Easy Inovato Quadra HamPI / HamIQ Install Guide -- Ham Radio Linux Raspberry Pi Alternative

This guide shows you how to get HamPi onto the Inovato Quadra. This is a very basic / easy install guide.
Future episodes will go into configuration of software, wifi etc, but since this image is on a Microsd card, Please feel free to play around. If you mess something up, just reinstall the image on the SD Card.
Inovato Quadra - www.inovato.com/
"Meet Quadra: A $29.95 complete mini-PC for school, home, hobby
Not just a raw board, Quadra is a complete modern Linux computer that can be used as a server or light-use desktop. It includes the case, heatsink, power adapter and HDMI cable. Just plug into a TV or monitor and a keyboard/mouse. No SD card needed as the OS (Debian Bullseye 64-bit) is pre-flashed in internal memory. A great option instead of Raspberry Pi when you don't need the 40-pin I/O header or want something more affordable that doesn't require assembly."
I recommend the 39.95 unit with the 10 dollar bluetooth / usb hub upgrade.
NOTE: MicroSD card will show as 16gb filesystem. I'll have a video soon on expanding the filesystem, when i figure it out.
Sourceforge - Hampi Image - sourceforge.net/projects/hamp...
Download the img.xz file. At the time of recording, it is HamPi_v3.1.1b2_InovatoQuadra.img.xz (Things change, I cannot control that)
In the event you need a text guide for the flashing of the image - sourceforge.net/projects/hamp...
Balena Etcher to write the image to a SD Card - www.balena.io/etcher/
Hot tip: if you wish to just burn the image to the device drive, just unplug everything, only plug in the power, and wait about ten minutes until the light turns blue on the quadra. Then you should be able unplug, remove the sd card and plug everything back in, stuff the Hampi/hamiq image on the internal 16gb drive. Video to come
Best of luck.
Best of luck.

[@matthaynes2484]

Had to buy one, got it yesterday, so far, pretty cool.

[@askenyon4]

This is a great video. I was able to get this installed and up on mine. Mainly to use for HamClock and my QRP Labs QDX (if I ever get it put together).

[@tinysolarshack9615]

My Quadra just arrived yesterday, I’ll be installing HamPi soon. Any videos about configuring all those apps will be greatly appreciated. I’m not a Linux guy so I look forward to the assistance, thanks Kc8hps Aurora Colorado.

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

Definitely working on it, I have a lot on the plate so I try to get these as quick as I can.. It's a great purchase, congrats and be watching for some soon

[@ShooterReadyStandBy]

Excellent. Looking forward to this series.

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

I've been working on a video all day. There's so much greatness on it

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

The product has greatness, not my video*

[@AlvinMcManus]

Dude, I love your videos. This not a dis, but you remind me of how I am when I have had a chance to "get happy"'. I love that laid back attitude. No drama here just cool vibes.😎 I did not notice extra noise when I booted my Quadra but just in cased I choked the heck out of the HDMI cable and the USB cable to the computer. Have you tried to run WJST-X/FT8 on this yet?. I am getting my rig (G90+DE-19)together and should try to get on the air Friday, tomorrow. All I have to do is setup and configure that which needs setting up and configuring. Should be a hoot with all the videos out there on the subject.

[@davidhubbell9643]

Make sure you press the HDMI cable "with force" as the first time I inserted the HDMI into the HDMI port the connection did not seat far enough into the Inovato.

[@billwilliams2024]

my quadra plus just shipped out of Oregon, thanks for the video -73 de wb9bbc

[@lukerogers3394]

Nice little box,. I'm looking forward to more videos on this little guy! How about a Direwolf setup video?

[@radiotests]

This world be excellent. Time to ditch those $150 sound cards. Need a MODEM install too.

[@aa3konthego]

Couldn't resist. Just ordered one!

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

I may order another one or maybe three. I need to determine if they will run my pbx and octoprint. If so, I can't say no.

[@lyledal]

Mine will be here tomorrow! 🤣

[@aa3konthego]

Do you think this video created a run on them?

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

@@lyledal I'm making another video right meow

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

@@aa3konthego probably not. Got the guy a few extra sales, I'm sure of that.. but really, I haven't even had 500 people see this video

[@yv6eda]

Thanks for the video! Hampi coming with VNC Server? I can't find it!

[@n7mky]

Maybe a dumb question, but can you run PI-STAR on the Quadra?

[@youtubeaccount931]

Very cool, good price

[@stevethibodeauxn4sfc257]

Mine will be here Thursday.

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

Some people are already receiving them!

[@qsee2110]

You mention Node-RED. Is that needed for HamPI and Ham Clock? Awesome video. Thanks.

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

It is not needed for either . You're welcome, have a good one!

[@spillagonner]

I have been using mine for monitoring NOAA weather satellites, using GPredict and GQRX. Unfortunately, GQRX continuously uses 65% or more CPU. At that rate, I was getting the occasional thermal shutdown. To compensate. I hacked a hole in the top of the case and added a 40mm x 40mm heat sink. Now at full blast the temperature is running 80-90C, and no longer shutting down.

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

Thank You for this suggestion. I ordered some today and will make a Mod video soon. I'll be sure to give you a SHOUTOUT

[@williamhowell1791]

It's not the HDMI that is noisy it's the power wart... of all the five INVATO's I've bought it's been the power wart..

[@f250ford2004]

I'm having problems setting up my Quadra every time I plug it in the date jumps back to Jan 1 1970( I've changed it several times but always reverts back ( yes I lock it after each time) also the three box's on topmost always show download or connection errors wish I could send a picture Can you help me?

[@ronwolenski-n8wcr]

I'm confused, are those programs installers, or is it already installed with HamPi?

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

Pre installed. I'm going to fix Hamrs tomorrow, hopefully

[@K9TPT]

I have never dealt with linux so please forgive this question, But, Can Direwolf be installed on the Quadra and run a dedicated Aprs Digipeater full time on this machine ? Thank you !

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

Great question. I think n5skt did that. If you were to look him up on qrz.com, You may be able to reach out to him via his email address. And confirm that, but I believe the answer is yes

[@K9TPT]

Thank you @@HAMRADIODUDE

[@glennarrant3743]

Any idea how to make a Tab 7 as a monitor for the Quadra ?

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

I do not, sorry

[@javierpolendok5mhc]

Thanks for this info and this Inovato Quadra works great

[@johnwilson9303]

There is a newer version of Hampton now. Do I still need to stay with 3.1.1b for Quadra? Installing it on a Quadra.

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

Great question. I would assume that the latest version of ham buy could be installed on a Quadra (hampi was made for the quadra as I recall). However, I don't see there is a newer version of hampi github.com/dslotter/HamPi/releases I may be missing it? Thanks

[@johnwilson9303]

@@HAMRADIODUDE I am sure I saw a v4.0 but I may be wrong. Thank you for the great video!

[@DonzLockz]

Interesting product. What apps are not yet compatible yet? Good price though. :)

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

Hey there, I have been unfortunately busy with other things. groups.io/g/Ham-Pi may be able to offer input. HAMRS didn't function, WSJTX showed expired, and there is not an update for the Inovato yet. Someone also suggested a project ka4mck has built/is working on. good luck donz.

[@DonzLockz]

@@HAMRADIODUDE no worries Sean, thanks for the info and the link. I'll check out that group. I do also want to build Jason's aswell, I now got all I need to build them. Thanks buddy.👍🤠

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

My pleasure. I'm building octoprint on my Quadra at the moment, due to a freak accident with ESD

[@the_mad_swimbaiter455]

I hope mine comes soon! They should have given you an affiliate link. Lol

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

Oof. Not looking forward to it

[@AGERanger10]

Does HamPi have a tool for making Allstar node connections? AGERanger10, KG7QWH

[@mowog59]

Won't boot off SD flashed with HamPi_v3.1.1b2_InovatoQuadra.img.xz 128rn card appears on desktop after boot from internal memory

[@williammorrison9045]

Did you extract the HamPi.img file before you flashed the SD card?

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

what William said, but also, are you using a unit labeled T95 max and not inovoto quadra? forum.inovato.com/post/cant-bootflash-quadra-on-a-t95-max-12520508?highlight=image&pid=1334096838

[@mikearmstrong9899]

Any node red videos?

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

They'll be coming

[@donaldsmith3048]

Nothing worked for me like that! When I went to put it on the card it told me it didn't have an operation system. I tried to run the Inovato as it came, BIG mistake! It ask if I wanted it to use the full screen, I said yes and next it said to click on arrow upper right corner. There was nothing in the upper right corner that I could tell what it was, nothing at the bottom that I could tell what it was. Everything was off the edge of the screen. It would not let me use my key pad that I got for it, or USB key board, only USB mouse. I now have a $45 target!

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

If the card didn't have an Operating System, it is either because the Inovato Quadra didn't like the 256gb card or because it was not loaded correctly. Did you use Rufus? What other cards may you have?

[@99corncob]

It would be really great if this thing could run PiStar.......

[@Philip-mr9ed]

I can’t get my computer to find it Can I get some help

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

When you say you can't get your computer to find it, are you talking about the memory card, or something else?

[@fredfanning5866]

I watched this several times and tried to follow the steps. I could not get it to work. I

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

I'm sorry, what's the problem you are having

[@MichaelColonnakc2scy]

Looks like the image for HamPI has been removed 😞

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

Probably there is a new one (called hamiq now). I should be diving back into this weekend and will try to get an update link.

[@MichaelColonnakc2scy]

@@HAMRADIODUDE Thank You!

[@P3RV-3]

yeah, touched hampi once, and as soon as it booted it started making all sorts of auto outbound connections to several differnt websites like folding@home, I deleted that trash.

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

This is the first I've ever seen this claim on this open source OS . I'm capable of testing this further: specifically, what version were you using and where did you acquire it. Not that I'm questioning you, but if this is actually happening, I won't support it.

[@radiotests]

Always someone from the fringe of computer literacy like J here making statements on fitness of secure use but cannot make a substantive response. Ie: He's a troll if he can't respond. Maybe his download site was linked to online porn? 😉😆 Hampi is one of the most expansive and fulfilling applications I've ever seen offered to a community of people that saves all the potential conflicts and problems inexperience can bring trying to install all that is compiled by yourself. Videos like yours are a real service to folks like me getting back into radio. I received one already but misplaced it. I'm getting another just to connect to my Sony TV and the 2m rig Im going to get this summer. It's also pretty cool he made a version to install with Innovato. It's one more step to making radio more accessible to more people and offering lots of cool features.

[@P3RV-3]

@@radiotests yeah, that responce right there lets me know i was correct in deleteing that trash. thanks bud. 👍

[@retroniker]

And what is so special about that now? There have been these media boxes in China for years, where Android or Linux is on it and is mainly used for KODI to watch movies and series. And even then, they only cost around $30, and even came with an IR remote control. And this box is just a slimmed down media box where some things were left out. From that point of view, it's way too expensive. And Ham Radio Software could have been installed on it years ago. So nothing special at all. Once again, someone doesn't know what they're talking about and thinks they've found something special.

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

I better go get you some towels

[@mikearmstrong9899]

in for one keep posting KEØCDU

[@mikecallahan8234]

And I thought I was the only one that misplaced SD Cards 73 de