zBitx v2

The 5 watts, all bands, all mode SDR in your pocket for $269* (*Includes international shipping)

User Manual | zBitx v2 source code and schematics | zBitx v2 front panel source code | zBitx v2 front panel uf2

The zBitx v2 builds on the path-breaking original zBitx — a 5 watts, 64-bit integrated SDR radio covering 80M to 10M on CW/SSB/AM/FreeDV/FT8/SSTV with a 480×320 touch screen. With an LDMOS final amplifier, a built-in EFHW transformer, MOSFET-based reverse polarity protection and a re-worked CW engine, the v2 is a better, tougher, more capable pocket station than ever. It measures just 6.5”x3”x1.5” and runs off two LiPo batteries (battery case included in the cost).

What’s new in v2

The zBitx v2 brings four major upgrades over the original zBitx:

  • LDMOS-based, efficient 5 watt output.** The new LDMOS final amplifier delivers a clean, efficient 5 watts across all bands with lower current draw, cooler operation and longer battery life in the field.
  • Built-in EFHW transformer.** Connect an End-Fed Half-Wave wire antenna directly to the radio — no external matching unit required. Just throw a wire into a tree and you’re on the air.
  • MOSFET-based reverse polarity protection built into the on/off switch.  A MOSFET-based protection circuit is now integrated directly into the power switch, guarding the radio against reversed supply leads with effectively zero voltage drop.
  • Responsive CW operation with macros and logging. The CW path has been reworked for crisp, low-latency keying with editable macros and integrated logging — the v2 is a serious CW machine, whether you’re chasing DX or running a portable activation.

Take it everywhere!

It measures 6 inches x 3 inches x 1.75 inches, 250 gms/9 ounces! The zBitx v2 is so small, you can slip it into your pocket! Yet, it is capable of an efficient 5 watts of LDMOS output from two standard 18650 batteries. The touch screen provides you with an on-screen keyboard for logging and CW operation even if you don’t have a CW paddle! Use the built-in mic for SSB operation. Work the world on FT8 without a computer from your window sill with your zBitx v2 and a length of wire connected straight to the built-in EFHW transformer.

All bands, All modes, All things

The zBitx v2 will run every mode from CW to FT8 to FreeDV. With the built-in, N1MM style logger, macros, QSO recording and more, it is an integrated station that just works.

It gets better and better

The sBitx software that runs on the zBitx v2 has the best-in-class open source software that keeps getting better all the time. With a large community of developers, hackers and experimenters working together, the zBitx v2 never ages.

CW Deluxe — now more responsive than ever

The zBitx v2 is a CW dream machine for base station or field operations. It now comes with a new CW keying architecture that gives noiseless, full break-in, QRP operation.

  • Responsive, low-latency, full break-in CW operation reworked from the ground up
  • Operation is so pleasing with the ringless CW filtering down to 50 Hz. Without the noisy Transmit/Receive relays,
  • The on-screen keyboard with large keys on the 480×320 display makes typing CW a breeze.
  • Excellent, sensitive CW decoder
  • In-built, N1MM style logger exports to ADIF format
  • Editable CW macros for contests, POTA/SOTA activations and casual ragchewing

Integrated FT8

The zBitx v2 is a complete FT8 station. Just switch it on and start working FT8! Forget about the mess of wires, audio level settings and confusing settings. Just tune to the FT8 frequencies and tap on the callsign to complete a QSO!

Voice Modes

SSB and AM modes are with integrated voice equalizer. Variable voice bandwidth makes operation fatigue-free in noisy conditions.

Built-in EFHW transformer

The zBitx v2 has an EFHW (End-Fed Half-Wave) transformer built directly into the radio. Connect a resonant half-wave wire to the antenna port and you are on the air — no external tuner, no separate matching box, no extra cables to pack. It’s the ideal companion for pocket-portable, grab-and-go operations.

Reverse polarity protection, done right

A MOSFET-based reverse polarity protection circuit is built into the on/off switch. If you connect your power leads the wrong way around, the radio simply will not power up — and nothing inside gets damaged. Because it uses a MOSFET instead of a series diode, the voltage drop is negligible, so you get full output power and efficiency from every volt of your battery.

Everything is included:

Insert two 18650 LiPo batteries (not supplied) and you are ready to hit the field. At home, plug in a 9V power supply and work it from your monitor/keyboard/mouse. It has a built-in microphone and a high-quality speaker.

Remote into it with just the web-browser on your phone/tablet/laptop.

Specifications

Size: 170mm x 80mm x 45mm (including the battery case)
Weight: 415 grams including two LiPo batteries
Display: 480×320 resistive touch screen display with an independent Raspberry Pico front panel controller.
Software: Fully open sourced and available on https://github.com/afarhan/zbitxv2
Hardware: Hybrid superhet with LDMOS final amplifier, open source circuit with full description
Final Amplifier: LDMOS, efficient 5 watt output
Antenna Matching: Built-in EFHW transformer
Power Protection: MOSFET-based reverse polarity protection integrated into on/off switch
Frequency Coverage: All international ham bands from 80M to 10M
Power: 5 watts on all bands.
Power Supply: 6V to 9V.
Receive Current consumption: 300 mA
Transmit Current consumption: 1.5 to 3A (depending on the Drive settings)
Modes: USB/LSB/AM/CW/CW-Reverse/FT8/Digital modes (with FlDigi)
Preloaded Apps: FreeDV, QSSTV, Fldigi and more are coming

What’s in the box:

1. Fully tested zBitx v2 radio with 32GB SSD with sBitx software
2. 2 cell, LiPo 18650 battery case attached to the side of the case
3. DC barrel connector for Power
(Batteries not included due to shipping restrictions)