Portable Raspberry Pi 4 Amateur Radio Station

Here is my current rasperberry pi 4 portable ham shack setup. This all packs into a Pelican 1040 waterproof case for easy portability into the field. The advantage of using a Raspberry Pi is that you can interface with any tablet or laptop that can use VNC for acessing the devices desktop. Linux for ham radio is very stong with regards to applications, so you will likely have all your bases covered after a little preparing.
The setup and configuration can be seen here. • Introduction To Raspbe...
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Current Shack Config:
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[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

The longer detailed setup of the Raspberry Pi can be watched here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ravOdauBoM-FjrM

[@cashritchie9076]

How much is this entire setup in general

[@martinblain6200]

Really liked the direct and simple approach that you have in your videos. Have a Question: the KX2 USB cable - where did you get this from please. ZL1MX

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

@@martinblain6200 Thank you for the kind words. The USB cable came with the radio.

[@jeromebrendan919]

sorry to be so offtopic but does anyone know a way to get back into an instagram account?? I was dumb forgot the login password. I appreciate any assistance you can offer me!

[@maximussamir2332]

@Jerome Brendan instablaster ;)

[@LavaKimo]

Looks like this is my next PI project to have ready for field day!

[@jimknowlton342]

I just got a Raspberry PI 4 for Christmas because of my yammering about using it for Ham lol, this video made me lol when I saw the title. Can't wait to get through it.

[@ecmo2007]

Josh thank you for responding and the link. This was perfect. I have a few Raspberry Pi's and looking for an excuse to pick up the RP4. Thank you!

[@Aussat]

Looking good Josh, Finally sorted my Pi for digital just waiting on the sound card and I will be away laughing. Thanks again.

[@martinblain6200]

Nice simple and clean approach to digital modes - very encouraging to a New Radio Ham. ZL1MX Definitely will give this a go in the field once the Level 4 / 3 restrictions lift here in New Zealand

[@nwwoodsman2545]

I've been looking for this type of video. Great job

[@TallTexasGMan]

Thank you, I have been looking for ways to enjoy the hobby again and this is intriguing.

[@ornotermes]

About getting to the audio from the radio: I came to think of several solutions: * Set up the audio daemon to send the mic input to the Pi's speaker output. * Ditto but with a Bluetooth speaker/headset. * Set up a streaming server to stream from the pi to the phone and use the phones media player and speaker, possibly icecast2, or pulseaudio-dlna for something more modern. I think the network streaming option is the best as it won't require any extra hardware and should be easy to work with (it should even be possible to use the play / pause in the notification menu to control the audio)

[@JamesEdwards780]

Really appreciate the setup and how to vids.!

[@marlonsamaniego7884]

Interesting and nice compact setup. Thanks for posting

[@markdoyle8713]

Just. Getting started on the PI toys . Love your work , thanks Kn4kax

[@lpark8]

Very clear thank you 🙏😎looking forward to setting it up

[@Blue-Collar-Radio]

Nobody likes a cocked dongle 🤣 great info. I'll start messing with my pi4 tomorrow. Now I know I need a stand off for USBs. Great video, green screen and all!

[@TheDgdimick]

Thanks for the Amazon list of parts, stupid Amazon search didn't find the GPS for me.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

np, thanks for watching!

[@rogeraiton]

Josh, just wanted to say thanks for creating this channel and all the content! I am very new to HAM and looking to get a license. Recently purchased a few Baofeng radios. Going through your technician crash course now and got the ARRL book. On a side note, I discovered you work for the same company I do. Found you in the GAL. :-)

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

I’m glad you are getting licensed! Lots of fun stuff to do in the hobby!

[@Eagleoneradiogod]

Excellent video. You got the mr caralson video explinition thing going on. I like it. And b.t.w excellent job on keeping your sanity especialley living where you live in california. Just so you know my mind did not begin to function and heal untill I left California. Enjoyed the video.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

HAHA, thanks for the comment! Yes, Ca. Has some major issues. If my wife every changes her mind, we’ll be out of there.

[@Eagleoneradiogod]

@@HamRadioCrashCourse well move here to kingman And we can open up an electronics store. There are a lot of cb ers and ham people here. And I'm swamped fixing amplifers and blowen radios.

[@radiowavz]

Good job hemerobi!

[@ratclit]

7:00 A simple headphone splitter should do the trick. Thanks for the great vids Josh!

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Yes, that would work if you wanted to use earphones or a external speaker. I was referring to the internal speaker on the KX2.

[@ratclit]

Ham Radio Crash Course Ah, that would take a bit of extra tinkering!

[@pastorlarry7470]

Thanks I have been a ham since 1976, I am not up on the new digital stuff but these videos are making it easier. My call is AL7NS

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Thank you!

[@pastorlarry7470]

@@HamRadioCrashCourse trying to figure out this Raspberry Pi stuff I want to do DMR

[@davidj.wilcox6053]

PS. A big SHOUT OUT to you for listing all the items you used and their Amazon information..... this is great!!!!! I have some Amazon gift cards that will be put to use soon. When do you sleep? Dave K8WPE

[@JnJTrueOutdoorAdventures]

Thanks for sharing this information!! I have a Raspberry Pi and a IPad Mini that I want to hook up to my FT-817ND. I need to learn some more about the VNC for the IPad Mini. I am not computer savy at all when it comes to this stuff. I am more a plug and play when it comes to computers. If I can get this working then I may even work it with my uBitx. Again great video!! Juddie - WD8WV

[@Liberty4Ever]

Thanks for the great video. I recently bought a Dukatel USB sound dongle on Amazon and it's approximately the size of a standard USB thumb drive with a short cable to a TRRS audio jack. It may fit on the Pi without interfering with the adjacent USB port. 2:30 Unless you're from the future or you're an alien with advanced technology, that is not a 12 V 10,000 mAHr lithium battery. Maybe 1000.

[@geckoproductions4128]

Very nice video.

[@gargoyled_drake]

you can always overclock the pi if you want a little more kick on the boost ;) either look up how to overclock from terminal or download commander pi for easy to use desktop overclocking

[@anthonyromano3044]

Thank you Josh! Because of you, I got my pi-4 for Christmas. Just got it running at home but I intend to use it in the field. Guys like you are what make this hobby so great! By the way, can you use an iPad as a monitor with it? What are you using? Just got my Zumspot as well thanks to you!

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Just set the Pi up for VNA and use the RealVNA app on the ipad.

[@anthonyromano3044]

@@HamRadioCrashCourse I was able to get the VNA to work between the iPad or iPhone and the pi while at home on my home wife network. Now, the only issue is, how do I make that link when out in the field and I have no internet? (I do have my phone for hotspot but I'm looking to control the pi only from the iPad so I can run my logging software, etc. No need for internet) I tried pairing through bluetooth but it says the iPad has nothing useable for the pi and it disconnects. Thoughts? Solutions?

[@maxs489]

Funny, I had just set up a similar station last week. But with a Pi 3B, and RS-HFIQ. :)

[@EnriqueSonora]

Way cool

[@julianwhite1077]

The Multus Proficio or a MCHF would be a natural choice for this type of station. Only a single usb cable for control and audio so it's nice and neat.

[@EdwardGriffin]

The same is true for a used Flex-1500 SDR, just a single USB cable for connection to your PC. I've begun using that instead of my FT-817 for QRP since digital operation is easier.

[@cogitoaprendo1017]

Just got my rpi4 and the same case. Time to see if i can get the x108g working with it...

[@svenstopke415]

I like your videos and projects, gives me a lot of ideas. 73 de DO2FF

[@donaldsmith3048]

There is a fan for the Raspberry pi that has a 12 volt input to power the pi. It does stand up higher and uses the pins but has a set on it so you still have them. Not sure if this helps you but just thought I would pass it along to you. That is what I am getting to cool and power my Pi. 73! W4DES

[@timlucas143]

Have you tried using an Audio Jack splitter?

[@blomidon]

Only just came across ur video, but I use a splitter as someone suggested and connect it to the AlexMic which has a built in speaker. I’m using the KX3. BTW have you tried JS8CALL. I get more out of it than FT8.

[@jordanjohnson3370]

Nice setup, I'm using an 891 and pi4, zlp interface. Keep getting inconsistent alc levels anyone have any advice on that?

[@TheMazyProduction]

Nice video. Can this be used to listen to satellites? And what bands can it handle?

[@verzagen7550]

Got a question about audio. Is there a reason that you would need an external USB audio device? Why not use a 4 pole splitter cable on the built-in audio for in and out and free up a USB port.

[@shanecorning5222]

Sick! YES but HEY I just want to add an ANT and see if the tux Tuner will pull anything in. DO I just do the positive to a pin, then? BUT then I wonder how I point the Tuner to that pin Hmmmmm !!!!!!

[@GMELECTRONICS365]

I have seen similar setups, one major concern is using the KX2 or any other small transceiver for FT8 which is hard on these devices. how does it take it when it comes to the duty cycle? does the antenna get hot? does the transceiver get hot? does it seem like it cant handle more than 30hr of full transmitting in FT8what about FT4? These are questions that I have but never have gotten an answer since I don't own a KX2-3 at this moment in time. I have a clone SDR radio which is similar to the KX2 size but does not come close to its features.

[@ChadSmithakaCCG]

I appreciate your effort on the channel. 73 de K5CCG

[@hemantparakh8995]

Kindly suggest how to assemble an HAM radio kit using the Electronic pi

[@brentjohnson6654]

Nice video, Josh. I wonder if this Pi could CAT control my Kenwood TS-590SG and display my RSP1a SDR I have for pan adapter. I am looking at the Pi4 with M.2 SSD. I also have some ideas for HamVoip or AllStarLink- which might require a Pi hat or something. More to learn - just show me the manuals. Haha. All the best! 73 de KI5HXM

[@knelezen2]

Josh, use a 3.5 splitter jack and a "CB" external speaker.

[@Craigjordan121]

How does VNC and the iPad connect to the raspberry pi? WiFi? Seems to me that you have a significant lag over network. Would have to carry a hotspot as well I guess..maybe a tablet that can run wsjtx as an option..

[@steveallison7950]

Great video! Thanks. Strangely, I was thinking just the other day of doing exactly this with my KX2. I have most of what you show already. However, the Pi I have is an older V2 (I think). Do you think it will have enough horsepower for FT8 or will I need to upgrade? May try just for giggles.

[@recoblade1465]

Not sure about the V2 but it will work on V3 and 4. sudo cat /sys/firmware/devicetree/base/model;echo will show you what model you have or its printed on the board

[@Tobascodagama]

In principle, it should be possible to do something similar with one of those TFT screens and a USB/bluetooth keyboard instead of the ChromeBook. That'd make for a good project, I'll probably try it out with my rtl-sdr one of these days. :)

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

The great thing with the raspberry pi is that all is an option on a very tiny platform.

[@ewaltbouwer6389]

fantastic ewalt ZS2EHB

[@thomaswright20]

Enjoy your videos a lot! Was curious what software you use for the GPS Dongle. I have that same dongle, just need software to sync the time for FT8.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Here is an easy guide that covers it and a lot more! dl1gkk.com/setup-raspberry-pi-for-ham-radio/

[@jhill4874]

Still trying to get winlink with RPi and UHF/VHF.

[@deconsicratedchannel]

Can this be used as a two-way radio (RATEL, or “walkie talky “) been trying to figure this out for 2 hours (project for and cadets)

[@danielharris3827]

@ 8:30 I can't quite make out what you say. CAT control?

[@catalinalb1722]

Hi, How did you get the the NEO 7 dongle to work? I have it too but it´s hard to get it running!

[@budchestnut9303]

I like your site. Now tongue in cheek a few questions: What is the voice character of your "digital" contacts. Do they sound self assured ans suave? How does their "fist" sound no CW. If one likes to hear the voice quality of a contact where is that button? Seriously what could be more sterile feeling than digital mode Ham-ing? 73!

[@bretthinkle5381]

As always, your videos are a fantastic resource. Thank you! Question: What is the minimum RAM that in need for the Raspberry Pi 4? If I get 1 GB Ram on the Raspberry Pi will this be too slow? 73’s! Brett, KL5CS

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

It will lag a bit more. By and large the pi is a pretty slow computer. It’s value is in its size and relative utility in what it can connect with.

[@bretthinkle5381]

Thank you! I’ll just spend a little more and get the 8 GB model. 73’s!

[@theun4giv3n]

What do you think of the CHA-MPAS 2.0? Thanks

[@mountain177]

What about a cheap passive headphone splitter?

[@vronp]

Thanks for the great video. Do you think previous versions of the Pi are fast enough for this?

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

I think a 3+ can run it. The older models will be slower.

[@edwardseth1230]

Also it would be advisable to carry a Sony handcranked battery charger, or u can get a handcranked radio with USB 3.0 to mini USB cable to charge ur battery bank when in field (of course u have to crank it quite a lot.) u can also listen to ur radio while cranking.. (Since its a portable pack, a frequency chart be ideal (other talking stations, emergency radio stations, weather stations, and finally 2 home stations numbers..so u can talk to family that ur safe or on the way.

[@k-twizel6484]

Josh... does the set up require GPS for anything other than timing? There are RTCs (Adafruit has a DS3231) that will keep time as part of the GPIO to free up a USB. A bit more expensive than the GPS module but it its set-n-forget for the Pi

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

You can use it for location based stuff out in the field too. But primarily it’s time.

[@WA4OSH]

The GPS module is used for both time and location in many ham radio applications. In most microwave ham radio applications, GPS is also used as a frequency reference to minimize oscillator drift. Many people are adding a DS3231 Real Time Clock Module to their portable ham stations to keep accurate system time while the GPS may not be receiving enough satellites.

[@Chiefarndt]

Do digital contacts count for sota points?

[@davidj.wilcox6053]

What purchase info can you give us for the portable table and chair. Great video. Thank you. Dave K8WPE

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

I’ll add that now

[@dr.mikehughes9874]

What would you do got portable using s Xiegu G90?

[@fedemtz6]

could you use an SDR module instead of the KX2?

[@recoblade1465]

I think the sdr only receives but the setup will work with almost any radio that can be controlled with flrid, hamlib,or direwolf. Although you will probably burn out a HT

[@Lee784447]

I’m a old school Ham (65) and stayed away from digital HF because of cost. Now there are these newfangled gadgets that allow us old cheep Hams even in antenna restricted apartments to operate! See even old farts can learn to use new things! BTW, I was once told Ham Radio is dead! Nope, just waiting for a resurgence! 73 de KB0WZH

[@RyanFerreri]

Did you have any problems getting that GPS receiver working on your Pi? I just got the Pi and GPS receiver from your associate link and I'm not able to get it to show incoming satellite data after completing the set up instructions.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

You followed this guilde? dl1gkk.com/setup-raspberry-pi-for-ham-radio/

[@davidj.wilcox6053]

How do you like your portable table and chair? I am on the edge of ordering a set. Would you choose the same one again or are there ones that you think might be more comfortable or portable to fold up and put in your car? Backpacking? Or carrying a distance to a campsite? Dave K8WPE

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

I like them, but I would call them sturdy. They are ultralight gear and best for backpacking. The table is probably the best thing. I really like it.

[@Fireguy-]

I hate it when my dongle gets cocked!

[@jerryKB2GCG]

What external sound card are you using ? I don’t see it on Amazon ?

[@jerryKB2GCG]

oooops, found it.

[@brentOhlookAsnake]

Do you prefer the raspberry pi or the mini pc laptop you have done portable digital?

[@MikeHammonds804]

I am not able to see the Amazon list, what is the name of the green and purple audio cables?

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

They’re just short three ring aux cables.

[@kd2rdhlarry571]

Can a gps be added to the pin header of the pi and free up a USB port or let you delete the “anti-cocked dongle “ adapter cables?

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Yes, I believe there is a hat that can do this.

[@mumi009]

Problem with the pi cases like yours is that they are open and can allow dust an moisture to enter. Not good for field work. How good are the full enclosure cases for the pi?

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Not much better. Since it packs away in the water proof box it’s only vulnerable when the radio is also out in the elements.

[@nwwoodsman2545]

How do I get a hrcc sticker

[@MrC-Hacking]

What OS do you use with the Raspberry pi?

[@nonokodog622]

Do I need a CAT cable ? Seems like the system would only strictly require the two analog audio cables. I ordered an Easy Digi isolation board to be on the safe side. I have a Xiegu G1M and really don't want to buy a CAT cable if it's not strictly required. I'm trying to use an ARM Chromebook instead of a Pi. Had to build all the software but install instructions are good on JS8Call repo. Thanks Josh your videos are helpful. I'm building out my 3 day scout LBV and adding HF emergency comms as an additional module I can carry. Sucks bringing a laptop but I hate using my phone or tablet personal quirk.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

You can use vox if that radio supports it. But if you want computer control, you need whatever cat control option the radio requires.

[@nonokodog622]

@@HamRadioCrashCourse Computer control means what exactly ? Change Freqs ? Bands ? I can live without that I think...we'll see. BTW Chromebook will not work for FT8 or JS8 b/c no USB in crositini and thus no GPS :( Maybe in the future.

[@johndk9jc354]

I removed the GPS plastic housing and heatshrinked the whole module.

[@mirmohammedrayyan]

Im very new to the radio hobby. Just wanted to ask. Can I connect a Raspberry Pi to any FM/AM Radio instead of the kx2 and also connect the sound card and the SDR dongles. Can I transmit and receive on this setup?

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

You can if the radio supports that kind of configuration. You likely be doing something caked packet radio.

[@dovetomarc]

Thanks Josh. Much appreciated. One quick question. How are you connecting the Raspberry Pi &" Touchscreen Display? Is it a wireless connection? I didn't quite follow that. 73

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

I’m using VNC to a tablet or laptop running viewer software.

[@dovetomarc]

@@HamRadioCrashCourse Thanks for the quick reply. You do great work and it's much appreciated. 73

[@forgot1153]

Don't cock the dongle sounds like a David Allen Coe song

[@Shu77ered]

I would almost need to take a second mortgage out on my home loan to afford all the equipment to run this setup. It's cool, but damn!

[@jeremyferris7573]

Why not use the internal "soundcard" that the pi comes with?

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

It’s pain to mess with it versus using a secondary sound card dedicated to do digital. You can do it though.

[@LanceSheppard]

A cocked dongle sound very uncomfortable... 🤣 in very interested in learning the raspberry pi

[@MrPeter2471]

Do you have a licence for KX2?

[@zanado11]

Good video. my question is where can you order a raspberry pi fully set up like the one you have? Thanks and 73 de Roger w8rlp.

[@bobsled313]

I thought pi4 needed 4 amps for power.....maybe I'm wrong but that powerbank is only 2 amps. If so, gamechanger for me.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

5v 2.4a output. THe new Pi4 revision seems to have less issues with power as the first gen.

[@bryanmediate1145]

I already have a rig blaster. Will that work as well?

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

It should.

[@andymattson]

Did you say? Any radio, or does it needto be DMR?

[@Truckinman2000]

Digital with modes such as ft8, ft4, jt65, etc is not dmr. Any hf rig should work. I started with a Ft891 and a Signalink into my laptop. Now I have a ft991a into the laptop. Looking to add a Raspberry Pi and small tablet.

[@wild-radio7373]

Do you still recommend the same sound card and GPS dongle? I'm just now getting to some digital stuff ♡♡♡ Got the Pi! Got a pi400(as my computer?) I'm trying to understand, haha. I got this Android phone... I'm getting closer♡ Thank you for all the help you provide this community!! You Rock :) 🤜🏻👍🤛🏻♡♡♡

[@wild-radio7373]

The only Radio radio I have is a HT Yaesu 65♡

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Yes. I recommend both.

[@wild-radio7373]

@@HamRadioCrashCourse ♡♡♡ thank you :)

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Are you Aname? 🤔

[@wild-radio7373]

@@HamRadioCrashCourse lol♡ yes sir :) Last name change! Promise

[@coziii.1829]

Ok I’m new Why a raspberry or whatever it is. Won’t any Mac or other pc will do?

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Sure. A Mac or PC will also work.

[@jimpainter9935]

Are your audio cables TRS or TRRS? Thanks

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

TRS.

[@provironum]

Did you make any contacts? How was the reports.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Yes, it makes contacts just fine. The Raspberry Pi in this case is just to run the software.

[@Dylonbryet]

You don't need that you basically can setup FM Radio transmitter on it with the gpio pins if you just want to listen to around the house or outside

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

But this is a setup for working hf radio over single sideband.

[@Dylonbryet]

@@HamRadioCrashCourse oh really my bad 😂 sorry

[@AdamMelancon]

Which version of the Pi are you running? Maybe I missed it in the video. I would like upgrade to a 4gb model, I hear the updated 4 models are pretty functional as a desktop these days.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

It’s a pi 4

[@danivanon]

what software you running on the laptop?

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

I use a VNC application to access the raspberry pi. All the ham software is on the raspberry pi.

[@dmcgreg]

Have you tried using this setup with HF APRS? The APRS Messenger program running PSK63 works well on 30M, but I've yet to see a good mobile message-capable solution.

[@jjcruz17]

cerritos!

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Indeed!!

[@andymattson]

Pi runs on12 volt DC....

[@felixmeyer7757]

warum kann ich nicht verstehen ? warum ? ???

[@jardinero9112]

How do i get started into ham radio brother. I live in south Florida i dont think there is much of that here.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

First look into getting your license. Check out my Get Your Technician License videos and hamstudy.org

[@wladyslawkorczynski7386]

Please address raspbery Pi shortwaves amateurs radio..