Selecting an Antenna
The sBitx can handle up to a 2.0 SWR antenna mismatch, but for optimal performance, it’s recommended to use an antenna with an SWR of less than 1.5. With 40 watts of power, even a simple wire dipole can yield good results.
Powering the Radio
You will need a low-noise power supply rated between 11 to 13.8 volts and capable of delivering at least 10 amps of current. At HF Signals Lab, we utilize the Meanwell model LRS-150-12 switching power supply during radio testing. We adjust the small preset on the power supply to provide approximately 13.5 volts instead of the default 12 volts. This is merely a comment on our preferred power supply, not an official endorsement.
The sBitx uses an XT60 power connector, which is a widely used high-amperage connector favored by drone enthusiasts and R/C flyers. Your kit will include a mating connector that can be soldered to any other type of connector you may have on your power supply.
The XT60 connector enables the use of affordable 11.1V LiPo batteries readily available from numerous online retailers. Avoid using higher voltage 14.4V LiPo batteries, as they can reach even greater voltages when fully charged, potentially damaging your radio’s electronics.
Using the Radio Outdoors
Your radio makes for an excellent outdoor companion. With a LiPo battery pack and a suitably matched lightweight antenna, you can operate from virtually any location.
Please note that the sBitx is not weatherproof. To avoid noisy and unreliable cooling fans, the radio features several air vents on the top and side panels, which can allow water and snow to enter the enclosure. It’s important to keep the sBitx protected from moisture.
If any water enters your radio, turn it off immediately, open the enclosure (refer to the section on Installing the Raspberry Pi for instructions), wipe away the water with a dry cloth, and use a blower to dry the electronics. Wait a couple of hours before using it again to ensure any remaining moisture has evaporated.
Powering it up
Once the radio is turned on, wait a few seconds for the Raspberry Pi desktop to load. Then, click on the sbitx icon located in the top bar to start the radio application.
For convenience, you can configure sBitx to start automatically, eliminating the need to access the Raspberry Pi Desktop.
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