Archive for K3HTK

Updated-FLDIGI Install Script for Raspberry Pi (Latest Version)

September 26, 2016 News No comments

Below are some updates and instructions for version 4.1 and now HamLib 3.3 is included as an upgrade too!

Reports surfaced that my script broke with the release of the Raspberry Pi 4 – That has now been resolved… Enjoy!

*** Release Notes:

Major Announcement: This script has been converted to a BASH script versus the original SH scripting. This has allowed me to be more creative with adding some enhancements for everyone’s benefit. This script can be used for the entire life cycle of the newest 4.1 release. No more downloading with every update. I plan to do even more, but this is a great start and took me several hours of experimenting and learning. The best part is, IT WORKS!

Note: The file name of the script has been change to just “pi-fldigi-setup-4.1.sh” Now that the Pi 4 is out, I figured it only be fitting to not specify the Pi version of hardware anymore since the script is backwards compatible.

Everything has been tested and verified for all releases of Raspbian – Wheezy and above…

Hamlib – Now referenced to Version 3.3 for rig control capabilities…

Fldigi – All future versions of Fldigi 4.1 release will be checked for and installed with this new script. What this means is I will not have to continue to update manually for this main release of 4.1 and you can use this script over and over until 4.2 is available. Nice, eh?

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1.) Download the script here into your home directory logged in as “pi”:

2.) You can also download via CLI on the pi using this command:

wget http://indyham.com/downloads/pi-fldigi-setup-4.1.sh

**** Just make sure you are in your pi home directory ( /home/pi ) ****

3.) Run the following command to make the script executable: sudo chmod +x pi-fldigi-setup-4.1.sh

4.) Now execute the script: sudo ./pi-fldigi-setup-4.1.sh – This will create a folder named “HamPi-FLDIGI” in your home directory. Feel free to edit the script however you would like if you wish to change that….

5.) Now watch the magic happen…. Grab a drink, some food, walk the dog, etc.

6.) This has been tested on the Raspberry Pi 3 & Pi 4 models running the full Raspian desktop version (not lite) and takes about 45 minutes to an hour from start to finish depending on how many updates you have to install for the packages as well as how fast your Internet connection is.

If you need some help on trying to figure out how to get this script onto your Raspberry Pi, look into WinSCP as an option. It is free and easy to use. Drag and drop…. You can also use command line to get files directly onto the Pi. If you need some help, email me and I will do my best to try and help. Give me some time to respond as I sometimes go days without checking personal email depending on what is going at work. Gotta pay the bills, right?

73,

Ed – K3HTK

P.S. As always, I do not take responsibility for any damage, issues, misuse, unexpected outcomes, etc. by using this script. The script provided is purely experimental, distributed as experimental, and should be used as such. Use at your own risk and provided “AS_IS.” It is free for you to do whatever you would like with it as well…

Credit Where Credit is Due:

Lior Elazary (KK6BWA) – http://www.elazary.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=56:hampi&catid=17:misc&Itemid=17

Steve (KB9MWR) – http://kb9mwr.blogspot.com/2013/04/raspberry-pi-web-based-rig-control.html

W1HKJ – http://w1hkj.com/Fldigi.html

K9MV – Paul – Thank you for your friendly reminders to help me keep track of updates! Much appreciated….
M0XDC – Thank you Derek for finding a bug in my script recently… Appreciate the assist!

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New Easy Install Script Available – Raspberry Pi – FLAMP (2.2.05) and FLMSG (4.0.14)

September 11, 2016 News No comments

By Request – Easy Install Script for FLDIGI add-ons FLAMP (2.2.03) and FLMSG (4.0.6) on the Raspberry Pi.

After popular demand for my easy install script for FLDIGI, I have finally worked out the ability to install FLAMP and FLMSG on the Raspberry Pi. This script has been tested and verified. It will download, build / compile, and install everything you need. Desktop Icons will be created at the end of running the script. Enjoy!

Next on the radar and currently under development is the menu driven and automated install package for all FLDIGI components….. Stay tuned and thank you so much for all the support I have received from all over the globe! Lots of great feedback and comments….

Download script here: http://www.indyham.com/downloads/pi-flamp-flmsg-install.sh

Or on your Raspberry Pi, use terminal and the commands while in the pi home directory (/home/pi):

 

1.) wget http://www.indyham.com/downloads/pi-flamp-flmsg-install.sh

 

2.) Run the following command to make the script executable:

sudo chmod +x pi-flamp-flmsg-install.sh

 

3.) Now execute the script:

sudo ./pi-flamp-flmsg-install.sh

*** This script assumes you already have a folder named “HamPi-FLDIGI” in your home directory as created with the FLDIGI Install Script I published. Feel free to edit the script however you would like if you wish to change that….

Please feel free to share on appropriate social media outlets.

73,

Ed

K3HTK

New-FLDIGI Install Script for Raspberry Pi (Latest Version – 3.23.13)

July 2, 2016 News No comments

It is again updated….. Install Script for FLDIGI that includes compiled RigControl HamLibs using version FLDIGI 3.23.13 – BONUS: Verified and tested on Raspberry Pi 3.

It is finally here! After repeated requests to enhance my first installation script used to install FLDIGI on a Raspberry Pi, I have sat down and focused on updating everything so you get the latest HAMLIB package for rig control etc. as well as FLDIGI version 3.23.13. I appreciate everyone who has reached out and thanked me for the work I put into this script. It was no easy task for me as I am not super savvy with scripting and compiling code, but very exciting to see it being used all over the world.

This time I am assuming you have a newer NOOBS version installed and already functional on your Raspberry Pi.

So, without further delay, you can download the new script here: pi3-fldigi-setup.sh

Below are the instructions which are really no different than the original instructions:

1.) Download the script here into your home directory logged in as “pi”:

2.) Run the following command to make the script executable: sudo chmod +x pi3-fldigi-setup.sh

3.) Now execute the script: sudo ./pi3-fldigi-setup.sh – This will create a folder named “HamPi-FLDIGI” in your home directory. Feel free to edit the script however you would like if you wish to change that….

4.) Now watch the magic happen…. Grab a drink, some food, walk the dog, etc.

5.) This has been tested on a Raspberry Pi 3 model and takes about 45 minutes to an hour from start to finish depending on how many updates you have to install for the packages as well as how fast your Internet connection is.

If you need some help on trying to figure out how to get this script onto your Raspberry Pi, look into WinSCP as an option. It is free and easy to use. Drag and drop…. You can also use command line to get files directly onto the Pi. If you need some help, email me and I will do my best to try and help. Give me some time to respond as I go days without checking personal email depending on what is going at work. Gotta pay the bills, right?

Again, I tested with my Elecraft KX3 and worked like a champ! Good Luck!

73,

Ed – K3HTK

P.S. As always, I do not take responsibility for any damage, issues, misuse, unexpected outcomes, etc. by using this script. The script provided is purely experimental, distributed as experimental, and should be used as such. Use at your own risk and provided “AS_IS.” It is free for you to do whatever you would like with it as well…

Credit Where Credit is Due:

Lior Elazary (KK6BWA) – http://www.elazary.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=56:hampi&catid=17:misc&Itemid=17

Steve (KB9MWR) – http://kb9mwr.blogspot.com/2013/04/raspberry-pi-web-based-rig-control.html

W1HKJ – http://w1hkj.com/Fldigi.html

PiRLP Node with Integrated LCD

February 22, 2016 News No comments

 

One of my personal quests is to learn a bit about software development. This project started as a personal quest to start with something I enjoy, which is Amateur Radio and Micro Compute platforms as well as hardware integration… I posted this below on the PiRLP Yahoo Group I am a member of…….

I know this is not earth shattering information or some crazy cool project, but I have been playing around with trying to add an LCD to my PiRLP node. Why? Well, I thought it might be fun to have an appliance feel to this node in some fashion.

Thanks to VE7LTD (Dave) and K9DC (Dave) for the kick start into what is possible to at least get status information for something to start with and do something easy to produce a result. Thanks guys! 

Next steps are for me is to develop a menu driven system to use push button controls for some features that actually do something or let you chose what to display on your LCD etc. So many ways for this to go and make into a neat little appliance. I am not so much of a developer by any means, but this is a way for me learn and hopefully produce something others may be interested in and use. Check out the attached pictures. 

Using a generic hd77480 compatible LCD display for this project. I re-assigned GPIO pins not in use for the node IRLP board on a Raspberry Pi 2. The library I am using for the LCD is the Adafruit library they have available for all different LCDs. Super easy to work with. 

I would really like to use the I2C based LCD Shield but was not having any luck getting it to work with the IRLP board on the PI. Even though it appears that there should be no conflicts given the IRLP board does not utilize SDA and SDC, I am missing something as the I2C LCD seems to utilize more than just SDA, SCL, +5v, and GND. Not sure if this is because the Adafruit I2C LCD board has the 4 button capability or what. More for me to learn and any guidance appreciated.

Anyway, wanted to share… Happy to post my code and modified library files for this portion if anyone is interested. Added the python code into the rc.local file for auto startup after the IRLP scripts kick off. There will be much more to do, but this was an easy win for something to start with.

73,

Ed

K3HTK

 

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Not Connected

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K3HTK – Raspberry Pi WSPR – 1 Watt SDR

January 16, 2016 News No comments

WSPR has been something that has interested me for quite some time. Unfortunately, my work / life balance became less than balanced for a bit (it happens – I really love what I do), so I have decided to kick off my new year and dive into getting one of my projects actually completed. I have posted in my ARRL Technical Specialist reports that I had been experimenting with the RadWav SkyPi 40 Meter kit over a year ago and had done very little to get it on the air other than just build it and check it on the bench. Heck, RadWav added more kits since then and I didn’t even know it…..

So, I blew off the dust on this project and finally have a fully working WSPR beacon setup on 40 Meters. The Antenna is a 160 Meter long wire (with 9:1 unun) and output power is 1 watt. So far, Australia has heard and recorded my WSPR station and at this time, is the furthest distance yet… Not too shabby!

The RadWav SkyPi kit is definitely fun and intriguing…. My next iteration of this project will most likely be a self contained solar powered version of this with a much more challenging vertical antenna like a HamStick just for the sake of seeing if it can be done with a “compromise” antenna. We’ll see….

Check out the map here: http://wsprnet.org/drupal/wsprnet/map

RadWav Site: http://www.radwav.com/

 

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K3HTK Repeater – Noblesville, IN 443.625+ Power Problem

January 16, 2016 News No comments

Just a quick note that my 443.625+ machine is operating at reduced power. It appears to be a potential PA issue. Going to dig into it this weekend and hopefully find the root cause and repair if possible. Nothing like being even more handicapped with reduced power and height limitation on the antenna. Not a good combination….. Will post again once fixed.

My IC-R2500 now online at Global Tuners!

January 16, 2016 News No comments

Recently I was introduced to Global Tuners which is a site where several radio enthusiasts have setup receivers all over the world for public and online use. I know this has been around for a little while, but had limited hardware support early on from what I remember. Now with the world of SDR and all kinds of development initiatives to support remote ham radio operations, this site is pretty cool and glad another ham friend helped me re-discover this site.

Few require premium membership to control and listen to, but mine is online and free. You will find other models of receivers and some Amateur Transceivers that you can use as a receiver only. Neat site… Easy setup as a hosting receiver! Check out the links below and enjoy!

Main Site: http://www.globaltuners.com/

K3HTK IC-R2500: http://www.globaltuners.com/receiver/1732-Noblesville

 

 

Received SSTV images today from International Space Station (ISS)

February 22, 2015 Uncategorized No comments

I have been waiting in anticipation all weekend to catch a chance to receive some radio signals from the international Space Station in order to decode pictures the Russian cosmonauts are sending via SSTV (Slow Scan Television) Mode PD180 to commemorate 80th anniversary of the birth of first cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin. Although they were delayed in getting the SSTV system online, they did get it done after all the work they had been doing up there to re-arrange modules on the station.

Check out some of the images I received in my shack today…..

 

Learn more information here at AMSAT-UK: AMSAT

Radio: ICOM-9100

Software: MMSSTV (Free)

SSTV Format: PD180

Frequency: 145.800 MHz FM

Antenna: M2 VHF and UHF EggBeater

ISS-SSTV-2-22-15-BISS-SSTV-2-22-15-AISS-SSTV-2-22-15-DISS-SSTV-2-22-15-C

 

Rasperry Pi – Simple Install Script for FLDIGI (Includes RigControl Compiled)

February 21, 2015 News No comments

Finally! It is here at last….. Install Script for FLDIGI that includes compiled RigControl HamLibs

I know I promised back in last July (2014) at the Indianapolis Ham Fest that I would post some more on my FLDIGI Raspberry Pi project I demonstrated to everyone with Bill – NF9K. Well, things have been crazy busy with some new career changes in my life but I finally took the time to debug and get my installation script in order for those of you who would like to install FLDIGI and use it on a Raspberry Pi. Not only does this install FLDIGI, but it also includes the compiling for the HamLibs required for RigControl as well! I mean, seriously… Why would you not include that? I think because it is time consuming and painful….

There is also a patch included for using the GPIO pins for keying if you wish…. I came across this blog: HamPi from Lior Elazary (KK6BWA)  and decided to make my own twist on the script to make it simpler after learning the hard way how to get RigControl working. When I first installed FLDIGI following his instructions (which are awesome by the way), it was to my disappointment I could not find the RigControl tab anywhere in FLDIDGI. Back to Google I went…. I finally came across others who were just as disappointed as I was after finding out you had to compile the HamLibs for RigControl to show up as an option. If you do not care to have the full RigControl capabilities, then just follow what Lior has on his website.

So, without further delay…. Instructions:

1.) Login into the Pi Desktop at least once if you have not already by using startx at the command prompt. If not, this script will bomb out at the very end because the “Desktop” folder may not exist yet and the script cannot create the icon for FLDIGI as called at the end. If it does bomb at then end, no worries. Everything will still work just fine. You will just need to go into the applications menu to find it and launch from there.

2.) Download the script here into your home directory logged in as “pi”:

3.) Run the following command to make the script executable: sudo chmod +x setup-final.sh

4.) Now execute the script: sudo ./setup-final.sh – This will create a folder named “HamPi-FLDIGI” in your home directory. Feel free to edit the script however you would like if you wish to change that….

5.) Now watch the magic happen…. Grab a drink, some food, walk the dog, etc.

6.) This has been tested on a Raspberry Pi 2 model and takes an hour from start to finish depending on how many updates you have to install for the packages as well as how fast your Internet connection is. On a Raspberry Pi B, it took 2 hours… There is your confirmation that the Raspberry Pi 2 is way faster!!! Fldigi runs without a hitch or delay now on the Raspberry Pi 2. Highly recommend picking one, or two, or three up….

If you need some help on trying to figure out how to get this script onto your Raspberry Pi, look into WinSCP as an option. It is free and easy to use. Drag and drop…. You can also use command line to get files directly onto the Pi. If you need some help, email me and I will do my best to try and help. Give me some time to respond as I go days without checking personal email depending on what is going at work. Gotta pay the bills, right?

I my post some videos of this in action if I get some time… I tested with my Elecraft KX3 and worked like a champ! Good Luck!

73,

Ed – K3HTK

P.S. As always, I do not take responsibility for any damage, issues, misuse, unexpected outcomes, etc. by using this script. The script provided is purely experimental, distributed as experimental, and should be used as such. Use at your own risk and provided “AS_IS.” It is free for you to do whatever you would like with it as well…

 

Credit Where Credit is Due:

Lior Elazary (KK6BWA) – http://www.elazary.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=56:hampi&catid=17:misc&Itemid=17

Steve (KB9MWR) – http://kb9mwr.blogspot.com/2013/04/raspberry-pi-web-based-rig-control.html

W1HKJ – http://w1hkj.com/Fldigi.html

 

SDR – My Experiences and Tips

July 8, 2013 Uncategorized No comments

SDR – What is it and Why?

The three letters = Software Defined Radio.

What can you do with it? The sky is pretty much the limit. Think of SDR as hardware capable of being programmed as a radio utilizing software instead of electronics although the SDR hardware has electronics that give you the capabilities to use instructions to build a radio using software. You cannot accomplish one without the other. You need hardware to receive the RF signals but the software takes those RF signals from the hardware and interprets them into data that is fed into the software that can (for lack of a better term) manipulate into what you want to listen to or visualize. In my mind I think of it as the hardware sends a raw datastream or signal to the software which then interprets that data into a working radio based on what is defined in whichever software package you use. It is ultra portable for radio enthusiasts on the go and want a quick setup without hauling around big radios and power supplies etc. You still need a good antenna as you would with any radio, but at least the overall foot print is smaller. Think about using your phone or even old Android phone as a wideband radio…. Yes, you can do it… More on that below….

 

http://sdr.osmocom.org – SDR PCB

 

 

Background – I know the concept and usage of SDR has been around for a little while now but costs were too expensive to get my hands on the hardware and software development is not my strong suit by any means. I am more of your hardware and software applications person. Recently, I read an article in the January 2013 issue of QST magazine (Page 30) discussing a cheap way to experiement and learn about SDR using USB DVB-T television dongles designed for use in Europe. The average cost for these peices of hardware are around $25.00 on EBay. The key to finding the best one lies within the chipsets in these dongles. You should find one with the Realtek 2832U (RTL2832U) and Elonics 4000 (E4000). There are varying techinical reasons as to why the E4000 but overall you get the best performance and compatibility using this chipset. There are others out there but from all my research, the E4000 is the way to go at this point. Just go to EBay and search for RTL2832U E4000. For $25.00 versus several hundred doallars on company built advertised ones, my thought was, why not? It would give me good insight to what the buzz is all about. If it didn’t interest me, then not a huge loss.

 

Installation – Depending on what you are installing, this can be either very simple or extremely painful. I would start with SDR# first. It is Windows based software with windows based drivers to get your DVB-T dongle operating as an SDR quickly. After you get the concepts down, I would move on to Linux and Raspberry Pi builds. Whatever your comfort level is. I started with Windows just to get it up and running and see what it could do.

More Information here: http://sdrsharp.com/ 

 

 

 I am currently working on an installation document of my own for several SDR packages that are server based. I will post those as time permits…..

 

My Current SDR Projects:

Raspberry Pi Integration – ADS-B Receiver and Plotter with Web Server for Online tracking of Aircraft in real-time. SDR Public server for Internet clients to use and control my SDR. Several other possibilities but these are my focus right now.

Trunk Tracking – using two DVB-T sticks with UniTruker to scan and listen to Public Safety Frequency hopping radio systems.  

Ubuntu Public Server using QTRadio – Server / Client with Android App

Android Phone – SDR Touch is available for those wanting to turn your Android based phone or mini-PC into a full featured / functioning radio using a powered USB Hub and OTG cable. I have tested this on the HTC Inspire (rooted), Motorola Droid Bionic (unrooted), and MK802III (rooted with standard build). Works great although processor interference and “birdies present on the phone based setups but not bad enough to not make it worthwhile.

And the list goes on…. These are the main ones….

Stay tuned…. More to come…..

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