| K6LO |
Rating:   |
2023-02-16 | |
| Just no... |
Time Owned: 3 to 6 months. |
| Rigpi feels like an unfinished proof of concept, as though one purchased rights to participate in a tinkering experiment rather than own a finished, stable, product. There are just so many loose ends... I felt like a beta tester. No thanks. |
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| AA1QG |
Rating:  |
2022-10-16 | |
| Complicated setup with original software - Remotetx fixed this |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
In spite of being fairly experienced in computer setup, the install and use of the unit was complicated and cumbersome.
I installed the Remotetx image instead, and now the rigpi works great, is easy to use and very stable. |
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| K9SO |
Rating:    |
2021-10-13 | |
| Not ready for prime time |
Time Owned: 3 to 6 months. |
Somewhat misrepresented that it supported the IC-9700, but I understand that it is coming. So we'll see.
I had high hopes for the web server approach, but it is not yet well executed.
Typical MFJ quality issues with a bad pot set me off on the wrong foot to be sure.
For now, it's not of any use to me. My other options for remote operating are better. |
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| N7JS |
Rating:      |
2021-06-28 | |
| Nice addition to the ham shack |
Time Owned: 0 to 3 months. |
| This is a fine and fun product but you need to have a little knowledge of networking, port forwarding, IP's, and a general interest to learn. If you expect "plug and play" it might be a bit of "plug and pray" BUT you will get through it. Plenty of support out there with online groups...you just need to read or ask questions. Getting the control aspect of your radio is pretty straight forward. The audio aspect takes a little more tinkering. FYI, the new MFJ-1234B comes with a micro HDMI input (2 actually). If you want to connect a monitor to help with the setup (which I highly recommend), get one of these right off for a few bucks off Amazon. They should include this and charge a few extra bucks because I don't know too many people who have these laying around. You CAN bypass all this monitor/keyboard/mouse stuff by using the wired network connector to start, noting the IP assigned. and then using VNC Viewer program (free) on another computer since the unit already has a VNC server up and running. If that sounds foreign, just go with the previous recommendation. In summary, it's a cool little "all in one box" that you can just place out of sight. I'm having fun with it and Howard (the creator) has really added to the enjoyment of operating your rig remotely. |
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| M0XFL |
Rating:      |
2021-02-12 | |
| Lots of fun, strictly for the technically minded |
Time Owned: 3 to 6 months. |
I have enjoyed everything about this RigPi, the hardware, software, and the forum community. All great.
To be clear, this is not a plug and play item...users will need to have a level of PC literacy to use this. It's certainly not for people who struggle with computers.
If you're looking for the hardware and software to create a powerful station server out of the box, then this is it. I have personally made something similar with just a Raspberry Pi and sound card, it was okay, but nowhere near as capable as the RigPi.
The RigPi has all of the features needed to make a great station server. For example, it can electrically key the radio (so you can operate older or homebrew rigs remotely), it has an isolated sound card, it's pre-loaded with the RigPi software, Mumble and all the software needed for data modes etc. And it all sits in a robust metal box.
So if you're already using Raspberry Pi's in the shack, or you okay with learning some new stuff, then this could be an enjoyable upgrade for you and your shack. |
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| AE7TO |
Rating:   |
2020-07-25 | |
| Keeps getting stuck on transmit with older ICOM. |
Time Owned: 3 to 6 months. |
Nice package, but keeps getting stuck on transmit with my older ICOM IC-735 transceiver.
I purchased this awfully pricey Raspberry Pi platform because I wanted a turnkey solution for remote phone mode on my IC-735. In particular, I did not want to have to integrate all the software myself. Unfortunately, the IC-735 doesn't have CAT commands for triggering transmit, and the RigPi's software and hardware PTT mechanisms for this older ICOM don't reliably unkey the radio when I remotely release the PTT control. Now I'm stuck trying to backfit a software workaround myself, after twice trying (without success) to get help on the RigPi (groups.io) forum.
Honestly, I just wish the software had just been designed to trigger PTT with the serial port's RTS pin, like most other ham software. |
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| AA4UC |
Rating:      |
2020-03-04 | |
| Must Have Device! |
Time Owned: 0 to 3 months. |
I picked up the MFJ-1234 at the Orlando Hamcation and have successfully integrated it with my new FTdx101MP. I now have complete remote control of the radio over the internet. You can even turn the radio on and off!
Configuration is a bit complex but once you figure it out it truly is an amazing box. I had some trouble configuring the Mumble audio server but the online forum is extremely helpful. The inventor Howard Nurse often chimes in to help customers with any configuration issue.
So how hard is it to get this thing working? Well I had zero experience working with a Raspberry Pi and Mumble and I got it to work and I am by no means an IT specialist. IMHO it's just as complex (but not at all similar) to setting up a DMR radio.
When you purchase the MFJ-1234 you get a very small pamphlet giving you the 60,000ft overview. The real information is online. The user manual can be found at https://rigpi.net/help/RigPi.pdf and the user forum can be accessed at https://groups.io/g/RigPi. I would recommend that you first read the manual and search the forum for those that have already configured the device to your radio.
Bottom line is I am totally satisfied with my purchase as it has given me the opportunity to work DX anywhere I am as long as I have my phone and access to the internet. As a matter of fact I’m considering buying another one to control my VHF/UHF radio as this would provide the capability to check into local analog nets when out of the area.
Update: No need to buy another one as it looks like this one will work for both radios at the same time!
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|
| AC9OX |
Rating:      |
2019-07-17 | |
| Shack Computer AND Rig Control |
Time Owned: 0 to 3 months. |
For me, two relatively new pieces of hardware for the Ham shack (Raspberry PI and ICOM IC-7300), have been merged into a very functional adjunct to my radio operation!
I purchased the RigPI (plus power supply) on the first day that they were available from MFJ. I was already confident in the CI-V capabilities of my IC-7300 and have worked with the Raspberry PI since they were first introduced. Hence, for me, it was different than bringing a unknown piece of technology into my world.
The Raspberry PI is a single board computer with exceptional capabilities for its size and price. A full and current version of the Linux operating system is accessible with the addition of a keyboard, mouse and display. (No need for a separate computer.)
To this, Howard Nurse, W6HN has melded the operations of several other well-known and popular Ham applications, under an overarching control program, to create a rig control program. In addition, this top-level application is a Web Server and serves the controlled rig (including applications) to the Internet.
Many are familiar with software packages which do similar functions for computerized rig control and even hardware manufacturer-specific programs which all offer a degree of rig-specific control.
What Howard has done, in creating the RigPI, is to essentially eliminate the need for the full-featured laptop or desktop to be tied to your rig so that these applications can control the transceiver.
Now, the RigPI integrates the computer control signals to and from the other applications (WSJT-X, fldigi, etc.), nearly seamlessly. In addition, many other operations which had previously required your more expensive station computer (rotor control, call sign lookup, etc.) are part of the package.
In addition to the Raspberry PI, there are are two other boards included: an Audio board which provides for VOIP operation (the RPI normally provides a very limited direct audio IO) and a Keyer board which includes an exceptionally versatile keyer, supporting straight key, paddles and keyboard entries.
I found the information provided by the online RigPI Forum to be exceptionally helpful for my IC-7300 and I would expect a similarly simple process for most other newer rigs which already facilitate remote control.
My immediate need for the RigPI, that of local control of my IC-7300, was quickly and easily met. My shack is upstairs and I wanted to be able to operate from my chair in the living room, using my iPad Pro - no problem!
As an ongoing project, I plan to serve the functions to the Internet, so that I can access the equipment while I away from home, for work.
While, even with the IC-7300, the RigPI is not "Plug an Play", requiring some parameters to be set for your preferences, I found that the RigPI Forum brings together a very supportive group of folks. The personalized efforts provided by Howard, MFJ and other Hams are making this product a usable feature for many. |
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| W5ZZT |
Rating:      |
2019-07-13 | |
| Best remote station controller to date |
Time Owned: 3 to 6 months. |
The demand for these is high so I was glad to be able to get my hands on one at the Dayton Hamvention this year. I also had the pleasure of meeting Howard who developed the software.
I have mine hooked up to my Icom 7300 which was easy to hook up. Icom radios, especially the 7300 have always had the built in controls/adjustments that make them easy to interface with just about anything. The other brands can be used but are more of a challenge to get on the air but you only have to do it once.
Howard thought of everything. In addition to remote control of the radio you can easily work all the digital modes remotely with the preloaded programs. On most modern radios like the 7300 you can even turn it on/off remotely. You can even write macros to do any function one the radio.
The RigPi will even remote control some rotors if you have the supported control box for your rotor.
I have had many QSO from my iPhone and iPad and if I hadn't told people what I was using they would have never known I was talking to them remotely from a cell phone. My Dayton buddy's say it sounds just like I sound in person. It will also work on Android phones and tablets if you use those. For rigs that don't have a built in sound card there is an audio board in the RigPi that works well. I have tested it and the audio sounds great thru it also.
I nearly forgot to say that it also has a nice built in CW keyer that you can also operate remotely using the keyboard on your phone.
You do have to have a decent internet connection to use it which can be an issue out in the rural areas.
It does take some knowledge of port forwarding on your router. It seems like a lot of hams today want everything to be "plug and play". It was never advertised that way nor as easy as 1-2-3 to install as many have complained about. It was said to be "easy to USE as 1-2-3" which it is. If you are not willing to put in some effort to install the system then it's probably not for you although there is tons of help on the RigPi forum. I was a Beta tester for a period of time until life got in the way and I had to reluctantly use that time for other things like FT8 which the RigPi does a very good job.
I have helped several people get on the air. I am a die hard Icom guy from the 60's and still am. If you get a RigPi and need help with interfacing it with an Icom feel free to drop me a note at my QRZ email address. Time permitting I will be glad to help.
I have always wanted to work HF mobile but didn't want to mess with what it took. Now I can do that. Sometimes when just monitoring I listen thru my truck speaker via bluetooth.
I could go on and on but you get the idea. I like mine and having a lot of fun with it. If you have a Icom 7300 you need one of these and can be on the air in less than an hour with a little help from us who have already done it. I also have used it with my Icom 7600 and it works just as well.
I know MFJ sometimes gets a bad rap on the build quality of their products but not on this one. It was well thought out.
73's
Harold
W5ZZT
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|
| K8MHW |
Rating:      |
2019-07-11 | |
| Works great for me! |
Time Owned: 0 to 3 months. |
I went in search of a remote station controller and found the RigPi in development.
It turned out to be all that I needed, and more.
I can remote control all of the radios that I have along with logging, digital modes and a self contained database of US calls.
My previous experience with the Raspberry Pi helped me get started.
I'll be honest, even with that, it took me a bit to understand the in and out of how to configure it for each radio that I intended to use it on.
Now that I have a bit of experience, I have joined with others to assist new users at the RigPi forum on Google.io
https://groups.io/g/RigPi/topics
Please come and check it out, ask questions and join us for this interesting journey.
I really appreciate those who helped me along the way and Thank Howard, W6HN, for having joined with MFJ to offer this great accessory!
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