Tag: technology

sBitx V3

The sBitx V3 is a powerful, software-defined transceiver designed by Ashhar Farhan (VU2ESE). It builds upon the previous sBitx versions, offering a Raspberry Pi-based interface, a touchscreen display, and a user-friendly Linux environment for digital modes, logging, and radio control.

Pros:

🔹 All-in-One SDR Solution

  • Includes a built-in Raspberry Pi, touchscreen, and pre-installed software for digital modes like FT8, JS8, and FLDigi.
  • No need for an external computer for most operations.

🔹 Linux-Based Open-Source Platform

  • Can be customized and updated with new software features.
  • Encourages experimentation and development.

🔹 Multi-Band Coverage & Decent Power Output

  • Covers HF bands (80m–10m) with around 40W output on lower bands and slightly less on higher ones.
  • Suitable for both QRP and mid-power operation.

🔹 User-Friendly Interface

  • Large color touchscreen with an intuitive UI.
  • Supports waterfall display, logging, and digital modes directly.

🔹 Good for Digital & CW

  • Internal sound card eliminates the need for external interfaces for FT8 and other digital modes.
  • Low latency and good stability for CW operation.

Cons:

🔻 Still Maturing

  • Some software quirks and bugs, though updates are frequent.
  • May require occasional tweaking for optimal performance.

🔻 Not as Refined as Commercial SDRs

  • Filtering and receiver performance, while decent, may not match higher-end SDRs like the Icom IC-7300.
  • Some users report occasional RF interference and signal artifacts.

🔻 DIY & Tinkerer-Friendly, but Not Plug-and-Play

  • While prebuilt units are available, users may need to troubleshoot software or make minor hardware adjustments.

Best Use Cases:

✅ Portable HF station – A self-contained setup without needing a PC.
✅ Digital mode operation – FT8, JS8Call, and FLDigi work straight out of the box.
✅ Home station for SDR enthusiasts – Offers a balance between DIY experimentation and ready-to-use functionality.

Verdict:

The sBitx V3 is a unique, all-in-one SDR transceiver that bridges the gap between open-source experimentation and practical ham radio use. It’s a great choice for those who enjoy SDR technology and digital modes but want an integrated, Linux-powered system. While not as polished as commercial SDRs, its versatility and hackability make it an exciting rig for tinkerers and portable operators.

Why 3D Printing in a Ham Radio Blog?

I’ve found that there’s more than a few Hams that have 3D Printers. I can see why… For me there were commonalities in 3D Printing that drew me into Ham Radio. Aside from both hobbies requiring an above average level of Tech Geekiness

In the middle of learning a new hobby (Ham Radio), I started another… 3D Printing. I apologize for not posting for awhile; I’m just now coming out of the obsession phase in regard to 3D Printing. I’ve found that there’s more than a few Hams that are also 3D Printers (design or customize what they print), or Makers (makes prints of others designs). I can see why… For me there were commonalities in 3D Printing that drew me into Ham Radio. Aside from both hobbies requiring an above average level of Tech Geekiness:

  • Requires enjoying learning new PC software applications. And,
  • Learning a new vocabulary and the terminology of 3D Printing
  • Takes hours of Searching Reviews and Info on the Internet and YouTube
  • Integration of the Raspberry PI is fully supported, in many ways!
  • You may even get to splice a wire or two!
  • But the best part is… There are an abundance of free, OPEN SOURCE resources available, such as Printing Software, Design Software (CAD), and endless “Models” of stuff folks have designed for you to download, print, and use, under a Creative Commons License.

There are many websites to search for and download 3D Models. My favorite is Printables.com (link to my profile). The site is sponsored by Joseph Prusa, who founded Prusa Research (2012), a Czech 3D printer company. They are known for innovative and quality built 3D printers, and supplies; Admirably, they have an Education Program supporting elementary to university learning, and libraries, clubs, etc…

There’s plenty of stuff that will interest Ham Radio folks available to download and print on Printables.com (link to “hamradio” keyword). As an example, here’s a slideshow of some of my “hamradio” Models:

An account on Printables.com is totally free. Even better… If you choose to contribute to the community, you can earn points that can be redeemed for filament, training courses, hats, t-shits, cups etc.. Earn and save up enough, you can even get a Pursa Printer!

So… That’s why there’s a 3D Printing category in a Ham Radio Blog.