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: https://youtu.be/sdEt4u1pvKo

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/k6arkportableradio

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.

Видео My solution to portable FT8 (it's NOT a Raspberry Pi) канала K6ARK Portable Radio