My solution to portable FT8 (it's NOT a Raspberry Pi)
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- Опубликовано: 17 янв 2021
- I finally found a portable FT8 solution that I'm satisfied with, and it doesn't involve a Raspberry Pi. Today, I take it out for its maiden voyage on a SOTA summit. A detailed setup video is coming soon.
Pi computers are great, but they require a separate power supply and the use of your phone as a VNC viewer to control the computer. Phone screens are tiny, and controls are difficult.
Rather than using a Pi and a phone or tablet, I thought, why not just use a small windows tablet? So I did.
I found a slew of Windows 10 capable laptops on eBay for various prices. I settled on the HP Pro Tablet 608 G1 Tablet which can now be had for about $80-90 in good, refurbished condition. I picked up one of those and paired it up with a cover and stylus.
Here's how I configure the tablet for optimized performance: • Optimizing a Windows t...
From when I used a FT-817, I have a WolphiLink adapter that acts as an audio and VOX keying circuit. Unfortunately, these were recently discontinued. The manual with schematic are on the website and a creative ham could likely build a similar device.
www.wolphi.com/interface/
Connecting such a tablet to a KX2, KX3, IC-705, or IC-7300 is certainly an easier proposition.
For audio output from the tablet, I have found that a USB-C audio output adaptor works best: amzn.to/2LX3MMg
Check out some of my favorite gear in my Amazon store: www.amazon.com/shop/k6arkport...
Amazon gives me a small kick-back from every purchase through that link.
How do YOU operate digital modes including FT8 in the field? Tell us in the comments below. 
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I'd be interesteed in seeing details for the rotater.
Very cool! We always like to watch your work on different bands, and love the antenna builds that you hike in.
I love the stations you set up in the field.
Great stuff! Thanks de N2NLQ
Another amazing video as always. Now I am going to being looking at tablets. Have not even finished the polish on my Pi and portable lcd screen setup. Thanks again.
Wow, Adam, your channel is definitely one of the top tier SOTA/Portable operation channels on RUclips (long-time follower here).
The quality of the videos and your resourceful engineering solutions are top-notch.
You are a great example of perseverance and creative problem-solving. I'm going to start sharing some of these videos with my middle school science class (currently a long-term substitute). We gotta grow this hobby right?
Thanks for sharing!
de N6COB
Nice video Adam. I always learn something from watching your videos. Nice solution for FT8 field operations and one I will try. Thank you and keep up the great work 👍🏻. De Will, M0LGW
Awesome video Adam. Good to work you, and don’t worry, 6 meters will come soon :) awesome antenna though
Superbe vidéo Adam, une autre façon de découvrir votre magnifique pays ! Thanks for sharing 👍
Excellent video Adam. I still need to figure out those Wolfilink settings for the FT-817 and get out and try digital again.
Nice Adam! I really hope to be doing FT8 soon!
He had me at "Pool Cleaning Pole"!!! Seems to be at great 6M antenna!
Nice video Adam. I was lucky enough to find a unicorn this weekend. The LNR LD-11 made it my way. Excited to get it kitted out. I’d love to build your ultra light antenna, but I’m going to start with some QRPGuys first.
Great performance. Thank's for the nice video. Best of luck, DG3IS
Great video, amazing views and I'm envious because I'm a city dweller without a car in lockdown !
Great job Adam!
That beam is cool!
Isn't it? More to come on this one. I can make it better...
@@K6ARK Would love to see the construction details!
I use a GPD Pocket 2 the smalest 7 inch Win10 laptop for CAT, logbook and for digital modes in the field !!! Nice and powerful lightweight solution for the field.👍Thanks for video!
Awesome video, Adam ! Thanks for that ! By the way windows tablet might be good solution for Winlink with VARA HF or VARA FM (both works on windows only).
Used to live out in Jamul 2019-2021, didn't realize you were so close.
Nice video, amazing views, elegant 6m beam! As to the Raspberry Pi , I have also gone the same way - replaced it in my Go-Box with the some Aiboully chinese Windows 10 tablet. The problem with the Pi is that either you need to connect a special display to it ( more wires mess) or to use a phone or another tablet ( old iPad in my case) via the VNC. For the VNC , you need to have either a wi-fi internet for both Pi and the "head control" tablet or to run a Pi in the Hot spot regime. In the first case, it is not possible normally to get a good wi-fi connectivity in the forest or on the mountain, in the second, connecting to the Hotspot is better but it's not always stable and sometimes it means sacrifying your gsm internet connectivity from your controling device , the phone or the tablet), which is good to have in the field. And yes, it takes an extra battery power for the Pi and for the Control tablet. Shortly speaking, a simple windows tablet capable of running WSJT-X solves the problems simpler and easier. I have my tablet always connected to my FT-891 radio via the Digilink interface ( may be 3 times smaller than the Wolfie :)) and the tablet is controled from the wireless pocket keyboard. But I love Raspberry Pi a lot and use it for all my digital works in my fixed shack at home permanently connected to my IC-7300 . When we have the lockdown restrictions lifted and I will be allowed to go outside my city's boundaries I will make a short video on my Digi-Field set-up. For now, just envy you your wx and the beauty of your nature! 73! Linas LY2H
Hi Adam, nice activation always a pleasure to follow your activities. The Wolphi interface has been discontinued.
I know, it's such a disappointment. It was such a great device.
Hi Adam! Nice vid... By chance, do you have a video on how you built that portable motor/rotator inside that PVC? Very interested to see how you did that. If you do not mind sharing of course.
Thank you - 73 de John KA7TXS
73 de John
Yes, would love to see an assembly. -KN4CFT
Incredibly awesome
Very cool video Adam .. Steve from the roars club said he talked to you on Palomar last weekend .. super cool ..
Yeah! There's a video coming for that one. I logged 143 contacts in 5.5 hours up there. Pretty amazing day!
Also, was using this same antenna for 6m up there.
That’s awesome . He was super excited to talk with ya . Might be a good opportunity to chat with the roars club about sota stuff you do . Lots of folks in the club would be interested in how you do that .
I would like to present on their net/meeting some time but my schedule is always booked for SAR meetings that Weds night. I have presented a number of times on the Woodson repeater San Diego Ham Forum net at 7:30pm Monday nights.
Enjoyed it!
Adam, I thought that the current high price of a Rasp Pi was just is not worth it. The four cornerstones for Pi was low power, small size, versatility and low cost. Without the cost savings you might go for something convenient.
You have a display anyways, the tablet already has an RTC built in and can run the FT8 software with the interface adapter I'd say you have a winner!
Bill-N6EF-I'd also love to see the details of the rotator if that isn't covered in one of your other videos and the antenna itself. Very slick idea.
Not covered yet... But I have lots of requests so I'll be creating one soon, I think.
Great video as always Adam! The Aero Shaft. Where do you get them? Love the little rotor too! Kent K9EZ
And .... the SOTA GOAT strikes again!!
Good stuff as always Adam. I'd be interested in some detail of the feed point part of this beam if you have photos of it. I've been wanting to make one, but still looking for ideas for the feed point. Thanks! Bob, W0BNC.
He probably just insulated and split the driven element for direct connection to coax.
impressive - I was interested in your remote function of the 6 m antenna, and how easy it was to redirect the beam. I'm in the process of doing something for the 2 M band, as I operate in northern Virginia near Fort Hunt National Park, and have a challenge to hit the repeaters in and around Washington DC. Keep up the good work. -73- / Jim (KM4HYT)
I’m a little late to the video, it I moved this one. I’m a huge supporter of digital modes. I recently got back into ham radio after being out for about 6 or 7 years and I used to do jt65 and I loved that mode. I can’t wait to see what I can do on ft8.
There are some good FT8 apps now for Android as well that have made this technology solution obsolete IMO. Check out FT8CN and FT8 Radio.
@@K6ARK I have an older android tablet I can try. Do you know of any iOS apps? I also bought one of your efhw kits off Amazon, I’ve yet to put it together. I’ve been working 80 hours a week so not much time to play on radio. 😭
Excellent!
Awesome. I need to look into one of those tablets. Great job on the antenna. 73 KI4ASK
I do SOTA but don't do digital because the pi is a hassle and a Windows10 laptop is only marginally better. Interested in seeing your solution!
Can you move the beam to vertical position? That may improve things a bit. Or find the sweet spot.
Now that was cool, Adam! The beam was really cool... I’m into iCom rigs, but my HT is a Yaesu VX-7R. I didn’t see a rattail on your HT, have you considered it?
Yes, a counterpoise can help with quarter wave and 5/8 wave antennas that require a ground plane, but they are not beneficial to a half wave antenna. That is part of the reason that I like to use half wave antennas with handheld radios. They perform exceptionally well even without a ground plane.
#MNHR
#TeamReplay
Thats a nice beam. Great band.
Please do a video on the rotator
Adam, two questions : 1) which audio interface you using ? 2) how to connect audio interface to tablet while keeping tablet charging at the same time ? Thanks !
Very cool, are you going to release plans for the 6 meter beam? I would like to build one.
Not sure yet. I could share the MMANA file if you like. I will probably be building another one soon(ish?) though, and will film the process.
@@K6ARK please do, I am also highly interested in building a portable 6m beam
@@K6ARK that would be great. i would love to see the plans. My email is wa7pzj@gmail.com if you want to just email them to me.
@@BenShort same here, really seems like a fun project and because of the size it's not a huge hassle 😅
Good morning,
I would like to make the same type of directional antenna as you for my removable station :-)
I found quite a few gear motors. Which one did you use??
On the other hand, I can't find all your red threaded rod extensions that you use on the web.
Do you have a link please?
73's
Adam, how did you solve spinning the antenna, can you bring me closer to this happiness?
Wow, your rotator looks good! Is it a commodity or a DIY one?
DIY. I will make a video at some point. It is good for lighter, smaller antennas but has its limitations. I am trying other designs as well.
I'm digging the 6m beam. Do you think that rotor could handle the load for a 10m 2el/3el? Would like to know more about it and try to put one together.
Possibly. I built a similar rotator with a belt drive for the 4 element beam I put together. It was maxed out and slipping in light wind. I am trying toothed belts on the next model. Larger pulleys/gears would help too. Might need to do a little work with the lathe.
Adam, do you have cobstruction details on that neat little 6 meter beam? I'de love to huild one like that!
73, Tom WA1LBK
Enjoyed the video . 73's
Awesome! I've thought about this a few times but I still hate the idea of a windows tablet.. Modern WSJT-X will be ported to Android some day... some day....
Does your unit have the power to do deep decoding or is it just running fast? Do I just have to be patient and wait for all to be revealed? :P
It seems to handle deep decoding well enough. More experimentation is needed, but it sure beats a Pi for usability, in my opinion. Also... A lot of hams would pay good money for an android FT8 app.
Full tablet configuration here: ruclips.net/video/sdEt4u1pvKo/видео.html
Hi Adam, great vid!
How did you solve the time synchronization?
Just using cellular hotspot and an internet time sync tool. I have also used a GPS dongle with good success. And even without it, you can listen to FT8 or WWV and manually sync within a second or so with reasonable success.
@@K6ARK That's exactly what I thought! Thank you! I need to put together a new portable Digi mod setup. The question is what to choose, Raspberry Pi + Android tablet, or Windows 10 tablet. I guess win 10 tablet is a better option. Tnx Adam.
Yeah, it works ok if you optimize it. Still a bit slow on a busy band with lots of decodes. I now have a GPD Pocket 2 mini laptop that has much more computing power and ploughs through decodes faster. It was also 4x the price of the tablet 🤷
As has been asked, will we be getting a build video on this?
I'll be working on this... Too many projects and too little time!
alan waoo I really liked this video will be activated from the 22 to 25 will double activation POTA and SOTA good motivation 73s
Does that link provide the correct time for syncing digital? Iv never done portable digital
I'm not seeing one, do you have a build video for this antenna?
good job 73 you numero uno jejeje 73 from kb2uew
buenas tardes excelente video, soy un principiante en FT8 POTA, MIS DOS preguntas como salirta en wsjt la plabra POTA al anunciar mi indicativo de llamda ( POTA XE1HJN ) de donden obtengo la localizacion K-???? TE agradesco si puedes orientarme gracias y slaudos 73
Adam, what digital interface are you using between the computer and the rig?
It's called a WolphiLink. Unfortunately recently discontinued. I just found that out as I was looking up the website to add the link to the video description.
@@K6ARK Adam, FB on the WolphiLink. I just didn’t see or hear you talk about the Digital Interface. I use the RCA Windows 10 Tablet/PC that is like the IBM Surface Pro and a SignaLink USB interface to the 891.
I took my pi offline too
I'm in pursuit if ZS myself
Adam, could you please measure power consumption of this tablet while operating FT8 and battery not charging (i.e. battery fully charged already) ? Thanks !
There are far too many variables to give any kind of useful estimate. Screen brightness, power conservation/performance setting, etc. all have a significant impact on power usage. Help me understand what you're trying to sort out.
Adam, I understand that there are many variables. I just want to get a ballpark of power consumption for this setup. Could you please use your current power settings and measure power consumption for two brightness settings 1) indoor 2) outdoor in the shade of trees avoiding direct sun to the screen. Thanks !
After watching your video, I decided for cheaper than purchasing a raspberry pi 4 and trying to adapt it to a Samsung tablet, it's going to be cheaper to go the Windows tablet route like you did. I just now purchased the same tablet on eBay for $85. When I get it, I'll watch your other video for set up. It looks like you have full rig control as well. I'll be using my IC 705 or FT 891. I guess the SIgnalLink will do the same as the wolfie that was discontinued. Thanks again! 73 de KN3A.
Sweet! I believe you can just connect directly to the IC-705 directly to the tablet. You'll need a micro usb to usb-c OTG cable amzn.to/3961UtW. That will be a sweet setup!
@@K6ARK I was just getting ready to pull the trigger on a cable and yours was $2 cheaper! I'll get it from Amazon before I get the tablet but I should be ready to go. With SignaLink, I'll already have the right cable since I believe it uses a mini-USB. Looking forward to doing POTA/SOTA w/o having to drag my laptop computer. Thanks!
WHY not try completely wireless? If you already have SingnalLink that's fine. Ive seen where at least a few people with an IC705 are running Winlink completely wireless using WLAN between IC705 and the cheapest surface tablet - This includes VARA HF, FT8 and JS8Ccall - Completely wireless. TIP turn off audio monitoring on the IC705 or it will cause issues. Still awaiting successful testing on VARA FM. it will work with a USB cable.
For Clarity: By WLAN I mean WiFi. Setup connect from tablet WiFi to IC705 WiFi
@@adamjones8218 I would be open to doing that, however I am not sure how to do it, and if it involves buying the Icom RS-BA-1 software, I will not purchase it. For one thing, you have to buy the CD which my computer does not have a CD Drive. If you know a way around that I'm all ears and please email me. Email is good on qrz. de KN3A
what are you using software wise for FT8 on Wolphilink?
The WolfiLink it's just an interface. It is not a computer. I am using WSJT-X on the Windows tablet to run FT8.
Try making a Tiger Tail, you're going to get some more gain
Is the antenna home made?
Where can I get one if it is sold commercially?
It's a homebrew design. Only a 1.3 m boom. I think I'm going to rebuild with a 2m boom for another 1.3 dB of gain and much better F/B ratio.
@@K6ARK we need a build video, along with full BOM!
@@ernestgalvan9037 I can make this happen. I'm re-building and improving it soon.
I tried running fldigi on a Microsoft Surface Go in the field without any luck. Disappointing that I cannot use this device for SOTA. Evidently, it doesn't have enough grunt to run the software when powered by the internal battery. Runs fine at home connected to the wall socket but I think some power-saving algorithms kick in when the internal battery is in use, throttling back processor performance resulting in software like fldigi not running. Don't want to mess around with a Pi in the field either. Haven't come up with a good way to manipulate window controls on a tablet with VNC.
Yeah, the surface go chugs under busy bands. The Go 2 and Go 3 are much better.
@@K6ARK I've got the Go 2. I may need to find out how to turn off battery saving. Definitely unimpressed with its performance so far.
@@dangermandave67 good to know, thanks. There are also other things you can do to reduce burden on the processor by forcing other running services to quit and not allow them to turn on at startup.
The WolphiLink adapter has been discontinued :-(
I know! I just discovered that when I was writing the description for this video! Such a great device. Is a bummer.
What did you use for your dipole ?
Phillip, do you mean for the wire? Support pole? Not quite sure what you're asking about. Give me a little more details and I'll be happy to explain.
@@K6ARK Thank you for your response. Well, you had some success with the 6 meter beam on ft8, but at 7:57 in the video you said you were going over to the dipole. Was that a 6 meter dipole ? What did you do for the connection between the ft-857 out to the dipole ?
@@phillipneal8194 got it. No, it's a 40m HF dipole with links for 30m, 20m, 17m, and 15m. I switched to 17m, called CQ on FT8 and was flooded with JA stations coming back to my call. Good fun!
I use about 30 ft of RG-174 coax to connect the dipole to the rig.
@@K6ARK Cool. Thanks.
Good^^^~~ my hl5jhu from korea 73!^^~~
Which HT did you use?
Anytone 878 on this trip. I find it actually performs quite well for Analog VHF. The antenna is a Smiley Antenna 1/2 wave telescopic whip.
K6ARK Portable Radio cool thanks. I actually picked up one of those antennas based on your recommendation. I have an 878 as well as some Japanese HTs and I always assumed they would outperform the Anytone, but I will give the Anytone a try as a comparison.
Yes, I've been surprised with it! N1CLC uses one a lot with a MFJ Long Ranger (basically the same antenna) and it has outperformed most of my other HT/antenna combos including 1/4 wave whips and Icom and Yaesu HTs. I have not compared the Anytone to the other HTs with the exact same antenna, however. Maybe a future video?
K6ARK Portable Radio That video would be awesomeness. Comparison of HT receivers.
Awesomeness! de N9BAV
Why is the video a premiere? What's so special about it?
It's part of Monday Night Ham Radio. We set up a series of videos, one after the other, and have fun watching as a group and answering questions in a live chat.
Here's the playlist: ruclips.net/p/PL01YuCls6edYrLBNgEJVrRmQge_9ErnbH
@@K6ARK cheers thanks for the tip
I know. I F-ing hate premiere it turns video on demand into old school TV - what is the point? We come to YT to get away from that crap...