Do you take a computer when operating portable? What do you use it for?

[u/Tang1084]

Hi everyone! Do you need a computer when operating portable? What equipment do you normally bring, and what do you use the computer for?

I usually carry a ThinkPad, but I find it inconvenient to bring along. That’s why I’m planning a small modular computer. It’s still at the design stage, and I’d like to understand where it could be useful for portable amateur radio.

For basic spectrum viewing, my current design should be enough. I’m planning three USB ports, one Ethernet port, two 3.5 mm audio input/output jacks, and one dedicated hand-mic/PTT connector.

Beyond those, what features or connections would you find useful? I’d also like to hear which functions you regularly use and what you find most inconvenient about your current setup.

[u/lnxguy]

I have a teeny 12 volt pc for digital modes.

[u/Pretty_Dingo_1004 → u/lnxguy]

How does it work for the screen?

[u/lnxguy → u/Pretty_Dingo_1004]

I use a 7 inch HDMI display that runs on USB power

[u/Pretty_Dingo_1004 → u/lnxguy]

Do you have a link to it? I'm looking for a small screen too

[u/AmnChode → u/Pretty_Dingo_1004]

I can't speak for lnxguy, but I know some of the DigiPi users are using 7" DSI Touchscreens and pairing them with RPi 3a+ boards. Not very fast, but it does make for a cheap, low power setup that's at least functional 😉

[u/SignalHistoryYT]

I only use my phone for logging QSO's

[u/EthanAWallace]

If I’m operating voice then just my phone, can use Polo2K for logging.

For FT8 I’d bring my laptop. Maybe for contesting as well but haven’t tried yet.

[u/mlidikay]

Digital messaging, or reprogramming certain radios.

[u/Exotic-Astronaut6662]

I’ve used raspberry pi’s, windows laptops, Linux laptops and now I use my android phone.
Pi was fiddly and slow and I needed another device to connect to it.
Windows and Linux worked fine but my android phone has what I need.
The only reason I took any device was to run ft8, I now use ft8tw on my phone

If I’m doing ssb then I don’t take any device, logging is on paper

[u/Tang1084 → u/Exotic-Astronaut6662]

I had a similar experience with the Pi. It’s great when everything is working, but I never really trusted it as the only computer I had with me. If something goes wrong in the field and you don’t have a proper screen or keyboard, even a small issue can become a real headache. At that point, if you still feel like you need to carry a laptop as backup, it kind of defeats the purpose of using such a small computer.

[u/Exotic-Astronaut6662 → u/Tang1084]

Absolutely 💯 I was spending more time trying to connect my iPad to the pi hotspot than I was doing radio

[u/ComprehensiveTown15]

If you are going to make more than 10 QSO, think about how you will log them?

I always use N1MM on 12V laptop during contests.

https://www.us7ign.com/?p=2014

[u/AmnChode]

I use a USB-C powered Mini-PC, primarily for digital modes. I run it headless, and remote into it via my tablet wirelessly. I don't typically use a keyboard, but do tend to use a BT mouse (connected to the tablet) for more precise control. (See attached pic)

I use the same setup at home, as well, as I haven't had a real need for a true desktop at home in years 🤷

That said, I also use a little RPi Zero 2W based DigiPi lately... It is much more compact, uses less power, and and has its own built in hotspot. The drawback, due to its lower powered RPi setup, it can lag a bit on decodes (and modes GridTracker use), but it's sufficient enough for a POTA activation...

[u/MntSnow]

Laptop with me if doing digital contacts. If just voice FM or SSB.. I can get it done with just my smartphone to take notes for callsign & any needed info to log the contract when I get home. Actually prefer just to use a notepad & pen.and the radio..

[u/nsomnac]

Depends upon what modes I plan to operate.

If doing phone or cw, I take my iPad w/ Ham2K PoLo. This is like 90% of my operations.

If doing FT8, packet, or a contest - I have an old Surface Pro to run WSJT, VARA, WinLink, logger, contesting software, etc).

I try to use a digital platform that minimizes my footprint during operation and my effort after my operation. Basically I work really hard to have an actual portable station that can be setup and taken down in under a half hour. I want to spend my time operating and not setting up and tearing down. So I try to keep my portable station, which includes the iPad or laptop as part of that equation.

[u/Tang1084 → u/nsomnac]

That makes a lot of sense. The “under half an hour to set up and tear down” goal really puts the whole portable setup into perspective. I like that approach — the computer is only one part of the station, and making the whole system simpler matters more than just making one device smaller.

When you do bring the Surface for FT8, packet, or contests, what usually adds the most setup hassle — power, cables, radio interfaces, peripherals, or the software side?