BPQ Quick Start with bpq-config

Willem A. Schreüder AC0KQ

1. Log in to the Raspberry Pi as user pi. You can do this remotely using SSH or directly from the keyboard.
2. Create a directory BPQ using the command
   mkdir BPQ
3. Make this the current directory using the command
   cd BPQ
4. Download bpq-config using the command
   wget http://www.prinmath.com/ham/bpq-config
5. Make bpq-config ecxecutable with the command
   chmod a+x bpq-config
6. Run bpq-config with sudo
   sudo ./bpq-config

   

7. bpq-config will look for programs you will need, and prompt you to install them. Select Install

   

8. On the Pi 3, the Bluetooth system uses the serial port needed by BPQ. Disable it.

   

9. On the Pi 3, the hciuart handles the Bluetooth system. Disable it also.

   

10. The getty system allows a serial console login. Disable it.

    

11. Reboot to have the above change take effect.

    

12. After the reboot log back in.
13. Change to the BPQ directory using
    cd BPQ
14. Run bpq-config again using
    sudo ./bpq-config

    

15. bpq-config will detect a fresh install by the absence of a .bpqconfig file. Select Quick Install unless you know what you are doing.

    

16. Hit the enter key to set the Node Callsign

    

17. The node callsign is what BPQ will use to identify the node on packet. Do not add the SSID (-1 or -10) which denotes the service. bpq-config will add that for each service.

    

18. Hit enter to set the Owner Acronym.

    

19. The Owner Acronym can be 1 to 4 characters. It is used to make an alias callsign to access different services. For example, with the Owner Acronym CTN the alias callsign for the BBS will be CTNBBS.

    

20. Hit enter to set the Owner Name.

    

21. The Owner Name will be used in prompts and beacon text to tell other stations about your BPQ node.

    

22. Hit enter to set the Grid Square.

    

23. This is the maidenhead grid square where your node are located.

    

24. Hit enter to set the Frequency your node will operate on.

    

25. The frequency is a six digit integer, and represents the frequency in kHz.

    

26. Hit enter to set your user name.

    

27. The user name is used to log in to the BPQ node using the web interface or via telnet. This can be any string, even a callsign. I chose my first name.

    

28. Hit enter to set the password for web interface and telnet logins.

    

29. This can be any string, but it is the secret you need to use to gain access via the web interface or telnet login.

    

30. Quick Start configuration is now complete. You can go back and change any of the settings you need to. When done select Finish.

    

31. bpq-config will write the configuration file and system files you need. Select OK to proceed.

    

32. bpq-config will now start BPQ. Make sure it is working by connecting to it using your web browser or doing a telnet login. This screen will show you the IP address to use for your system. If all is well, select Continue to proceed. If BPQ seems to not be running, select Abort Quick Start and trouble shoot your system.

    

33. You now have a working BPQ system. You can modify your system by selecting Configure BPQ and you will have a plethora of options.

    

34. Select Enable BPQ start at boot to apply system settings to start BPQ when the Pi boots.

    

35. If you make it here, congratulations, you now have a working BPQ system. You can use bpq-config to start, stop or restart BPQ, enable or disable BPQ start at boot, and update your configuration.

    You can upgrade BPQ and bpq-config to the latest version by selecting Download BPQ. As BPQ continues to be developed, and bpq-config is certainly a work in progress, you should to that periodically.

    

36. Please report problems with bpq-config to the author. Feedback and patches are always welcome. 73 and good luck. Willem AC0KQ.