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zBitx Custom Software — Operator Manual

Welcome to the operator manual for the zBitx custom software and matching front‑panel firmware. This wiki is written for people who operate the radio — getting it installed, learning the front panel and web interface, running FT8/CW/digital modes, and using the WiFi, USB‑mode, and VNC features.

The zBitx is a 5‑watt QRP HF transceiver covering the 80‑ through 10‑meter bands. It is driven by a Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W running a custom application, with a Raspberry Pi Pico (RP2040) driving the front‑panel touchscreen.

Two pieces of software, two versions. The radio needs two things kept in sync: the Pi application (runs on the Raspberry Pi) and the front‑panel firmware (a .uf2 file flashed to the Pico). Each release of the Pi software lists the minimum front‑panel firmware it needs. Always check the project's release notes when upgrading.

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If you have questions or need assistance, feel free to join our Discord community. We offer dedicated channels for both development discussions and general community support. Discord: https://discord.gg/tCCjw5g5Pf YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@radioelectronicshub

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Start here

If you want to…	Go to
Understand what the radio is and how the parts fit together	Overview & Architecture
Save your configuration files	Save your config files
Put the software on a fresh SD card	Installation & Flashing
Update to a newer version	Upgrading the Software
Learn the touchscreen and knob	Front Panel Operation
Set your callsign, grid, and passkey	Front Panel — Setup Menu
Operate FT8	FT8 Operation
Operate CW	CW Operation
Operate SSB / voice and other digital modes	Voice & Digital Modes
Connect the radio to WiFi	WiFi Setup
Switch the USB port between CAT and keyboard/mouse	USB Mode
Open the Pi desktop in your browser	VNC & Remote Desktop
Fix a problem	Troubleshooting
Calibrate the PA Amplifier	PA Hardware Calibration
V1 Tombstone and Shield Mod	V1 Tombstone and Shield Mod
Look up a term	Glossary

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Quick facts

• Power: 5 W maximum (QRP)
• Bands: 80, 60, 40, 30, 20, 17, 15, 12, 10 meters
• Modes: USB, LSB, CW, CWR, FT8/digital, and more
• Control surfaces: front‑panel 3.5″ touchscreen + encoder knob, a web interface (phone/tablet/laptop), and the Pi's own desktop (via screen or VNC)
• CAT control: built‑in hamlib‑compatible server for logging and digital‑mode software

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A word on safety and RF

This is a real transmitter. Always have a proper antenna or dummy load connected before you transmit, keep an eye on your SWR, and never disconnect power mid‑transmission. The shutdown screen on the front panel will remind you to wait for the green LED to go out before pulling power — please do.

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This manual documents the community "drexjj" build of the zBitx software. It is maintained by the operators who use it. If you find something inaccurate or out of date, corrections are welcome.