¿ªÔÆÌåÓý

  1. BITX20
  2. Messages
Single Messages Topics Expanded Polls

Re: Up and Running Fully Portable

 

Yeah, I ran into the same issue with that OTG adapter. I think it's not so much an OTG adapter as a crisp, tasty waffle. I had one around, and, like you, got my keyboard and mouse working. Then I paired a handheld keyboard with a trackpad built in, and I'll likely use that. I think I'm going to make a technical bag to go along with the radio's go-bag, one with an HDMI cable, a 14-inch portable screen, and a better bluetooth keyboard I have that's got a built in trackball. Each of those things is bigger than the repurposed photographer's bag I'm using for the radio and its immediate gear. I need to get the radio out and update the firmware and UI anyway, so I'll do the pairing for the new keyboard while I have it out.

I got an 8-pack of 18650 batteries and a USB-C powered 4-place charger that has been a real workhorse. I like that it doesn't need a mains plug. I'm about halfway through assembly of a 5-band link dipole. Once I get the basic build put together, I'll run it up a telescoping mast and tune it up. Then I'll crimp on bullet lugs to make connecting the links easy, and it'll be in service. I've got a 3-band link dipole already, but I need to replace the connectors in the links, and it doesn't have my favorite bands in it. Besides, I made the new one out of Kev-Flex. Durable.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
73,
Gwen, NG3P


On Thu, May 22, 2025 at 11:24?PM Gary-KI7PBR via <ki7pbr=[email protected]> wrote:

BitXers,

??? Been playing with and learning my new zBitx and I am having a blast.? I have made a couple CW contacts almost immediately after receiving my unit.? I had a couple unexpected hiccups in that I wasn't prepared for the "Mini-HDMI".? The other was the USB-OTG adapter that came with it was bad.? Fortunately I had another stuffed in a drawer and decided to try it.? Keyboard came right up and I was able to get the unit up in Host mode.? I paired up my bluetooth keyboard so I no longer have to deal with the USB port for that.

I am running a portable 16inch (USB powered) monitor along with the wireless keyboard and can run the rig on either 18650 batteries or my Bioenno 1212Ah based battery box.? Got the clock sync'd up and started up FT8 on 20m and made my first contact within in a minute....

Great start so far.? It's not a KX2 but this little unit is a lot of fun especially with all the build in apps which I still need to play with.

Attached is a couple of photos.


-- 
"POWER, WE DON'T NEED NO STICKIN' POWER"  - EVERY KX2 OWNER

Always respect the airwaves,
73 de KI7PBR, Gary
Join [email protected] to automatically receive all group messages.