Supported Equipment
In order for EmComm Tools to be an effective, reliable platform, it is designed to target select hardware that aligns with the mission of this project.
Which computers are supported?
Since EmComm Tools is based on Ubuntu Linux 22.10, any computer that works with Ubuntu 22.10 should work. However, only the following devices will be officially supported:
- Panasonic CF-20 Toughbook
- Panasonic FZ-M1 Toughpad with iKey keyboard (IK-PAN-FZM1-C1).
- Panasonic FZ-G1 Toughpad with iKey keyboard
A strong effort is being made to support a touch-only experience on the devices listed above. However, this will take time. In general, a USB hub will be required to interface a keyboard, mouse and radio connection if you are using a Toughpad without the iKey keyboard.
What are the minimum hardware specifications?
It is recommended that later revisions (also called “Mark” or “MK” version) of the above computers are used. However, EmComm Tools will still run on the early MK1 versions. They will just run a bit slower. Refer to this article on deciphering Toughbook versions.
Regardless of revision, the following specifications are recommended:
- 8 GB of RAM
- 128 GB SSD (256 GB recommended). 500 GB SSD recommended for dual boot systems.
What radios are supported?
Tier-1 Radios
Tier-1 radios are those that have full support for all features in EmComm Tools and are proven to work. These radios will be supported in the initial builds of EmComm Tools.
| Brand | Model | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Yaesu | FT-817ND | Requires DigiRig Mobile and DigiRig Yaesu FT-8xx Cables |
| Yaesu | FT-818ND | Requires DigiRig Mobile and DigiRig Yaesu FT-8xx Cables |
| Yaesu | FT-857D | Requires DigiRig Mobile and DigiRig Yaesu FT-8xx Cables |
| Yaesu | FT-897D | Requires DigiRig Mobile and DigiRig Yaesu FT-8xx Cables |
| Icom | IC-705 | Via USB cable |
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When will my radios be supported?
The timeline for non tier-1 radio support is to be determined. However, here are some general notes regarding the future of support:
- The Icom IC-7200 will be supported (HF features only)
- The Xiegu X6100 will be supported (HF features only)
- The QRPLabs QDX and QMX will be supported (JS8Call features only)
- Most radios that support the DigiRig Mobile and Hamlib 4.5 will have limited support
- For all other radios, there will be future documentation on how to add plug and play support