开云体育

Good morning all,

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I have been interested in the SDR rig and finally picked one up yesterday. I looked up the manual, watched a few videos but cannot figure out a few things. #1 when i touch the KBD OFF button, the radio shuts off. #2 there is no SET button which should be next to WEB button.

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It appears that I have a full screen but the resolution is too large. I have no access to the settings menu to adjust.

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The main problem with this is the call sign and grid are not mine.

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Thanks for the help.

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73, Dean/ N2TNN

Which version?

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Gyula HA3HZ

v3

OK the hardware version is v3, when you turn it on it says which firmware version. Did you just buy it from the manufacturer?
Then I think it might be v3.021 or something similar.
If you have a spare uSD card at home and you want to use the device, copy the contents of the /sbitx/data folder from the uSD card to a USB stick. The manufacturer ships it with a 32-bit OS, and it is worth replacing the OS (an image on a new uSD card) with a 64-bit one, because it is under development. Currently the firmware version is v4.4.

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Gyula HA3HZ

Hi Gyula,

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Thanks for the response. I bought this rig at a tailgate yesterday. The seller seemed like he didn't use it much and was not very helpful.

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When I click on the icon the software starts fine and shows me. sbitx v3.0

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I also just found when I change mode from cw to LSB I can click on KBD and the keyboard opens.

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As far as I can tell, all the functions work such as the recorder, FT8 and sideband.

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Another thing I noticed while watching videos is that the cases look different. Mine is rather tall and thin with only two knobs on the front. USB ports on the right side with BNC. Left side is power switch, key, mic and ear.

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Dean

... It is worth switching to the 64-bit OS, because the development is happening here. The current Image contains most of the programs needed for radio broadcasting, which you can implement with this device. You only need to fill in the characteristics of your station and use it. Important! the 64-bit Image was released with sbitx v4.2 and you can read the latest developments in the Github JJ wiki, what you need to do. First you need to download the ELF Image, which the description tells you how to do.
I'm back, start the device with the uSD card that came with the delivery and start the File Manager instead of sbitx. Insert a USB stick to which you copy the contents of the /sbitx/data folder. This must be done because the hardware-specific data is here and is also needed for the 64-bit OS.

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Gyula HA3HZ

I see, so you have the v3.0 alpha version in the firmware on your device.
Since development is almost complete on the 32-bit version, it is worth switching to the 64-bit Image if you want to use the device.
Unfortunately, there are many bugs in the initial versions and the fixes are completed on the 64-bit version, they are implemented there.
For the 64-bit transition, read this and this and do it all if you want to install the current version.
- ELF ??
the wiki ??

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Gyula HA3HZ

To switch from 32-bit to 64-bit you will need:
a new uSD card of good quality, 32GB,
a USB stick, so that you can transfer copies from one OS to another, later copy the daily variables here.
a lot of patience, so that if you are unfamiliar with Debian, then do everything in order.
Yes and read, you will find how to do it in the wiki, if not, then ask.

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Gyula HA3HZ

Dean,

I'm just writing to encourage you that I've had the v2 hardware device since April 2023, which I started using since mid-November 2023 (with v3.0 alpha version). Currently, the 64-bit v4.4 firmware is the latest and I've made nearly 10 thousand QSOs in mostly digital modes with an antenna sized for 7 MHz and usable well on 7-14-21 MHz without an antenna tuner.
I'm writing all this because there is a possibility, if you're interested, don't give up and you'll learn a lot of new information.

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Gyula HA3HZ

Gyula,

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Here is my plan. I am going to burn a new image on a new 32G card.

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Open the sBitx and remove the card in the Pi

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Replace the new card with sb64p3 into the Pi

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Restart rig

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How does that sound?

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Dean

Hi Dean,

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You may boot the rig from the USB pendrive if you change the boot order in your Pi.

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In the terminal session, you may run "sudo raspi-config", and in the "advanced settings" you may change the boot order so that USB is tried before SD.

In my case, I had to update the rpi-eeprom package (otherwise the raspi-config complained: "no eeprom bin file found for version 2023-01-11").

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In that way you may test if the new version solves your issues without disassembling the rig.

You may even replace the content of the SD card, when running from the pendrive.

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73,
Wojtek

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PS I described that procedure in /g/BITX20/message/116658

Dean,
since you are very new to the rig, it is worth doing it as you described. What Wojtek writes requires more knowledge about what and why you are doing.

But don't worry, because in a few days or weeks you will learn this knowledge from the wiki and the next step will be easy.
When you have unpacked the sb64p3.img.xz file, burn it to the new uSD card, according to the description.
After you have inserted the card containing the sb64p3 Image and started it, it is worth updating the sBITX-Toolbox (2.7 to 3.01)
The ELF image has a Hotfix, do this as well.
The sBITX-Toolbox is a package containing auxiliary applications that makes it easier to use sbitx. Open the Toolbox and start the update sBitx app in the Update Manager.

This will update the application from v4.2 to v4.4 and it is the latest. Use this later when an update is released. (Do not use System upgrade for now!)
I did not update with this because I often go ahead with testing and the last time I updated was by cloning.
If you've made it this far, all you have to do is familiarize yourself with Image's knowledge and the possibilities. So put it to use.

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Gyula HA3HZ

ps.: Sorry, but I remember useful information later. When you have successfully set up the Image, and you have completed your personal data and application settings, it is advisable to make a Backup (possibly more), because in case of any damage you can easily restore the system. You can do this operation from the currently running OS in the Menu with Accessories, then SD Card Copier.
Pay attention to which is the source and which is the target media. I copy to USB sticks purchased from different manufacturers, so I can easily identify them by name. The internal uSD is shown as mmc.
Always have a copy of the Image and you can copy (restore) the daily variables to a USB stick with the Toolbox / EZ Data application.

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Gyula HA3HZ

Update? on Monday:

I downloaded 64 bit Pi OS and installed it in a new Pi4.

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I made a backup image of what is on the sBitx v3.0 onto a thumb drive.

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I found all the user files and copied them onto a USB thumb drive. I did not copy the logs, fldigi, wav files. They are junk to me as I will start fresh. I finally found the user info ini and changed my information. Now when I start the app my name is displayed on the screen.

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This is where I am lost. "When you have unpacked the sb64p3.img.xz file, burn it to the new uSD card, according to the description." I have not figured that out yet but now I have a uSD? card in the Pi with the operating system. Do I pull that out and insert the sb64p3 card? I'm not really sure how this works.

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Dean

Did you make the image on the new SD card with a program like Balena etcher? It has to be done a certain way so the sBitx will see it as the operating system.?

David

On Mon, Mar 31, 2025 at 09:08 PM, Dean, N2TNN wrote:

This is where I am lost. "When you have unpacked the sb64p3.img.xz file, burn it to the new uSD card, according to the description." I have not figured that out yet but now I have a uSD? card in the Pi with the operating system. Do I pull that out and insert the sb64p3 card? I'm not really sure how this works.

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Dean

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Gyula HA3HZ

Gyula,

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Thanks for the detailed operations but I think I answered my own question.

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With the new Pi4 I flashed an operating system and installed it. Insert sd card and Pi works like a Pi should but now 64 bit.

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I made the image? of ?sb64p3.img.xz on a different new SD card with a program using ? Balena etcher. Thanks David

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I pulled the OS usd out of the Pi and inserted the new image and when powered up the Pi now has a 64 bit operating system and? all SBITX 64 bit program running.Obviously there is no "radio" but I see the toolbox and other things I never saw before.

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So, without any objections I will disassemble the rig and change cards.

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Please let me know if you have a different opinion or approach to this surgery.

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Dean

Thanks for that tip, I had completely forgot about that.

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Dean

Just for an update:

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I flashed the drive and the rig worked just fine.

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I messed with the settings last night and FT8 stuff, rig went wonky, thats why its called developmental

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I reflashed my sd card and back on line. I never backed up the settings so I could do it all over again, fun stuff

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Also, I found the Pi was shaky when cables were inserted and I found there were no screws on the card.

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OK, new card in, fire up the rig and get on 17 meters and first contact OZ0JX, gives me a 579 with 4 watts here. I Love CW and QRP

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I am having more fun around here by the minute. Thank you all for the help, team players all the way.

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Congratulations on solving the problem and I wish you many nice DXs. If you don't like to solder, I recommend using a power supply with current limitation.
It's likely that the previous owner forgot to put the RPi screws back in. If I remember correctly, they are M2.4x 8 mm or something similar.

I have a cooling fan, so I have an intermediate panel to hold it in place and for extra spacing I have M2.4x 10 mm screws.

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Gyula HA3HZ