everything in my backpack. Just SSB to date. Need to learn CW and digital. Although I'm having a lot of fun with this, off grid communications feels like the next avenue to go down. Thanks for the channel and I have a lot of your other videos to go through. 73
Welcome to the community 👍 For date of modes with the kx3 you want to get yourself a Digirig for cat control and audio. The Raspberry Pi is interesting but can be complicated on a summit. I would go with a surface tablet to keep things simple.
Awesome video! Thank you for blazing the trail, and thanks also to AmRRON for their work. I completely agree with the reduced cable clutter and single power requirements for field work. I see the attraction of VNC control, but I'm still leaning toward a dedicated LCD and folding keyboard, with everything tucked into a box to protect it during transportation. Wireless control is great and allows a lot of flexibility, but I don't want to power the radio station and a tablet or notebook. If not for the weight and power consumption, I'd be tempted to eliminate the Pi and use a rugged notebook for rig control and digital modes, basically a field version of the QTH shack. Like you say, I hope manufacturers start to understand field use and make more integrated radios. It honestly wouldn't take much to make a turn key solution with an integrated low power Linux computer (Pi or equivalent) that could be upgraded as new software is developed. It also strikes me that, while it's great for everyone to run scripts or otherwise configure their own systems, there is also a market for people who would like to buy a pre-configured Pi with a radio specific control cable. There is plenty of opportunity to experiment with system packaging, solar power, batteries, power regulation, antennas, etc. If nothing else, I have cellular internet and downloading a 17GB bootable Pi image would bust my monthly bandwidth limit. Similarly, Northwest Radio needs to make downloadable images that Just Work (TM) with a Pi 3B and Pi 4B. Integrated hardware isn't much help when it takes longer to configure the software than it takes to buy all the hardware modules on Amazon and configure the software for these non-proprietary bits of hardware. And yeah, the cables connecting to the DRAWS hat need to be on the same side as the Pi cables. That seemingly small detail is, almost by itself, a deal breaker. I have the single jack TRRS version of the Sabrent USB sound adapter (as opposed to the MIC and PHONE ports) which makes the homemade cable slightly more compact.
Great Video as always cant wait for the DRAWs hat video. I am building my own setup with a Yaesu ft-891 and a Pi based on your setup. Have you thought about building your own Hat with all the things you want on it and cable outputs configured to the back? might be a market for it!
Very useful info. I'm planning something similar for my FT-857d mine isn't as much about grid down or emergency as it is about mobile operations but it will also do that too I guess. I want to be able to use voice and also have a waterfall display so I will also add a PAN Adapter tap and a RTL-SDR v3 dongle to the RaspPi. I might upgrade to a SDRPlay RSPdx when they are available. I plan to build mine into an 50mm ammo box and have the ability to remove the head and connect it remotely for use in my car. My radio should be able to work at home in my car or on top of a hill ! Looking forward to seeing the progression! Good luck 73!
Wow ! Just managed to watch this. I'm out of breath from just watching ! Awesome job putting that together. Thanks again for all you do and pushing this genre of the hobby forward IMPO. 73 de 2E0IEH
I found this video very informative & easy to follow along. So much so that I bought a Raspberry Pi 4B along with the other accessories shown & have it almost all assembled. By 1AM this morning I was receiving a WeFax transmission using FLdigi. Today's goal is to have it transmitting and figure out how to use the pi's BT to communicate with the wireless keyboard (if possible). Looking forward to your next video - thank you!
Outstanding video... just got a RPi 4B for just this purpose, and you've given me a lot of fantastic ideas on how to make the best use of it with my 706mkIIg. Thank you so much for sharing the information!!
I continue to learn from everything you have developed and posted. Did you do a video outlining how you move the Pi power to the rear of the pie. This is the part of this video that i found most interesting and an upgrade that I NEED to do.... likely I will buy another Pi specifically to develop the Pi-radio configuration. The Pi and rig as one analogy has rung true for me. Thanks Julian!!!
Excellent content once again Julian. I really need to get my Pi configured with the latest versions of all the various software. I've also ordered a batch of those buck converters so I can revert my PiJuice hat to use a standard power pole link from the ammo can battery box. 73 my friend. G1AW
Thanks for the comment Andy. The Raspberry Pi is becoming more powerful, and easier to configure. I guess it's up to people like us to see how far we can push it :-) It's always good to see a comment from you. It's always very much appreciated. 73
There is a board that goes on top of the Pi that has a fan and a built in buck converter that will take anything from around 9V - 16V in and powers the Pi. It has a plug on the side that is a pain, but there are pins inside near where the plug is that will take the power in. Things can be plunged into the top of it for more things can be added on top like the battery board. This board also has a switch to do a good power down on the Pi, also has a remote control but not sure if that is needed, just something more to keep track of. Just something that you may like to look at. This board is around $40, so it will not add a lot of coast. The fan runs all the time, not sure that is needed everywhere. I live in South Florida and it is hot in the summer some air moving on the Pi can't hurt, it doesn't use that much.
Your videos are super inspiring and informative. Looking to get into portable HF coms and want to include digital modes. The information you present is a bit overwhelming for the newbie but as I start to understand more generally, your presentations start to click in my brain. Keep up the good work. 73
Thanks! yes, I KNOW I'm late on the Pi stuff. What I am looking for is digital on a motorcycle. I have had the screwdriver antenna on the back of 3 BMW motorcycles. Worked great! I had more comments from Non- ham people when seeing a tall antenna on the back of a sport touring machine! And I suppose the leaps and bounds of the Rasberry PI over the past 2+ years is to my benifit? Camping and motorcycle touring. Running close to 20,000 miles per year. So it would be nice to have a small radio platform. I did have my Xiegu G90 along this summer. Screwdriver antenna on the back of BMW K1200RS. take care, 73
Well I ride a Honda Varadero XL1000V. I use a super antenna MP1 mounted on my Hepco Becker pannier racks. A raspberry pi can run most data modes. Unfortunately you didn't say though exactly what you're trying to do. Anyway if you're going to use the Raspberry Pi with qrp radio mounted in a top box, I would suggest getting a proper enclosure for the Raspberry Pi. Everything else is straightforward.
I watched the whole video and I must say I only understood about 2% or it. The big hurdle for me right now is just how to get on the air -- too many life-intervention problems to solve first. But I applaud the effort to simplify ham radio and reduce the costs. Don't wait up for me... Leave the porch light on so I can find my way in the dark -- I'll get there eventually.
Thank you for the rich info. I am KN4VVY and love op JS8. I built a power pack after watching your video, using 8 headway batteries , genasun , ext. One thought about the buck converters.... why not just tap off the middle of the battery pack and get 6 volts. That should work for any 5 volt needs. Maybe with a series resistor to limit current and give a little voltage drop. Thx again. 73. I hope to QSO you on JS8 as I do see you there sometimes.
Another great video Julian. I am also in the middle of building an ultimate Pi system for off grid communications. One question I have for you is where did you buy the two pin GPIO cables that goes to your buck (step down) converter? They look thicker (18 awg?) than the standard ones I have. Thank you in advance for any help with my question.
Another excellent video, Julian. I always learn something with your videos. I am considering a raspberry pi for home and portable use. There will be a couple of different Pi’s but I will learn with the home version. I will look at your raspberry pi video to see the details of your setup. My first look at the pricing comes to between $100-$200 with case and power buc for 12 v conversion. All the best, hope you are doing well up at 65 degrees north! 73 de KI5HXM
SO GOOD👍 I need to keep watching more. This is October 2021 for me getting on board. About watching 10 or so more of your videos and I will start designing my first QRP station. I need much info and you are providing it! THANK YOU! The route of IC-705 is too expensive for me. Probably an RPI solution for me.
I've started this sort of project a number of times and it has failed long the way somewhere or other. Thanks for the 'Poke' to get me started again. Installation script running as we speak. Thanks, Tony G8WBI
even tho i am not a ham radio enthusiast or an operator, by using a raspberry pi for ham radio communication, am really blown away, its all about portability..being in the field.. and carrying expensive hardware..to communicate is a hard selling point for me, so raspberry pi comes to the rescue..Am only wondering if this complete setup can be taken to extreme by going to either Alaska, Siberia, Northern Canada or even the Sahara desert, will this setup perform the same...(of course going to these locations you might have to update the timezone and sat-com data before hand) Thankyou for the video.. stay safe.. GOD BLESS.
"We should actually read what the prompts are asking us" - that alone solves at least 90% of the problems encountered in IT. I'm thinking of using an Orange Pi Zero because of its external WiFi antenna, but that's in an early stage of development/testing, so I'm still tinkering...
@@OH8STN I started my career in IT translating manuals and software. The Orange Pi Zero is more like the Pi A+, but it also has an ethernet connector instead of HDMI, so it should be well suited for the headless projects I have in mind.
I really like the Orange Pi Zero, but in testing with a fairly rigorous unattended application, it would fail intermittently and proved unsuitable for thr purpose. I did not have time to isolate the source of the problem and moved to a Raspberry Pi which proved completely reliable. I hope your success is better and reflects changes that have been made to improve the reliability of the hardware, software, or both as the Orange Pi Zero has lots of potential.
@@robertnickels1527 I had some intermittent problems with different Raspberry Pi models and could trace all of them to older PSUs (dried-out electrolytic capacitors) putting out "wobbly" voltages - new or added capacitors were one solution, but a cheap buck regulator module per Pi with a lead gel battery kept them running as well - lithium cells in parallel with a boost converter should also work.
Love this. There is much I don't understand. But that is my problem! I just got my license and still have MUCH to learn but I like what you are doing I just understand how you are doing it. Maybe in a year when I learn more I will understand more. I have some ideas but don't know enough yet to start putting it all together. THANK YOU FOR YOUR INFORMATION!
Hi Donald. Most of the confusion about what we do and how we should do it comes from not understanding yet what our own personal goals for communications or the Raspberry Pi are. That's a mistake each and every one of us has made in the past. We need to figure out what it is we would like to do even if it's just starting with one single thing. Once you understand what that one single thing is, we can start to put together a list of tasks to help you achieve that. Some operators want to take a lightweight computer on holiday with them, to run ft8. That's the kind of thing you should consider. So they don't put one less abstract goal on the table, then you can start assigning tasks to achieve that goal. If you look at it from the big picture as this video does, it becomes too abstract and difficult to understand. Does that make sense? Does that help you at all?
Just went to the AmRRON site, and who's video did I see on the homepage? *lol* Fantastic work, Julian! You time and effort are greatly appreciated. You're definitely on the cutting-edge.
Hi great content, but little info on how you made up the audio break out cable for the FT817, would like a bit of info so then I would know I was following your steps avoiding mistakes. My Pi 4b is up and running just need the last piece of the puzzle to get finished. Again great work awesome dude.
👍 Thanks for video. I was wondering how I could do something like this with an RPi. The tablet and mini wireless keyboard are good ideas. I am currently using an old small notebook running Xubuntu 18.04. It is reasonably compact but quite heavy. The RPi provides potential for making things smaller and lighter. Maybe if radio manufacturers could design rigs that would accept the latest model of RPi in on board slot?? The RPi is an obvious contender because they are already very popular in the ham community and RPi OS is very well supported. Such an optional extra would allow ops to attach screen, mouse and keyboard to their rig and start using popular digital modes like FT8. Manufacturers could even provide the RPi with preconfigured SD card setup for the specific rig with latest version of WSJT-X so the rig is FT8, FT4 etc. ready straight out the box? Why not take things further and produce rigs that are simply and SDR transcievers with no controls and have an integrated RPi. If you want an old school front panel with knobs and buttons, you can buy a front panel, if you are happy controlling from your desktop PC/tablet, you don't need the front panel. If you want remote control, use it as a server. Perhaps the SDR rig manufacturers are already leading the way over the "Big Three" as manufacturers such as Flex have already adopted this approach (minus the RPi). I suppose the big manufacturers still produce rigs primarily for phone/CW with some features for interfacing to PCs such as USB for CAT/audio. However, so many ops are now using digital "modes" and expect to be able to control it via a PC that it's maybe time for a rethink?
I'm following with bated breath! I'm working to catch up with you as my goal is to be able to work in the field independent of mains power and provide emergency comms for myself and others in a grid-down situation. I hear your frustration with the cable mess! I have an Elecraft KX3/PX3/KXPA100 that requires a sound card for digital ops. When I assemble all those cables... urgh! There has to be a better way. I have an 817ND that I intend to experiment with. Your use of the Pi for that radio is a good one. I have a small 30w PA that can boost the output when needed. I think this might be the better path than the Elecraft, as much as I like that radio. I'm looking forward to more installments. 73 de AG7TX
I have an 817 and looking to soon get the Icom IC-705 as well. I love your setup! I am looking at the amplifier (QRPver-101 PA) you recommended. Which options are the best for these radios? 1 or 3 watts? RF Signal Management (RF VOX) or TX voltage via BNC?
I ordered the 3 watt and vox. 3 watt just in case we tx too much power into it. Vox to reduce the cable mess. You don't need the QRPVer amp with a 705 btw.
Great video, I'm glad to see you mentioning AmRRON (which I am a member). I's funny you mentioned the script because I just spent two days re-imaging 8 old laptops I had laying around with Mint Linux and then running the AmRRON Setup Script on all of them, they will all be backups to my RP4, which will also have another RP4 a a backup. That's the issue with ecomms and digital modes, you better have multiple backups if we are expecting long term SHTF scenerios, have backup SD Cards for the RP, and keep the software up-to-date once a month or so. You never know what could happen and computers are fragile, once you last computer/RP is dead, no more digital modes. Power production is my big weakness currently, so on Friday or Monday (waiting to see if there will be a sale) I'm going to purchase my first PowerFilm panel, I'm looking at the R28 to begin with, I'm excited and thanks for doing all the trail blazing Julian.
Awesome comment. Yeah we're on the same page, and AmRRon has made it much more practical to stay up-to-date. Regarding the backups, and backups of backups, Its lits of work being a fanatic, but you're absolutely right. I haven't done enough with the backup systems yet. But as you mentioned running Linux Mint, I still have that old Asus laptop buy used and older videos. Perhaps I'm going to run the install scripts on that one. It's always awesome to read your comments and insight. They come with much appreciation.
You've inspired me. Having just acquired a Pi4 and a Ft-897 for home use. Eventually, I'll make my existing FT-857 with another Pi4 into my field ops kit. A couple of quick question though... any difficulties dealing with the heat from the PI CPU? I've noticed a big difference between the PI4 & the PI3. Is the PI3 your preferable choice?
Outstanding. You know, to be honest with you if I hadn't ft-897 I was using at home, I would use that empty battery compartment underneath for Raspberry Pi. I'm really sad they discontinue the eight nine seven. Anyway welcome to the Raspberry Pi world :-)
OH8STN well you just stunned me, I never would of thought of using the battery compartment for the Pi! That’s inspired! Although I’d think it’d mess with WIFI. Anyway, I’m making use of the low-profile CNC Aluminum passive heatsink cases available. Makes for a very secure container, yet allows access to all the pins & ports on the PI Board. I was wondering if heat is an issue with your PI’s especially with a HAT & a nearby RF Amp.
Very cool setup. You put a lot of work into this project. Have you considered multiplexing the cabling between the radio and the CPU ? Would reduce it to one cable . I imagine one could 3d print a properly spaced connector body so the breakout from the cable to device ports would be clean. Would be modular as well. Thanks for sharing !
Honestly didn't think about multiplexing. Is there a benefit for such a short cable run? For both rigs, I thought about handmaking leather case covers. Like the old binocular/equipment covers from early exploration times. It would cover and protect the rig/pi, enclose the cables, and have a satchel style from flap, to access the front panel radio controls. So I thought of hiding the cables rather than some other solution.
@@OH8STN The benefit would be cosmetic Just having one cable and perhaps a common ground. The leather covers are cool . I made one for my 817 years ago but repurposed it. A small map case would make a great template.
I'll be looking for the Pi Juice video. I don't know if I'll use it on my Pi 4 (or even if I can). It blocks the fan and heat sink arrangement on my case. The RTC won't work either so I'm looking for a workaround there. I really like the Raspberry Pi though. It's proving to be very useful
00:00 Intro
01:22 Strategy & Goals
02:19 Manufacturers don't understand
02:46 Dump the audio interface
04:54 CAT Control & audio cables
06:38 Dump the USB power cable
07:15 12v DC external power
08:26 Location and Time
11:05 Connecting with any device without wires.
13:51 Wireless Access point
15:40 Ham Radio Manufacturers don't get it!
16:21 Enclosures & field ops
18:18 AmRRon Setup scripts for Raspberry Pi
22:30 Raspberry Pi powered Rigs
27:10 DRAWS Hat NWDR
29:45 PiJuice Hat
31:35 Raspberry Pi goes to Lapland
32:15 Final thoughts
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Julian oh8stn
Fantastic, I've been working towards the same goal for a couple of years. Going to be a long night.. One question what was the Android terminal you used in the video? It looked fairly well built physically. Thanks, I'll check out your other videos.
Hi! I went on your site to find more information on how to get the Pi to create it's own network and the link to the Pi site is broken. I searched all over on how to get the Pi to create it's own network but everything I can find requires an ethernet connection. Do you have more information on how I can configure my Pi 4 to create a network I can connect to with a tablet to run VNC with no ethernet/wifi.
i have a question. what would i need to know to know how to build my own HAM. is there any programming that would be beneficial and if so what program would i use and also what hardware?
Your best quote ever, "the need to get MS Windows out of ham shacks and away from Emergency communications". Now if radio vendors will listen, we can make some head way to getting better programming software. Thanks for this video and everything you do and share! Keep it up! I like being part of the amazing things you do!
That was still true until recently. Unfortunately emergency communications is still stuck in the windows ecosystem. I would love to use a MacBook or Linux system exclusively but, development and these other systems he's the lacking from an emergency communications perspective 😥
I believe you are changing the way future radios will be made with this video.
I hope you're right. There's no reason we aren't there already.
I always look forward to your comments. 👍
Icom ic-705
I am a new lurker but a HUGE supporter.
Your programs are the motivation that I needed to go beyond the local FM scene. A newer licensee I may be, yet I'd hung up my PTT for several years, because the overall motivation and aim of local emergency services groups didn't quite meet the expectation of what I'd hoped to find.
Thanks for the introduction to and virtual mentorship for man portable, HF field ops and overall system integration!
IMHO, your contribution through YT to the amateur community is tremendous, and without parallel. Thank you Sir a thousand times over for all that you do.
Man, where has this channel been all my life. This dude is a genius operator
Julian, unlike so many Ham Radio TH-camrs, your dedication to actually providing helpful content without extraneous verbiage stands alone. Thanks for a great channel!
Love this comment. Keeps my feet on the ground 🙏👍👍👍
Excellent video as always Julian. There are two key take-aways from this and similar videos. 1. You actually use your gear in the field under field conditions. 2. Taking gear into the field, you quickly find out where the excess weight and hardware flaws are.
I highly encourage everyone who is truly interested in field ops to pack everything, carry it around their yard then deploy it in the backyard without going back inside for those "other parts". While very basic, this will still show you where you're carrying too much or what you're lacking. Once you can walk to your backyard and get on the air without external support, expand it to the neighborhood ballfield...rinse and repeat. These small, simple tests will quickly show where your deficiencies are and will make for a far more effective and enjoyable deployment in the future.
As for me, my next "deployment" is Winter Field Day 2020. Hope to see you on the air.
Julian once again you did a really fine job with the video. AmRRON, just WOW! What an organization and what a powerful script.
Thanks Anthony. Yeah, AmRRon. We really needed a partner like this for the channel. 👍
I wish i could give MORE than 1 thumbs up - excellent as usual!
Don't worry you'll have another chance in the next video when I take the Raspberry Pi to Lapland :-)
Thanks for the comment and the kindness, It's very much appreciated.
Holy smokes! I love this information. I'm a new ham, just earned my technician 2-22-21 then general 3-22-21. This is the stuff I want to do and learn!
Hi Julian, great video. Couple of notes: The FTDI chipset "problem" was designed into the *Windows* drivers to attempt to stem the flow of cheaper Chinese chips. Linux systems (including the RPi) don't care if the serial chip is "real" or "fake", they both work just fine. Also, if anyone is concerned about putting audio signals from the audio interface directly into the radio (can go bang), cheap 1:1 transformers (in the form of "ground loop isolators" of the sort you can get on eBay for pence) are the way forward.
I agree with you 100%!!! I am tired of the rats nest of wires we have to contend with wether it be field or ham shack centered. Once we can come up with a very clean and compact digital station it would be nice if someone could create a weather proof case sized for field use. I love the Pelican products but a case with a view would be nice no matter how remote we make the station to interface with an external device, I still like to keep an eye on stuff within the case. I have used in the past an industrial spray on silicone conformal coating that protects the board from condensation issues however the problem remains with the interface ports of the Pi. All of its connectors are the weakest link in keeping it dry and operating properly.
Keep up the great work and research, looking forward to the next video!
73!
I’ve been following you for about 7 months. I know this video has been around for a bit, but I wanted to mention how I’ve enjoyed coming back to your channel when I learn something new to learn (more) of something new. 👍🏻
Another great video, so glad you talked about the DRAWs Hat! I can't wait until you post more about your experience with that. I love your dedication to specific requirements and why manufacturers are failing by not engaging their customers (or at least customers like us) in their development process. Keep up the excellent work!
Every time I watch your videos they make me want to build more. I have built your radio packs already, so now I need to get over my fear and jump into Raspberry Pi for my 891. You've done a truly great job! 73, K8JLW
This video seems like a capstone for all of your previous Raspberry Pi, tablet, & soundcard videos, but I know you're just going to continue to adapt and evolve. I was so happy to watch this video this morning. Keep up the incredible work! 73 de KI7POL
Yeah we've definitely come a long way since sitting in the freezing rain getting frostbite with the 817 and tablet. 👍😀
The amount of effort going into these videos, is driven by the field testing. Without the field testing, the evolution can't happen. Comments like yours let me know the recipe is working. Thanks for that.
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Julian oh8stn
Fantastic content. Thank you. Newbie Ham in UK. Currently studying for foundation Licence. Ex-RN Radio OP keen to go portable cw ops. Keep this up. So valuable.
You have made excellent points on how to build a portable station. I am a fan of the Draws hat and use it for most of my ham digital modes. I agree it needs help with the software because we do not have the drivers for it. You made us look at cabling and exiting from the rear is importantance. Some manufactures get it but most do not. You keep driving us to a simpler more useable portable ham system. Thank you,
Great video - will be rebuilding my FT857D portable setup , this streamlined configuration will make my travel less bulky.
I found on Amazon a board that takes a very wide voltage input and has a fan to keep the Pi cool. It also has a switch to shut down the Pi. Not sure if it cuts power or does it normal software shut down. I think it has the pins on it to put another board on top of it. If so then you could put the board with the power supply and fan on top of the Pi and another board on top of that. This may make the Pi start to get taller, and not easy to find a case to fit it. But it will take something like 9 to about 16 volts, keep your Pi cool and give something like 4 or 5 amps of power to the Pi. I don't think you will need more power than that. But everyone has what they think is most important for their application. THANK YOU FOR THE INFORMATION YOU GIVE!
Sounds like a good one. Be careful with the fan Cooling. Fans create noise on HF. If you don't live in a terribly hot environment, passive cooling is definitely better. Anyway without seeing that bored, it's difficult for me to answer if another board can be stacked on top. I think the best bet would be sending a message to the seller Anne asking about the stacking capabilities. If designed correctly, it should be no problem.
@@OH8STN The best part is the buck convertor to take 10 to16 volts to 5 volts with power leftover for the Pi 4 to 5 amps at 5 volts. Not sure if it will make noise, it said low noise but that could be sound. I think there is a way to switch the fan on and off if needed. I live in south Florida. If working Pi4 the fan may be needed. Working outside with 95F weather fan may help. I will check on some things and see. Don't know if a Pi3 will need a fan. The fan has a plug to the board so can be unplugged. It does have the header pins on top of it to put another board on top of it. Just a idea if you want. It does use a plug coming out the side but it looks like you can put wires to the board and run them out the back and put power pole on it. My next 2 disability checks are spoken for but I want to get it later this year. When I get it I can tell you more about it.
Best radio content on TH-cam. Amazing work yet again. :-)
I like commsprepper, ham radio concepts, world gone silent, but your channel is awesome.
I also like commsprepper, but admittedly I'm a little sad that he's not making so many videos anymore. Eric has a nice channel. He can get people generally motivated about the hobby. I don't know that other channel. My favorites Communications channel is GuerrillaComm. He doesn't make that many videos anymore, but he has a solid library on TH-cam. If something seen in this channel is useful or entertaining to people, it makes it worth the effort. Thanks for the comment. It's very much appreciated. 👍
OH8STN: Outstanding video!!! Even though I specialize in portable CW, I still integrate my RasPi-4 with my gear as assistive technology. I have learned a few more things that I didn’t know about the RasPi configuration for Amateur Radio. Thank you & 73!!!
I realize this is an old video and you have since moved on from this setup so just consider this a sacrifice to the algorithm. Great video as always.
Great video! I love seeing the progress and experimenting followed by the solutions you end up with. As a relatively new operator with an interest in off grid/emergency Comms, this is exactly the stuff I love learning about. Great work and keep it up! Thank you for all your work.
Just came across this... Love it! So many new ideas from it. Great job Julian!
Fantastic idea connecting the rig to any device via wifi and vnc! This is a very intriguing project. I look forward to seeing it progress!
Julian oh8stn, your approach toward radio communication development is highly appreciated. Your methodology to convey vast experience into hands-on build with reasoned explanations makes this subject easy to learn. I thank-you for for sharing through TH-cam. I pre-ordered an IC 705 and intend to obtain a first time operator rating through a local club located in Renton, Washington. Looking forward to future projects focused on an IC 705. All the best to you and your family for this Holiday Season and the New Year.
Great video indeed - improving our rigs from 'out-of-band' knowledge and making them smarter!
Thank you 👍
I'm have just recently passed HAM licensing exams here in the Phils. If it were not for this pandemic, I might have already gotten my license/callsign, but I have to wait a little longer to do that. Having that said, your videos inspires me to the fascinating world of radio communications, especially your practical ways of doing thing. Keep it up Sir. Thank you for keeping it interesting. 73.
Congratulations on getting your amateur radio license. Hopefully you'll get your call-sign pretty soon. Hey thank you for this wonderful comment, it's a nice way to start my day. Hopefully this channel can keep you interested and inspired. Your comment has certainly inspired me. Thanks for the kindness and the feedback oh, it's very much appreciated.
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Julian oh8stn
Wow, that was impressively detailed and awesome. That gives me a bunch of ideas.
You are amazing sir. I want to incorporate the Raspberry and add-on to my rig.
Thanks again for another excellent video. I have two Raspberry Pi's sitting in a desk drawer inches from my laptop. It is my plan and has been for some time now, to get a portable digital station up and running. I've been inspired by your portable field tests and ongoing gear development. It's my opinion that Linux is clearly the way to go for portable emergency communications. Less expensive get which is totally man packable has a clear advantage over something which can only be moved with a vehicle. Likewise, gear that has a low energy demand and can be recharged via solar makes total sense. I now have the power supply side of a field station completed so can actually operate man-portable but only with phones mode. As winter sets in here in Canada, I hope to have more time to get the Pi out of the drawer and start working on the digital side of the station. Thanks for your continued inspiration.
Thanks Marvin.
The only thing that limiting Linux absorption for newcomers, is a lack of good documentation and tutorials, specific to our working tools. Even with these challenges, integrating the Raspberry Pi with our rigs, has clear advantages for station deployment and operations. It's not perfect, but we're certainly getting there.
The next video will be a field test of sorts.
Can you wait Marvin oh, thanks for the comment feedback and kindness. It's very much appreciated.
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Julian oh8stn
The RPi4 arrived yesterday, and was used tonight on FM without a head to check into the local ARES net using FLDigi. Way cool. The AmRRon scripts were indispensable to the effort.
Excited for the arrival of LFP cells and components this week to build a battery, and then off to the field for R&D trials on HF using a rotary dipole that I've assembled for the same purpose.
There is still much left to learn and build, but so far, its not a bad start IMO.
None of which I could have accomplished were it not for your contribution to the radio community. TY Sir.
While I don't agree that every manufacturer should make it work the way you want (as they couldn't meet everyone's needs). I am however very intrigued with your setup and this is the best use of a RPi for ham radio I have seen. Thank you.
Thanks Eric. No need to agree :-) this is more about using my platform to give manufacturers new product ideas, and showing Operators what we can do with a little ingenuity.
Thanks for the honest comment oh, and kindness. It's very much appreciated.
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Julian oh8stn
I feel very grateful that I found your channel ♡♡♡ fabulous video 🤜🏻👍🤛🏻
I had a couple of HAM buddies and their wives over for dinner last night and the topic of conversation eventually turned to you. I realized I had watched a couple of your videos quite a long time ago but had forgotten about you. Logging in today and watching this video I can see I have missed quite a bit. I will be catching up on your excellent videos. Thanks for all of your efforts!
Awesome comment. It's taking me awhile to understand what I'm passionate about, and how to present the message. Those old videos were all over the place. I guess I was trying to make too many people happy, ...
Thanks for this comment, and support. It's very much appreciated.
Just found your channel and this video in particular. I have a lot to learn but what you are doing resonates with what I want to do with radio. I'm a new ham two years and primarily do SOTA and POTA. I only have an Elecraft KX3. No base station, no mobile. Everything in my backpack. Just SSB to date. Need to learn CW and digital. Although I'm having a lot of fun with this, off grid communications feels like the next avenue to go down. Thanks for the channel and I have a lot of your other videos to go through. 73
Welcome to the community 👍
For date of modes with the kx3 you want to get yourself a Digirig for cat control and audio. The Raspberry Pi is interesting but can be complicated on a summit. I would go with a surface tablet to keep things simple.
Awesome video! Thank you for blazing the trail, and thanks also to AmRRON for their work.
I completely agree with the reduced cable clutter and single power requirements for field work. I see the attraction of VNC control, but I'm still leaning toward a dedicated LCD and folding keyboard, with everything tucked into a box to protect it during transportation. Wireless control is great and allows a lot of flexibility, but I don't want to power the radio station and a tablet or notebook. If not for the weight and power consumption, I'd be tempted to eliminate the Pi and use a rugged notebook for rig control and digital modes, basically a field version of the QTH shack.
Like you say, I hope manufacturers start to understand field use and make more integrated radios. It honestly wouldn't take much to make a turn key solution with an integrated low power Linux computer (Pi or equivalent) that could be upgraded as new software is developed.
It also strikes me that, while it's great for everyone to run scripts or otherwise configure their own systems, there is also a market for people who would like to buy a pre-configured Pi with a radio specific control cable. There is plenty of opportunity to experiment with system packaging, solar power, batteries, power regulation, antennas, etc. If nothing else, I have cellular internet and downloading a 17GB bootable Pi image would bust my monthly bandwidth limit.
Similarly, Northwest Radio needs to make downloadable images that Just Work (TM) with a Pi 3B and Pi 4B. Integrated hardware isn't much help when it takes longer to configure the software than it takes to buy all the hardware modules on Amazon and configure the software for these non-proprietary bits of hardware. And yeah, the cables connecting to the DRAWS hat need to be on the same side as the Pi cables. That seemingly small detail is, almost by itself, a deal breaker.
I have the single jack TRRS version of the Sabrent USB sound adapter (as opposed to the MIC and PHONE ports) which makes the homemade cable slightly more compact.
Great Video as always cant wait for the DRAWs hat video. I am building my own setup with a Yaesu ft-891 and a Pi based on your setup. Have you thought about building your own Hat with all the things you want on it and cable outputs configured to the back? might be a market for it!
excellent video and explanation OH8STN.
This is so far over my head I cant even comprehend! That being said, very cool, and I would like to know so much more about it!
Very useful info. I'm planning something similar for my FT-857d mine isn't as much about grid down or emergency as it is about mobile operations but it will also do that too I guess. I want to be able to use voice and also have a waterfall display so I will also add a PAN Adapter tap and a RTL-SDR v3 dongle to the RaspPi. I might upgrade to a SDRPlay RSPdx when they are available. I plan to build mine into an 50mm ammo box and have the ability to remove the head and connect it remotely for use in my car. My radio should be able to work at home in my car or on top of a hill !
Looking forward to seeing the progression! Good luck 73!
Love your work. Just getting into the Ham/R Pi field, enjoying your videos. Keep up the great work. Cheers from Australia
Thank you Greg. Comments like this, make it easy to keep moving forward. Thanks for this, and the kindness you showed earlier. 👍
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Julian oh8stn
A Great video that I will be watching several times to configure my next RPi station interface. Great Job !!
Thanks Terry, much appreciated. 👍
Wow ! Just managed to watch this. I'm out of breath from just watching ! Awesome job putting that together. Thanks again for all you do and pushing this genre of the hobby forward IMPO. 73 de 2E0IEH
Great Julian, I loved the Real Time Redundant clock idea. Excellent quality video , as usual.
Thank you 🙏
I found this video very informative & easy to follow along. So much so that I bought a Raspberry Pi 4B along with the other accessories shown & have it almost all assembled. By 1AM this morning I was receiving a WeFax transmission using FLdigi. Today's goal is to have it transmitting and figure out how to use the pi's BT to communicate with the wireless keyboard (if possible). Looking forward to your next video - thank you!
Outstanding video... just got a RPi 4B for just this purpose, and you've given me a lot of fantastic ideas on how to make the best use of it with my 706mkIIg. Thank you so much for sharing the information!!
Always Great production values Julian. I need to work far harder on my ham radio videos!
I don't know about that Richard. We have different goals.
Very innovative Julian. Awesome to see your ideas!
Hello Julian, thank you for your extended video and the good explain how we can get it better.
best greets from germany,
jan
I continue to learn from everything you have developed and posted. Did you do a video outlining how you move the Pi power to the rear of the pie. This is the part of this video that i found most interesting and an upgrade that I NEED to do.... likely I will buy another Pi specifically to develop the Pi-radio configuration. The Pi and rig as one analogy has rung true for me. Thanks Julian!!!
Excellent content once again Julian. I really need to get my Pi configured with the latest versions of all the various software. I've also ordered a batch of those buck converters so I can revert my PiJuice hat to use a standard power pole link from the ammo can battery box. 73 my friend. G1AW
Thanks for the comment Andy. The Raspberry Pi is becoming more powerful, and easier to configure. I guess it's up to people like us to see how far we can push it :-)
It's always good to see a comment from you. It's always very much appreciated.
73
There is a board that goes on top of the Pi that has a fan and a built in buck converter that will take anything from around 9V - 16V in and powers the Pi. It has a plug on the side that is a pain, but there are pins inside near where the plug is that will take the power in. Things can be plunged into the top of it for more things can be added on top like the battery board. This board also has a switch to do a good power down on the Pi, also has a remote control but not sure if that is needed, just something more to keep track of. Just something that you may like to look at. This board is around $40, so it will not add a lot of coast. The fan runs all the time, not sure that is needed everywhere. I live in South Florida and it is hot in the summer some air moving on the Pi can't hurt, it doesn't use that much.
Your videos are super inspiring and informative. Looking to get into portable HF coms and want to include digital modes. The information you present is a bit overwhelming for the newbie but as I start to understand more generally, your presentations start to click in my brain. Keep up the good work. 73
This is an amazing video. I am new to Ham and you have inspired me to take up the hobby.
Awesome video, thanks for what you're doing to push off-grid amateur radio ops!
Thanks! yes, I KNOW I'm late on the Pi stuff. What I am looking for is digital on a motorcycle. I have had the screwdriver antenna on the back of 3 BMW motorcycles. Worked great! I had more comments from Non- ham people when seeing a tall antenna on the back of a sport touring machine! And I suppose the leaps and bounds of the Rasberry PI over the past 2+ years is to my benifit? Camping and motorcycle touring. Running close to 20,000 miles per year. So it would be nice to have a small radio platform. I did have my Xiegu G90 along this summer. Screwdriver antenna on the back of BMW K1200RS. take care, 73
Well I ride a Honda Varadero XL1000V. I use a super antenna MP1 mounted on my Hepco Becker pannier racks. A raspberry pi can run most data modes. Unfortunately you didn't say though exactly what you're trying to do. Anyway if you're going to use the Raspberry Pi with qrp radio mounted in a top box, I would suggest getting a proper enclosure for the Raspberry Pi. Everything else is straightforward.
Amazing video!! As a new ham this is the exact setup i plan on building ! Thank you!
Great topic as usual! Would you consider a follow up on the DRAWS hat and the pros and cons when compared to your current setup?
I watched the whole video and I must say I only understood about 2% or it. The big hurdle for me right now is just how to get on the air -- too many life-intervention problems to solve first. But I applaud the effort to simplify ham radio and reduce the costs. Don't wait up for me... Leave the porch light on so I can find my way in the dark -- I'll get there eventually.
Another great video! I always get some great ideas from your videos, thanks for taking the time to make and share! 73
Thank you for the rich info. I am KN4VVY and love op JS8. I built a power pack after watching your video, using 8 headway batteries , genasun , ext. One thought about the buck converters.... why not just tap off the middle of the battery pack and get 6 volts. That should work for any 5 volt needs. Maybe with a series resistor to limit current and give a little voltage drop. Thx again. 73. I hope to QSO you on JS8 as I do see you there sometimes.
Julian, thanks for other gem video. Your passion for our hobby is amazing!
Very informative and fascinating. Great job!
Another great video Julian. I am also in the middle of building an ultimate Pi system for off grid communications. One question I have for you is where did you buy the two pin GPIO cables that goes to your buck (step down) converter? They look thicker (18 awg?) than the standard ones I have. Thank you in advance for any help with my question.
Another excellent video, Julian. I always learn something with your videos. I am considering a raspberry pi for home and portable use. There will be a couple of different Pi’s but I will learn with the home version. I will look at your raspberry pi video to see the details of your setup. My first look at the pricing comes to between $100-$200 with case and power buc for 12 v conversion. All the best, hope you are doing well up at 65 degrees north! 73 de KI5HXM
DRAWS hat is magnificent. Nothing else required. Off to shorten my CAT cable and the mini-DIN from the DRAWS to the Radio - Graham, 2M0IJU.
As usual a brilliant video thanks very much have learned a lot from all of your videos please keep them coming my very best Regards Rob
SO GOOD👍 I need to keep watching more. This is October 2021 for me getting on board. About watching 10 or so more of your videos and I will start designing my first QRP station. I need much info and you are providing it! THANK YOU! The route of IC-705 is too expensive for me. Probably an RPI solution for me.
One word. Inspirational. Looking forward to the next video.
Very nice and informative video. Keep up the excellent work.
I've started this sort of project a number of times and it has failed long the way somewhere or other. Thanks for the 'Poke' to get me started again. Installation script running as we speak. Thanks, Tony G8WBI
You are very welcome Tony. We all need some motivation from time to time.
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Julian oh8stn
Extremely well presented
Lots of great information. Thank you
even tho i am not a ham radio enthusiast or an operator, by using a raspberry pi for ham radio communication, am really blown away, its all about portability..being in the field.. and carrying expensive hardware..to communicate is a hard selling point for me, so raspberry pi comes to the rescue..Am only wondering if this complete setup can be taken to extreme by going to either Alaska, Siberia, Northern Canada or even the Sahara desert, will this setup perform the same...(of course going to these locations you might have to update the timezone and sat-com data before hand)
Thankyou for the video.. stay safe.. GOD BLESS.
"We should actually read what the prompts are asking us" - that alone solves at least 90% of the problems encountered in IT.
I'm thinking of using an Orange Pi Zero because of its external WiFi antenna, but that's in an early stage of development/testing, so I'm still tinkering...
Yeah actually reading, wouldn't that be awesome. :-) I haven't looked at the orange pi zero yet. Is it like the normal Pi zero?
@@OH8STN I started my career in IT translating manuals and software.
The Orange Pi Zero is more like the Pi A+, but it also has an ethernet connector instead of HDMI, so it should be well suited for the headless projects I have in mind.
I really like the Orange Pi Zero, but in testing with a fairly rigorous unattended application, it would fail intermittently and proved unsuitable for thr purpose. I did not have time to isolate the source of the problem and moved to a Raspberry Pi which proved completely reliable. I hope your success is better and reflects changes that have been made to improve the reliability of the hardware, software, or both as the Orange Pi Zero has lots of potential.
@@robertnickels1527 I had some intermittent problems with different Raspberry Pi models and could trace all of them to older PSUs (dried-out electrolytic capacitors) putting out "wobbly" voltages - new or added capacitors were one solution, but a cheap buck regulator module per Pi with a lead gel battery kept them running as well - lithium cells in parallel with a boost converter should also work.
Love this. There is much I don't understand. But that is my problem! I just got my license and still have MUCH to learn but I like what you are doing I just understand how you are doing it. Maybe in a year when I learn more I will understand more. I have some ideas but don't know enough yet to start putting it all together. THANK YOU FOR YOUR INFORMATION!
Hi Donald. Most of the confusion about what we do and how we should do it comes from not understanding yet what our own personal goals for communications or the Raspberry Pi are. That's a mistake each and every one of us has made in the past. We need to figure out what it is we would like to do even if it's just starting with one single thing. Once you understand what that one single thing is, we can start to put together a list of tasks to help you achieve that. Some operators want to take a lightweight computer on holiday with them, to run ft8. That's the kind of thing you should consider. So they don't put one less abstract goal on the table, then you can start assigning tasks to achieve that goal. If you look at it from the big picture as this video does, it becomes too abstract and difficult to understand. Does that make sense? Does that help you at all?
Great job. Thanks! I have the 891 and will definitely use this.
Just went to the AmRRON site, and who's video did I see on the homepage? *lol* Fantastic work, Julian! You time and effort are greatly appreciated. You're definitely on the cutting-edge.
Seriously? Wow!😊👍👍👍
@@OH8STN Yes sir, seriously! :-)
Two thumbs up... and no you are not too redundant on your choice for GPS plus RTC.
Hi great content, but little info on how you made up the audio break out cable for the FT817, would like a bit of info so then I would know I was following your steps avoiding mistakes. My Pi 4b is up and running just need the last piece of the puzzle to get finished. Again great work awesome dude.
Thank you Julian, very helpful as always.
Another awesome video, thanks very much!
👍 Thanks for video. I was wondering how I could do something like this with an RPi. The tablet and mini wireless keyboard are good ideas. I am currently using an old small notebook running Xubuntu 18.04. It is reasonably compact but quite heavy. The RPi provides potential for making things smaller and lighter. Maybe if radio manufacturers could design rigs that would accept the latest model of RPi in on board slot?? The RPi is an obvious contender because they are already very popular in the ham community and RPi OS is very well supported. Such an optional extra would allow ops to attach screen, mouse and keyboard to their rig and start using popular digital modes like FT8. Manufacturers could even provide the RPi with preconfigured SD card setup for the specific rig with latest version of WSJT-X so the rig is FT8, FT4 etc. ready straight out the box?
Why not take things further and produce rigs that are simply and SDR transcievers with no controls and have an integrated RPi. If you want an old school front panel with knobs and buttons, you can buy a front panel, if you are happy controlling from your desktop PC/tablet, you don't need the front panel. If you want remote control, use it as a server. Perhaps the SDR rig manufacturers are already leading the way over the "Big Three" as manufacturers such as Flex have already adopted this approach (minus the RPi).
I suppose the big manufacturers still produce rigs primarily for phone/CW with some features for interfacing to PCs such as USB for CAT/audio. However, so many ops are now using digital "modes" and expect to be able to control it via a PC that it's maybe time for a rethink?
Great video mate! Just found you and subbed. Kind regards from VK3 (SWL).
Fantastic!
OMG, binge watching your videos!!!
Okay but be warned, some of them are bad :-)
I'm following with bated breath! I'm working to catch up with you as my goal is to be able to work in the field independent of mains power and provide emergency comms for myself and others in a grid-down situation.
I hear your frustration with the cable mess! I have an Elecraft KX3/PX3/KXPA100 that requires a sound card for digital ops. When I assemble all those cables... urgh! There has to be a better way.
I have an 817ND that I intend to experiment with. Your use of the Pi for that radio is a good one. I have a small 30w PA that can boost the output when needed. I think this might be the better path than the Elecraft, as much as I like that radio.
I'm looking forward to more installments. 73 de AG7TX
Superb, I'm yet to see someone make use of the onboard Bluetooth for audio IO. It would be, no touch requirement for the portable rigs.
Wait until my IC 705 arrives. Is that Wireless Bluetooth works the way I think it will, we're really going to be playing with fire:-)
I have an 817 and looking to soon get the Icom IC-705 as well. I love your setup! I am looking at the amplifier (QRPver-101 PA) you recommended. Which options are the best for these radios? 1 or 3 watts? RF Signal Management (RF VOX) or TX voltage via BNC?
I ordered the 3 watt and vox. 3 watt just in case we tx too much power into it. Vox to reduce the cable mess. You don't need the QRPVer amp with a 705 btw.
@@OH8STN Thank you for the quick response!
Great video, I'm glad to see you mentioning AmRRON (which I am a member). I's funny you mentioned the script because I just spent two days re-imaging 8 old laptops I had laying around with Mint Linux and then running the AmRRON Setup Script on all of them, they will all be backups to my RP4, which will also have another RP4 a a backup. That's the issue with ecomms and digital modes, you better have multiple backups if we are expecting long term SHTF scenerios, have backup SD Cards for the RP, and keep the software up-to-date once a month or so. You never know what could happen and computers are fragile, once you last computer/RP is dead, no more digital modes. Power production is my big weakness currently, so on Friday or Monday (waiting to see if there will be a sale) I'm going to purchase my first PowerFilm panel, I'm looking at the R28 to begin with, I'm excited and thanks for doing all the trail blazing Julian.
Awesome comment. Yeah we're on the same page, and AmRRon has made it much more practical to stay up-to-date. Regarding the backups, and backups of backups, Its lits of work being a fanatic, but you're absolutely right. I haven't done enough with the backup systems yet. But as you mentioned running Linux Mint, I still have that old Asus laptop buy used and older videos. Perhaps I'm going to run the install scripts on that one.
It's always awesome to read your comments and insight. They come with much appreciation.
You've inspired me. Having just acquired a Pi4 and a Ft-897 for home use. Eventually, I'll make my existing FT-857 with another Pi4 into my field ops kit. A couple of quick question though... any difficulties dealing with the heat from the PI CPU? I've noticed a big difference between the PI4 & the PI3. Is the PI3 your preferable choice?
Outstanding. You know, to be honest with you if I hadn't ft-897 I was using at home, I would use that empty battery compartment underneath for Raspberry Pi. I'm really sad they discontinue the eight nine seven. Anyway welcome to the Raspberry Pi world :-)
OH8STN well you just stunned me, I never would of thought of using the battery compartment for the Pi! That’s inspired! Although I’d think it’d mess with WIFI. Anyway, I’m making use of the low-profile CNC Aluminum passive heatsink cases available. Makes for a very secure container, yet allows access to all the pins & ports on the PI Board. I was wondering if heat is an issue with your PI’s especially with a HAT & a nearby RF Amp.
@@HawkKI4HEE no heat up here at 65°North 😀, so passive cooling with heatsinks is enough.
Very cool setup. You put a lot of work into this project. Have you considered multiplexing the cabling between the radio and the CPU ? Would reduce it to one cable . I imagine one could 3d print a properly spaced connector body so the breakout from the cable to device ports would be clean. Would be modular as well. Thanks for sharing !
Honestly didn't think about multiplexing. Is there a benefit for such a short cable run? For both rigs, I thought about handmaking leather case covers. Like the old binocular/equipment covers from early exploration times. It would cover and protect the rig/pi, enclose the cables, and have a satchel style from flap, to access the front panel radio controls. So I thought of hiding the cables rather than some other solution.
@@OH8STN The benefit would be cosmetic Just having one cable and perhaps a common ground. The leather covers are cool . I made one for my 817 years ago but repurposed it. A small map case would make a great template.
I so want that rig. Saving this video in favorites. KD8RWC 73's
Great Video. Now to 3D Print taller side protectors and protect the accessories on top as well as the radio. :) w6akb
I'll be looking for the Pi Juice video. I don't know if I'll use it on my Pi 4 (or even if I can). It blocks the fan and heat sink arrangement on my case. The RTC won't work either so I'm looking for a workaround there. I really like the Raspberry Pi though. It's proving to be very useful
i really love your videos!
Thank you 👍
Can't say thank you enough!