Creating a backup microSD card

To create a MicroSD card for use with the zBitx you will need a 32GB(or more) microSD card, a memory card reader, and a PC. It is recommended to use a new SD card if you are trying to create a backup.

Before you erase your current SD card, you will have to backup the hw_settings.ini file and the sBitx.db file on /home/Pi/sbitx/data folder to backup your transmitter calibration settings and log file.

  1. Install Raspberry Pi Imager on the PC. You can download this from https://www.raspberrypi.com/software/
  2. Download the zBitx SD card image file from https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jpcgWAclM6i2csNBxPCs3Q1CK_7ma5UC/view?usp=sharing and unzip the compressed file.
  3. Open Raspberry Pi imager and press the CHOOSE DEVICE button and select Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W.
  4. Click on the CHOOSE OS button. Scroll down the list and select the Use Custom option. This brings up a window where you can select the zBitx image file from the location where you unzipped the file.
  5. Plug in the SD card into the card reader and connect it to your PC.
  6. Click on CHOOSE STORAGE and select the memory card from the list. Once you have selected this, click NEXT .
  7. You will now be asked to if you wish to customise the image. Click NO to proceed.
  8. You will now see a warning stating that all old data on the media will be erased. Click YES.
  9. The imager software will now start writing the image file on to the SD card. This might take upto 10-20 minutes. Some computers might require the user to input their password before the SD card is written.
  10. Once the software has finished writing the SD card, the software will verify the data written and will eject the SD card media once this is complete. You can skip the verification if you are in a hurry but this step is recommended.
  11. You should see a message saying that the image has been written to the SD card successfully. 
  12. Unplug the SD card reader from the PC and remove the SD card. Insert the new SD card into the Pi zero and copy the backup files from the original SD card into the new SD card. The SD card is now ready for use with the zBitx.