Remote Web Browser Use - drexjj/sbitx GitHub Wiki

Updated Web Interface Requirements (sBitx v5.0 and Later)

Starting with version 5.0, the sBitx web interface has been completely rewritten. This update introduces major improvements, including remote transmit support and remote application control.

Because of these changes, sBitx no longer uses the old address: http://sbitx.local

Instead, you must now access the web interface at: https://sbitx.local:8443

These enhanced capabilities require a modern web browser and rely more heavily on mDNS than before. For best results, use an up-to-date browser such as Google Chrome or Brave on your remote device (phone, tablet, PC, or Mac).

mDNS Compatibility Notes

Android

Some versions of Android have known issues with mDNS:

Android 12 (API 31, released October 2021)

  • Introduced native mDNS support through the DNS Resolver Mainline module (com.google.android.resolv).
  • getaddrinfo() was updated to resolve .local domains using multicast (224.0.0.251:5353 for IPv4 and FF02::FB:5353 for IPv6).
  • Support varies by manufacturer. Some devices — particularly certain Samsung models — did not receive the mDNS module or implemented it incompletely.
  • Private DNS settings may also interfere with .local resolution.

Apple Devices

Older versions of iOS, iPadOS, and macOS may lack proper mDNS support.
For best results, use a modern device with current OS updates.

Using Older Devices or Browsers

If your device or browser has mDNS limitations, the full web interface may not function properly. In this case, you can still access the web UI by downgrading the sBitx web server to restore compatibility with: http://sbitx.local

This downgrade removes some newer features but allows access from older systems.

How to Downgrade the sBitx Web Server (for Older Devices)

  1. Open the Toolbox on the sBitx.
  2. Open Update Manager and update sbitx ham apps.
  3. Close the sBitx app if it is running.
  4. Close all other applications and open a Terminal window.
  5. Run the following commands 
    cd sbitx-ham-apps && ./downgrade_webserver.sh
  6. Wait for the script to complete, then restart the sBitx app.

Downgrade Limitations

  • The downgrade will be overwritten if you upgrade or reinstall the sBitx application.
  • The built-in sbitxhotspot feature will no longer function.
  • Remote transmit via a web browser will be disabled.

Bypassing DNS

There may be instances when your local network does not have a functional DNS service.

  • Ensure that your sBitx and the remote device are on the same network
  • Use the ip address instead of sbitx.local

Find your sBitx ip address by opening terminal on sBitx and type:

ifconfig | grep inet

Find the first inet address in the format xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx then type that in your browser https://ip-address:8443/