HamPi 4.0a1: A Fresh Release for Raspberry Pi 5 Users


HamPi 4.0a1: A Fresh Release for Raspberry Pi 5 Users


Introduction

Ham radio enthusiasts and Raspberry Pi users have a reason to celebrate with the announcement of HamPi 4.0a1 (32-bit), tailored for the Raspberry Pi 5. Released in March 2024, this latest version of HamPi continues its tradition as a comprehensive software suite, empowering amateur radio operators with a versatile toolset. Developed by Dave Slotter, W3DJS, HamPi has already crossed the milestone of 100,000 downloads worldwide, a testament to its growing popularity and utility in the amateur radio community.


What's New in HamPi 4.0a1?

This release comes with significant updates, aligning HamPi with the latest Raspberry Pi 5 hardware and the Debian Bookworm operating system. Among the updates, the copyright year has been refreshed to 2024, underscoring HamPi’s ongoing commitment to staying current. However, due to compatibility issues with Bookworm, several popular packages like Soapy SDR drivers, TrustedQSL, FreeDV, and GQRX are absent in this release. Dave notes that future Bookworm updates might resolve these issues, potentially allowing for their reintegration.


HamPi 4.0a1 is exclusively available in a 32-bit version for now, with a 64-bit version promised at a later date. Users transitioning from earlier versions should refer to the "UPGRADING_FROM_PRIOR_VERSION.TXT" file included in the download area to ensure a smooth upgrade while preserving their configurations.


Notable Achievements and Resources

HamPi's evolution has been remarkable, with accolades such as SourceForge's Community Choice, SourceForge Favorite, and Community Leader awards in recent years. These honors highlight the project's strong user base and its influence in the ham radio space. Beyond the software, HamPi offers a robust ecosystem, including an active forum on Groups.io and a detailed GitHub wiki, providing invaluable resources for troubleshooting and learning.


For those eager to dive into this latest release, the direct download link is available on the official HamPi SourceForge page.


Looking Ahead

HamPi 4.0a1's release marks an exciting chapter, but it also comes with challenges due to package exclusions. For users who rely on the omitted tools, sticking to earlier versions might be the best option until compatibility issues are resolved. Nevertheless, this release reinforces HamPi's position as a vital resource for ham radio operators exploring the possibilities of the Raspberry Pi platform.


Whether you're a seasoned operator or a newcomer curious about digital amateur radio, HamPi continues to offer a gateway into a dynamic and innovative hobby. Stay tuned for updates, and as always, 73! 😊📡



Source:  ANNOUNCEMENT: HamPi 4.0a1 32-bit (March 2024) "Raspberry Pi 5 Edition" Released 

Image:  HamPi

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