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xBitX RPi questions

 

Like many others, I find this new generation of BitX is very exciting. I suppose it was a forerunner that Ashar was showing at FDIM last year and we talked about the RPi zero 2 W as that is what I used as a digital interface with my uBitX. But, that raises some questions from my experience
 
1. I initially had my Rpi in a plastic case about the size of 5 sticks of gum, but in prolonged use it would get hot and start throttling down its operating speed. I had to change to an aluminum-framed case designed to act as a heat sink. Is the Pi in the zBitX provided with any heat sinking?
 
2. One of the advantages in my setup is that I can use VNC as installed in the operating system and have a display and mouse control from virtually any device like a phone, Kindle tablet, or laptop. I think VNC has changed what is allowed for free, although my setup still works fine (I haven't updated the operating system since Buster). Is that capability in the zBitX?
 
3. I found some software like Fldigi can load up the Pi. In that program timing isn't critical running PSK-31, but the decode time in WSJT-X on a crowded band can run closer to the time the next cycle starts. How much available processing time is available with the rig doing all the receiver functions, or does it have to use special software?
 
4. Lastly Ashar, are you attending FDIM this coming year and bringing some inventory?
 
=Vic=
 

I forgot one of my other questions. I often, maybe usually, operate my setup remotely away from any internet and use a small USB GPS dongle to get accurate time and grid locations. The Conky program I use also allows me to monitor the Pi temps and speed.
 
Is there a possibility of having an external USB port to plug in a GPS dongle in the zBitX?
 
=Vic=
 

Vic,

1. The pi on the zBitx does not come with a heatsink. We found that the Pi runs normally without one and we haven't faced any problems so far. As Farhan said earlier, none of our software is RAM intensive. Some modes like FT8 are CPU intensive but it is well within the capabilities of the Pi. The pi consumes about 250 mA of current, which at 5v is about 1.25 watts. 

2. The Pi can run realVNC and other linux software just like our sBitx units as it's running raspbian. Our sBitx and the zBitx radios can be operated remotely from any browser by simply visiting sbitx.local or zbitx.local in any internet browser. That way, you don't have to setup any vnc software. Just open up your browser, type in the address and login key, and you are good to go!

3. The real time clock chip on the board does the timekeeping and allows users to work modes like FT8. The Pi is more than capable of handling the signal processing. The onboard WiFi can also be powered up to fetch the correct time from time servers. The radio does not need any special software.

4. Will wait for him to respond.

5. The Pi zero used in the zBitx will need a microusb OTG cable/adapter to connect to devices with a regular USB port as the pi comes with microusb connectors.

Hope this answers your questions.

73 and a Happy New Year,
 
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