DRAWS Ham Radio Digi Mode HAT for Raspberry Pi First Look
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- Опубліковано 20 сер 2024
- Hello Operators
in the first video with the DRAWS HAT for the Raspberry Pi, I speculated about the impact this new hardware would have on the ham radio digital mode community. Well now I have the DRAWS hat in my hands, so we can take a close-up look at what's in the package, and what the hardware is all about.
I'm running a hybrid station. That is to say, I use an Android tablet to interact with a headless Raspberry Pi. My Raspberry Pi is running JS8Call, FLDigi, WinLink, and WSJT-X. my Raspberry Pi Hardware is the 3B+
NW Digital Radio calls it a Digital Radio Amateur WorkStation. I can't tell you how stoked I am to finally have this product in my hands. In short, the DRAWS HAT makes integrating the Raspberry Pi with a HF radio easier and less expensive than ever before. Fewer cables, no audio interfaces, no cable mess, and a clean installation.
Why we should care about DRAWS
To be honest with you, when I first ran into this device, I thought to myself, wow someone has been watching my videos, solving the problem of integrating the Raspberry Pi, with all the components we need for digital communications. DRAWS is a Raspberry Pi HAT. This is a purely hardware solution combining several components for digital amateur radio, into a single integrated solution.
Video url: • DRAWS Ham Radio Digi M...
Main features
Pre-built Raspberry Pi Image This makes its easier to get started. Don't worry, DRAWS will also work with your own images after downloading a few libraries.
Built in high-performance audio codec. This means no more external audio interface.
GPS with pulse per second (PPS). Syncing time for Off grid communications is easy and accurate. Plus we free up a USB port as we no longer need the USB GPS dongle.
Embedded battery backed real-time clock (RTC). If the GPS fails, the RTC will still keep the time, no internet required.
12VDC native to power the DRAWS Hat and the Raspberry Pi. Now we get rid of inline buck converters and usb adapters to power the RPi. Everything gets powered through the same 12v supply as your rig.
Dual Rig interface audio sockets This isn't well documented yet, but from the images, we can see two radio ports for audio on the data ports of our rigs.
SMA connector for optional GPS LNA antenna. Now we don't have to rely on the internal antenna. If required, we can add an external antenna on the GPS for improved performance during sat acquisition.
I think this DRAWS Hat for Raspberry Pi is an epic change in portable digital ham radio, and how we integrate digital communications into our rigs. While companies are adding PSK31 to qrp rigs without thinking about how we as field operators will use that "feature", companies like NW Digital Radio are helping push digital ham radio forward, by essentially giving us a single wire integrated solution, for digi mode integration.
Somebody is finally paying attention to the new breed of portable ham radio operators using the Raspberry Pi for digital ham radio in the ham shack, off-grid, and in the field.
73
Julian oh8stn
Original DRAWS HAT Blog. oh8stn.org/blog...
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Hi Julian,
The GPS has an auto switch on the SMA Port which supports a Passive or Active Antenna at 3.3V.
You are spot on, for the dual mode. One radio running packet and the other FLDIGI is a common use case.
To support that, the apps have to use virtual ports. We have modified DIREWOLF and are working on MMDVM. FLDIGI will be next.
Once DRAWS becomes more common we hope that application developers will move to virtual ports as standard.
Orders are open now. Shipment is mid January.
Thanks! K7UDR, NW Digital Radio
Outstanding Bryan. Feel free to leave as much information in the comments as you like
Anxiously awaiting a demonstration ....... ;-)
Me too Tom. Tomorrow I have some Commando editing to do with the solar generator build. I think by this time next week I'll jump into Ops with this hat.
@@OH8STN How close are you at showing this in operation?
It's on my list. I haven't been happy with the beta releases until the current beta 10 image. Also the documentation was lacking for those of us who aren't Raspberry Pi or Linux gurus. But it's at a level now or I can start working on it again. If I would have published anything before this, it probably wouldn't have been a nice video. There's enough maturity for the hardware and the image now, that we can have a go.
I hope NW Digital supports this for the long term. When they get a working image I will be very interested in how it works, ease of setup, and function. And as many here have asked about, the pass through and using it with a UPS.
Thx for the video!
I think they will be. This product is an update from existing technology they produced earlier. It's backwards compatible with that Hardware. After a conference call with him I also know that there's Fmforward development, supporting this hardware as well. There's definitely intent to do so
Hi Julian
Thanks for the unboxing video
Looking forward to the next Draws hat video
They should make the GPIO pins on both sides so that you can "stack" another device on top.
... also really curious how you feel about just stacking this atop the pie juice, so we can keep the battery and the soft power on and off buttons
Actually I've been pondering this. I don't see the point in using this with the pie juice. The draws hat has 12 volt input for itself and the Raspberry Pi, so we're already running this off of the same battery for running the radio off of. The drawers had also has all of the functionality of the pie juice minus the battery. I guess the question is can the pie juice power the Raspberry Pi and the DRAWS hat
@@OH8STN looking forward to more videos and blogs
It will depend on what pins the DRAWS hat is using... If the DRAWS is using those pins, they won't be available for other hats...
Thx Joshua 👍👍👍
I am looking forward the demonstration as well as getting mine in a few weeks.
Thanks Julian for sharing your knowledge concerning digital radio as well as your expertise in making battery packs. Though I had read long ago about digital ops, PSK31, and so on, I did not have much interest in participating in these things myself. The same with remote operating--which for me amounted to connecting a FT-897D to my car battery and operating in the parking lot of the local library (and ensuring that I still had enough juice to start the car again). Not that much interest at all until you changed my mind. Though I am physically unable to hike and camp as you do, I still intend to power my rig with a solar panel/battery system similar to the one which you illustrate (LI with the D151 (12.8V) BMS, a Genasun charge controller, and a solar panel (still considering which panel--I might ask you about what I have in mind). My first try at digital is still to come. I ordered the Wolphilink interface which will finally give my Android phone (with WSPR Beacon, Clock Sync, and Droid PSK) a higher purpose in life. I read your take on the FT-891 and also QST's. You are correct in saying that QST did not do it justice. The DRAWS HAT for the Raspberry Pi looks very interesting. What's the interest factor for me in all of this? In one word: FUN! Even if one is not going to hike or camp in the wilderness, this stuff is lots of fun. It's as if you reintroduced me to radio all over again. Thank you!
Awesome. Forget how many more sleeps until Santa ! How many more sleeps until you get to flick the switch ? !!. All very exciting. Thanks again
I bought D.R.A.W.S. hat and just tried to get it running for APRS. For me it’s a pain in the... During the configuration process I got lost several times. Now the whole project is lying around somewhere. So a deeper look into it would be great.
if your worried about clearence you can get a GPIO extention cable and extra headder pins
That's a good idea. I think I'll do that when I put all of this inside a small enclosure for the top of the radio.
Standing by!
The suspense!
I am trying to figure out if the DRAWS HAT is compatible with the PiJuice. Have you - or do you know anyone who - tried this combo?
what happened with the DRAWS ? it seemed to have so much potential
What came about with this? I want to start using my raspberry pi in my portable ham shack. I would rather buy one piece instead of multiple to get my pie up and running. Anyone have some more pros and cons?
Thank you for the information. I am new Ham, where can I get the hat you put on the Pi. I have a winlink near me that is at the local emergency management office. Can be used for everything but the fact that it is where there is always power and internet is a big plus!
Any updates on this? I am anxious to see the setup involved.
Yes there is there is a beta 8 version of the Raspberry Pi image. I think it's mature enough that I'll do a new video now and show the setup and deployment
I would also like to see the comparison of flexibility with the DRAWS HAT and your current ZLP interface.
Very cool. The only thing I would have liked to see is it run off 5 volts like the Pi. I use a 18000 MHa 5 volt battery pack to run my Pi in the field. Would be nice to be able to run both off the same battery pack. Great video. 73 AB9VM
You can run it off of 5VDC via the Pi micro-USB port. The 9-15 VDC input on the HAT supplies a solid 5 V to the Pi, but in its absence the whole thing can run off a good 5 V supply.
That is an excellent point. I wonder if it the pi will power the DRAWS hat, when the Raspberry Pi is running off of 5 volts. I'll add this to my tests. 👍
What are you using to power your radio? I piggy-backed a cable onto the cord that goes to my radio so the same 12 V powers them all.
@@BuddChurchward hi Budd. I'm using a 12.8v LiFePO4 Battery for the radii. It powers the DRAWS and RPi as well.
Short update Budd. The micro USB port of the Raspberry Pi Powers the Hat as well. So it works both ways, through the 12 volts of the hat and the micro USB of the Raspberry Pi
I wonder how the two data ports connect to my Elecraft KX-series radios? Will I have to rely on a flimsy DIY solution to arrange for a fitting cabling? Any idea Julian, if NW Digital Radio will offer different sets of cabling? Very good video as usual, can't wait to see a demo, please keep us updated. 73, Jo
I asked NW Digital Radio where I could find cable adapters for a KX3. They told me they are working on it.
Thank you very much, Julian! That's really interesting news. I'll keep my eyes on their website. Then I can start to make myself familiar with a RaspberryPi...
No problem apologies for missing this comment earlier. By the way there's a new image out on the draws hat, so I think I'll start working on a video update soon.
73
Julian oh8stn
cette carte sert a quoi ,au d-star dmr c4fm ?
Hi i'm sorry to tell you that but it's possible to see your adress in the beginning of the video at 0:03 i heard that sometimes it's possible to edit a video after posting it maybe you should try that, well continue, your work is really cool !
It's a mailing address 👍
Are you now using this hat or are you using the original setup you made that has USB for the sound interface and GPS?
Definitely not using this hat. It was a real let down. Too difficult to configure, extremely high noise floor, cables coming out of all sides. Could have been better designed.
So went back to usb sound card with usb gps.
Can you explain what the advantages are with using Raspberry Pi vs a PC or Android Tablet for decoding digital signals? I see people buying and using RPi's which seem cheap until you add up the cost of the Pi, case, display screens, portable keyboards, etc. Some tablets are equivalent in price and include a screen and keyboard etc. When given an amount of money, why would I buy Pi rather than a PC for off-grid operation? Maybe an idea for a future video to help us newbs! I want to spend money but not sure which way to go for least amount of equipment and functionality. My radios have built-in sound cards so maybe a cheap and portable PC would be better. Help??? :-)
Hi David. Perhaps the first problem is looking at it from a cost perspective. Saving money was not my reason for choosing a Raspberry Pi. I would suggest starting with this video ua-cam.com/video/BcMMlGvPCsw/v-deo.html
As for using a tablet to connect to my Raspberry Pi, that's simple. I don't want wires tying me to the radio. I want to be able to freely move around in camp, without a leash. The computer needs to be connected to the radio, I don't. Since I'm carrying a tablet anyway, why not to use it wirelessly to connect to the radio and Raspberry Pi!? My Raspberry Pi operates headless, there is no screen or keyboard or other things. If you don't spend a lot of time out in the field off grid operating digital modes, it may be difficult to understand.
Hi Julian, what are the reasons why DRAWS hat didn't end up on your PI setup after all? I am wondering between DRAWS hat for cat/audio/gps or separate components to build a RPi for portable digital modes. Are there any major drawbacks with DRAWS? What I have managed to gather so far is that when not using a metallic case it might suffer from some RF interference but seems that it is solved simply by using the case they have available.
-73 OH2FBJ
Awesome question.
Honestly in the end, it was simply too complicated to set up. It wasn't possible to get the levels correct or a clean signal out of it, using their configuration tools. Ultimately it was simpler and easier to use a USB sound card and USB GPS than using the DRAWS hat. So I decided to put it on the Shelf until there configuration tools, we're more mature.
73
Julian oh8stn
Question: for rigs that have USB control and built in sound card like icom 7200 and 7300 is this hat really necessary? I've not run my icom radios from a pi but it looks like it's being done. Though the onboard GPS would be nice.
That's a great question. I'll soon have the mchf here which like your I come as internal sound card and Cat control over one single USB port. In this case I don't think I'll need to the DRAWS. With the internal sound card on your rig, the Raspberry Pi will show you the DRAWS, and the sound card from your rig. So if you're in a situation like I am running multiple rigs, that could still be an option for you. If you're just using the I come with internal sound card and Cat control over USB oh, perhaps the hat is redundant. In time we'll begin to see if the Hat has better audio performance than the inbuilt sound card. In that case it may be worth upgrading.
Great information. I just sub'd to your channel and I am very interested in the DRAWS Hat since I do have a Raspberry Pi3 plus. Of course I don't know Raspberry Pi that well, have had it for about a year now and not really done anything with it. When I first set it up I did something wrong when I installed some digital software which really screwed up the boot routine. So I just got it out about a week ago and started over. I have a uBitx and really wanting to make a go type box, like I have on my channel for a VHF/UHF, but use the uBitx and my Pi and this, seems like something I would like to incorporate. I also wonder if the cables and be modified to work on any radio??? I hope you get out a new video on hooking up and using the DRAWS Hat soon! 73 DE WD8WV
You won't have to wait very long. I have a Raspberry Pi video coming out in a couple of weeks. It's not with the DRAWS hat, but is about days mode comms with a raspberry pi.
Are cases available for the new combination of Pi amd Hat? How can this be sealed for off-grid use?
NWDR is working on an enclosure. I doubt it's going to be waterproof, but our radios are not waterproof either. I hope to have one soon, when I do I'll definitely make a video about it.
73
Julian oh8stn
Hey Julian, I'm a big fan of the channel and returning to the hobby after several years. I'm new to some of the digital modes material and was wondering if you had something like a logical diagram of your portable setup?
Awesome question Paul and welcome back. Unfortunately no what's up my portable setup is almost always work in progress. If you have a specific question, I can answer it as the system is now
@@OH8STN Thanks for the response. What equipment makes the current connection between your FT-891 and the Pi?
will it do dmr and fusion?
Are the included cables and the data ports on the hat wired correctly so you can just plug in your ft-891? Or are you going to have to splice the wires to get them correct?
At the moment you have to modify the cable. It's not entirely plug-and-play yet. I will update when that changes
@@OH8STN please keep us updated. I placed an order today for a DRAWS hat but they are on backorder. I just got an 891 to play with with the plan to play portable when camping.
@@tubular031 I'll keep updating these videos. They just released the beta 8 version of the software image. I'm going to test that one if it's more plug-and-play, I'll start releasing videos on the hardware again. Have you seen my blog? I just posted an image of a 3d printed case for the DRAWS Hat.
Nice Video
Thanks for that it's nice to know 👍👍👍
Julian, will you use the same vnc and android tablet to control the pi? Or will something else be deployed for the draws?
Excellent question. I'm definitely going to use the same VNC client and the Android tablet. At the moment that's the most portable setup I have, and I don't see any reason to change it. It works well and I'll definitely make videos about setting it up with the draws.
What music sounds on background of the video?
Thanks.
73
Hi Tony. Tell me at what time in the video? There's three different songs
@@OH8STN 0:54 which song?
@@rv3dhc I am Unbreakable by Niklas Johansson
Are there any packages or software we need to add to the pi to use this Draws Hat and I would just plug the PS2 cable in the back of my Icom IC7200? Julian will you still use the battery hat with setup, well I guess we are not able to stack hats or can we? I have to look at the battery hat again. thanks for the video I'll paypal you again it's been awhile 73's see you on social media Don
Hi Donnie. NW Digital Radio is working on a Raspberry Pi image with all the software already installed. All you have to do is create the image on your SD card and plug it into your Raspberry Pi.
I'm not sure about the juice hat and draws hat compatibility. The draws hat has everything the juice hat has minus the larger battery. I'm afraid to do the testing right now, since I only have one hat from Northwest Digital radio. Once I do some of the tutorials, I can test with the juice hat, just in case the juice hat burns the draws hat.
@@OH8STN very nice exciting news. Any thoughts on this newer FT818 radio I've been looking it over. I will keep an eye out for the image from NW Digital Radio. I'm building a small RPI computer from a small Harbor Freight Pelican case I want a built in monitor I can turn off to go headless mode like your doing too.
You're killing me with the tough questions Donnie. :-)
To be honest with you I've been really disappointed with the Yaesu ft-818 as a replacement for the 817. It's essentially the same radio which isn't a bad thing, but it's not what I thought it should be. So the truth is, I'm about to sell my beloved 817nd, to finance the mcHF. The mchf has a better screen, better receiver, doesn't require any external filters, and isn't run by old Japanese men who are stuck in their ways refusing to update that outdated radio. Again, I love my eight one seven, but when I see the mcHF, FT891, kx2, kx3, or some of the Chinese radios coming into the market these days, well it's hard to hold on to it
A link to an image with a variety of programs preloaded will be posted in the coming days. In the meantime, there is discussion in nw-digital-radio.groups.io/g/udrc (You must join nw-digital-radio.groups.io/g/main first).
Just to be 100% clear, does this hat eliminate the need for a ZLP MiniProSC? Will this hat work with a Yaesu FT-857D?
That is correct. This hat is the audio interface. We no longer need a signalink or miniprosc
Julian, you are awesome! Thank you for the very fast reply, and thank you for all the cool ideas about setting up a portable solar powered digital station. You are truely a pioneer in this field! Now, where to find an enclosure for the pi & hat?
Actually Northwest Digital radio is working on a enclosure for the Raspberry Pi and hat from what I understand. I hope someone correct me if I'm wrong
hi julian, i'm very inspired about your projects, and i'm wating also for my DRAW HAT. But a question, you was try to put the PiJucie HAT first and DRAW HAT over? I'm also use in my solution a 265Gb SSD HAT for my Raspberry (bee.port-x.de/?page_id=526) so, it will be interesting to fit all HAT's together RASP,PiJuice,DRAW and SSD. So, 73,55 and very nice xmas. de DL8MMR, Mario