Raspberry Pi installation guide for one simplex node or one conventional repeater, using Svxlink-Bootstrap and SvxLink 26.05.1©
Bootstrap and SvxLink-Dash V4.0© Single-node edition – 3 October 2026.
Credits
SvxLink was created and is maintained by Tobias Blomberg, SM0SVX. SvxLink Bootstrap, SvxLink-Dash V4.0 and the associated installation and configuration tools were developed and maintained by Chris Jackson, G4NAB. Whilst this version is also capable of Multi-Port operation, this is reserved for specialist interface cards, or two USB interfaces.
1. Gather your access details
Choose the station callsign and obtain any reflector and EchoLink credentials before starting. Record the radio interface type, audio device and the PTT and receiver signal-detection connections used by your installation.
For a North American, UK, or Australasia Federation Family installation, visit https://north.america.svxlink.net, ukwide.svxlink.net, or au.svxlink.net and use Sign Up to request access for the station callsign. In the Dashboard, select Federation Family of Reflectors and then North America, ukwide or Australia. For an independent reflector, obtain its actual host, port, protocol and authentication requirements from its administrator. The Federation family uses protocol 2, but protocol 3 reflectors can be used, provided the access information is prepared in advance.
If using EchoLink, its intended callsign must be registered and authorised. Have the credentials available so configuration can be completed in one session.
2. Prepare the SD card
Use Raspberry Pi Imager with a suitable microSD card; 16 GB is normally sufficient. Select your Raspberry Pi model and Raspberry Pi OS Lite (64-bit). Trixie is preferred; Bookworm 64-bit is also supported by the standard Bootstrap. A graphical desktop is unnecessary.
Set username pi and your own secure password. Enable SSH and configure the country, keyboard, timezone, hostname and Wi-Fi where required. Write the card, insert it into the Pi and allow the Pi to boot.
3. Log in and update
Connect by SSH or a keyboard and display. Log in as pi with your chosen password, then update and reboot: Next
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
sudo rebootReconnect after reboot. Confirm the operating system and package architecture:
cat /etc/os-release
dpkg --print-architectureConnecting the radio and installing SvxLink
4. Configure sudo access particularly if using Trixie.
For the password-free sudo arrangement used by this setup guide, enter the following. The first command is over two lines but the backslash indicates a new line. Copy and paste it complete.
echo 'pi ALL=(ALL) NOPASSWD: ALL' | sudo tee \
/etc/sudoers.d/010_pi-nopasswd >/dev/null
sudo chmod 440 /etc/sudoers.d/010_pi-nopasswd
sudo visudo -cf /etc/sudoers.d/010_pi-nopasswd
The validation should report that the file parsed correctly. The pi account has administrator access; keep its credentials private.
5. Connect the actual radio interface
Connect the sound device and control interface that will be used by the station before starting setup. For a simplex or repeater node, connect its radio(s). For a repeater, connect the receiver and transmitter paths. Check the interface wiring and power supply. During initial transmission tests, connect the transmitter output to a suitably rated dummy load. Keep the radio connected while checking audio, receiver activity and PTT. The correct control polarity depends on the interface wiring; do not assume a universal active-high or active-low setting.
6. Start the standard SvxLink Bootstrap
Run this command. The backslashes continue it across lines:
curl -fsSL \
https://raw.githubusercontent.com/f5vmr/Svxlink-Bootstrap/main/launch-bootstrap.sh | sudo shKeep the terminal open throughout installation and Dashboard handover. Bootstrap detects the host, operating system and architecture and selects a matching package.
7. Open the complete browser URL
Bootstrap displays a URL similar to:
http://192.168.1.203:8765/?token=xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxOpen the complete URL, including the access token, in a browser on the same network. Your IP address and token will differ. Check the detected host details and follow the installation prompts. Bootstrap installs SvxLink and SvxLink-Dash V4.0. When installation is complete, the browser is handed over to the permanent Dashboard configuration system. Set up its authentication when prompted.
8. Choose the station and hardware settings
Complete the region and timezone settings. Select the hardware profile that matches the installed interface. This guide assumes one radio node. Choose Simplex for a standalone radio path or Repeater for the receiver/transmitter repeater arrangement. Enter the station callsign carefully.
Follow the Dashboard pages for the selected interface. USB HID, GPIO and serial control require their own device and pin settings. If hardware preparation requests a reboot, complete it before continuing.
9. Set audio, receiver detection and PTT
Select the actual receive and transmit audio devices. Where a duplex USB sound device is used, both paths normally use that device. Use the discovered mapping appropriate to your installation.
Choose how SvxLink detects a received signal: for example, an external COS signal through the supported control interface, CTCSS detection, or another supported method appropriate to the radio.
Set PTT control and any polarity options to match the interface. Verify the real behaviour: a closed receiver squelch should show no receive activity; a valid received signal should show activity. PTT should remain released when idle, key when commanded, and release afterwards. Correct a reversed indication using the relevant polarity option.
Leave receive de-emphasis and transmit pre-emphasis disabled unless a flat or discriminator audio path requires them. Applying de-emphasis to audio already processed by the radio can impair DTMF decoding.
10. Identification and operating settings
Configure the short and long identification intervals, spoken or CW identification and CW pitch, speed and level. Select the courtesy tone if wanted. For a repeater, configure idle and closedown tones and the timing settings presented by the Dashboard.
Private DTMF online/offline control is optional. Record any command securely. Select EchoLink and Airport MetarInfo as required and complete their associated settings. Configure the reflector connection and published station/location information where required.
11. Review, build and test
Review the complete saved configuration and resolve any validation errors. Use Build to generate and apply the SvxLink configuration. After the build, verify receive audio, receiver activity, transmit audio and reliable PTT release. Then prove identification, reflector traffic and optional modules as applicable.
A running service alone does not establish correct radio operation. Confirm audio and control behaviour with the actual connected equipment before routine use.
Reconfiguration and support
12. Change settings through Reconfigure
From the Status page, open Reconfigure and choose the setting to change. Save it, complete any associated pages requested and return to Build to apply the saved settings. Check the result on the Status page and test the affected function.
Allow the Dashboard to manage /etc/svxlink/svxlink.conf during initial setup. Rebuilding may overwrite manual edits. Keep a separate record of any expert changes you intend to maintain.
13. Basic checks
Display the Pi address, inspect the service and obtain recent messages:
hostname -I
sudo systemctl status svxlink --no-pager -l
sudo journalctl -u svxlink -n 100 --no-pagerAfter a successful configuration build, the expected service state is active (running). For USB audio installations, these commands help identify the connected device:
lsusb
arecord -l
aplay -lBefore reinstalling, check connector seating, receiver audio, PTT and signal-detection wiring, the selected interface profile, the Pi power supply and network access. Complete any requested reboot before testing further.
14. Before asking for help
Provide your callsign, Raspberry Pi model, OS version, radio/interface model and whether the node is simplex or repeater. Describe the fault, receiver activity indication, PTT keying/release and audio in each direction. Include the exact displayed error and relevant service messages.
uname -m
cat /etc/os-release
dpkg --print-architectureCopy and paste terminal text rather than sending photographs. Support email: [email protected]
15. Security
Keep Pi login passwords, Bootstrap tokens, reflector and EchoLink credentials, private DTMF commands and SSH private keys private. Remove credentials from configuration excerpts before public sharing. A support request should not require your Pi password.
There is no reason whatsoever, that with a suitable interface, that this software can become a radio-less node with a PTT and Headset.