Bring your UHF FM radio into the world of SVXLink, EchoLink and connected amateur radio systems with this compact, professionally configured SVXLink UHF node.
Built around the Raspberry Pi 3A+, this exceptionally small node provides a convenient way of connecting a local UHF FM radio to SVXLink networks, EchoLink and other supported SVXLink services and talkgroups.
The node was built as a reliable, unattended 24/7 appliance, rather than simply being a Raspberry Pi with software installed. It includes dedicated monitoring, status, Wi-Fi recovery, GPIO and logging functions designed to make the node easy to operate and maintain.
The complete system is assembled, configured and tested before dispatch.
Fully configured SVXLink amateur radio node
Supports EchoLink and SVXLink-connected systems
Access to a wide range of worldwide amateur radio networks and reflectors
Configured for your callsign and operating requirements
Suitable for fixed or portable operation
Designed for reliable unattended operation
The node includes additional monitoring software developed specifically for reliable long-term operation:
Automatic Wi-Fi monitoring and recovery
Detects loss of Wi-Fi/network connectivity
Automatically attempts network recovery when required
Supports reliable operation where Wi-Fi is the primary connection
Network status is monitored continuously
Node status can be displayed locally through the built-in status reporting system
Internet connection/fault indication via the dedicated front/top-mounted LED
The enhanced SVXLink installation includes a dedicated node status and diagnostic system, providing useful information such as:
SVXLink operating status
Network/Wi-Fi status
IP address
Connection information
System operating condition
Recent network events
Diagnostic information for troubleshooting
A particularly useful feature is the ability to view the SVXLink node event log from the status system when required.
Network and node events are recorded to a dedicated log:
/var/log/svxlink-node.log
The logging system records significant events such as network failures and recovery activity, making it considerably easier to diagnose intermittent Wi-Fi or connectivity problems.
The log also includes automatic daily rotation, preventing the diagnostic log from growing indefinitely.
The Raspberry Pi GPIO system is used for dedicated node control and status indication.
Visible LEDs provide an immediate indication of node activity, including:
Power
TX
RX/COS
Internet/network status
DAC/audio heartbeat
SD card/activity
The GPIO functions are integrated into the SVXLink installation and tested as part of the final node setup.
A convenient top-mounted shutdown push button allows the Raspberry Pi to be safely shut down without having to access a terminal or disconnect the power.
This helps protect the SD card and operating system during normal operation.
The node is built into a durable Pi-Adafruit acrylic gloss case with matching top.
Approximate dimensions:
70 x 65 x 30 mm
The compact transparent enclosure provides excellent visibility of the status LEDs while allowing easy access to the Raspberry Pi's micro-SD card.
A choice of case colours may be available please ask.
Computer: Raspberry Pi 3A+
Operating system/software: SVXLink courtesy of G4NAB
Radio: Baofeng BF-888S UHF modified transceiver
Radio output: Approximately 40 mW
Radio channel: Fixed on Channel 9 (frequency to choice)
Sound interface: Modified CM108AH USB sound card
Network: Built-in dual-band 2.4/5 GHz Wi-Fi
Antenna connection: External SMA female connector
Antenna: Angled UHF helical antenna
Storage: 16 GB Class 10 micro-SD card
Enclosure: Pi-Adafruit acrylic gloss case
Shutdown: Top-mounted system halt/shutdown button
Status indication: Multiple dedicated LED
Power: 5 V DC, approximately 1.5 A
Power connector: Mini-USB
The modified CM108AH sound card is hardwired into the node rather than simply relying on a loose USB connection.
This provides a much more secure and permanent audio interface and avoids the potential long-term reliability problems associated with USB contacts being repeatedly connected and disconnected.
Every node is assembled and tested before dispatch.
The SVXLink software installation includes the necessary configuration, GPIO control, monitoring services and diagnostic scripts.
The completed installation is subjected to a test sequence covering the major node functions before the unit is supplied.
This means the unit arrives as a configured SVXLink node rather than a collection of unconfigured components.
When ordering, provide your:
Amateur radio callsign
SVXLink/EchoLink identification and registration code details where required
Wi-Fi network SSID and WPA2 details
The node can then be supplied pre-configured and ready for operation.
You simply connect the supplied power supply, connect the antenna and place the node within Wi-Fi coverage.
At approximately 70 x 65 x 30 mm, this is a genuinely compact UHF SVXLink node.
Raspberry Pi, radio, audio interface, antenna connection, status LEDs and shutdown control are integrated into one compact enclosure.
The software installation includes network monitoring, automatic recovery, status reporting and event logging to help keep the node operating reliably.
The Local web interface, DTMF control and an enhanced status system provides useful information about the node without needing to connect a monitor and keyboard.
The accessible micro-SD card makes it straightforward to maintain or replace the system image when required.
Each unit is individually configured and tested rather than simply supplied with a generic SVXLink image.
1 x Raspberry Pi 3A+ SBC
1 x Pi-Adafruit acrylic case and matching top
1 x Modified CM108AH USB sound interface
1 x Modified Baofeng BF-888S UHF transceiver
1 x External SMA female antenna connector
1 x Angled UHF helical antenna
1 x Top-mounted system shutdown push button
1 x 16 GB Class 10 micro-SD card
1 x SVXLink pre-configured installation
1 x Integrated multi-function LED system
NOTE: Power supply not included unless specifically stated in the listing.
The node is supplied with:
12 months parts and labour warranty
(excluding return/postage costs)
Email technical support is also provided for the supplied node and its configuration.
To have the node supplied pre-configured, I will need only a few bits of information.
Your node will then be configured and tested before dispatch.
This listing is for an SVXLink-based amateur radio node.
It is not an AllStarLink node and does not use AllStarLink, Allmon, Supermon or AllScan software.
The supplied radio is a low-power UHF FM transceiver intended for use in accordance with the applicable amateur radio licence and regulations.
Thanks for viewing!
If you have any questions about the SVXLink node, its operation or configuration, please feel free to contact me 73, Bill G4XYR