Installing a Preconfigured Pi OS Image on Your sBitx

Installing a Pi image on your sBitx is necessary when restoring the original system or upgrading to a new version.

Requirements

Hardware

• A Windows, Mac, or Linux computer
• A 32GB or larger SD card (backup your data first!)
• An SD card reader or USB adapter
• A USB mouse
• A Phillips screwdriver
• sBitx transceiver

Software

• The sBitx image file: Download here
• A utility to write the image to the SD card:
  • Raspberry Pi Imager
  • Balena Etcher

Alternative Installation Methods

Instead of opening the case, you can boot from USB or flash the internal SD card using an external USB drive:

• How to Boot From USB
• Flash the Internal SD Card from a USB Drive

Installation Procedure

Step 1: Download and Install an Imaging Tool

Choose and install one of the following tools on your computer:

• Raspberry Pi Imager
• Balena Etcher

Step 2: Prepare the SD Card or USB Drive

1. Insert the SD card or USB drive into your computer.
2. Ensure the device is recognized and has enough capacity.
3. Backup any important data, as this process will erase everything.

Step 3: Extract the Image File

Before writing the image, you must extract sb64p3.img from sb64p3.img.xz:

• Use 7Zip or another extraction tool.
• Video tutorials: 7Zip Guide 1 | 7Zip Guide 2

Step 4: Write the Image to the SD Card or USB Drive

Using Raspberry Pi Imager

1. Open Raspberry Pi Imager.
2. Click "Choose OS" → "Use custom" and select sb64p3.img.
3. Click "Choose Storage" and select your SD card.
4. Click "Write" to start the process.
5. Wait for completion and safely eject the SD card.

Using Balena Etcher

1. Open Balena Etcher.
2. Click "Flash from file" and select sb64p3.img.
3. Click "Select target" and choose your SD card.
4. Click "Flash" to begin writing.
5. Once finished, safely eject the SD card.

Installing the SD Card into sBitx

1. Remove the sBitx case to access the SD card slot.
2. Insert the newly written SD card.
3. Reassemble the case.
4. Power on your sBitx, and it should boot from the new image.

For detailed disassembly instructions, refer to the sBitx Wiki

Troubleshooting

• If the SD card is not recognized, try another card reader or USB port.
• Verify the image file’s integrity using a checksum (if available).
• Ensure the SD card has sufficient capacity before writing.

Your sBitx is now ready with the newly installed Raspberry Pi image!