RigPi Station Server (RSS) MFJ-1234

RigPi Station Server

What is the RigPi Station Server?

The RigPi Station Server consolidates many functions in the amateur radio shack, simplifying the operation of complex equipment, especially when operating remotely.

RigPi is based on the well-known and popular credit-card-sized Raspberry Pi computer. One reason for the success of this small computer system is the standardised interface via the header connectors on the edge of the board. This made it possible to quickly develop a very large number of expansion cards for the 'Pi', like the ones used here on the RigPi.

What are the components of the RigPi Station Server?

The RigPi system consists of the following components:

• Raspberry Pi 3+
• RigPi Audio Extension Board
• RigPi Keyer Extension Board
• RigPi software (with operating system)
• Web browser on the remote computer
• Mumble client software on the remote computer (VoIP app, optionally required for remote operation only)

With these building blocks and the matching prefabricated cables, the RigPi connects the radio, the rotor control unit and the programmes on the computer and thus enables a smooth operation, a good automation and that also via the internet from a distance (so-called remote operation).

What functions does the RigPi Station Server offer?

The RigPi RSS summarises a variety of functions and possibilities across almost all operating modes:

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• Radio Control (CAT), which is the control of frequency, mode, filter, etc. Over 60 different types of radios are supported with ready-to-use cables.
• Rotor control, i.e. setting the direction of the antenna, for certain models of rotor control units.
• Morse keying, i.e. keying (PTT, CW, FSK) the radio from the RigPi. For this purpose, the keyer expansion board is used on which the K1EL Winkey chip is located. This chip precisely controls the signalling in telegraphy and thus offers an error-free transmission without the otherwise usual problems of a USB connection.
• VoIP - i.e. "Voice over IP", which means voice transmission via the network connection of the Raspberry Pi. This makes remote operation possible for SSB as well. It makes sense to use an existing and proven technology here, namely 'Mumble'. There are free apps for this system for almost every operating system.
• Logging - the RigPi Station Server offers the usual interface for all known loggers, no matter if N1MM, Ham Radio Deluxe, Win-Contest etc.. And the best: RSS has directly built in an interface to the ARRL's 'TQSL' system (LoTW, Logbook of the World).
• DX spots - by directly observing the DX cluster, you will no longer miss a rare DX in your daily routine, to be seen directly on the RigPi.
• Web browser: many services in amateur radio can be used via web browser, for example the reverse beacon network, propagation predictions, beacon lists and much more. All this is also available via the RigPi.
• Multimode operation: Of course, the RigPi can also be used for digital modes. For example, programmes such as "FLdigi" or "WSJT-X" are available. This opens up the whole world of digital modes such as Olivia, PSK-31, CW, RTTY or FT-4, MFSK-144 and FT-8.

But this list of functions is not yet exhaustive. On the one hand, the software is constantly being expanded, and on the other hand, of course, the whole world of apps that run in a web browser is available. So word processing, spreadsheets, drawing programmes and much more. In this way, the RigPi can replace the big PC in the amateur radio shack.

How to operate the RigPi Station Server?

There are two methods for operating the RSS:

• Remote, i.e. over the computer network, whether you are two, two hundred or twenty thousand metres away (remote mode).
• Locally, with keyboard, mouse and screen connected directly to the RigPi (Desktop Mode)
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The local mode with mouse, keyboard and screen connected to the RigPi offers the most possibilities. Here you have the Windows-like operating system of the RigPi (Raspbian Linux) and can use all the apps installed there. Remote operation uses the familiar web browser to control the radio, while voice transmission is done via the 'Mumble' app.

What all do I need to run a RigPi Station Server?

As mentioned, the RigPi Station Server consists of the Raspberry Pi and two the expansion boards 'Keyer board (MFJ-1234KB)' and 'Audio board MFJ-1234AB)'. The product with the item number MFJ-1234 combines these three components in one housing. In addition, you need cables to the radio (MFJ-5700...) and a power supply 5V / 3A (USB micro plug). There are also cables open on one side to build your own connection. Furthermore, a programmed Micro-SD memory card is required. This memory card contains the operating system and the programs that make up the RigPi Station Server. This card is already included in the product 'MFJ-1234'.

All in all, the RigPi provides enormous possibilities - it's a complete computer, specialised for amateur radio applications. Get started today and begin the full integration of all services in the amateur radio shack.