sBitx 64 bit v5.3 - WFD

sBitx 64-Bit Production Release Version 5 - Code Name "WFD" Winter Field Day

Specifically designed for the Raspberry Pi 4 and 5 which are inside the sBitx DE, V2, and V3 models.

🛠 About This Release

This is the fifth production release of the sBitx 64-bit Raspberry Pi Image for the Pi 4/5, preconfigured with popular ham radio software, including:

sBitx App
sBITX Toolbox
And much more!

🚀 What's New?

• ✅ Updated Kernel

• ✅ OS Security Patches

• ✅ Updated Applications

  • sBitx v5.3
  • sBITX Toolbox
  • tqsl v2.8.2
  • gridtracker v2.250914
  • flrig v2.0.10
  • fldigi v4.2.11
  • flamp 2.2.14
  • pat winlink v0.19.2
  • mshv 2.76.4
  • FreeDV PTT
  • DireWolf
  • WSJTX-Improved
  • JTDX
  • JS8Call
  • XDX
  • CQRLog
  • ARDOP
  • QTTermTCP
  • QTSoundModem
  • KISS-TNC
  • QSSTV-W4WHL Edition
  • GPS-tools
  • Call Setup App update
  • Built-in Hotspot for remote operation

• ✅ New Applications

  • MSHV

• 🛠 Additional tweaks and behind-the-scenes enhancements improve overall system responsiveness.

📚 Wiki Help

A comprehensive Wiki is available to assist with common issues and questions related to this version.

🔗 Visit the Wiki: sBitx Wiki

For installation details, check out these sections:

• Try the Preconfigured 64-Bit sBitx Platform via USB Drive or Install Without Opening the Case
• Upgrading the Internal SD Card & Pi Overview

🛠 Installation Instructions

⚠️ Always back up your data before proceeding to prevent data loss.

✅ Backup Process

1. Save Your Configuration Files

   • Copy sbitx.db and hw_settings.ini from /home/pi/sbitx/data/
   • Store them on a USB drive or other external storage

2. Prepare Your Installation Media

   • Use a spare 32GB SD card or USB storage device

3. Download the sBitx Image

   • File: sb53.img.xz
   • Download Link: HERE

4. Write the Image to Your Storage Device

   • Download and install Balena Etcher (etcher.balena.io)
   • Alternatively, use Raspberry Pi Imager (Installation Guide)
   • Extract sb53.img from sb53.img.xz using 7zip, WinZip, or WinRAR
   • Select sb53.img and flash it to your SD card or USB storage device

5. Install and Restore Your Configuration

   • Insert the SD card or USB storage device into your sBitx transceiver
   • Copy the backed-up hw_settings.ini file to /home/pi/sbitx/data/

🔑 Default Login Credentials

• Username: pi
• Password: hf12345

v5.2-software-only

v5.2 -
New Features:

• RIT tuning fully implemented (by Jon W2JON) with excellent spectrum visualization of RX/TX offset relationship.
• Paddle reverse for left-handed operators: cwreverse on/off.
• Audio Peaking Filter (APF) added (CW mode only). Boosts weak signals with Gaussian curve, no sharp skirts.
  Command: apf <gain> <width> (e.g., apf 6 100); apf alone = off.
• Fullscreen mode for the radio GUI

CW Keyer Overhaul:

• Complete keyer code cleanup and refactoring. Iambic modes aligned with real-world expectations (big thanks to Chris W0ANM).
• New keyboard CW behavior: text typed into buffer is not sent until Enter is pressed. Allows editing and mixing with macros before transmission.
• Macro stacking now supported: multiple macros + keyboard input can be queued and sent sequentially. Tip: add leading/trailing spaces to macros to prevent words running together.
• Fixed long-standing bug: macros now trigger even when text entry field has focus.

CW Envelope & Shaping:

• TX keying envelope upgraded to Blackman-Harris (previously raised-cosine → table-driven). Expected to be cleaner; spectrum analyzer verification pending.

CW Decoder Improvements:

• Added pre-downsampling low-pass filter to reduce aliasing and improve SNR.
• Goertzel detector now precisely centers on CW pitch with additional ±35 Hz side detectors for off-frequency signals.
• Extensive tweaking of all decoder stages. Subjective decoding performance significantly better (objective tests still difficult).

UI/UX Fixes & Enhancements:

• Multi-function knob auto-reverts to volume control after 15 seconds of inactivity (or instant push-to-toggle).
• Fixed RX/TX EQ frequency controls and filter-width/pitch interaction bug.
• Improved VFO/spectrum alignment.
• Smoothed VFO tuning code: eliminated jumps.
  • \TA ON still enables acceleration.
  • TAT1/TAT2 commands removed.
  • Slow → normal rate; moderate → 5× rate; very fast → higher rate (temporary, auto-resets).

Morse Tables:

• Further corrections and improvements to TX keyboard tables and RX decoder tables.

Built-in FT8 Updates (by Fabrizio F4VUK):

• Auto-mode now tracks calls already worked in current session.
• Old QSO data cleared when calling CQ.

sBitx-v4301-PiZero-SD-IMG

This is a sBitx SD card image for the Raspberry Pi Zero 2W. https://www.raspberrypi.com/products/raspberry-pi-zero-2-w/

The same methods apply to writing the SD card image as for the Pi 4 https://github.com/drexjj/sbitx/wiki/Installing-a-sBitx-image 

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Important Notes on this SD Card Image

Pre-Installed Software

• sBitx software (v4.301, 64-bit)
• sBitx Toolbox

Limitations

• No built-in touch display support (DSI port not available)
• Requires a Mini HDMI to HDMI Adapter for display or use VNC for headless operation
• Pi Zero Hardware Limitations
  • Only one microUSB port; an adapter may be needed for USB mouse or keyboard connections
  • Resource constraints may limit the use of resource-intensive applications and web browsers

Disclaimer

This image is intended for experimental purposes only, with no support provided. It serves as a lower-cost alternative for those looking to use it.

Download Link

https://drive.proton.me/urls/Z3DC674WQ0#kLrZVXnzXli6