Linux for Ham Radio - starting out with a fresh install, what next?

[@darrellbeard2799]

I would like to thank you for the information in this video. I am an old ham but new to Linux. I've been trying to find out for the longest time how to get a USB port to work with Linux. I'm using Mint and you showed me just what I needed to know. Tried it and it worked great. I'm now programming my radios via Chirp and Mint. Granted it's just one small step for man, but one giant leap for me. Thank you so much. Please, keep up the good videos. I need all the help I can get. hi hi 73's N4ZDX

[@TheCyberRick]

Hi Kevin, although this video is a little bit older, it helped me today to get my FTDX-101D and my raspberry pi talking to each other. I was so excited about it. Many many thanks for your truly great videos. 73 de Rico, DG5BQ PS for those of you trying the same thing: Until the FTDX-101D is implemented into the databases the settings for the FT-991 work just fine.

[@leonardbaddeley8234]

Hi Kevin, just found this video, and solved why I could not get the software to talk to my radio, I looked all over to get the usb port config, but you made it simple. Thanks a bunch Len G8LXI

[@Scott_AI5EF]

I just made the switch to Linux, after the latest WIndows 10's feature update: 1909, totally hosed my WSJT-X waterfall settings. Even with a system restore, my audio stuttered and stalled. Thank you for this video from a hams perspective.

[@Scott_AI5EF]

How do I open the TQSL tq6 file in Linux Mint? i cant extract to update my certificate. Thank you!

[@charliewhorton2714]

Kevin! Your the MAN!! My (windows) computer CRASHED. Long story... So I went with Ubuntu,.... again, after my college years. It's been awhile. Thank you SO MUCH for taking the time and making these ham videos. You're my Cyber Elmer. Thanks again. 73 W1CHW

[@Liberty4Ever]

Thanks for these awesome Linux tutorial videos. I've been using Linux for 14 or 15 years and I still learn stuff from these videos, particularly where amateur radio is concerned. Patreon money well spent! :-)

[@brentjohnson6654]

Yes I agree. Linux is like ham radio. Always something to learn and that is the appeal for me. Cheers!

[@kentmosher2880]

Thanks for all the information. I have been trying to ask at the ham club but everyone is into W10. This helped more than you know. I am already up and running. Look for you on the air! Kent in Willow, AK. KL7WTF.

[@Kd8OUR]

The terminal is tricky, but it's powerful. Never be discouraged by it. I can honestly say linux has made decent improvements in usability. I remember when I first got into linux in the later 90's

[@ronjones4069]

Bless you!! you saved me hours and hours. Thank you!!!!!

[@loughkb]

Glad it helped!.

[@ericchristian2243]

Awesome presentation! I'm currently working with SARCTRAC/Gpredict/Hamlib/Arduino ProMicro/ using a Dell Chromebook, running Chrome OS with Linux (Beta). This video is the best I've seen so far. Now I'll watch the one on Gpredict. 73's from ERIC/KB3DTQ

[@sinanuluvar9174]

Thank you for the video Kevin. I just set up Raspberry Pi OS into my VM running under host OS Windows 10. At the age of 60 I start learning Linux and you are a good motivator for this. Remembering the old DOS days, I think I will not be shy with terminal.. Serial port info will probably be helpful for me too. 😊

[@BarefootBeekeeper]

I find that when loading synaptic, it's a good idea to click on "reload" before doing anything else, as that seems to update its list.

[@af6aw]

Thanks Kevin for pointing out the part about the serial port under Linux, I learned something.

[@robzingarelli2609]

Kevin, thanks for the video. I'm just getting started with Linux for ham radio applications, and this is a big help. 73!

[@dannythomas6194]

Thanks Kevin. Newbie to linux and not afraid of the terminal window. Enjoyed the synaptic tutorial. 73' Dan WX8SJC EN71eu

[@W4TRI_Ronny]

Great stuff! I was able to do same or similar in Ubuntu Mate with just a couple of differences. I did not know Mate exited! Thanks for pointing me to this. I have a not so recent Core I5 that is now working great on this!

[@Kennynva]

At 12:33 in your search box, you can type what you are looking for...and I think it will come up..nice video by the way..

[@rlmillr]

Good Video. You saved a lot of new linux users the tty headache. I might add how to tail the log when they plug in the usb (assuming most use usb) to find out what port it setup as if they have a printer or other usb device. I have usb0 1 and 2 and use that as it is better than my memory.

[@loughkb]

In my video on setting up rig control in linux, I had a file browser open in the /dev folder to show the ttyUSB# port appearing when I plugged in the serial adapter. I also explained what the /dev directory was. The response to this topic has been so positive that I'll probably do a few more linux for hams vids.

[@brianmatthews232]

nice one Kevin, good explanation of using Linux to config FLdigi, very nice prog on Linux (free) has some great features and is quick, as is linux! Worls great with my F857, FDM-Duo & 7300.

[@Mach7RadioIntercepts]

Congrats on your upgraded video setup. Groups, ports, and permissions can be a pain for new users to learn... How about Snaps as another way to install software? Lots of packages / easy to manage.

[@MrJaylassiter]

Wow. I learn so much from your videos. Thanks!

[@steveedwards90]

hi Kevin great video I finally worked out how to get fldigi and cqrlog connected I was trying with cqrlog as master fldigi as slave it works with fldigi as master and cqrlog as slave simple solution but could not find it posted the only thing I loose is dx cluster "pounce " but I can live with that keep up the good work

[@yardsale781]

Thank you. I'm a ham and Linux newbie

[@robertamie4895]

KG5RPC I did the Terminal download, but it didn't do what you were doing. It said 1 didn't download or something. I'm listed at this point because, I don't know what to do. I couldn't log into Dibian.

[@ve3zcv344]

Linux is also amazing for working with AX25. My ham radio computer is usually running linux, with wine for windows programs.

[@policyprogrammer]

I'm rather familiar with Linux, perhaps less so with amateur radio. A couple of months ago I got it in my head that I should be able to remote my IC-7300 using nothing more than its USB port connected to a Raspberry Pi, forwarding the rig control and audio over the Internet. It turns out, you *can* do it, and once you know how it works reasonably well -- but getting there is tricky. In my case the "server" is an RPi 3 running Jessie is connected to a radio. I use a command called "socat" to convert the serial port to a TCP port, and use Pulseaudio to make the audio streams available on a TCP port. The client, is another computer with Linux. I like Ubuntu. From the client, I open an ssh with port forwarding, and forward the remote server's ports for audio and serial so they appear on the client machine as local ports. socat and pulseaudio make them back into fake serial ports and audio streams. From there I can configure ham radio apps like fldigi and wsjt-x to use the fake devices. The last step is to configure your router to allow an incoming ssh connection to the RPi -- and it works. I've even made some JT65 QSOs from work today! (Don't tell my boss.) Long story longer -- Linux is amazingly powerful. If you put your mind to it, you can make really interesting things happen -- for free! But it can be a tough partner. Weird things happen, and often programs just don't work "right." Best. Dave WE6EE

[@loughkb]

Yes! That's one thing I love about linux. There's so many tools available that you can put together just about any solution with it. It's like legos. All the bricks are there and your imagination is all you need. One security thing I want to point out. Opening the standard SSH port to the net paints a big bulls eye on you to the bad guys. I used port translation in my router to put ssh on a high port number. That hides you from the port scanners.

[@policyprogrammer]

You are right, it makes me nervous leaving an open sshd on the wild internet. What I have done to mitigate the issue is set up my network with the RPi isolated from everything else. I use two routers. The first is connected to the Internet upstream with my RPi and the second router downstream. My home network is on the second router. As a result, even if the Pi is compromised, it will not be able to access any of my equipment on the second router. I will also move the ssh port to another location to cut down on probes, though. It is a bit unnerving to watch the access logs scroll and see all the attempts made on that little machine.

[@gonkeyhughes]

David Jacobowitz Intresting all this network stuff what about a vid showing dead heads how to do this as its all part of hams to do stuff. Thanks for comments and info more be good g0myd

[@pincus321]

I am going to do a presentation to our local Ham Club in Canberra next year and I would like to use some of your videos if you are happy with that in particular Andy’s Ham Radio are you happy with that. Best regards John

[@loughkb]

That's fine, as long as I'm credited.

[@canberrarep4508]

@@loughkb Thank you i am more than happy to credit you

[@canberrarep4508]

@@loughkb Did you have problems with Admin Login and partitioning say a Windows machine to add a dual boot with Grub failing.

[@loughkb]

@@canberrarep4508 No, no problems with root login, after you set a password for root. sudo passwd I haven't run windows since the early days of win7. Nothing but linux at my QTH. So I haven't done a dual boot install in many years. It used to work fine though.

[@torspedia]

I'm a Linux user who's going to be doing my Foundation licence course, in a couple of months. As I don't really know what apps are out there, can you please recommend any that are useful to anyone who's just starting out on their ham journey?

[@patrickkelly8123]

Hi Kevin, thank you for these videos - I am new to Linux after years on windows and just getting to know Linux mint. However, no matter how I try I am unable to install GridTracker which I have used for years with WSJT-X . None of the scripts currently on KZbin work for me. Perhaps you could have a go yourself and make it work?

[@eminusipi]

Thanks for the video and your help before you posted this.

[@shemp308]

Thank you for this frig did not work for me and I was sure I had it right! I think you answered my problem. I will go through it again!

[@loughkb]

The most common oversight, is not adding your user to the "dialout" group for access to the serial ports.

[@wvtrooper1615]

Great video, Kevin. I'm trying to use a Pi 3 to run EchoLink and AllStar but know nothing about Linux. Would the Synaptic mgr allow me to download these as a package? I'm having all kinds of problems trying to find the programs, dependencies, etc from source. This whole experience has soured me on the Pi and Linux. 😒

[@loughkb]

Synaptic will let you install a program called Qtel, which is an echolink client that is graphical and easy to use. You can't run the original echolink client on the pi, wrong processor architecture, ARM vs X86. But Qtel is already compiled on ARM and should be in the repositories already. Search in synaptic for it. Allstar nodes are a bit more complicated. I did find a tutorial that can be followed, but it looks like he uses extra hardware for the allstar link. k0rv.wordpress.com/2017/03/27/building-my-raspberry-pi-3-portable-allstar-node-for-your-car-or-rv/

[@alexreyes25]

Thank you, I follow step by step your instructions on Icom 735 and Ubuntu 20.04. FLRIG connects fine and I can change the freqs fine. I open FLdigi and as soon I try to connect to as client to flrig, the flrig shutsdown and is gone. What am I doing wrong? Please help and thank you, great video.

[@loughkb]

I don't know. I've never had that happen. Try using fldigi directly by selecting 'hamlib' as it's option for rig control. You'll set up the serial device right there in fldigi, similar to how you set it up in flrig.

[@lewerim]

Another great video, sir.

[@loughkb]

Thanks for watching Erik.

[@DonDegidio]

Kevin, I have a bunch of 2.5" hard drives sitting here unused. Guess it's time to use one and start playing with Linux. I use Kingwin mobile racks in my desktop tower to make removing drives easy. My current motherboard does not allow hot swapping, but I have a new I7 motherboard ready to be built into another tower and it does allow hot swapping hard drives. Hopefully, it will now be easy to just turn off one drive and start another. 73 WB3BJU

[@Jimwill01]

I wouldn't recommend it! You might decide you like Linux more than Windows! Just joking. Actually both OS's have pluses and minuses. Windows has more software due to more exposure, however Linux is catching up pretty quickly. For myself I gave up on Windows many years ago and switched to Linux.

[@loughkb]

I've started researching what's popular with hams in windows. Going to do a vid eventually on running the windows apps under linux with WINE. I use it for echolink, so it probably will run other apps well also.

[@bityard]

I use Qtel for echolink on Linux, it *usually* works well. :)

[@dennisbauer3315]

Hi Kevin, I have had a lot of trouble with Wine on Linux Mint 17.3 Cinnamon, my laptops are 64 bit, wine is all 32 bit. All though MMANA_GAL runs perfect on Wine

[@leethompson5274]

Kevin, I always thought that the NSA secure software had been fully incorporated in to the linux kernel code years ago. Lee, WA8QFE.

[@WHNorthcote]

I wonder if Linux has a repository file for Winlink? The email over internet program. Apart from that, this is a good video for getting started on Pi and Lunix.

[@loughkb]

Winlink has not been ported to linux yet. I did a little digging awhile ago, trying to get it running. I haven't tried it using WINE yet, but it obviously did work within a windows VM running in virtualbox. There area couple of linux projects that support the protocol, but they are still incomplete and only usable for hard-core geeks that can handle coding. I'll revisit it under WINE in an upcoming video.

[@WHNorthcote]

If you do can get it to work, or if the Pi community can make it work via their OS then it could easily be a nice addition with Winlink. May have to register my call on it for futher use. If you do manage to get it working my email is [e-mail] If you want to do a test for a video.

[@loughkb]

Well, WINE has been sort-of made to work on the Pi's recently. They had to add cpu emulation for the X86 and that slows it down significantly. WINE is really only good for people running on X86 cpu's. The way WINE works is to let the windows binary run natively on the processor. It then translates windows API calls to linux and X windows. The program thinks it's running on windows. That allows windows programs to run at near native speed.

[@edbeckerich3737]

Have experimented with Wine vs React OS on x86?

[@loughkb]

React OS is an open source windows clone that has a long way to go yet. Not the same as linux. Linux is a kernel patterned after Unix.

[@randelstuckey5494]

Does Linux have a screen reading feature for visually impaired people? I am wanting to set up a Linux based computer for ham radio, but need some form of screen reading program for accessability. 73, Randy N4OHO

[@loughkb]

Hi Randy, There are at least two that I'm aware of. Both are free. ORCA, projects.gnome.org/orca/ And Emacspeak, emacspeak.sourceforge.net/ Emacspeak is available in the package system, just type sudo apt-get install emacspeak in a terminal to install it.

[@randelstuckey5494]

thanks for the info and I'll check them out as soon as I can. I have downloaded the Ubuntu Linux OS, but I am no able to get it to do an install or make the install disks so I ordered the Ubuntu Mate. I hope this one is easy to use or learn to use.

[@randelstuckey5494]

Thanks Kevin, I appreciate your help with the screen reading programs. I got my copy of Ubuntu Mate vers 17.04 in today and as soon as I can get a replacement screen for the laptop I should be able to get that loptop up and running on Linux, I hope. Take care and Happy Late Birthday and that was a great signal generator. I've seen several KZbin repair videos that use that model of generator. 73, Randy N4OHO

[@Kd9bpy]

very informative, have a couple laptops that I would like to perform a dual boot on since they are shared with other people who may not want to play with or learn linux. Might be a good "future" video for those wanting to try it out without getting rid of ms os. Rick, kd9bpy

[@loughkb]

Depending on what those other users do, they may be fine with linux. Most people these days do nothing more than stick in the browser and play on the net. Chrome and Firefox are both available in linux versions. In fact, nearly all linux versions come with firefox already installed on first boot. The Chromebook is actually a linux computer that only runs the Chrome browser.

[@robertamie4895]

KG5RPC, How can I fix what's wrong.

[@deanmason560]

Will Puppy Linux work? Thinking of using my 2007 laptop

[@loughkb]

Yes, but I'm not sure if it uses APT for software package management. There are other light distributions based on debian though. www.techradar.com/news/best-lightweight-linux-distro

[@mickyjb2003]

Excuse my ignorance but we hat password and where do I get it from?

[@loughkb]

The default username is pi and the default password is raspberry

[@billybloggsabc]

Hi would be gratefull if you could send your link for wsjtx-x video for linux

[@loughkb]

You can find these by using the search bar on the youtube page. For example, I just searched for "kb9rlw wsjtx linux" and this was the top item listed. kzbin.info/www/bejne/d4ewlYhnp9RqpK8

[@GreyGhost-r4z]

I cannot get CubicSDR running under Linux Mint 19. It's driving me batty....

[@mikethees6434]

Sudo apt-get great video I already have an old computer running Raspian just for testing I hate dividing my life AKA computers I'm a pre release tester for the next windows hate to make the jump back but thanks for the info

[@uMalice]

The various desktops are slightly different but, I find that they all have the same concepts as all are linux. The real headache is getting a legit working cable and antenna for my baufeng. The copies are so close in appearance, you can't tell legit from clone. Tip: always buy from a reputable source and support your local resellers.

[@robertchambers5821]

Hello Kevin: I love the video! I have used Linux in the Ubuntu form and the GUI is great. However, I feel learning the command line would give better control. Could you point me in the best direction to learn command line commands. Many thanks. 8P6RC and VE3BEO

[@USMCDAD47]

Just curious....did you make this video using the Ubuntu Mate and the computer you salvaged from the rubbish?

[@loughkb]

This was recorded on my main tower, a quad core i5. I used a fresh debian install in a virtualbox virtual machine. I needed the horsepower since virtualbox was doing it's own screen recording and I was also recording from a webcam. Then I did the editing on the same machine using KDEnlive, and GIMP for graphics. The computer runs ubuntu MATE as it's OS. I do have a second hard disk with Win10 installed, but I only boot that occasionally to play a game of snood.

[@gonkeyhughes]

thank you i enjoyed the linux vid as i am starting to move away from ms windows after 20 years i started on win 3.0 and win 3.1 days . any vids on linux by you would be great from g0myd in uk

[@TheDaveho]

Hi Kevin, what do you use for editing your videos. Thanks Dave N1DCH

[@loughkb]

The video editor is KDEnlive. Graphics are done in GIMP and Libre Office Draw. Sometimes I also use Inkscape for vector art.

[@TheDaveho]

Kevin Loughin thanks

[@jasonea95]

4:10 to skip the basics for any intermediate linux user

[@k4sbb829]

i use ubuntu mate and trying to get gqrx sdr to work but im learning ill get it running maybe by late summer lol de K4SBB

[@loughkb]

I use gqrx with a RTL SDR dongle. It works really well. I haven't used it with any of the other SDRs like SDRplay, but only because I don't have the hardware. One of these days I hope to obtain one for review. If I do, I'll do a vid on configuring gqrx with it.

[@dennisbauer3315]

I got it to work on Linux Mint 17.3 Cinnamon without any trouble, I followed all the commands, copy and pasted some into terminal, and it worked, I hid under the bed for a day.

[@k4sbb829]

i tried skywave 2.2 but it's buggy

[@carl-gunnarhillefors7612]

KEVIN, Thank YOU FOR ENLIGHTENMENT ON THIS ISSUES O POSSIBILITIEA AND STRAIGHTFORWARD PRACTICE AND EXPLANATIONS! 73 de Gunnar sm6oer >>\

[@dennisbauer3315]

Hi Kevin, in the last few days I have discovered your wonderful videos, got me buggered how i never came across them before, but better late than never, special in this case hi hi, I dont know if anyone else has asked, but some of us do not have fldigi version 3 22 01 1 we can only get 3 21 80 1 an older version, I have Linux Mint 17.3 Cinnamon I wonder if i need another distribution, or can you inform us please if you know, how to get the new version, Oh also i have the 3 21 80 1 and after downloading it still will not update. Thank you very much for your videos, very much appreciated Dennis VK4JDJ

[@cuban9splat]

Neat stuff. Thank you. A good friend is trying to talk me into setting up a Linux based computer for ham radio. I may give it a try now. 73 DE K7RMJ Frank

[@loughkb]

Yes, do it! You'll be surprised at how well it runs. I have set up linux on old laptops for a few people and they universally commented on how much faster the old machine ran compared to when they ran windows on it. The linux desktop has really matured and is a viable option for most users these days.

[@brentjohnson6654]

Hey Frank! I am curious if you did ever jump into Linux. If you did what did you think and what was a surprise if you don’t mind me asking. I have used Linux ever since it came out on one 3.5” disk (that probably dares me haha). Thanks 73 de KI5HXM Brent

[@DesertFernweh]

Awesome video, been using linux for years and am just getting into HAM (my beard is not white enough, yet). 1 question. Who gets into linux and doesn't like using the terminal.

[@BarefootBeekeeper]

I was scared of doing something evil in terminal at first, but now I find it indispensable.

[@edbeckerich3737]

Debian is fantastic distro, i love it. However 3 years between updates is a long time, and i end up in Ubuntu... Ed KC8SBV

[@loughkb]

Debian is the foundation Canonical uses to build ubuntu on. My main desktop and that thin client HP I found in the trash, (see recent vid), both run Ubuntu MATE. Debian is thinner out of the box, so I use it on the netbook at the hamdesk. Ubuntu has a LOT of added services and is much fatter.

[@edbeckerich3737]

I have used Debian for the last couple decades, on and off, my favorite install was to stop it before the Desktop was installed, and install just what I want. I could make it as light as I wanted. I read that you can do that with Ubuntu too. These days, with so much ram and hard drive, I just let it go...

[@edbeckerich3737]

techpctricks.com/how-to-install-a-minimal-and-non-bloated-ubuntu-on-your-old-laptop/

[@techdangerteam2818]

awesome...subscribe it now..

[@ralphwilmot6351]

Really good well presented video. I am sure you will convert some MS hams to Linux. I have found all your videos interesting and in the true spirit of Ham radio. De G4PEY

[@heyscott73]

Great information, Kevin! I am new to Linux and have been trying to find ham software. Synaptic appears to have everything a ham needs. Seems like there is an endless amount of programs on just about any topic. Thanks for you help. 73's KE7YDQ

[@MsMaidin]

HA ha Hai there 9M2DU here didii what you told me to do as i follow well it look good because Microsoft is crap.. but why there is no sound how do i check it out

[@loughkb]

Hello Dan, What model of computer is it?

[@MsMaidin]

Ha ha hai there an old Lap TOp Toshiba Portage T210,Had this for a long time it good and compatible as at the moment it got me on the MiniVna Pro hoock up hai hai . By the way that very much as got the reply from hai hai .

[@MsMaidin]

my email [e-mail]