Advanced Features

This section covers advanced features and configuration options for experienced users.

Over-The-Air (OTA) Firmware Updates

The DX Spotter supports Over-The-Air firmware updates, allowing you to upgrade to new firmware versions without connecting to a computer.

How OTA Updates Work

The DX Spotter uses an HTTPS-based OTA update system:

  1. Device connects to the TopBytes update server via HTTPS

  2. Server checks device MAC address and current firmware version

  3. If an update is available, it's downloaded and installed

  4. Device automatically reboots with new firmware

  5. Existing configuration is preserved (in most cases)

Security Features

  • HTTPS/TLS Encryption: Updates are downloaded over encrypted connections

  • Certificate Validation: Server certificate is validated against trusted CA

  • MAC Address Identification: Each device is uniquely identified

Warning

Never interrupt power during a firmware update! Wait for the update to complete and the device to reboot.

Initiating an OTA Update

Via Web Interface

  1. Access Configuration Page

    • Connect to your WiFi network

    • Navigate to the device's IP address in a browser

    • Or connect to "DXCluster AP" and go to http://192.168.4.1

  2. Click OTA Update Button

    • Look for the "OTA Update Mode" button

    • Click to initiate the update process

  3. Wait for Update

    • The device will display update progress

    • Serial monitor will show download progress

    • Do not power off during this time!

  4. Automatic Reboot

    • Device will reboot automatically when complete

    • Normal operation will resume with new firmware

Troubleshooting OTA Updates

Update Fails to Start:

  • Verify WiFi connection

  • Check internet connectivity

  • Ensure update server is reachable

  • Check serial monitor for error messages

Update Stalls/Freezes:

  • Wait at least 5 minutes before taking action

  • Check network stability

  • If completely frozen, power cycle and retry

  • Contact support if problem persists

Update Completes but Device Won't Boot:

  • Power cycle the device

  • Try OTA update again

  • If issue persists, may need to reflash via USB

Advanced WiFi Configuration

Static IP Address

By default, the DX Spotter uses DHCP to obtain an IP address. For a static IP:

Via Router:

  1. Access your router's DHCP settings

  2. Find the DX Spotter in the client list

  3. Assign a "DHCP reservation" or "static lease" to its MAC address

  4. This gives it the same IP address every time

Hidden WiFi Networks

If your WiFi network SSID is hidden:

  1. Enter configuration mode

  2. Manually type your SSID (don't use the dropdown)

  3. Enter your password

  4. Save configuration

  5. Device will connect even though the network doesn't broadcast

Advanced Display Customization

Scroll Timing Adjustments

The scroll interval can be fine-tuned for optimal viewing:

Short Intervals (5-7 seconds):

  • Pros: Rapid updates, see more spots quickly

  • Cons: Hard to read from distance, may miss spots

  • Best for: Contests, close-up monitoring

Medium Intervals (10-15 seconds):

  • Pros: Balanced reading time

  • Cons: None significant

  • Best for: General use, moderate distance

Long Intervals (20-60 seconds):

  • Pros: Easy to read from across room, no rush

  • Cons: Slower updates, may miss recent spots

  • Best for: Background monitoring, learning

Spot History Size

Adjusting maximum spots changes the behavior:

Small History (1-3 spots):

  • Only most recent spots

  • Quick cycling

  • Best for: Real-time monitoring, contests

Medium History (5-7 spots):

  • Good context of recent activity

  • Balanced cycling time

  • Best for: General use

Large History (10-15 spots):

  • Extended context

  • Longer cycling time

  • Best for: Learning patterns, low-activity bands

Custom Display Titles

Creative title ideas:

  • Your callsign: K3ABC

  • Location: Shack or Mobile

  • Event: Field Day or Contest

  • Band + Mode: 20M FT8

  • Humorous: DX or Die or CQ CQ CQ

Advanced Filter Commands

Understanding DX Cluster Filters

Filter commands are sent directly to the DX cluster after login. The exact syntax depends on the cluster software, but common patterns include:

Basic Band Filters

set/dx filter on 160    # 160 meters
set/dx filter on 80     # 80 meters
set/dx filter on 40     # 40 meters
set/dx filter on 20     # 20 meters
set/dx filter on 15     # 15 meters
set/dx filter on 10     # 10 meters
set/dx filter on 6      # 6 meters

Frequency Range Filters (Cluster Dependent)

Some clusters support precise frequency ranges:

set/dx filter on 14.000-14.100    # 20M CW only
set/dx filter on 14.200-14.350    # 20M SSB
set/dx filter on 7.000-7.125      # 40M CW/Digital

Clearing Filters

To remove all filters and see all bands:

clear/spots all

Or simply leave the filter field blank in configuration.

Multiple Band Filters (Cluster Dependent)

Some clusters allow multiple bands:

set/dx filter on 20+15+10    # 20M, 15M, 10M only

Note

Filter syntax varies by cluster software. Consult your cluster's documentation (usually available via help command in telnet session) for supported filter commands.

Testing Filters via Telnet

Before configuring a complex filter in the DX Spotter:

  1. Connect to the cluster via telnet from your computer

  2. Login with your callsign

  3. Test different filter commands

  4. Once you find a filter that works, use it in the DX Spotter configuration

Serial Console Advanced Usage

Monitoring Device Behavior

The serial console (115200 baud) provides detailed operational information:

Startup Information:

  • Firmware version

  • MAC address

  • Stored configuration loading

  • WiFi connection process

  • IP address assignment

  • NTP time synchronization

  • Cluster connection establishment

Runtime Information:

  • Received spots with full details

  • Cluster messages

  • Connection status changes

  • Reconnection attempts

  • Error messages and warnings

Useful for:

  • Debugging connection issues

  • Understanding cluster behavior

  • Monitoring network stability

  • Development and customization

Serial Command Reference

Currently supported serial commands:

Command

Description

R or r

Factory reset - clear all configuration and enter config mode (must be sent within 2 seconds of power-on)

Future firmware versions may support additional serial commands.

Network Administration

Port Usage

The DX Spotter uses the following network ports:

Port

Protocol

Purpose

80

TCP (HTTP)

Web configuration interface

53

UDP (DNS)

DNS resolution (outbound)

123

UDP (NTP)

Time synchronization (outbound)

7300*

TCP (Telnet)

DX Cluster connection (outbound, port varies)

443

TCP (HTTPS)

OTA firmware updates (outbound)

* Port number varies based on configured cluster

Firewall Considerations

For Normal Operation:

  • Allow outbound TCP to cluster port (e.g., 7300)

  • Allow outbound UDP to NTP servers (port 123)

  • Allow outbound DNS (port 53)

For OTA Updates:

  • Allow outbound HTTPS to u.morse.topbytes.net (port 443)

For Web Configuration:

  • Allow inbound HTTP on port 80 (local network only)

  • No external access required or recommended

Warning

Do not expose the DX Spotter's web interface to the internet! It has no authentication and is intended for local network access only.

Network Security Best Practices

  1. Use WPA2 or WPA3 WiFi Security

    Never connect to open/unsecured networks.

  2. Isolate IoT Devices (Optional)

    Consider placing the DX Spotter on a separate IoT VLAN or guest network.

  3. Firewall Rules

    If using advanced firewall rules, only allow required outbound connections.

  4. Regular Firmware Updates

    Keep firmware up to date for security patches.

  5. Strong WiFi Password

    Use a strong, unique password for your WiFi network.

Time Synchronization

NTP Configuration

The DX Spotter automatically synchronizes time via NTP (Network Time Protocol).

  • NTP Server: pool.ntp.org

  • Update Interval: Periodic automatic updates

Time Display:

  • Format: 24-hour (HH:MM:SS)

  • Updates every second

  • Automatically adjusts for DST

Power Consumption and Optimization

Typical Power Usage

  • Normal Operation: ~200-400mA @ 5V (1-2W)

  • WiFi Transmitting: Up to 500mA peak

  • Display: ~100-200mA (varies with content)

Battery Operation

Power Bank Sizing:

  • 10,000 mAh power bank: ~40-50 hours runtime

  • 20,000 mAh power bank: ~80-100 hours runtime

Best Practices:

  • Use quality power banks with stable 5V output

  • Avoid power banks that auto-shutoff with low current draw

  • Consider power banks with "always-on" or "low-current" modes

What's Next?