Ultra-portable FT-8 Ops | (tr)uSDX + Android app + Audio Adapter = Awesomeness!
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- Опубликовано: 29 июн 2022
- Want to run FT-8 from an Android phone? How about using a tiny 5-band HF rig that costs less than $100 for the kit? Now you can.
On this SOTA activation, I show off a few new pieces of gear and a new bit of software:
- A (tr)uSDX transceiver | amzn.to/3nskT85 (Affiliate Link)
- Custom Audio Adapter | oshpark.com/shared_projects/L...
- The "FT8 Radio" app | play.google.com/store/apps/de...
- K6ARK SMA Antenna Matching Unit Kit | amzn.to/3nphvuK (Affiliate Link)
All of the K6ARK products currently available are linked from www.k6ark.com
2m Yagi Build Video: • Will it work? Yagi wit...
Radio Ops Audio Recorder: oshpark.com/shared_projects/k...
All put together, it makes for a decently capable little piece of kit. The (tr)uSDX has been getting a lot of hype lately, and it's an amazing little device for less than $100. But it's simple hardware, and perhaps not a fully optimized design. Understand that it's no high-performance radio. But it works. And in this activation, I demonstrate one cool way to put it to use.
I show off a new app developed by Dhiru Kholia. Although still a bit rough around the edges and quirky, it is fully capable of making FT8 contacts WITHOUT a separate linux or windows machine. For that, it's pretty dang cool.
And finally, I extracted the CW contacts I made on the activation and will publish them as a separate video (link here... once posted)
Thanks for watching! 
Хобби
You are so kind to not only create videos but share your research down to the designs. Your picture should be included with the definition of the true spirit of HAM radio. I have learned soooooo much from you already. Thanks man.
And he curses people loads, did you know that?
What a complete package you’ve assembled! Awesome work Adam, and great vid 😄
Very nice indeed ! I love how you actually explain the audio output and input.
Dude you blow my mind with these “gadgets” you make. Very well done sir.
Nice video Adam,
The FT8 was cool but I also really enjoyed the innovation of your new designs. Well done sir.
That's just unbelievable, Adam! Thanks for sharing.
Very well done video. You have done a great job in explaining the TruSDX strengths and weaknesses in a well thought out way. I have enjoyed using my TruSDX for SOTA but have wondered about the distortion in SSB. You explained it simply in a couple sentences without beating up the radio, nice job.
Paul, VA6MPM
Hi Adam, greetings from the UK! Great video and lovely scenery. Glad I learned a few more things and tricks today.
Thanks for sharing.
Adam you always blow me away with your minimalism.. real cool stuff, thanks for sharing.
Love it, Ordered all the parts to make 2 for me and 2 for my brother! Great Video!
I think you just made me want to get back into ham radio. I received my technician license six years ago, but didn't really find enjoyment, but now I might look at getting the general license and enjoying this little radio to get back into it... You are very encouraging!
Thanks for adding an SMA version of your EFHW antenna kit. Just ordered one to use with my ATS rigs which use SMA Love the BNC version I have. 73
That's a great combination -and a really inexpensive way to do portable FT8. Congrats!
Great video and nice recordings from your smartphone. Also the explanation of the adapter just great.
Thank you and 73 from DB7BH Holger
Hey just caught you on a summit to summit today on W6/SD-026. What a coincidence I came home and chose your video to watch. I just got FT8 to work remote for me but it involves a laptop. I like your set up better.
That adapter is crazy small and awesome!
This is mad, mad, mad genius!!! GLORIOUS!!!
Seems like someone will soon have to get a warehouse and factory to produce all the small little ham goodies 😉 great work Adam!
Splendid -- thanks for sharing!
Well done. Nice job
Great video and interesting setup. The TruSDX was impressive. 73
Dang it!!! As if I didn't have enough stuff to do in my retirement, now I think I need get into some ultra portable QRP!
Thank you!! Love this vid, happy to know i can drop my bulky ancient laptop for my much more powerful and smaller phone :)
Great video Adam! Amazing stuff! You’ve definitely taken amateur radio somewhere. Thanks man! Inspiring! 73, WA7FLY
Might work with the soda pop 2 also . May be a good try . Hmm ... Thank you for a great video!
The footprint of that setup is awesome! Would be cool if they had the ft8 app for iphone. Thanks for sharing!
SDR-Control on the ipad is awesome
Yes, I used an old iPhone 6. I have also successfully used the lighting to 3.5mm adapter on an iPhone 11.
Good to see and I hope it comes to iOS as well.
Behind on videos, but this is KEWL Adam!
Thanks for doing this video. I have been experimenting with the app running on an Android tablet connected to a Xiegu G1M.
I'm still working out the kinks. My cable from the tablet to the radio uses a 22 ufd cap in series to block DC from the input jack. I use a 1K resistor from the input to ground. I may add another resistor to attenuate the input signal some more. Anyhow, thanks to you, I'm off to a decent start. I know I'm on the right track as my cable works with a connection to a laptop running WSJTX on Windows.
Great video Adam, It sure is harder to make contacts out doors on ft8/js8 and get the device to work in bright sunlight. Regards vk5cz..
I successfully made a QSO with this on the iPhone app. Thanks Adam.
@k9-ham how did you connect audio to iphone? Do you have an older iPhone with 3.5mm jack?
I don't use an iPhone, but I believe the adapters are similar. Find a iPhone plug to 3.5mm headset adapter and it should do the same thing as the adapter I used.
@@K6ARK adaik, it's not as easy as it sound. iPhone lightning port is digital, there has to be DAC(phone)/ADC(mic) chip inside the adaptor plug. Most sold on Amazon are headphones only. I find it very hard to find a reasonably priced adaptor. Those that I believe would work cost $30+ the regular ones - seems to be a lottery.
@k9-ham What does your setup look like? From iPhone to the radio ports?
Do you have an iPhone with a lightning connector?
Great stuff. The SMA version antenna looks very cool also!
FYI, you need to get hold of an X6100 running Armbian off the SD card, with the full WSJT-X running on the rig! Its super cool, still a work in progress, but it works!
Aww as if I needed another reason to regret buying the x5105 two months before they launched the 61000
Gaiters are essential for hiking, foxtails are a worry of the past.
I'm still waiting for an app for js8call for anrdoid
Me too! Apart of free texting, it would be handy to spot over HF when out of reach of an APRS gateway.
Already exists, but not standalone. It's called JS8REMOTE but it allows you to control JS8CALL on your pc/tablet OR Raspberry Pi. Hope this helps,
73 de Luis, HB9HJU
Unfortunately it is for "an older version of Android" and doesn't work.
This is the way
Yes
Awesome. SSTV next? ;)
Great video Adam. As I was watching you doing the FT8 stuff, my thoughts were that I could have already worked loads of ops on CW in the time it took you to get up and running. It was a relief when you commented the exact same thing!
In currently in process of getting set up for digi modes, and also ALE, when portable, using DigiRig with my TX500 and a Panasonic Toughpad, but it's mainly from the point of view of inquisitiveness and wanting to know how to do it. Not too sure how much use i will make of it. Just love working CW too much.
Great footwear by the way. I run a pair of La Sportiva TX4 gtx shoes and they're the best I've ever had. Thinking of some non gtx ones for hot days, although we don't have many hot days here!
73 de M3KXZ
Thanks Pete! Yeah, CW is hard to beat for it's speed, capability, and sheer level of fun. I do really enjoy figuring out how to make digital modes work, but the satisfaction comes in the development and prove-out of the system. Making FT8 contacts once that's achieved gets boring quickly.
I love the La Sportivs shoes. Just pulled a fresh pair of Mutants out of the box. They'll get some good action in the Sierra this weekend bagging peaks!
Thanks again for the comments!
Спасибо за видио .Очень познавательно!
Amazing
This is amazing. Great combination of available tools and devices. A true HAM radio operator.
Thanks for sharing. With kind regards from Düsseldorf, Germany. Locator: JO31KF
Any insights into the power consumption?
Awesome video ! I Just ordered parts to build the audio adapter , have you designed a 3d printed housing for it?
Old reply, but awesome video.
I like my trusdx. Worked russia and made 3 contacts phone one night putting out 2.8w (low battery voltage) into my 40’ hex beam. Conditions were perfect. K0TNG
Thanks for the video Adam! I have the USDR+ (Red Corners), can you guide me to build the cables for the digital modes?
Okay, Adam.
Lets work on a 3d printed housing for the attenuator/ Jack input assembly! Nice work!
And you have inspired me. Thank you.
73s de KF4LBG (Larry)
That's totally doable. I suspect I'll have one posted within a few days. 🤘
Nice video!, can you share details about the dual band yagi you are using in the video ?
Yes, check the link in the description
That app shows promise. Wish someone would write something like that for JS8 on an Android tablet. BTW, you can buy canvas sock protectors that keep the grass seeds out. They are popular with guys who work in the field in Australia, where we have some really annoying stuff that gets into socks and can't be removed.
Agreed on the js8 call app...
And I have multiple pairs of sock covers, a.k.a. gaiters. I definitely should have brought them on this hike!
@@K6ARK Gaiters are a lot heavier and hotter than what I'm talking about. The sock protectors just sit loosely over your socks - don't go up your calf very far. Not fastened to your boots.
I’m convinced this dude is probably one of the most intelligent people of our generation
Just ordered 3 of these off Oshpark. Looking forward to an FT-8 activation -73 K5CHA
Cool! Any different build tips/instructions for the SMA version of the matching unit?
The only real difference is that there are no extra strain relief holes for the antenna wire stubs - just the solder pads. I made the board smaller so it could alternatively be built with FT37-43 toroids for an even smaller unit, and had to sacrifice the strain relief holes in the process.
@@K6ARK Thanks - finally gave in and ordered the (tr)uSDX about a week ago. Will give the antenna a try also - thanks for your genius design! Vacation next month and this will be a nice stealth package to take.
This is awesome!!! 73
That's awesome! Hey is that cyanogenmod on that phone? I ask because the battery meter looks familiar. I'm definitely going to be getting the app!! Thanks Adam!
It's actually the stock ROM, but it's a OnePlus phone
@@K6ARK that makes sense, they used to ship with cyanogenmod as the stock os
So impressive. I wonder if I can do something similar with the 599 tx-500
Hi Nick. DE VU3CER here. I will look into adding support for Lab599 Discovery TX-500 radio soon! Cheers - Dhiru.
No tuner on multiple bands, running 50ohms? What antenna are you using?? Sorry for the noob questions
Wouldn’t it be cool if phones had a transceiver built into them? You could actually TALK to people around the world just by pressing a few buttons. WOW!
RFFinder is it be option but the x6100 looks to have great potential.
I grew up in that area..graduated from palm springs high 1967. I’m new to CW this yr. and interested in the tru sdx as my first radio..your thoughts
I've been wo during if there was a lighter way to do FT8 in the field.
Nice video as always, Adam.
Some thoughts about the poor audio report on SSB:
1) Is poor audio quality inherent in the TruSDX design, or did you actually have RF feedback from the EFHW being so close?
2) Might it be from the crummy little mic element in the rig..after all the internal speaker is garbage too.
3) Audio drive level possibly too high, or an impedance mismatch?
With FT8, wondering if the little Class E final stage in the rig is up to the high duty cycle, or might it fry after extended FT8 sessions?
Thanks for the video!
73, W1LJ - since 1974
I really don't think it was RF in the audio in this case, though it's possible. The other key factor that I think contributed to the poor audio is that we were line-of-sight, and not reaching each other via skywave propagation. The truSDX sounds terrible in close proximity to the receiving station, and with a strong signal. In tests at home, transmitting into a dummy load and listening on another rig, the truSDX tx audio is really quite bad regardless of the settings used (I tested the gamut). The characteristics of poor audio quality are much less noticeable over longer range propagation.
I have also tried swapping the mic element. The mic in this rig actually is a different, larger unit. No improvement in audio quality was noticeable with the different mic element.
I am not sure how the rig will handle high duty cycle TX. At least BS170 transistors are cheap! 😆
@@K6ARK Adam, there is now a rather sizeable community of (Tr)uSDX users. I will be joining shortly, but my kit is stuck in a group buy that is still missing a few needed parts. Yes, people have complained about RX audio quality and the rather high ambient noise level in the absence of any antenna! Apparently, there are mods to the transmitter and receiver that improve its quality a significant amount. I don't know the specifics, but it appears worth looking into. For me, the tiny size is the catch. I used to think my FT817 was a tiny radio, but by todays standards it is mighty big for a 5W rig. But...it goes to 432, so I'll give it a pass for 20-year old technology. Amazing in its day.
I will run my TruSDX with an EFHW + feedline long enough so that I can place a common mode choke at 0.05 wavelength from the transformer. I'm guessing this little SDR rig is not very tolerant of RFI.
I like to travel very light, being 68 years old. The joints aren't like they were before! TruSDX fills a need! 73, W1LJ
Excellent video, Adam! I plan on trying your truSDX adapter for Android SSTV. The experience ought to be quite enlightening 😁
73 de NM9X
As always, great video! The 2m/ 70cm Yagi rocks, Tucson to Phoenix all good fun until MTB to the summit trail halts everything. As I recover, do you think I could build a (tr)uSDX transceiver with one hand in a cast? John Mount W7OTD
Building one-handed could be tough, but it's hard to say without know how it limits your dexterity. There are numerous small toroids to wind in the kit.
@@K6ARK I couldn't find anything else to do so I built both your SMA antenna and the (tr) uSDX, both were pretty easy. Now to find a similiar 100 watt to go with a FT-857.............. I have heard they are out there in the wild, somewhere. I will have to make one from some scraps.
@@jmount1200 parts for 100w kits are in manufacturing! 🤘😁👍
Leaves of three, let them be.
Ft8 is now available on android full transceive is a paid for app but worth it
Where was this? Heard you say mt. Baldy. I did that summit years ago.
Adam could you make the little board with short cables to the radio so we can try on other radios with different spacing. I would buy it from you.
Different radios have different pinout as well. I designed another board for Elecraft KX2 and KX3. I have a few to build and test, and will share the design if it works.
That's awesome for maximum portability, but with so much variety in android phones, what sort of performance is required to make this work? Since I used an iPhone myself, I was thinking about looking the used 'droid market over for a donor just for projects like this.
Even older generation low/mid-range phones (e.g. Redmi Note 7) work fine! Please ensure good battery capacity before purchasing old phones. All the best! DE VU3CER (Dhiru).
Nice video, but the music could be 5 dB to 10 dB down compared to where it is, in future videos. It was high enough level to make it hard to understand what you say, especially when you watch the video at 1.5x speed as I usually do (both to save time and to push my CW copying speed limit a bit higher)
David VE7EZM and AF7BZ
Yes I had intended to do that in final edits but forgot, and noticed too late. That's what I get for rushing my editing too much with limited time. Appreciate the friendly and productive tone of your feedback. Thanks for leaving the comment!
.... So true, David,..... Some of us have poor/restricted hearing, &, being blasted with this junk just makes us skip what may be a cool video... :-(
I am using the adapter, trrs cable and ft8cn. Vox is set. Decoding fine but it will not transmit. Ideas?
Thanks for the great video. Please loose the background music. very distracting and difficult to hear you when your voice audio is low. Tnx again.
Could I make your cable and use it on another radio like a Xiegu 5105?
Thanks for this video. Is the antenna a random wire or half wave?
The antenna is an end fed half wave. It's resonant so I don't need a tuner.
@@K6ARK Thanks. That is what I was interested in....how you were able to use a random wire without a tuner. You didn't! But how were you able to use the half wave on the different bands that you QSY'd to?
@@arniep740 EFHW antennas are resonant on every even and odd harmonic. So, a 7 MHz 40m EFHW is also resonant on 14 MHz, 21 MHz and 28 MHz.
@@K6ARK I guess I was thinking of a half-wave dipole instead of an EFHW. Thanks for the clarification.
73 de Arnie W8DU
👍
CQ SOTA callsign grid - did you try that in the app?
Do your EFHW antenna kits require any kind of tuner? Is there a good recommended radiator element length that will work on 80, 40, and 20?
EFHW antennas are generally resonant, or close to it, on even and odd harmonics. That means an 80m EFHW should be good enough on 80, 40, and 20 m. Sometimes, a bit of special adjustment is required by adding an inductor near the feed point to accommodate for end effect (and the lack thereof on the resonant multiples) so an 80 m tuned wire is resonant in the right spots on the higher bands. For example, on a 40 m EFHW, I typically add about 10 turns on a 3/4 inch plastic tube about 2 m from the feed point and that brings 20 and 15 m into the resonance. You could also tweak it with an ATU, but it's not necessary, and is probably more efficient to tune the wire itself. Links are another option for a multi-band antenna.
Hi! I have a problem with the audio signal from the DATA port. My smartphone receives and decodes the signal in the ft8cn application only when it is connected via an external sound card. How to connect the smartphone to the interface via minijack 4 pin? My interface is digivox-2
It sounded like you're using a different solution than the simple VOX interface I created. Sorry, I am not familiar with the interface you're using.
What batteries are you using for (tr)usdx?
How did he power the trusdx?
I'm missing something and I can't seem to find it clearly described anywhere for this FT8 app...How do you provide the summit (or park if doing pota) reference? I see how I can CQ for SOTA/POTA, but not how to specify the summit or park for the chasers...KI4POT
Most just get the park or summit ref through a spot on the spotting pages, or via another communication method after the fact.
Great presentation. I have a (TR)uSDX from Rowaves tech. I put together you interface today. It decodes nicely but I can't get it to trigger transmit on the (TR)uSDX. I set the VOX setting on the trusdx on but still no joy. The PTT button does trigger transmit, so unit is functional? What could be going on? Tnx John AC9UV
Looking at the printed circuit board It looks like your video has the two plug adapter plugged in backwards (minute 8:58 of video). When I discovered that I was able to get it to trigger a transmission of the (TR)uSDX.
Yes, as I attempted to explain in the build instructions and the video description, the final design of the board installs the opposite direction for more antenna port clearance. Sorry for the confusion.
Hey adam think you could make a video on a revised version where instead of the audio jack to phone but a type c or micro usb, since newer phones don't have audio jacks anymore? If not, do you think i could just simply use a adapter in line to a newer phone, would this work?
I recommend simply using a USBC to headset adapter. They are readily available, and do not require significant modification of the board. Adding a USB -c port to the board would require adding additional integrated circuits to perform the digital to analog conversion.
Okay, I'll give it a shot. I appreciate your response and let you know how it works de 73 kb3pgy
Adam, I am running your adapter and a trrs cable to a lenovo M8 gen3 tablet. Ft8cn is decoding fine but, when calling, I'm seeing no needle movement on power meter. Help!
You will need an in-line adapter with a phone that does not have an audio jack. Works just the same.
done all of this everything works but the transmit side im recieving fine any ideas? vox is not triggering tx trusdx volume set to 10 and phone volume max? app setting vox have i missed anything ive got all the same connections from the list? TIA
please ignore i made a school boy error and forgot to turn on vox on the reciever lol
No worries! Been there done that. I also had a issue with a bad TRRS cable initially.
also just recieved one of your antennas to build all the way in the UK
Nice trip! How comes you operate 15 and 10m bands on (tr)USDX? The kit I have has only got 80,60,40,30 and 20m bands , so far. 73! Linas LY2H
DL2MAN provides suggested component values and software band selection settings to choose the "classic" or "high" bands - 80/40/20/15/10m or 20/17/15/12/10m. I modified and RF board for the Classic bands in this rig. I have also built a board for the high bands.
More information is available at www.dl2man.de and in the forum there.
@@K6ARK Thanks a lot Adam for this useful info! It came right before I started assembling the boards!73! Linas LY2H
@@K6ARK I wish they would sell a Clasic Band plug and play version tr usdx! 🙏
Please tell me this will be plug n play with the 705? 73
I know it is with the IC-7300, so I suspect it will be with the 705
Hey, it works well with IC-705. Just needs a USB cable and a small OTG adapter.
What about the newer Android phones that only have a USB-C plug?
Any USB-C audio DAC will do. amzn.to/3BuJqBJ
@@K6ARK Thanks. What software did you model this with?
@@srortega you mean the PCB design? Autodesk Eagle.
Have you tried any of the qrp labs rigs?
I have a QCX mini and QDX. Both are great! As of a month ago, the QDX did not fully work with the FT8 Radio app, and the developer was waiting for some additional information from me to help him get it working. I got busy and haven't followed up yet, but if it's not working yet, I expect the QDX will be working with it soon.
@@K6ARK Thanks! I've got a QDX on order, I'm aiming for qrp DX contacts
Nice interface. And that app looks a tad more capable than the one I just dl’d for iPhone. Now to get a interface & try it out. Great video, amigo. Thanks for the run thru. Maybe see you at Dayton? If so, drop by the Begali booth for a chat. 73 de W8IJN
Ft8cn It's much nicer as an app
ft4 is legit
Isn't FT-4 designed to speed up operation?
Yes, with a trade-off of SNR capability.
Hi Adam, would such an arrangement be possible for my KX2, Regards, Adam. G2AP.
Yes! And it's on OshPark. If you are unable to order there and want a Gerber, let me know. oshpark.com/shared_projects/V1s7JLLL
If I remember correctly, the resistors are 0402 or 0603... Sorry 😆
I can likely mod this for thru-hole if you like.
@@K6ARK thanks Ad
I think the speaker was tossed in as an emergency sound output. Headphones are the norm. They are always the best audio source for serious ham and SWL reception, and always have been since radio began. Speakers are for consumer audio gear.
BTW, never make the music louder than your commentary. People like music, but they want information.
Thanks John. Yes, I made an editing error on the audio levels, intending to cut the music level and boost the speaking audio, but achieved the opposite and didn't catch it in time. Apologies for that.
How are you logging and ID'ing who your talking to? Its kind of unrewarding to just talkt to callsigns withouit knowing the location and who and where they are
For some reason I understand this but I have no knowledge of skills in this field. 😑 .
Maybe this is my calling?🤔
I was looking for the android app I. Can't find it.
play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bunzee.ft8radio
@@K6ARK thanks your a big help.
What are you using for an antenna pole?
For this trip, a basic fiberglass telescopic fishing pole from AliExpress. I glue the thinnest section into the next section in the retracted position to stiffen it up and add a loop of cord at the tip to clip the wire to.
@@K6ARK what's the max length? I have a carbon 6 I'm borrowing/testing, but I'm looking for options as well, the Jackite 31footer isn't the most backpacker friendly hahah. :)
@@danielwinn5707 just like antennas, every mast is a compromise. The one I used on this activation is a "7.2m" version which is closer to about 6m in actual length. I've seen poles on AliExpress up to 16m, but they're obviously going to be heavier. Key trade-offs and competing characteristics of a telescopic pole are minimum packed length, weight, extended height, and strength/stiffness. Weight goes up fast with longer poles that pack small and have decent durability.
I give up what was the evil
plant?
Poison Oak 😬
@@K6ARK Insert SpongeBob EEEEVVVVILLLLL meme here...😆 Found one thing to kill PO but not exactly environmentally friendly.
Thermonuclear bombs? I agree.
@@K6ARK Something a little less "complete" than that but equally as effective. I made the mistake of revealing my method next to an environmental engineer and he tactfully left a "don't do that again" note on my desk decades ago. Lived in the LA foothills at the time - that bloody stuff is everywhere.
Adam, great video! I was out of town during Field Day… I did buy a (Tr)uSDX… I’m still trying to master my QCX Mini with CapKey… slow progress, but it’d be steady if I used it more. I still haven’t played around with the Weber 20/40m…
My Other projects remain in their boxes… someday, I’ll work on my QDX and get that on the air… 72 Adam! de W7UDT Rand (dit dit)
Can I purchase one of those antenna’s for 40 meters from you ?
Kits are available on Amazon. Links are at www.k6ark.com 😀👍
Do you have ones already built ? I’d like to buy one as a gift.
@@chriscomms.2399 no, I work a full time job (and then some) plus volunteer SAR work, and I try to keep up stock on kits. I have no free time to build for others.
Ok, thank you Adam !
Love the videos by the way, I am I big fan of all the tiny stuff you’ve been working with. 👍🏼🤙🏽🍺
How much is that unit
The radio sells as a kit for under $100. You can either print your own case or buy one. You can also purchase the radio fully assembled for a bit more.
Cool video... it's so jarring to hear "Yagi" pronounced with a vowel sound that doesn't exist in the Japanese language, though :-/.
Yes, there's always the debate over using the proper pronunciation or the commonly used mispronunciation. Take your pick. You'll get complaints in the comments either way.
Wear gaiters.