My solution to portable FT8 (it's NOT a Raspberry Pi)
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 tablet for Portable FT8
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.
http://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: https://amzn.to/2LX3MMg
Check out some of my favorite gear in my Amazon store: https://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.