Build a node.

From parts to a working node: what to buy, how to put it together, how to burn the image, and how to get it set up.

Not tech-savvy? Contact us and we can connect you with a node builder.

[ GFN v170 software package ]

Parts needed

Raspberry Pi 3B+ * ~$35.00

The main board that runs the node software.
MicroSD Card (16GB+ / Class 10) * ~$25.00

16GB minimum. Holds the operating system and node software.
Power Supply * ~$10.00

Ensure proper amperage for your Pi model.
Aursinc Radio Dongle * ~$65.00

Radio interface choice A.
HSR Radio Dongle * ~$110.00

Radio interface choice B.
Case * Price Varies

Choose any compatible case you like.
SD Card Adapter * ~$8.00

Optional

Assemble the node

Step 1 - Install Pi into the case

Follow your case's assembly instructions.

Step 2 - Install radio dongle

Attach the USB cable to the radio dongle and plug it into a USB port on the Pi.

Burning the image

Step 1 - Download the GFN software pack

Download the ZIP archive from the website.

Step 2 - Extract the files

Extract and save the contents to your PC.

Step 3 - Install Win32 Disk Imager

Run the win32diskimager installer executable and complete the installation.

Step 4 - Open Win32 Disk Imager

Launch the Win32 Disk Imager application on your PC.

Step 5 - Insert the microSD card

Plug your microSD card into your PC using a card reader.

Step 6 - Load the GFN image

Click the folder icon, navigate to the extracted files, and select the GFN_vXXX.img file.

Step 7 - Write the image

Select your SD card drive letter and click "Write" to begin flashing the image.

Step 8 - Insert microSD card into Pi

Once flashing completes, safely remove the microSD card from your PC and insert it into the Pi.

Setting up the image

Step 1 - Install MobaXterm

Install MobaXterm using the setup files included in your download.

Step 2 - Connect Ethernet

Plug one end of the Ethernet cable into the Pi and the other into your router.

Step 3 - Power on the Pi

Connect power to the Pi. Do NOT unplug it during setup, or the configuration will cancel.

Step 4 - Open MobaXterm

Click the Swiss Army Knife icon, then select "Network scanner".

Step 5 - Scan for your Node

Click "Start Scan" and look for "GFN". You may need to scan multiple times, or check your router's admin panel if it does not appear.

Step 6 - Start a Remote Session

Click "Session" in the top-left corner to start a new remote connection.

Step 7 - Select SSH

Choose SSH as the session type.

Step 8 - Enter IP Address & Port

Enter the IP address of your Pi and set the port number to 222.

Step 9 - Connect

Click on the newly created session to initiate the connection.

Step 10 - Login

Enter the default login credentials provided in your download package.

Step 11 - Configure Node

When prompted to configure the node, select "Yes".

Step 12 - Enter Node Number

Type the node number assigned in your welcome email, then select "OK".

Step 13 - Confirm Node Change

Select "Yes"

Step 14 - Enter Call Sign, then select "OK".

Enter your call sign.

Step 15 - Select ID Method

Choose your preferred identification method: Voice or CW (Morse Code).

Step 16 - Bind Port

Select your bind port. If you are unsure, select "OK" to keep the default.

Step 17 - Duplex Setting

Select "1" and select "OK".

Step 18 - Node Password

Enter the node password provided in your welcome email, then select "OK".

Step 19 - IAXRpt Password

If you are not using IAXRpt or are unsure, select "NO".

Step 20 - SimpleUSB Setup

Select "Yes" to begin configuring your radio dongle.

Step 21 - Confirmation Prompt

Take your time during this step to avoid mistakes. Select "Yes" to proceed.

Step 22 - Select Radio Dongle

Choose your specific radio dongle, then select "OK". Press Enter through the default prompts until you reach "RX Audio Delay".

Step 23 - Audio Level Settings

Select "No". Audio level adjustment will be configured in a later step.

Step 24 - Restart Asterisk

Select "Yes" to restart the Asterisk service.

Step 25 - Access Time Zone Menu

Eastern Time users can skip this step. Otherwise, select "6", then select "Run Selected Item".

Step 26 - Select Time Zone

Scroll to your local time zone, press the spacebar to select it, then select "OK".

Step 27 - Access Supermon Setup

Select "3" ("Supermon Setup") then select "Run Selected Item".

Step 28 - Configure Supermon

Select "1", select "OK", and confirm your choice on the following screen.

Step 29 - Verify Node Number

Your node number will be preloaded. Select "OK".

Step 30 - Verify Call Sign

Your call sign will be preloaded. Select "OK".

Step 31 - Enter Name

Type your name, then select "OK".

Step 32 - Enter Location

Enter your City and State, then select "OK".

Step 33 - Enter Zip Code

Enter your local Zip Code, then select "OK".

Step 34 - Browser Tab Name

Enter a label for your browser tab, or leave it default.

Step 35 - Add Supermon Login

Select "2" then select "OK".

Step 36 - Information Prompt

Select "OK" to dismiss the note.

Step 37 - Add User Account

Select "1" then select "OK".

Step 38 - Enter Username

Enter a new username, then select "OK".

Step 39 - Enter Password

Type a secure password, then select "OK".

Step 40 - Confirm Password

Re-enter your password to confirm, then select "OK".

Step 41 - Complete User Creation

Select "OK" to finish adding the user.

Step 42 - Exit User Menu

Select "5" then select "OK".

Step 43 - Exit Supermon Setup

Select "Exit". Please note the Weather Underground setup documentation is included in your zip file.

Step 44 - SimpleUSB Tune Configuration

Select "14" ("SimpleUsb Tune") then select "OK".

Step 45 - Write Configuration Files

Type "w" and press Enter to write changes. Then type "0" and press Enter to exit.

Step 46 - Access Supermon Dashboard

Open a browser and navigate to http://YOUR-IP/supermon2 & log in.

Step 47 - Wi-Fi Setup (Optional)

If staying on Ethernet, skip this section. Otherwise, select "9" then select "Run Selected Item".

Step 48 - Wireless Menu

Select "1" then select "OK".

Step 49 - Information Prompt

Select "OK" to proceed.

Step 50 - Wi-Fi Entry Method

Choose manual network entry by selecting "Yes".

Step 51 - Enter Wi-Fi SSID

Type your Wi-Fi network name (SSID), then click "OK".

Step 52 - Enter Wi-Fi Password

Type your Wi-Fi password, then select "OK".

Step 53 - Confirm Settings

Verify your network information and select "Yes".

Step 54 - Reboot System

Select "Yes" to reboot the node and complete Wi-Fi setup.

Program the Radio Dongle

Step 1 - Access Radio Tools

Select "1" "Aursinc Radio Tools" then select "Run Selected Item" (the process is nearly identical for HSR Dongles).

Step 2 - Radio Programming

Select "1" then select "OK".

Step 3 - Enable Programming Mode

Follow the prompt to place the dongle in programming mode, then select "Yes".

Step 4 - Set Frequency

Enter your desired operating frequency, then select "OK".

Step 5 - Set Offset

For Simplex operation, leave the offset value at 0.0 and select "OK".

Step 6 - CTCSS Tone

Enter your target CTCSS tone and select "OK" (Tip: Avoid setting tones of 88.5 or below).

Step 7 - Squelch Level

Set your squelch level (default is 4), then select "OK".

Step 8 - Complete Programming

Press Enter to bypass the timer. Once returned to the main screen, flip the USB-C cable connector and key your radio to confirm a confirmation tone ("BONK").

Step 9 - Set Audio Level

Open the SimpleUSB Tune menu, enter "2", and press Enter.

Step 10 - Check On-Screen Meter

Key your radio and speak into the microphone. Aim for standard deviation near 5 kHz without excessive peaking.

Step 11 - Adjust Gain Settings

Press Enter to input a new gain value. Raise the value if audio is low, or lower the value if high.

Step 12 - Save Levels

Press Enter once levels are set, then press Enter again on the value prompt to return to the main menu.

Step 13 - Save and Exit

Type "w" and press Enter to save changes, then type "0" and press Enter to exit.

Step 14 - Network Audio Check

Connect to the network and request an audio level check from an admin.

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