HF Signals, the Indian company behind the BITX series of transceivers, released the second generation of its miniature SDR transceiver zBitxThe v2 model builds on the foundations of the original zBitx – a 5-watt 64-bit integrated SDR covering the 80m to 10m bands with a 480x320 touchscreen – and brings four specific design changes that make it a significantly more practical portable station.
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What's new in zBitx v2
The first change is the LDMOS transistor-based final stage. Compared to the original solution, the new final stage achieves a cleaner 5-watt output on all bands with lower power consumption, lower thermal load and extended battery life in the field.
The second change is the built-in transformátor EFHW (End-Fed Half-Wave). The zBitx v2 antenna port contains a directly integrated matching transformer for a half-wave antenna with a feeder at the end. To operate, simply connect a wire of the appropriate length - no external ATU or matching box is required. This solution predetermines the zBitx v2 for POTA a SOTA aktivácie, kde každý gram a každý kábel navyše rozhoduje.
The third change is the MOSFET-based polarity protection integrated directly into the switch. Unlike a series diode, the MOSFET protection has a negligible voltage drop, so the output power and efficiency are not affected. If the power wires are connected in reverse, the device simply will not start and the internal electronics will remain undamaged.
The fourth change is a redesigned CW architecture with low latency, editable macros and integrated logging. The result is silent, breakthrough QSK operation without mechanical relays.
Integrated FT8 without computer
The zBitx v2 includes a full-featured FT8 station right in the box – no need to connect an external computer, set up a sound card or adjust audio levels. Once you’ve switched to the FT8 frequency, simply tap the call sign on the touchscreen and QSO sa dokončí automaticky. Integrovaný denník v štýle N1MM exportuje záznamy vo formáte ADIF. Okrem FT8 sú predinštalované aplikácie FreeDV, QSSTV, Fldigi a ďalšie. Zariadenie beží na open-source softvéri sBitx, which is available on GitHub and is actively being developed.
Video: zBitx v2 – first look
CW and voice modes
The CW path has been redesigned from the ground up in zBitx v2. Operation is silent – no switching relay noise – and full break-in QSK. The CW filter bandwidth is adjustable up to 50 Hz, which combined with the absence of ringing artifacts makes the received CW signal a clean and easy-to-copy sound even in long transmission sessions. The built-in touch keyboard on the 480×320 display allows you to type CW even without a pad. Macros for contests, POTA/SOTA and regular ragchewing are editable directly on the device.
Pre hlasové módy (SSB and AM) je k dispozícii integrovaný hlasový ekvalizér and nastaviteľná šírka hlasového pásma. zBitx v2 má vstavaný mikrofón and reproduktor, takže na prevádzku v teréne nie je potrebné žiadne externé príslušenstvo. Vzdialené ovládanie je možné cez webový prehliadač na smartfóne, tablete alebo laptope.
Video: zBitx v2 – FT8 in practice
zBitx v2 Technical Specifications
| Parameters | Value |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 170 × 80 × 45 mm (including battery case) |
| Weight | 415 g including two 18650 LiPo batteries |
| Display | 480 × 320 px, resistive touchscreen; Raspberry Pi Pico independent controller |
| Software | Fully open-source, sBitx, github.com/afarhan/zbitxv2 |
| Hardware | Hybrid superheterodyne, LDMOS output stage, open-source schematic |
| final stage | LDMOS, 5 W on all bands |
| Antenna adaptation | Built-in transformer EFHW |
| Polarity protection | MOSFET, integrated into the switch |
| Frequency coverage | All international amateur radio bands 80 m – 10 m |
| Output power | 5 W on all bands |
| Supply voltage | 6V-9V DC |
| Power consumption in reception | 300mA |
| Power consumption when transmitting | 1.5 - 3 A (depends on power setting) |
| Supported by mods | USB, LSB, AM, CW, CW-Reverse, FT8, DIGIMODES (Fldigi) |
| Pre-installed apps | FreeDV, QSSTV, Fldigi |
| Storage | 32GB SSD with sBitx software |
| Battery power | 2× 18650 LiPo (not included) |
Package contents
The package includes a fully tested zBitx v2 with a 32GB SSD and pre-installed sBitx software, a case for two 18650 LiPo batteries attached to the side of the chassis, and a DC barrel connector for external power. 18650 batteries are not included due to shipping restrictions; standard 18650s are readily available.
Conclusion and where to buy zBitx v2
The zBitx v2 is an interesting addition to the portable QRP station category. For 9 including international shipping, you get a device with an integrated EFHW transformer, FT8 without a computer, CW operation, open-source software and browser control - all in a box the size of a thick book and weighing under half a kilogram. But beware of the fees, as this is an import of the product into the EU (customs duties, customs fees, VAT).
For experimenters, POTA/SOTA activators and QRP enthusiasts who want to have a full-fledged HF station on the go, this is a solution worth considering.
The device is available for direct order via hfsignals.com. The source code, schematics and firmware are publicly available on GitHub (github.com/afarhan/zbitxv2). The user community and manufacturer support is via Groups.io.