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Create Wsjtx-Portable (Version 0.5)

The portable wsjt-x device in pocket is now named. As the title says, it's simply called Wsjtx-Portable.

Wsjtx-Portable is a Wsjt-X program-only device in pocket. I wanted to make it available for use in SOTA, qrp, automobiles and outdoor.





Caution : Wsjtx-Portable should have experience using wsjtx. used this great program, please install it for PC first. Once you are familiar with how to use wsjtx, we recommend using Wsjtx-Portable. This is because using a small size LCD is more inconvenient than a PC program.

http://www.hamskey.com/2018/01/wsjtx-portable.html

The following link explains why created WSJTX-Portable.
http://www.hamskey.com/2018/01/find-and-fix-bugs-in-non-debug.html

Why did you set the version to 0.5? It is not finished yet. Wsjtx-Portable will continue to improve.

Are you ready for funny digital communication?
I will suggest two ways. The hard way and the easiest way.
The hard way is to follow the settings one by one.  The easiest way is to write the image I uploaded to the sdcard. Both methods are good.

1.Items
The Wsjtx-Portable 3.5LCD version requires the following items:

  A.Raspberry Pi 3
  Raspberry Pi 2 is also available. but slow, i recommend Raspberry pi 3.
  I used RPI3 and RPI2 because I had quite a lot of Raspberry pi 2 that I used in my graduate lectures.


 B.3.5 LCD
 I tested two 3.5 LCDs and confirmed that they all work.
 If you have a different model, I would be grateful if you can experiment and let me know if it works. I had two 3.5LCDs, but fortunately it all worked. But the up and down has changed, but it does not matter much.

  https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Raspberry-Pi-3-5-inch-IPS-touch-screen-480-320-display-LCD-For-Pi2-B-Ubuntu/32329470269.html

  https://www.aliexpress.com/item/3-5-Inch-TFT-LCD-Moudle-For-Raspberry-Pi-2-Model-B-RPI-B-raspberry-pi/32707058182.html

 

 C.Micro sdcard over 8Gb
  If you choose the second installation (easy) of the two installation methods, 16Gb is recommended.
 I create an image using an 8GB SD card. Even the same 8Gb SD card is slightly different in size.

 D.USB Sound card
 Anything that is available in Raspberry Pi is good.
 I chose the cheapest. ($1 ~ $2)


  https://www.aliexpress.com/item/USB-to-3-5mm-mic-headphone-Jack-Stereo-Headset-3D-Sound-Card-Audio-Adapter-New-New/32837921911.html

 E.Keyboard,  Mouse and cables... (when setup)
  Use for installation only. You do not have to buy a new one.

*There are two ways to install. If you want to install one by one, please read 2. Read 3 for quick and easy installation.

2.Install (Hard way - Step by Step)
  2-1. Raspberry pi install
   Click on the link below to install Raspberry pi.
   http://www.hamskey.com/2017/12/raspberry-pi-3-setup-basic.html

   I also open the link above and follow.
   The images below are the pictures I took during the installation.

   Raspberry pi OS Download
   

   Write OS Image to sdcard by Win32DiskImager
   

  

  

  LCD is not yet mounted.

  Connect SSH
  

  Login : pi / raspberry
  

  IP Setup -Set the ip you want.
  

  set pi password
  password is forham
  alos Wsjtx-Portable Image has passwrod 'forham'
  

  Reboot
  


  2.2 Install Wsjt-x
  Install Wsjt-X by referring to the link below.
  http://www.hamskey.com/2017/12/install-wsjt-x-and-fldigi-on-raspberry.html

  I also refer to the link above to proceed with the installation.
  I only install Wsjt-X for quick installation.

  type 'sudo apt-key adv –keyserver keyserver.ubuntu.com –recv-keys 862549F9'
   


  type 'sudo nano /etc/apt/sources.list'
  add 1 line
  deb http://ppa.launchpad.net/ki7mt/wsjtx-next/ubuntu trusty main
  


  type 'sudo apt-get update' [enter]
  

  Add Software
  


  Search wsjtx
  

  Check Version 1.8.0 <-- very important,
   If one of the above procedures is incorrect, the version will be 1.1 or 1.0.
   If you do not have a version starting with 1.8, do not install it.
  

  check wsjtx 1.8.0
  


   Click to Apply button
  

  input pi password -> forham
  

   When all the installation is complete, click the OK button.
  

 2.3 Install Virtual Keyboard
   sudo apt-get install matchbox-keyboard
  


 2.4 Install LCD3.5 Driver
  Install the LCD 3.5 driver you have purchased.
  The following procedure may not be compatible with your LCD.
 
  I followed the link below and it worked perfectly. Both types of LCDs
  https://github.com/goodtft/LCD-show

  sudo rm -rf LCD-show
  git clone https://github.com/goodtft/LCD-show.git
  

  chmod -R 755 LCD-show
  cd LCD-show/ 
  

  All LCD driver installation is finished. Simple, right?
  Now we will try switch to 3.5 LCD screen.
 
  sudo ./LCD35-show
  

  After a while, the LCD should display as below. If the screen below does not appear, you need to find the driver for your LCD.

  If the test is successful, switch to HDMI mode again.

  cd LCD-show
  sudo ./LCD-hdmi
  


 2.5 Setup Mouse right click emulation
 cd /usr/share/X11/xorg.conf.d
 

 sudo nano 40-libinput.conf
 

 append 3 Lines in "libinput touchscreen catchall" section
    Option "EmulateThirdButton" "1"
    Option "EmulateThirdButtonTimeout" "750"
    Option "EmulateThirdButtonMoveThreshold" "30"

  
   
 reboot
  


  Test
  cd LCD-show
  sudo ./LCD35-show
  

  If you have switched to the LCD 3.5 screen, press and hold the touch screen on the LCD. The menu should appear as the right button is pressed as shown below.
  This function is essential when you go outdoors with Wjstx-Portable.

  Switch the screen back to HDMI mode.
  

  2.6 Setting wsjt-x
  Shutdown and Connect sound card, CAT Communication cable, and booting.
     
  The wsjtx setting can be found on the Internet.
  If you are using uBITX, you can refer to the link below.

  After completing the wsjt-x setup, finish the test until communication is possible.

  Below is an example of my setup. Make your own settings because the situation of your radio, sound card, etc. is different.
   

   

   

   

   
     
   


   wsjtx test
   



   wsjt-x Disable Splash window - Option
   When you first install the wsjt-x program, the Splash window appears. Splash Windows can not be closed on a small LCD 3.5. Of course, if you wait quite a long time, it disappears by itself. Read the Splash Windows and check the Checkbox at the bottom to prevent it from reopening. I thought it was polite to keep Splash Windows.
  
   
  2.7 Install Wsjtx-Portable

  download file
  https://drive.google.com/open?id=1jy5y2GHJTptI0N9e3cx0MG1WysygF9T_

  

download Link
 https://drive.google.com/open?id=1jy5y2GHJTptI0N9e3cx0MG1WysygF9T_


Download icon Click (unknown character)

show in folder



mkdir wsjtxp
cd wsjtxp


cp ../Downloads/wsjtxp.zip .
unzip wsjtxp.zip



you can saw this files.



Run the script
I have created a script that copies the files needed to run Wsjtx-Portable to a directory.
You can run the script with the following command,
If you want to copy manually, open the script by text editor. You can see where the files should be located.

sh install.sh



 If the script is successful, you can see that the icon is created on the desktop as shown below.
 


2.8 Settings for using Wsjtx-Portable program
  - Hide taskbar
  

  Check 'Minimise panel when not in use', click to close button
  


  - Autorun & disable screensaver
  Here is an option. Just follow the person you want.

  nano ~/.config/lxsession/LXDE-pi/autostart
  

  Append 4 Lines

  @xset s noblank
  @xset s off
  @xset -dpms
  @/usr/bin/lportable

2.9 Test
 Change to LCD3.5 Mode
  
 cd ~/LCD-show
 sudo ./LCD35-show
 

 The video below is Wsjtx-Portable, which I installation while posting this article.
  Congratulations. All the installation process is complete.

3.Easy Install (Using already installation Wsjtx-Portable Image)
  3-1. Downalod Wsjtx-Portable Image
I knew I could not download it later. So I temporarily uploaded wsjtx portable image file on my server.

http://file.hamskey.com:5973/wsjtxp05.zip

( 1.76GB)

Extract Zipfile

The size of wsjtxp05.img is 7.4gb

3-2. Copy Image
Use win32DiskImager to copy Img to the sd card.

 win32DiskImager can be downloaded by clicking the link below.
 https://sourceforge.net/projects/win32diskimager/

 You can see how to use Win32DiskImager in the link below.
 http://www.hamskey.com/2017/12/raspberry-pi-3-setup-basic.html

 

 
 
 

 

 3-3. Boot and Change to HDMI 
 Connect LCD, HDMI Cable, CAT Cable, Keyboard, Network Cable... and Power Connect
 This step is for setting wsjtx on the big screen.

  I've put virtual keyboard and mouse right button functions in Image. so You can use them to configure on 3.5LCD.  However, it is not recommended. I'm uncomfortable with the small screen. Just use it as an emergency at outdoors.

  Sometimes I set it up to 3.5 LCD because it is annoying to connect the keyboard and monitor to the RPI at home.
 If you like to touch a small screen, you can skip this step and the next step. You can also make settings in the Configuration menu of Wjstx-Portable.
 
 Please watch the video below.

 The first time you turn the power on, it boots and automatically launches Launcher Portable for Ham.

  Press Stop before Wstx-Portable is executed.
  
 Press the Change HDMI button.

 After a while the Launcher Portable will appear on the HDMI monitor.
 

 Press Stop Button and then press close button.
 

 3-4.Setup Wsjtx
 The wsjtx setting can be found on the Internet.
 If you are using uBITX, you can refer to the link below.
  See Section 2.6 above.
     
 I recommend that you complete the communication test.

 3-5. Finish
  Once you have configured and tested Wsjtx, run Launcher Portable.
  (Double click the Launcer Portable icon on the desktop.)

  
 Click the Change LCD3.5 button.

 You can see Launcher Portable running on 3.5LCD and Wsjtx-Portable running after a while.
 
4.Complete
You have completed your own Wsjtx-Portable according to Installation Method 2 or Installation Method 3.
Wsjtx-Portable was created earlier, but it seems that it took more time to create this document.  After a little rest, I will post the Wsjtx-Portable manual.
It is also recommended to try beforehand. If there is a problem, just copy Imgage again.

Thank you for reading.

DE KD8CEC
Ph.D Ian Lee

Comments

  1. Excellent stuff. Tnx so much Ian

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for testing.
      I hope your new 3.5LCD will arrive quickly.

      Delete
  2. Thank you Ian, here is photo of my homebrew uBITX rx and RPI setup http://vu2iia.byethost7.com/RP+UBITX.jpg

    VU2IIA

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mashesh

      I watched the picture later. It is so cool.
      If you have time, I would like to see more pictures.

      Ian KD8CEC

      Delete
  3. Would a 5” LCD work as well? What modifications would need to br made for this to work? 3.5” is such a small screen. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Stephen
      The 5 "LCD was not in the plan early on. But I have decided to make 5 "Wsjtx-Portable for my needs with many users.
      But as you can see, the full version of Wsjt-x 1.9 is coming soon. So I'm hold for the Wsjtx-Portable project for a while.
      When version 1.9 is released, I want to make Wsjtx-Portable a new version.
      At that time, I expect to make a 5 "LCD version.

      Ian KD8CEC

      Delete
  4. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Err:2 http://ppa.launchpad.net/ki7mt/wsjtx-next/ubuntu trusty InRelease
    The following signatures couldn't be verified because the public key is not available: NO_PUBKEY 5794D54C862549F9
    Reading package lists... Done
    W: GPG error: http://ppa.launchpad.net/ki7mt/wsjtx-next/ubuntu trusty InRelease: The following signatures couldn't be verified because the public key is not available: NO_PUBKEY 5794D54C862549F9
    E: The repository 'http://ppa.launchpad.net/ki7mt/wsjtx-next/ubuntu trusty InRelease' is not signed.
    N: Updating from such a repository can't be done securely, and is therefore disabled by default.
    N: See apt-secure(8) manpage for repository creation and user configuration details.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Hello Ian,

    First of all... Thank you for all your work related to the uBitx.

    I follow all the instructions to load the Wsjt-x Portable into the RPI and the full version is working fine but when load the portable version it wont communicate with the uBitx. I am getting a Hamlib error...
    How can I fix this?

    Thank you,
    Juan

    ReplyDelete
  7. Hi Ian. Thanks for making WSJTX portable.
    Your image (WSJTXP 05.zip) would not load on my RPI3 that uses the official RPI display so I followed your step by step instructions above and it is all loaded and works (including WSJTX 1.9.x that loads from the KI7MT PPA).
    But the top of WSJTX and the Waterfall are above the top edge of the display so I can't move them. How do I access the top of the windows to reposition them on the display??
    Edd - KD5M

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ian, the image I built with Raspian Stretch and WSJTX 1.9.0 rc4 from the KI7MT PPA runs great on the RPI3 B+. I found the upper edge of the waterfall and wsjtx display screens but WSJTX is still fixed in location in the upper left corner of a regular HDMI monitor as it is on the RPI display above. I presume this is for the original 3.5" display.
      Can the wsjtx windows be made moveable for a larger display?
      Thanks again for all your efforts.
      Edd - KD5M

      Delete
  8. Ian, just got a Raspberry Pi 3 Model B and plan on using it with my uBitx. Is there a final version or updated version of your FT8 software?? Anything special that I need to do, I am familiar with FT8, run it all the time with my Yaesu FT757gx on my laptop. Right now I am using my Raspberry Pi as I am typing this. I have upgraded the firmware to the most current for the Raspberry. I have purchased the USB Soundcard and I am waiting for my 3.5 LCD screen to come in. Right now the Raspberry is hooked via HDMI to my TV screen. Thanks again for all this great stuff you are doing with the uBitx and now I see Raspberry stuff as well.

    Juddie WD8WV

    ReplyDelete
  9. Hi!!! everything running great!!! just the colors of the buton´s text are close to white... it´s hard to read... in the main wsjt window (numbres, TX, RX, option, exit, vfo, etc...)

    ReplyDelete
  10. Hi
    I download wsjtxp05.zip img and clone to my sd card, but I try all night still can't into the OS.
    it's always Stop to OS begin color screen(no any text).
    my setup is 3B+ and 3.5" LCD and 8G(16G) sd card.even I take off 3.5" LCD, still can't be.
    how can I do?

    ReplyDelete
  11. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  12. I download wsjtxp05.zip img and clone to my sd card. Got it working fine with my MCHF V.7. But soon the FT8 format is changing. Will you be doing portable version of WSJT-X2.0.
    Regards Philip G7JUR.

    ReplyDelete

  13. Hello.

    I appreciate the publication of a wonderful project.
    I tried portable as well.
    It is truly amazing.
    It is regrettable that it does not correspond to the transmission of the new FT 8.
    Please correspond to 2.0.0 if there are opportunities in the future.

    Here I can see my work.
    http://pup.doorblog.jp/archives/53033824.html
    Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Hi!!! everything running great!!! just the colors of the buton´s text are close to white... it´s hard to read... in the main wsjt window (numbres, TX, RX, option, exit, vfo, etc...)

    ReplyDelete
  15. Hi
    Where can i find http://file.hamskey.com:5973/wsjtxp05.zip because the link dosn't work

    Kind regards
    Guido on4bgc

    ReplyDelete
  16. I have a question, and I'm not sure where to post.
    I am planning to use my uBitx as the transceiver attached to a transverter to 6 meters. Is there any way to make another display space for the transverter frequency, as a multiplier of the base frequency?
    I know that Ian has programmed .tft files for Nextion display, but when I took a look at
    the Nextion programming tutorials, I was completely lost.
    Thanks,
    Pete Johannes
    KE8HVL

    ReplyDelete

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