Thank you David. I appreciate your efforts and calm explanations. I know it must be frustrating to do the initial configuration on any new product you are reviewing. Your wealth of knowledge in technology is a big help. I look forward to many more videos. 73, WB9ZDS, Chuck
I have been looking at a number of remote rig control products and this came to my attention After reading up on this product and viewing videos it’s clear the rig-pi is not a plug and play item As most hams that buy this product will have no background in the raspberry pi or programming code I’m based in the UK and ham radio dealers in this country are selling this item for £349.00 pounds that is grossly overpriced for what is basically a raspberry pi and a sound fob and a pi software image that you can buy from MFJ for $29.00 US My advice to everyone is go for the remote rig setup it is a professionally made product and is very easy to set up and the technical backup is excellent and it’s only £450.00 delivered Ashley GW0UXJ
I watched Part 2, nothing earth shattering. I have been reading the RigPi instructions. He has really improved the information, still lacks on installation to every radio. I think if I can get v 2 to flash, that I will be happy. 73
7300 here. I can RX just fine but I cant TX it PTT ok but there is just no audio getting to the radio. Audio input and output are well set in Mumble. any suggestions?
I applaud MFJ for talking such a product to mass marketing and David Casler for the review. After evaluating it, I have come to the conclusion that for my modern radio re-purposing an old laptop or even a cheap mini fanless PC , may be easier and more cost effective. You can setup the laptop or PC for CAT control and even install Murmur and Mumble if you need to, and then you can even use Remote Desktop or VNC to control it remotely from another PC or even a smart phone. Audio Input and Output can be passed through Remote Desktop, but the murmur VoIp server may perform better in some scenarios. Many hams have old laptops or computers that can be used for something like this. Some of the same software components that the Pi uses for this, will be used for the PC. The difference is that for most people installing software and configuring a windows PC is a lot easier than doing it on the Pi. Where the MFJ product is superior to a PC, is that it includes audio, key, and PTT connectors. If your radio does not have internal audio going to USB, this product may make more sense in my opinion.
With the exception of the web interface to the radio controls, the heavy lifting is done by VNC and by the Mumble Voip server/client. With modern radios, in practice you only need a raspberry pi, and nothing else. However you must be skilled with Linux boxes. MFJ makes it instead (supposedly) easy for the average user, i get it.
Please give me a bit more detail on the connection between the FTdx3000 and MFJ-1234. What port do you use on the back of the transceiver? The antenna tuner port? Is the ZMF-5708D the proper interface cable? Is the green cable in your video the transceiver to MFJ-1234 interface cable? Sorry for so many questions...just trying to understand the details.
Hey Dave, Great video. I'm using an FTDX3000 and was wondering if there was anything you had to set on the radio itself to accept the audio coming from the rigpi? Everything seems to work for received audio on my end, but any attempt to transmit seems to not actually get the audio I'm sending over the USB device. And when WSJT-X sends transmissions the radio doesn't even seem to recognize it at all. Thanks!
Dave, you can connect to the Raspberry Pi via VNC even when its not connected to a display. Yo can also set it up so that when it boots up “headless” (HDMI not connected to a display), it runs with a certain virtual display resolution per say. That way, when you connect with VNC, you will see the Pi’s desktop at 720p, 1080p, or whatever resolution you set up.
Well, if you already have your Pi set up with the VNC Server service enabled (which you do), you should be able to simply boot up your Pi without it connected to a display and connect to it with VNC. You can then choose a resolution by going to the Pi menu (top left) > Preferences > Raspberry Pi Configuration and then click on the “Set Resolution” button. If you are unable to get VNC to work without a display hooked to the Pi, then you may need to enable hdmi_force_hotplug as a workaround.
If your Pi’s software is up to date, you shouldn’t have to force hotplug. If you’re having trouble getting VNC to connect when the Pi is not connected to a display, let me know and I’ll post a link to a tutorial for enabling hdmi_force_hotplug.
They don't include a power adapter because they figure everyone already has a ton of phone and tablet chargers and USB cables that will work or they can pick one up at the 99 Cents Store if they don't. You have to be careful to use a good quality cable though, some cheap cables have such small wires they won't power a device like this reliability.
I like the functionality of that as a black box, but the configuration/setup rigamarole looks like computer nerd heaven and is a major turf off for me. Maybe someone can supply a 'wizard' application to walk us non-nerds through all this junk?
1) You failed to mention that your Internet wifi/router connection needs to have it's Firewall opened for port 5900 to enable VNC to work between the RigPi Server and a VNC Client on your computer. Otherwise, no amount of fidigiting with the audio selections will do anything. 2) You failed to show us anything working over the Internet, which is sorta the point of remote operations. 3) However, don't feel too bad for your disjointed instructional video as nobody had a useful video showing how to get this piss poor product either. Like.., how to change it's IP address to something other than 192.168.8 246. so you can put it on your own existing network scheme. Just sayin...
![[UNCUT] The Loyal Pin ปิ่นภักดิ์ EP.6 (2/4)](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/GgeGQOP10RQ/mqdefault.jpg)
Thank you David. I appreciate your efforts and calm explanations. I know it must be frustrating to do the initial configuration on any new product you are reviewing. Your wealth of knowledge in technology is a big help.
I look forward to many more videos.
73, WB9ZDS, Chuck
The RigPi is a bit more complicated from what I had believed, but if/when I get one, I will look up this video again. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you for making this video.
I have been looking at a number of remote rig control products and this came to my attention
After reading up on this product and viewing videos it’s clear the rig-pi is not a plug and play item
As most hams that buy this product will have no background in the raspberry pi or programming code I’m based in the UK and ham radio dealers in this country are selling this item for £349.00 pounds that is grossly overpriced for what is basically a raspberry pi and a sound fob and a pi software image that you can buy from MFJ for $29.00 US
My advice to everyone is go for the remote rig setup it is a professionally made product and is very easy to set up and the technical backup is excellent and it’s only £450.00 delivered
Ashley
GW0UXJ
Thanks Mr David. Very informative with your clear explanation . 73
I watched Part 2, nothing earth shattering. I have been reading the RigPi instructions. He has really improved the information, still lacks on installation to every radio. I think if I can get v 2 to flash, that I will be happy. 73
Wow, I might purchase a MFJ product. Great video!
Tnx, this video is my solutions 👌🏼. I have many problems with mumble, but see in video correct configuration. 100% run with icon 7610
Thanks 🙏 thanks 😊
7300 here. I can RX just fine but I cant TX it PTT ok but there is just no audio getting to the radio. Audio input and output are well set in Mumble. any suggestions?
Check to make sure the 7300 is set up to accept audio unit via the USB cable.
You don't seem to be a big fan of the RipPi
Many hours of frustration before success. It's great for people who are already familiar with Linux.
Hi, Dave. Do you have a list of the compatible devices? Does it have to be SDR radio? Or any radio? Like FT-857D
Pretty much any radio.
I applaud MFJ for talking such a product to mass marketing and David Casler for the review. After evaluating it, I have come to the conclusion that for my modern radio re-purposing an old laptop or even a cheap mini fanless PC , may be easier and more cost effective. You can setup the laptop or PC for CAT control and even install Murmur and Mumble if you need to, and then you can even use Remote Desktop or VNC to control it remotely from another PC or even a smart phone. Audio Input and Output can be passed through Remote Desktop, but the murmur VoIp server may perform better in some scenarios. Many hams have old laptops or computers that can be used for something like this. Some of the same software components that the Pi uses for this, will be used for the PC. The difference is that for most people installing software and configuring a windows PC is a lot easier than doing it on the Pi. Where the MFJ product is superior to a PC, is that it includes audio, key, and PTT connectors. If your radio does not have internal audio going to USB, this product may make more sense in my opinion.
With the exception of the web interface to the radio controls, the heavy lifting is done by VNC and by the Mumble Voip server/client. With modern radios, in practice you only need a raspberry pi, and nothing else. However you must be skilled with Linux boxes. MFJ makes it instead (supposedly) easy for the average user, i get it.
Please give me a bit more detail on the connection between the FTdx3000 and MFJ-1234. What port do you use on the back of the transceiver? The antenna tuner port? Is the ZMF-5708D the proper interface cable? Is the green cable in your video the transceiver to MFJ-1234 interface cable? Sorry for so many questions...just trying to understand the details.
Just a single connector--USB connector.
Hi David, I have a quick question on mag-loop antennas can I ask you here ?
Thank you Dave! I appreciate what you do for us, keep up the good work. Hope to catch you on the air one day. de KN4POP
Hey Dave, Great video. I'm using an FTDX3000 and was wondering if there was anything you had to set on the radio itself to accept the audio coming from the rigpi? Everything seems to work for received audio on my end, but any attempt to transmit seems to not actually get the audio I'm sending over the USB device. And when WSJT-X sends transmissions the radio doesn't even seem to recognize it at all.
Thanks!
Yes, there is one setting I changed. I'll have to find my notes to see what it was. It was a setting that did not change normal operation.
@@davecasler Thanks, if you do I would be most grateful!
Take a look at Menu 103. It's default is FRONT. You may have to change it to USB to use with the MFJ-1234.
There are a few places to get official Pi power supplies as well as other Raspberry Pi accessories. Adafruit, Microcenter, Element14, and PiHut.
I gotta definitely try this on my Xiegu G90!
Dave.....what is the purpose of this device.....ie what does it do???
It allows you to connect your radio to the Internet so that you or someone else can operate it from a remote location.
Dave, you can connect to the Raspberry Pi via VNC even when its not connected to a display. Yo can also set it up so that when it boots up “headless” (HDMI not connected to a display), it runs with a certain virtual display resolution per say. That way, when you connect with VNC, you will see the Pi’s desktop at 720p, 1080p, or whatever resolution you set up.
Please give me instructions. I want to do this.
Well, if you already have your Pi set up with the VNC Server service enabled (which you do), you should be able to simply boot up your Pi without it connected to a display and connect to it with VNC. You can then choose a resolution by going to the Pi menu (top left) > Preferences > Raspberry Pi Configuration and then click on the “Set Resolution” button.
If you are unable to get VNC to work without a display hooked to the Pi, then you may need to enable hdmi_force_hotplug as a workaround.
If your Pi’s software is up to date, you shouldn’t have to force hotplug. If you’re having trouble getting VNC to connect when the Pi is not connected to a display, let me know and I’ll post a link to a tutorial for enabling hdmi_force_hotplug.
@@tyguy609 Yes, please share the link.
David Casler th-cam.com/video/kxtT8PjPBik/w-d-xo.html
They don't include a power adapter because they figure everyone already has a ton of phone and tablet chargers and USB cables that will work or they can pick one up at the 99 Cents Store if they don't. You have to be careful to use a good quality cable though, some cheap cables have such small wires they won't power a device like this reliability.
Thank you again, now i have a good copy and audio on my cell but i can not modulation form my cell
Try the rig pi forum
The data file it writes the addresses to might be set to RO set it to RW ((RO) read only) ((RW) read/write)
I like the functionality of that as a black box, but the configuration/setup rigamarole looks like computer nerd heaven and is a major turf off for me. Maybe someone can supply a 'wizard' application to walk us non-nerds through all this junk?
Like I said...many ducks...all in a row.
@@davecasler Yep, and an auto-duck-setter is needed for me.
Doesn’t look easy to me.
1) You failed to mention that your Internet wifi/router connection needs to have it's Firewall opened for port 5900 to enable VNC to work between the RigPi Server and a VNC Client on your computer. Otherwise, no amount of fidigiting with the audio selections will do anything.
2) You failed to show us anything working over the Internet, which is sorta the point of remote operations.
3) However, don't feel too bad for your disjointed instructional video as nobody had a useful video showing how to get this piss poor product either. Like.., how to change it's IP address to something other than 192.168.8 246. so you can put it on your own existing network scheme. Just sayin...