OFF-GRID Windows 10 Laptop Setup for Radio Comms

[@RobertoRubio-ij3ms]

I bet most people here are ham guys getting into computers but, me being a computers guy (total nerd about them) getting into ham radio, I find this type of content amazing. As usual, learned something new today. Cheers Jason.

[@TheTechPrepper]

Thanks for the shout out, Jason and for spreading the word on offgrid computing. We should hop on a stream together to discuss this further. I am very concerned with how "connected" everything and everyone is to the Internet. It will be an eye-opener and every a rude awakening when the first large scale cyber attack happens. Also note, the current development build of EmComm Tools Community R4 Build 8 has offline support for Wikipedia via Kiwix. I'll hook you up with a build if you go to Quartzfest in a few weeks. Shoot me a text. Later, brother.

[@HamRadio2]

Yeah let's meetup soon but I won't make it to Quartzfest this year. We're hoping for next year

[@TheTechPrepper]

@@HamRadio2 RR. A stream perhaps? Text me.

[@TheREALJosephTurner]

Just to add to your VLC comments- it's also an excellent audio player as well. You mentioned that you downloaded Wikipedia- cool! If only we could download QRZ to look up callsigns (and their pages) while not connected, that would be awesome.

[@Rad_Hack]

One of the best ham radio KZbin videos to come out in a while! Thank you very much😊

[@HamRadio2]

Thanks!

[@andrew8940]

Hi jason, it's me again. I didn't fully with your video about digital modes but i agree with this video. You, gaston and h.r crash course are the best

[@mksherwood3068]

Just what our team needed as we set up our VarAC systems for EmComm ahead. Thanks. Mike N8UO

[@DrewBarkerOk]

This is absolute GOLD!

[@HamRadio2]

Thanks

[@c-jen8923]

I am doing this as well, with windows 11, using a Jumper EZPad 6 Pro. 6gigs of RAM and upgraded the NVME SSD. Works DAMN well for an older tablet style PC. Makes messing with Radios on the go very convenient

[@fotografm]

Just take out the WiFi adapter card and don't plug in an ethernet cable and you are airgapped ! The utility you showed near the end is the most useful part of the video for me. From my experience, if windoze ten is not activated then you aren't allowed to change some settings like move the taskbar etc. I run windoze in a virtual machine on Linux for radio applications. You can disconnect the network connection in the hypervisor to airgap it, plus you have the advantage of being able to keep snapshots of the system for rollback in the event of a problem.

[@patthesoundguy]

Those little laptops are great! I had not seen one until the Youth On The Air Folks showed up here with a boat load of them that they have in their kit for their events.

[@hamradiotube]

Please for the love of God and all things holy, don't let Frank near that computer!!

[@HamRadio2]

I am smarter than that. Unlike some folks...

[@hamradiotube]

@@HamRadio2 In my defense, I was not there when it happened. It was a drive by Franking. We live and learn.

[@HamRadio2]

@@hamradiotube that is true, I do remember you were gone

[@don_n5skt]

This is hilarious conversation 🤣

[@HamRadio2]

And based on a true story

[@ianthomsonGM0URD]

I did this kind of thing years ago using Windows Visa on a 32bit laptop. One common problem that I found was when installing some software the software requires you to register it on the Internet. An example of this is The Gimp program for Linux or Windows used for photo editing. Managed to sometimes get around this problem by downloading older versions of the same program which did not require Internet regestration.

[@HamRadio2]

I'm expecting to run into that at some point

[@arekx]

gimp doesn't require any registration! Your version wasn't some vanilla gimp if it forced that.

[@indyguy4727]

Great video! Where can we get one of those flag and call sign hats?

[@Leathalcookie11]

Flrig / Fldigi / Flamp would be a good three to add that would cover everything else program wise

[@HamRadio2]

I have FLDigi, will add the other 2

[@d0glesby]

Nice walk through for your process for setting up this laptop. I picked up a couple yesterday, so the video is timely, even if I'm going to be using Linux on these primarily. Still need to have a stable Windows platform to run all the software manufacturers provide that doesn't exist for other platforms (Apple Silicon, Raspberry Pi), or won't work properly on Linux x86 even running Wine. I have a couple off-grid Windows systems that go all the way back to XP to handle radio programming software for older radios. These laptops are dirt cheap, if you live near a Microcenter that has them in stock, and the look to really fit well into the space one would normally use a Raspberry Pi. They may even be cheaper than a Raspberry Pi solution.

[@groundzero.]

N1MM Logger+ has rig control and spectrum display with logging software.

[@jpblum6211]

Great video. I plan on something like this with a Fuzion 5 tablet

[@Joel-r7m]

MMSSTV for slow scan TV and BktTimeSync with a GPS dongle to set your clock for FT8

[@Dazdigo]

Looking forward to the Linux and Cyberdeck builds. The SteamDeck might be a good PC to do this on since it is a portable system with decent hardware. Please let us know what sort of software you like to install on it as well for your radio hobby.

[@bwillan]

Just be aware that some applications have built in expiry timers that will force you to update to more current versions or they won't function.

[@donaldsmith3048]

Thank You for this information! Winlink needs to update the forms! I am not sure what forms get updated each time but can you update the forms over RF? If so it may take a long time. I think I will do a update on RF sometime to see how long it takes. I try not to do updates on RF because it takes time and may stop others from using it! I am sending this video to others. I think our ARES people will like this. I am not sure what computer you are using, where I can get one, and the cost. I don't have much money! 73 W4DES

[@BrokePrepper]

To download win10 from windows using windows (Windows will create a bootable installation media for you automatically from the link you posted), go to the download page you linked > scroll down to "Using the tool to create installation media" > download the tool and it will automatically download Win10, make your USB stick bootable, and install Win10 to the USB stick. It's that simple, No extra steps are needed. Simply boot to the USB stick and it will guide you through the install. Note: You will need a valid Win10 key, and make sure you understand Win10 partition requirements if you plan to do a dual boot, or partition a drive that's currently running an OS.

[@aa3konthego]

You cant get rid of Solitaire! What are you going to do when the bands are dead and the deer are bedded down? If that Jenkapotimus has the cell phone modem option, you can open the computer up, and replace the modem with a SATA drive. Some of the Jenkapotimus had the Sata connector but no cell phone modem. And later models did not even have the connector.

[@jackK5FIT]

I will certainly do this to my Evolve. I wondered about the Windows registration key. I guess we'll see. Maybe add Winlink and VarAc? Lots of choices.

[@HamRadio2]

Winlink is there. VaraFM also.

[@jackK5FIT]

@@HamRadio2 Oops I missed Winlink.

[@ahendrix9787]

...Jason, can you run your FT-891 on digital modes with the DR-891 after doing this modification? ...i am just curious to see if removing all X-Box applications interferes with the sound/mic "app" on the Evolve...i found out that seems to be where that app lives on my Evolve Maestro III when i set up my regular Digirig and had to adjust the volumes there...Thanks much to you and Gastone for a great concept! AND thank you for showing us how it's done!!! 73!

[@HamRadio2]

Good question, that will be a fun thing to try. Thanks for the idea

[@neubert500]

Excellent video! I ABSOLUTELY HATE windows and it's stripping of your privacy and control over you machine. I can't Wait for your linux vid!

[@Kq4hcuDan]

3.1, 95 and 95SE is the only versions of lamedows I trust. Windows has became a 1984 nightmare.

[@beemcbike]

Appreciate your work. I like the idea of the hard drive, but I know I would struggle to keep it up to date. I would add JS8Call to the list. 73 and a healthy 25. HB3XBL

[@HamRadio2]

JS8call was one of the first programs that I downloaded.

[@timbookedtwo2375]

I already made an offgrid windows 10 machine for my solsr/battery powered shack.

[@Subgunman]

A bit out of context but does anyone sell covers for these usb or other drives to keep dust out of the plug? It would also be nice if it was static dissipative as well to protect the connector from static discharge. I would have to setup a laptop with a multi boot mode, still running XP for programming some Motorola, Vetex, Yaesu radios that work only under XP. As for finding my registration keys on my Windows machines I use Bellarc Advisor. I don’t know if it will find any key on Win10 if no key has been registered to it. It does let me know exactly which version of Windows is installed on the machine so if I can find an image of that version on Windows to instal and activate on a second machine.

[@PaperworkNinja]

is it really a cyberdeck if it doesn't have a direct neural interface to the user?

[@HamRadio2]

This is a laptop....

[@stevemichael9023]

Correction, TTP primarily runs Ubuntu 22.10 with EmComm Tools development.

[@HamRadio2]

I never said what he ran

[@mikearmstrong9899]

Will be watching this one a few times! Needs to be pinned somewhere! Thanx.

[@KY4TRK]

Pale moon web browser is purty good

[@ed-jf3xh]

I installed W10 on a Win 7 computer that was old enough that it didn't have the embedded key. It started pestering me to register at about 90 days.

[@thedoobie1]

5 minutes in, "this sounds like a great idea!" 9 minutes in, "I'm completely lost!" 😂

[@HamRadio2]

You'll get it, just follow the steps.

[@scottk1911]

I thought about doing this. The current version of Windows 10 is education. When my computer updated to 11 24h2 it changed from 11 pro to 11 education. It seams mor restricted than ever. I'm going to stick with linux for now. Good luck!

[@don_n5skt]

Image has to have Thetis-64. Gotta run the Hermes Lite 2.

[@HamRadio2]

That's just a standard windows application and should be easy to add

[@ThePenguinOfTime]

Your voice seems to be about a fourth of a second desynced from this video

[@jerryKB2GCG]

How do you get software updates if it is never connected to the Internet? It’s software frozen in time.

[@HamRadio2]

Exactly. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. But if you really needed an update, just download it onto the external drive from another computer, then plug the external drive back into the off grid PC

[@rfengineer3]

Micro Center has them for sale again

[@HamRadio2]

The one near me is sold out

[@d0glesby]

@@HamRadio2 I picked up two in Indianapolis yesterday. Sharonville, OH has 25+ in stock. They're out there!

[@HamRadio2]

Last time I saw there in my store, the price was better than Amazon. But they seem to come and go, with long waits in between the re-stocking times

[@d0glesby]

@@HamRadio2 Apparently truckers buy these things all the time. Great cheap laptop for use on the road, and if it breaks, you just get another one.

[@RWE870]

Windows surface pro 8 works great

[@HamRadio2]

I have one of the older Surfaces and like it alot

[@haxboi5492]

I wouldn't use a hard drive in this scenario. SSDs are very expensive compared to hard drives, but they aren't nearly as fragile as hard drives

[@haxboi5492]

And for the programs, I'd add all of the visual c versions, newest java runtime environment, python 3 and 2, libre office, CHIRP, wsjtx, js8call, windirstat, 7zip, direwolf along with your favorite aprs app. Along with extensive documentation and troubleshooting guides. Even better if you include in a appimage, windows 32 and 64 bit version for every piece of software. Sorry if i mentioned something that you already have

[@rogfromthegarage8158]

Why would you need a browser if you're never going to be online?

[@HamRadio2]

PDF files. Other things can run in a browser too.

[@rogfromthegarage8158]

@HamRadio2 fair enough

[@K9TPT]

Have you considered APRS software, ( K8MRD’s closet fetish software ? )

[@Kq4hcuDan]

Doesn't lamedows 10 and 11 screenshot your computer every five seconds and does other orewellan gabrage

[@HamRadio2]

There were rumors about 11 doing that, but I don't think 10 ever did. However, if I am not connected to the internet, what does it matter?

[@DomN5TCB]

The Channel ASK YOUR COMPUTER GUY has vids about having W10/11 backups, computer virus protection, restoring your computer.....! Something you and Tech Prepper need to go.

[@Kq4hcuDan]

I rather run Linux, Freebsd or haiku OS and, I wouldn't touch any Microsoft or Apple OS product with. 140 foot pole.

[@EricFullwood]

This^ 💯

[@HamRadio2]

Once again, once the manufacturers all get on board with this idea, I will happily switch

[@TheREALJosephTurner]

Or, a 42.67-meter aluminium pole if you're outside the U.S.

[@BrokePrepper]

As a musician, digital music creator, audio/video editor, graphic artist, offline Windows is the ONLY way to go for me. Apple sucks for compatibility just as much as Linux. I've been running modded offline Windows since XP.

[@jamesseaman2950]

I just don't understand the point of it. People use Windows 10 laptops offline every day.

[@HamRadio2]

Who would do that? And why?

[@jamesseaman2950]

@@HamRadio2 You did a great job explaining how, but you didn't tell your viewers why they should bother. I still don't see the point of it. If you want to run Windows 10 "off the grid", then simply unplug your Ethernet cable and turn off your Wi-Fi. Simple as that. Windows 10 users are computing "off the grid" every day from their bedrooms while running their word processor, or spreadsheet, or any other program that doesn't need the Internet. There are millions of business users running Windows 10 without connections to the public internet. They are all literally off-the-grid. For that matter, WSJT-X doesn't need an Internet connection. The common logging programs don't need Internet until you want to export or import QSO's. Windows 10 runs online or offline whether you are booting from an internal SSD or have configured your BIOS to boot from external media. I'm probably missing something other people have experienced in portable operation, but I don't see the point of booting Windows from a thumb drive to operate "off the grid". Perhaps someone can educate me.

[@HamRadio2]

@@jamesseaman2950 people who want to be off-grid understand why they're doing it, they don't need me to explain it to them. Windows will prompt you for updates if you don't run thi utility I mentioned. Even if you're off the Internet, it'll prompt you. The USB stick isn't required and actually windows did install onto a partition of the internal HDD of the laptop, but running the Ventoy utility allows me to dual boot easier. Having it on a thumb drive allows me to move to another laptop, if I want

[@jamesseaman2950]

@@HamRadio2 Well, you created targeted content which I'm ok with, but it would have been useful to add a disclaimer explaining that only a group of hardcore offgrid hams will know what the problem is. Windows machines run off-line, 24/7 in data centers and secure environments all the time without Internet connectivity. There is a registry edit to remove update prompts. I still don't see the point of it all but you're free to what you need to do. 73.

[@Kq4hcuDan]

Sorry for being very anti windows, i just cringe when i hear windows, but i can totally see why you run it

[@HamRadio2]

I look forward to the day where I can switch over to Ubuntu or Mint and run everything that I want to run.

[@TheREALJosephTurner]

I agree. With as notoriously cheap as most of us hams are, and with our experimental nature, you would think some flavor of Linux would be our dominant OS. But, for whatever reason, the manufacturers and most individuals who write software packages focus on M$, and if they actually port to Linux or Apple, they only do it halfheartedly.

[@EricFullwood]

Why? The future of ham radio is Linux.

[@HamRadio2]

Once all of the manufacturers get on board with that idea, it will become true. Until then, it is just a mantra that Windows-haters shout.

[@SpookyLurker]

Right tool for the job I believe is the line. Windows is the most popular, but Linux is catching up. Not everyone rushes to make software for Linux though. Pick your battles accordingly. C'est la vie.

[@Rad_Hack]

@@EricFullwood I really don’t think so

[@ManuelPinner]

Ubuntu Linux is much better,

[@HamRadio2]

Yes it is. But it doesn't run as many things.

[@d0glesby]

@@HamRadio2 Depends on what you want to run. I'm working on a Linux build for these laptops for ham radio use. Should be doable.

[@EricFullwood]

​@@HamRadio2Then you run a VM for all your windows-only antique crapware.

[@HamRadio2]

@d0glesby I am doing the same thing with another one of these Maestro laptops. Running Linux Mint.

[@HamRadio2]

@EricFullwood antique? you mean the latest and best DMR radios that have windows-only software? Or the Yaesu and Icom software that doesn't run in Linux? Get real for a minute. If you want to run Linux, you have to make compromises and miss out on some things. You can run the slow and bloated VMware for some things if you want, but if Linux was really the end-all,be-all then you wouldn't have to. Is it better than Windows? Yes. Is it as practical? Often times, no.