WoWe Computer Build

[@connorh5930]

The pi's where great for the price when they where available, I am happy to see your projects transitioning to newer available hardware. Thanks for all you do.

[@JoshHoffman]

I think the Wo-We will become my Pi-4 replacement for my shack as much as I love the PI's they are just really finicky at times and are better one use devices than a swiss army knife of devices. Another alternative device that works great with 73 linux is a Microsoft Surface Go 2 tablet. I've been using this for the last 7 months and it has been working flawless with Mint.

[@Liberty4Ever]

I have a Raspberry Pi 4 with Build A Pi. It's my shack computer. I bought an Evolve Maestro to use in the field but other than installing some software haven't done anything with it. Now I'm going to buy a Wo-We to replace the Pi in my shack. I love that 73Linux supports all of this hardware. I was wanting an ISO with preinstalled ham radio apps but this is better in many ways. Thanks Jason!

[@KC3WHJ]

Running 73Linux on a Surface Go 3 with Ubuntu 22.04. Literally no errors during install. Testing and no errors or issues so far. Nice!

[@KM4ACK]

Glad's it's going well!!

[@n5pa]

I missed out on the Wo-We rush and did not get one. Maybe I will pick up one at a later date. I, too, like taking a laptop for when operating remote. I utilize the Evolve III and it has been a great acquisition! I am still running Windows 10 on it and it runs all of the software I need to operate remotely. I may pick up a couple more and convert one to Linux. The Evolve III that I have now has the memory and SSD soldered to the motherboard. I do not know why the one I bought was like that when others were removable. I think the Pi has shot itself in the foot with their semi-available status and much higher price. Their model of taking proceeds and donating Pi’s to schools may become unattainable because of a lack of sales. The Pi was good to run single applications, but was somewhat limited running multiple apps. The Wo-We is a lot more powerful box and is easily expandable. I worked in IT for 46 years and was used to running RH Enterprise on huge HP Servers with 1.5 TB of memory clustered together in an Oracle Enterprise environment on an Oracle Database. Keep up the good work.

[@SteveJohnson-x1z]

Kudos and congratulations Jason, the Wo-We and 73Linux combo looks to be fantastic! My Wo-We is on the way so I'll be following your trail soon.

[@pacquetman]

Another great video, Jason! A 2.5" drive can also be mounted in the top of the We-wo (and others I suspect) case; the connector is taped down in approximately the middle of the mobo.

[@VI_Radio_Guy]

Hi Jason, I do not know if you spotted this yet or not but I have helped a couple install this excellent package using Mint Cinnamon 21.2. Befor the script is run you should run "sudo apt install git" as it does not seem to install "git" by default x86 installs we have done. Thanks for all the hard work.

[@KM4ACK]

will add in the next release. thanks!

[@GeorgeAdams]

Jason, you might know this but for others, when you hit the up arrow in the terminal and the git clone command didn’t show up, it was because there was a leading space. Putting a leading space in front a command hides it from the history log.

[@Mister-Gee-9999]

I ordered this from the Amazon US store, and it arrived here in GB in less than two weeks and was a shade under £100.

[@Mister-Gee-9999]

Something else I noted. I don't like MS windows much, especially WIndows Home editions )No RDP, No Domain, No GP,No Bitlocker etc). Anyway I installed Windows 10 professional and was surprised that it activated on a digital licence automatically and that makes me wonder why they didn't install that in the first place?

[@jerryKB2GCG]

Seems to be more expensive than the evolve laptops, how does the processing piwer compare ? KB2GCG

[@KM4ACK]

I haven't run any benchmarks yet but plan to soon.

[@RookieLock]

Thanks Jason ! Keep up the great work on 73 !

[@claytonwatson1520]

Got mine ordered but now I'm debating even swapping the OS. I'm thinking I'll use it for my logging/rig control/SDR machine. Leave the pi for my linux stuff. I do like the dual display option.

[@Aerial51Photography]

So while setting up Wsjtx for the 857d I get an Error hamlib command rejected by rig.

[@gregmeyer2294]

Looking forward to the next video update

[@corewarrior]

just curious why you didn't want to through the solid state drive and ram into an anti-static bag before you put it into the white envelope. Great video as always!

[@KM4ACK]

I did. Just wasn't shown in the video

[@N4FTD-Paul]

Perfect timing, Jason! I have lots of questions. I emailed you directly. Thanks for this helpful video as I wait for my WoWe to arrive in a few days!

[@adrianroze6499]

Hi Jason, I haven't been able to find anything about the "DC Input Voltage Supported" by the Wo-We Computer apart from the 12V stated. Running it off a Battery under charge might be up to 14+V and am wondering if it will cope with the higher voltages? What are your thoughts?Thanks for your videos, never been so broke since watching a KZbinr. 😁 Queensland Australia.

[@KM4ACK]

I run my regularly with a lifepo4 battery and have had no issues at all. I normally run it at “shack” voltage which is 13.6. Again, no issues.

[@brianhendrix]

So I'm also thinking of FIRST, seeing how well the Windows side of things works first. A lot of what I do isn't compatible (yet) with Linux or Mac. Can I assume correctly that the Windows software that the WoWe boots off of is on the 128G stick? I've already got the 32G of memory in and I bought a 1TB M.2 2280 NVMe stick. This could be a MAJOR improvement over my Evolve laptop which is running Windows for my portable setup when in the field. Also, can a Linux distro flashed onto a microSD and inserted into the microSD slot of the WoWe be used to install instead of a USB stick?

[@akiddoo8113]

Your vid and 73Linux got me thinking - why not use a box I already have? It's a 2012 mac mini server - I7, 2-1T drives with 16G ram. I removed the boot drive and replaced it with a 128 G SSD, leaving the remaining 1T SATA drive for data. Loaded new Debian 12 and added NoMachine. Now I can run this headless from any other box on my network. NoMachine includes audio transport. This setup is really snappy. Next step is to install your 73Linux and interface to radio. Keep up the great scripts and work. We really appreciate it! I have coffee twice a week with WA0VUS who you know in IA. 73's KT0TT

[@KM6LYW]

Fantastic - this is an amazing amount of work Jason. x86 and ARM options really make this more accessible. What's the wattage of the AMD/x86 box?

[@KM4ACK]

Power supply that comes in the box is 12V/2A.

[@porkyfedwell]

What's the advantage of doing all this, versus just using an off the shelf laptop?

[@KM4ACK]

Different tools for different tasks/requirements. I run a laptop in the field these days but prefer a headless setup in the shack that I can control from any other computer connected to the network.

[@laszlokovacs8827]

$$$$$

[@lostbranchranch8646]

My previous question was about the Wo-We build video, sorry for not being specific...I am a new Ham, turn 74 tomorrow, but never too late to learn, right?

[@philipwells2793]

Just wondering why you felt the necessity of adding such a large drive and RAM?...... sorry for the question I see you have answered it in the previous video

[@lostbranchranch8646]

Wo-We computer build question - the default seems to be "powered on" so if I disconnect the supply and plug back in, it's automatically on, but I can use the switch to turn it off. Is there a way to change to power button to normally off? Thanks!

[@KM4ACK]

That setting is usually in the bios.

[@lostbranchranch8646]

Thanks for the answer, I had hoped it was a matter of changing a jumper inside the box... I know nothing of changing BIOS settings but I guess it's time to learn (YIKES!)@@KM4ACK

[@LarryKral-h5n]

Can the Wo-We Alternative be expanded, additional memory and upgraded SSD, as you show the Wo-We can be expanded? It is not totally clear from the description on Amazon if the Alternative can.

[@KM4ACK]

I'm not sure as I didn't purchase the alternative. It appears to be identical with different branding. However the Wo-We I purchased is in stock as of 24JUNE2023 amzn.to/3Q4B2QO (affiliate link)

[@wildhogsham7077]

Great video Jason Have you hooked this to a IC7300 yet? I am have a little difficulty loading the driver.

[@KM4ACK]

I have not as I don't own the 7300 but I have connected it to the 705.

[@N4FTD-Paul]

Jason, WoWe setup easily with installed memory and the included 12v, 2A power brick. Now, getting HF digital apps installed and tested on the air. So far, so good. Next, I want to test power from 12v source, but all of mine are 13.8v -- power supplies, Bioenno batteries for POTA, and 13.8v lithium batteries in my RV. Have you hooked up to any of those sources yet to know the WoWe works with more than 12v source? Or, did you get a buck converter to lower voltage to 12v? If so, I would appreciate a suggestion on which one worked for you. 73, Paul - N4FTD

[@KM4ACK]

Running it from a LiFePO4 battery has worked fine for me. Mine is currently running from my shack power supply at 13.6V without issue.

[@edwymer2226]

Another Great and Informative video Jason. Also I have that same Leathermans tool.

[@Sistema1927]

Jason, great video. What VNC server are you using, and any tips for those of us who seem to mess things up? I don't remember any set-up for VNC on the Pi, other than to enable it in the settings.

[@temporarilyoffline]

This is some great momentum!

[@rong8955]

I wonder how the WeMo compares to the low end BMUX?

[@wb8cxo]

Jason, looks like that M2 connector will support Nvme and there's a hint of that on the bios screen too! What'd ya think?

[@brianhendrix]

Another quick question -- I also have a USB-C monitor but wanted to check how you attached. I use the USB-C monitor connected to my MacBook Pro via USB-C to USB-C cable. Are you also using the USB-C port on the WoWe for the USB-C monitor or are you using a USB-C to HDMI adapter and using the HDMI port of the WoWe? Thanks!

[@KM4ACK]

Using the usb c port on the front

[@brianhendrix]

@@KM4ACK Perfect! I was hoping it would work. I'm getting everything together for tomorrow and getting Linux and 73Linux installed on the 1TB stick I've already installed.

[@brianhendrix]

@@KM4ACK I'm actually thinking of getting another WoWe (alternative device) and using it for Windows.

[@brianhendrix]

@@KM4ACK As a Senior Linux Engineer, I spend 8-10 hours a day in an SSH shell in Red Hat. Has anyone used an Almalinux, Rocky, or Fedora distro with your 73Linux with success instead of a Debian based distro?

[@KM4ACK]

Not that I am aware of. It was written specifically for Debian based systems.

[@lostbranchranch8646]

Thanks for all the helpful guidance, I really appreciate the detail of your explanations! Also curious, where did you get the info sheet I see you doing your work on in the video... I would like to have one of those! Source?

[@KM4ACK]

Not sure which sheet you are referring to. Can you give me a timestamp in the video for reference?

[@jlowknight]

​@@KM4ACKhe probably means your band plan you use as a work matt

[@lostbranchranch8646]

Yes, it's the band plan you were using during the Wo-We setup... is that a mat or just a large print-out?

[@KM4ACK]

@@lostbranchranch8646 ah yes. it's by quirky qrp. www.etsy.com/listing/1437009639/ham-shack-reference-mat?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=quirky+qrp&ref=sr_gallery-1-1&frs=1&sts=1&organic_search_click=1

[@blackhawk26542]

Curious if anyone else had issues with going to the 1TB NVME and Linux install. I have yet to be able to get Linux to recognize the 1TB NVME drive. It will see the original; 128GB drive when reinserted.

[@KM4ACK]

You may need to use gparted to format the drive and then mount it.

[@Indigenous_Patriot_1175]

Yooooo this is dope!!! I’m excited … I’m late but I’m excited

[@jensenjames7444]

Hey Jason, any idea why I'm getting so much RFI from the wo we and the innovato quadra? It absolutely obliterates VHF. FT 1500M, digirig, wo we, powered by 12 volt SLA battery. I thought the RFI was caused by the 12 volt usb power ports I was using with the innovato, but its still just as bad with the above setup.

[@KM4ACK]

Are you using USB3 ports with USB3 devices? USB3 has caused me issues in the past.

[@davetronics]

Can someone provide a link to Jason's earlier Wo-We video? I don't see it in the notes above, and Search is not bringing it up either.

[@KM4ACK]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/pYS8qYaAn7qVeq8

[@CoolieKA9QZG]

I was just wondering what you are using the WO-WE for in your shack?

[@KM4ACK]

Currently using it as a test platform for various projects. The Evolve laptop is still my daily driver in early 2024

[@MrRicksho]

unfortunately i clicked on the wrong item.. so i got the unit with onboard 4gb of ram... hopefully it will do for now.. any advise

[@KM4ACK]

4gb should be plenty to start with. You can always upgrade the ram on the WoWe

[@MrRicksho]

This unit came with a 128GB drive with Ubuntu OS... i am thinking of putting that back in and keep my 1tb for when i get another Wo-We box.. would it be the same to run the script?

[@thomascorcoran9544]

is the Hotspot application included in the application list? Tom VE3NY

[@KM4ACK]

not for the x86 as a hotspot is built into mint. It is still included in the pi build though.

[@MrRicksho]

that was two months ago.. When is the next video being released... (heheheh)... my stuff has been ordered from Amazon... i like following all your videos step by step. i do sometimes get lost along the way.

[@michaelb761]

Just a thought, I have switched most of my linux machines from linux mint to using debian testing with cinnamon de. I have really enjoyed the newer packages and overall lighter resource load of base debian vs mint. You may want to check it out and compare for yourself. You always do a great job with your videos, keep up the good work.

[@KM4ACK]

Thanks for the recommendation. I'll check it out

[@Crkside121]

Thanks Jason for another great video, it seems that the WOWE and ATOPNUC are the same except color. Are there any differences? The ATOPNUC is@$79 right now Thanks again

[@bassmanjr100]

Glad to see transitioning from the PI and that there are other options. Maybe gone are the days of $50 options? $100 is the new $50?

[@KM4ACK]

It we think about it, it wasn't ever really $50. By the time you picked up all of the need accessories for the Pi (power supply, sd card, case, etc) it was always closer to the $75 mark. So the mini pc isn't too much more.

[@lostbranchranch8646]

I used your link for the 32gb set of ram upgrade, but Amazon was out of stock, so I ordered a substitute in hopes that it would still be compatible...can you advise? TEAMGROUP Elite DDR4 32GB Kit (2 x 16GB) 3200MHz PC4-25600 CL22 Unbuffered Non-ECC 1.2V SODIMM 260-Pin Laptop Notebook PC Computer Memory Module Ram Upgrade - TED432G3200C22DC-S01

[@KM4ACK]

Looks like it's back in stock. amzn.to/3rFQoBd (affiliate link)

[@lostbranchranch8646]

@KM4ACK should I return the ram I ordered, or will it work like the type you linked to?

[@Mister-Gee-9999]

@@KM4ACK I put in Kingston ram and Samsung SSD as I like the same make in all my kit

[@dreupen]

I recall installing sdr software (SRD++) on my raspi and it was painfully slow (unusable). Do you think the WoWe can handle it?

[@KM4ACK]

haven't had a chance to test an SDR yet but i am fairly certain it will run better than it does on the Pi

[@davetronics]

Which model of Raspberry Pi?

[@dreupen]

@@davetronics 4B+

[@billbrown3414]

Are you planning an upgrade for the Pi using 73Linux under Pi OS?

[@KM4ACK]

You bet! 73Linux supports Pi & x86 machines. github.com/km4ack/73Linux

[@billbrown3414]

I am running Build-a-Pi on my Pi. Is there a direct upgrade or do I start over with a clean box? @@KM4ACK

[@BadHorsie2]

So, the Wo=We and the Wo-We alternative are the same computer?

[@KM4ACK]

I can't confirm as I only bought the Wo-We but from the listing, they appear identical.

[@youtubeaccount931]

I got a used HP mini-pc for $50, i5-6600T, plenty of ram and HDD

[@pathopkins4500]

Very good job Jason =) I have use MATE for years now =)

[@KM4ACK]

Mate is a great lite weight option!

[@pathopkins4500]

@@KM4ACK Been using Linux OS from about 1991 and wonder onto Linux Mint in 2010 ..... love it's simplicity and getting all those dust bunnies computers given to me to have was a good way to place them back into the world of Hams and school kids need and could not afford computer for school /-) de N5VMO Pat

[@KC1PDW]

Will 73 work on Raspberry pi4? Or will i need other computer?

[@KC1PDW]

If i just went to git hub and read a bit. Head slap!

[@KM4ACK]

Wo-We Computer - amzn.to/46EE0kX Wo-We Alternative - amzn.to/3ruIBpF 32GB Ram - amzn.to/3JKqhz6 1TB SSD HD - amzn.to/3JMqW37 12V Barrel Connector - amzn.to/3r6kf5h USB-C Monitor Cable - amzn.to/3NE0IRj USB-C Monitor - amzn.to/43h87Mh Hoto Driver - amzn.to/3rymRJx Linux Mint - linuxmint.com/ 73Linux - github.com/km4ack/73Linux BalenaEtcher - etcher.balena.io/ As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases

[@DonzLockz]

It looks very good compared to an RPi4. Im keen to see this new PC us what becomes of the old build a pi.🍻🤠

[@KM4ACK]

73Linux is running great so far.

[@hitechfl]

Jason, I recently ran across your channel and subscribed. I love your videos. You and I have a lot in common. I'll probably drop you a line soon.

[@denelson83]

10:50 - You misspelled "amateur".

[@KM4ACK]

that's nothing new. thank for catching it!

[@denelson83]

@@KM4ACK No problem. 73 VE7NDE

[@michaelhopwood1022]

I would love to see your script ported to use on the evolve laptop.

[@KM4ACK]

It will already work with the Evolve. In fact, it should run fine on any x86 box running Mint or Ubuntu. Might run on other debian based system but not tested.

[@FIREexpat]

LGBTQ screwdriver? 1:53 😂

[@darylnd]

It identifies as a pipe wrench. 😂

[@laszlokovacs8827]

Goodbye RPI.

[@jrogich]

You should throw that screwdriver in your store

[@rickvantrease7726]

You go to fast

[@dagork8deg821]

Using my Xiegu G90 with the DE-19 interface, couldn't get the usb device to display. Finally found the issue, it is Brltty not playing well with the FTDI chip. Solution is to disable Brltty: systemctl stop brltty-udev.service sudo systemctl mask brltty-udev.service systemctl stop brltty.service systemctl disable brltty.service Works very well after this. Really enjoying the build, Thank you! K8DEG

[@KM4ACK]

I just ran into this same issue with a different radio yesterday. I uninstalled brltty but stopping and disabling would work just as well