Check my recent reviews. I take pride in delivering clean, tested, and properly set up Linux systems.
This listing is for the Premium Kit version of my Linux-powered Chromebook pre-configured with the AMRRON amateur radio software suite. The goal of this kit is simple: an affordable Amateur Radio digital modes software suite, pre-installed and ready to use, so you can jump straight into learning, listening, and operating!
This Premium Kit includes the same core pre-installed ham radio software suite as my other kits, but with 256GB storage, the best available cosmetic condition from current stock, and an optional basic personalization setup before shipment.
This is ideal for licensed amateur radio operators, SWLs, and anyone interested in digital modes or emergency communications.
Each laptop is set up by hand, cleaned, inspected, and tested before shipment. I do not just install software and throw the laptop in a box.
I have a Bachelor’s degree in Information Science & Technology and have sold over 100 laptops on eBay across my laptop kit projects. I genuinely enjoy preparing these systems and knowing customers are using them for real day-to-day tasks, learning, ham radio, and emergency communications practice.
These are used laptops, so minor cosmetic wear may still be present, but I do not ship laptops that I would not personally feel comfortable using myself.
As an added Premium Kit benefit, I can optionally pre-configure common digital mode software with your basic station information before shipment.
If requested after purchase, I can enter details such as your callsign, grid square, operator name, and other basic station information in supported applications where applicable.
If you provide your radio model, I can also select or prepare supported rig/software settings where the software allows it.
Please note: final configuration for audio devices, CAT control, PTT, radio interface cables, sound card levels, and transmit/receive settings must still be completed by the buyer, since these depend on your specific radio, interface, cables, and home setup.
This optional setup is intended to make first-time use easier and help the laptop feel more personalized when it arrives.
To improve reliability and prevent “out of storage” issues, this kit is configured as follows:
This design helps protect the system from filling up due to updates or log files and makes the setup more reliable for long-term use.
The USB drive is low-profile and intended to remain installed during normal operation.
This is the highest storage option in my Ham Radio Linux Laptop Kit lineup.
The Premium Kit is the top-tier version of my Linux Ham Radio Laptop Kit. It includes the largest storage option, priority selection from the best cosmetic condition laptops in current stock, and optional basic callsign/station setup before shipment upon request.
I personally hand-pick the cleanest available laptops for Premium Kit orders. When available, these units are selected for cleaner plastics, limited scratches/scuffs, better overall appearance, intact rubber feet, and better LCD trim condition.
These are still used laptops, so minor cosmetic wear may still be present, but Premium Kit units receive first priority from the best available stock.
Each laptop is fully functional and tested prior to shipment, including Wi-Fi, storage, system responsiveness, and major installed software.
All software listed below is installed and functional. Some tools are launched via the terminal or AMRRON menus rather than desktop icons.
Final configuration (audio devices, radio/interface settings, callsign, etc.) is required and varies by user equipment.
Each laptop is tested prior to shipment, including Wi-Fi, storage, system responsiveness, and major installed software.
All major applications were opened and tested together to ensure system stability.
The laptop remained responsive and did not freeze or crash during testing, confirming it is suitable for running common digital mode and communications software.
JS8Call - Weak-signal keyboard-to-keyboard digital communications
FLDIGI - Multi-mode digital modem (PSK, RTTY, Olivia, and more)
FLMSG - Structured digital message handling
FLAMP - Reliable file and bulletin transfer over digital modes
FLMsg Viewer - Lightweight viewer for FLMSG message files
HamClock - Real-time world map, propagation data, gray line, solar conditions, and DX information display
WSJT-X - Popular weak-signal modes including FT8, FT4, JT65, and more
PAT (Winlink for Linux) - Winlink client for sending/receiving messages over radio or via internet gateway
ARDOP - Soundcard modem used with Winlink
Direwolf - Soundcard TNC for packet radio and APRS
YAAC - APRS client for mapping, tracking, and messaging
PTE / PFE - Peer-to-peer messaging and file exchange tools
PyBitMessage - Decentralized, encrypted peer-to-peer messaging
FLRIG - Rig (CAT) control for supported amateur radios
CHIRP - Radio programming software for many amateur radio models
VeraCrypt - Disk and file encryption utility
Kleopatra - OpenPGP certificate and encryption manager
PuTTY - SSH/Telnet client
GtkTerm - Serial terminal utility
QtTermTCP - TCP/IP terminal application
CommStatOne - Communications status and monitoring tool
TNC Status - Packet/TNC service status and monitoring utility
AMRRON scripts & menus - Utilities and shortcuts supporting emergency communications workflows
A first-time use guide is included on the laptop to help customers understand the recommended startup order and how to begin using the installed ham radio software suite.
This guide is intended to make the system easier to understand, especially for buyers who are new to Linux or digital radio software.
Pre-configured means the OS and software are installed and tested.
You will still need to:
Transmitting on amateur radio frequencies requires a valid license.
This system is suitable for listening, monitoring, learning, and software practice without transmitting.
This is the Premium Kit version.
This kit is selected from the best available cosmetic condition laptops in current stock.
I personally hand-pick the cleanest available laptops for Premium Kit orders. When available, Premium Kit units are chosen for cleaner plastics, limited scratches/scuffs, intact rubber feet, better LCD trim condition, and better overall cosmetic appearance.
These are still used laptops, so minor cosmetic wear may still be present, but this Premium Kit receives priority selection from the cleanest available units.
Overall, these laptops are in very good used condition for their age, and I do not ship any laptop that I would not personally feel comfortable using myself.
Fully functional, cleaned, inspected, and tested prior to shipment.
The laptop you receive will be similar to the one shown in the photos.
If you’re unsure whether this kit fits your needs, send me a message.
I’m always happy to answer questions and help you get the most out of your setup.
This system includes software, scripts, and workflows inspired by and based on publicly available resources provided by AMRRON (American Redoubt Radio Operators Network). AMRRON develops and maintains open-source tools and documentation focused on emergency and digital amateur radio communications.
This listing is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or officially associated with AMRRON. All software remains the property of its respective authors and is distributed under applicable open-source licenses. This kit is independently assembled and provided as a convenience to help users get started more easily.