How to save your configuration files - drexjj/sbitx GitHub Wiki

Backing Up Your sBitx Configuration Files

Backing up your configuration files helps prevent headaches and saves time when changing, reloading, or upgrading your sBitx operating system.

Important Files, Their Purpose, and Locations

Essential Configuration Files (Highly Recommended for Backup)

These files store critical settings and logs unique to your setup:

  • hw_settings.ini

    • Contains power output calibration data unique to each sBitx mainboard.
    • Location: /home/pi/sbitx/data

  • user_settings.ini

    • Stores callsign information, band-stacking frequency data, and other custom settings in the GUI.
    • Location: /home/pi/sbitx/data

  • sbitx.db

    • Stores QSO logs.
    • Location: /home/pi/sbitx/data

  • "filename".mc

    • Contains macros used in FT8 and CW modes.
    • Location: /home/pi/sbitx/web

Additional Files (Manual Backup Required Until EZData Update)

These files store voice recordings, QSO logs, and macros for various applications:

  • "filename".wav

    • Voice recordings for the Voice Recorder feature.
    • Location: /home/pi/sBITX-toolbox/data

  • wsjtx_log.adi

    • WSJT-X QSO log.
    • Location: /home/pi/.local/share/WSJT-X

  • js8call_log.adi

    • JS8Call QSO log.
    • Location: /home/pi/.local/share/JS8Call

  • wsjtx_log.adi (for JTDX)

    • JTDX QSO log.
    • Location: /home/pi/.local/share/JTDX

  • logbook.adif

    • fldigi QSO log.
    • Location: /home/pi/.fldigi/logs

  • macros.mdf

    • fldigi macros.
    • Location: /home/pi/.fldigi/macros

Backup Requirements

  • A USB storage drive (1GB or larger)
  • USB mouse
  • sBitx device

Backup Procedures

1. Using EZData (Recommended)

The sBitx-Toolbox application, EZ Data, provides an easy way to back up essential files.

Steps:

  1. Power on the sBitx.
  2. Insert a USB storage drive into an available USB port on the sBitx.
  3. Open sBitx-Toolbox, then launch EZ Data.
  4. Click Refresh and select your USB drive.
  5. Press "Backup Files To The Selected USB Drive" and wait for a completion message.

2. Manual Backup (Alternative Method)

For manual backups, you can use the file manager to copy files to your USB storage drive.

Steps:

  1. Power on the sBitx.
  2. Insert a USB storage drive into an available USB port.
  3. Open File Manager and navigate to the directories listed above.
  4. Open another File Manager window and go to /media/pi/"USB drive name".
  5. Right-click the necessary files in the sBitx directories, select Copy, then Paste them into the USB drive folder.

Important Note

When changing operating systems or reflashing the SD card, you must restore at least the hw_settings.ini file to retain calibration data.