Updated 29 December 2022New Kiwi owners:Be sure to initially give your Kiwi a connection to the Internet and let it update to the latest software release. This process can take up to 60 minutes. If you're using the software installed by the factory (v1.2) you may not hear audio due to recent browser changes preventing the autoplay of audio and video. This is especially true with Firefox.The software version is displayed on the "Stats" tab of the main control panel. The image below shows a version of "v1.282"The easiest way to update is to power-up or restart when a connection to the Internet is available on the local network. The Kiwi checks for new software whenever it starts.If it is successfully updating you will get an "update in progress" message when attempting to connect.There is also an "Update" tab on the admin interface (see below) for controlling various aspects of the update process.Beagle root password:Did your Kiwi not have a Beagle/Linux root password set and now it's asking for one?Recent security changes have automatically applied a password to any root or debian account passwords that were blank/unset.The new password set is either the Kiwi admin password or, if the admin password is blank, the Kiwi's serial number as shown on the admin page network tab or written in the white silkscreen box on the top of the Kiwi circuit board.To find out what the password was changed to pleasesee this forum post.Introduction:How it works
Just tell me how to connect to my local Kiwi
For everyone:Kiwi user interface
Mobile device (touchscreen) differences
URL tuning and other parameters Updated
KiwiSDR discussion forum
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
For owners / admins:Troubleshooting advice
Setup hardware
Power supply advice
Don't use the wrong size DC plug
Under-voltage due to cable voltage drop#1 new installation problem
Antenna advice
Setup software
Network configuration
Finding the Ethernet IP address of the KiwiSDR
Point-to-point Ethernet connection to a host computer Updated
/admin web configuration interface
Registration on rx.kiwisdr.com
Modifying the DX labels, band bars and select band menu New
Configuring a reverse proxy
Multiple proxied Kiwis behind a single Internet connection
Getting the IP address (DHCP-assigned or static) from the LED pattern
Configuration when using a down-converter
Installing the KiwiSDR and software
Optionally downloading the software (if you lost the SD card etc.)Updated
List of third-party extensions and software packages
Special access-related configuration
Operation and optimization
DX label editing Updated Creating blocked (masked) frequencies/bands
ADC overload
Noise reduction advice
Manual frequency calibration
Controlling the server from a Beagle root login
Miscellaneous
Viewing the source code change log
Mouser & Digi-Key free international shipping
How it worksThe KiwiSDR is always accessed over a network connection using a browser running on another computer or mobile device. This can be from your local network or by anyone on the Internet if you have chosen to make your KiwiSDR publicly available. The user interface is only moderately optimized for mobile devices and there are no mobile apps yet for Android or iOS. The software does not support attaching a monitoror keyboard/mouse directly to the Kiwi BeagleBone.Connect to the local network using an Ethernet cable between the Kiwi and your Ethernet switch, router, cable modem or firewall. An IP address for the Ethernet port is usually assigned by a DHCP server that is likely to already be running on your network. See the network configuration section for complete details.Please consider making your Kiwipublicly availableto Internet users by listing it onrx.kiwisdr.com Particularly if your Kiwi is located in an interesting or under-represented part of the world. There are options for limiting public access to a subset of the four available channels.Just tell me how to connect to my local KiwiIf this computer is on the same local network as your Kiwi try clicking on one of the two links below:my.kiwisdr.com
kiwisdr.local:8073
If that doesn't work use one of the methods below to find the Kiwi's IP address. Then use the IP instead of "kiwisdr.local", e.g.192.168.1.123:8073Type this into the address bar of your browser.More information about Kiwi networking.List of third-party extensions and software packagesHere is a list of Kiwi extensions and related software packages available from third parties.When installed the extensions will appear in the Kiwi extensions menu.Extensions:Antenna switch extension by Kari, OH1KK for LZ2RR'sMS-S7-WEB antenna switch and others including Kiwi Beagle GPIO.
Software packages:CATSync by Oscar, DJ0MY.External rig synchronization tool.Blog,YouTube video.
Pavlova dispatcher bypriyom.org. Easily find an available KiwiSDR given the world region and/or frequency you're interested in.
Installing the KiwiSDR and softwareThis additional Quick Start Guidegives information about:If you purchased the "kit" version, installing the KiwiSDR / BeagleBone Green combo into the enclosure. Note that the software is pre-installed on the Beagle. The supplied micro-SD card is for backup only.
If you purchased the "board only" version, installing the KiwiSDR onto a BeagleBone that you supply. Then installing the software from the micro-SD card onto the Beagle. Please remove any USB or Ethernet connections from the Beagle when installing software from the micro-SD card.
For both versions, hooking up the required network, power and antenna connections. Procedure for connecting to the KiwiSDR using a browser.
A printed copy of this guide is included in every KiwiSDR shipping box.Network configurationThe two cases of network configuration
Local use only
Local and public (Internet) access
Allowing public access on port 8073
Using UPnP to open the router port automatically
Finding the Ethernet IP address of the KiwiSDR
Specifying the connection URL
Additional information:Configuring the dynamic DNS update client (DUC)
Configuring a reverse proxy
Multiple proxied Kiwis behind a single Internet connection New
Configuring an Ethernet static IP address
Using a USB network connection for initial Beagle access
Using a serial connection
Point-to-point Ethernet connection to a host computer Updated
The two cases of network configurationIn certain circumstances you may not have to do any network configuration at all. The Kiwi will just work out-of-the-box after you plug into the local network.There are two cases.You only want to use the Kiwi on your local network without allowing public access over the Internet.Try connecting to the Kiwi usingmy.kiwisdr.com orkiwisdr.local:8073But see below if this doesn't work.
In addition to the above if you want your Kiwi to be publicly available then port 8073 must usually be opened to the Internet by changing your router. But there is software on the Kiwi to help perform this task automatically.
First case, local only use:It is likely your local network already has a DHCP server that will automatically assign an IP address to the Kiwi. This function is usually performed by your network router.The kiwisdr.local hostname resolves to this IP address via software on the Kiwi and the host computer you're connecting from (the one running your browser).But the kiwisdr.local hostname may not be recognised by all systems, particularly Windows. For a workaround to this problem, or if you need to specify the IP address manually (e.g.192.168.1.10:8073), see below for how tofind your Kiwi's IP address.Second case, public access:For public access you face a couple of issues.Opening port 8073 on your router so incoming connections can be made.
Specifying whether a domain name or IP address will be used to connect to your Kiwi.
Using advanced techniques to overcome problems encountered with the above(e.g. UPnP port configuration or DDNS)
Allowing public access on port 8073For the public to connect, your KiwiSDR must answer on port 8073 at a fixed public IP address.Although any port number, e.g. 80, can be configured (see below).If you are on a residential network a single public IP address is sometimes shared bymultiple computers, usually via Network Address Translation (NAT).You must modify the NAT configuration of your router toroute connections to port 8073 of your public IP address to whatever local IPaddress was assigned to your Beagle (port mapping). To do this you'll need thenetwork information provided using the methods described below.If your router supports UPnP the Kiwi can create the NAT entry automatically.The other issue is that port mapping requires the local IP address of yourKiwiSDR be unchanging over time. After all, you have to enter a fixed local IPaddress when the port mapping entry is made. Your KiwiSDR was likely initially assigned alocal IP address with DHCP (dynamic host configuration protocol) from your router.DHCP does not guarantee that the same local IP address will be assigned each time theKiwiSDR is booted. To solve this problem most routers have another table to assignlocal IP addresses based on the unique MAC address associated with the Beagle.The MAC address is provided using the methods described above. You must then pickan unused local IP address that is outside the range of local IP addresses thatDHCP uses yet still part of your local IP address space.For example, our local network uses the address block 192.168.1.1 - 192.168.1.254 andis allocated as follows: IP address fixed address? 192.168.1.1 yes router 192.168.1.2 start of DHCP allocated space 192.168.1.99 end of DHCP allocated space 192.168.1.100 yes web server 192.168.1.101 yes public KiwiSDR 192.168.1.102 yes development KiwiSDR The port mapping and fixed IP tables are then setup in the router as follows: NAT port mapping: publicIP address port mapsto privateIP address port service 103.26.16.225 80 ----> 192.168.1.100 80 web server 103.26.16.225 8073 ----> 192.168.1.101 8073 public KiwiSDR fixed IP assignment: localIP address Beagle MAC host 192.168.1.100 1C:BA:8C:A1:BE:EF web server 192.168.1.101 84:EB:18:E2:0E:A2 public KiwiSDR 192.168.1.102 1C:BA:8C:E3:3D:0B development KiwiSDR Using UPnP to open the router port automaticallyBeginning with release v1.65 of the Kiwi software your router can be contacted by the Kiwi using the Universal Plug-and-Play (UPnP) protocol and asked to open port 8073 automatically. Not all routers support this protocol, or have it enabled by default. This Kiwi feature is designed to save you from performing this task manually which can sometimes be difficult if you are not familiar with Network Address Translation (NAT) rules and the operation of your router.For security reasons this feature is disabled on the Kiwi by default. To activate, go to the network tab on the admin page (e.g. kiwisdr.local:8073/admin)and set the button calledAuto add NAT rule on firewall / router? to "yes".After a moment a message should say:Automatic add of NAT rule on firewall / router: succeededIf there is a different message in any other color the automatic add didn't work and you'll have to add an appropriate NAT rule for port 8073 (or another port you've configured) to your router manually.Finding the Ethernet IP address of the KiwiSDRFiguring out the IP address assigned to your KiwiSDR is the first step in manual network configuration.In most network setups a DHCP server on your router will assign this IP addressto the Ethernet port on the Beagle of your KiwiSDR. The problem is figuring out what this address is.Here are some suggestions:Use my.kiwisdr.com to connect to the Kiwi (see below)
Use kiwisdr.local:8073/admin to connect to the Kiwi admin page (see below)
Read the IP address from the Beagle LEDs (see below)
Use the free Fing network scanner app for iOS/Android at www.fing.com (see below)
Check your router's list of DHCP-assigned IP address (see below)
Use my.kiwisdr.com to connect to the KiwiIf your Kiwi is able to contact kiwisdr.com when it starts up it will register its local IPaddress. Then when a browser from a computer on the same local network connects tomy.kiwisdr.com it will automatically beredirected to the Kiwi. The local IP address will appear in the browser address bar.If multiple Kiwis are present on the network the browser will display a table allowingyou to connect to each Kiwi individually.Use "kiwisdr.local:8073/admin" to connect to the Kiwi admin pageThe network information about your KiwiSDR is available on the "network" tab atkiwisdr.local:8073/adminSo if you can connect to the Kiwi this way the Kiwi itself can tell you its IP address for use in further network configuration.But this method may not always work.Most versions of Windows don't recognize the kiwisdr.local hostname.Here is a workaround.But do not use this workaround for Window 10 or later. There appears to be some sort of conflict and using kiwisdr.local will result in connections that have lots of audio overrun problems. Use one of the other methods listed here to find the IP address.If you install Apple iTunes for Windows thenthe Apple Bonjour mDNS-based location discovery software gets installed.Now kiwisdr.local should be recognized. It is possible to uninstall iTunes but leaveBonjour/mDNS working with the right Windows control-panel manipulation. We understand that future versions of Windows may include mDNS by default. So try using kiwisdr.local before using the workaround.Read the IP address from the Beagle LEDsBeginning with version v1.174 of the software, the four LEDs on the Beagle (lower board of the two board stack) will display an encoded status message. This message includes the IP address, either assigned by DHCP or set statically. See the section: Getting the IP address (DHCP-assigned or static) from the LED pattern.Use the free Fing network scanner app for iOS/Android at www.fing.comThere are also free third-party network scanner apps. We use one called Fing for the iPhone / iPad.After the scan, look for an entry where the Ethernet MAC address vendor has decoded to "Texas Instruments".TI is the manufacturer of the processor chip on the BeagleBone where the Ethernet controller resides.Check your router's list of DHCP-assigned IP addressOf course your router, or other device running DHCP, knows the IP address allocated to the Kiwi.If you know how to access this device you might be able to determine the latest "new" device added to the DHCP list and hence the IP address.Specifying the connection URLThis is the second issue to consider for the case of a Kiwi with public access.The method used to establish a public connection to your Kiwi is specified in the connect tab on the admin page. This includes specifying your own domain name, using the detected public IP address of the Kiwi or specifying your own IP address. Also the advanced techniques described below.Configuring the dynamic DNS update client (DUC)An issue you must consider for public access is how the outside world will contact your Kiwi.Do you already own a domain name (e.g. bob.com) and has your Internet provider assigned youa static public IP address? Great, you're all set. All you have to do is create a sub-domain, saykiwisdr.bob.com and point it to your public IP. Now your Kiwi will be reachable at kiwisdr.bob.com:8073/ assuming you're using the default port 8073.But for many people this is not the case. They don't own a domain and their relatively inexpensive residential Internet service supplies them a dynamic IP address that changes every so often.To overcome these issues what you want is something called "dynamic DNS (DDNS)" where a company likenoip.com allows you to use one of their generic domain names. And also gives you a program (dynamic update client, "DUC") to run on your local computer that tells them when your ISP has changed your dynamic IP so the generic domain name can be updated.To simplify this process beginning with release v1.83 a DUC for noip.com has been built into the Kiwi software and can be configured on the connect tab of the admin webpage. You can use either the free DDNS noip.com service that requires a manual acknowledgement every 30 days or one of their paid plans without this restriction. Go to noip.comand create a unique hostname for one of their generic domains (e.g. kiwi1234.ddns.net) and setup an account. Then on the connect tab of the Kiwi admin page select "DUC domain" on the menu.Then enter the noip.com account information, host nameand hit the "click to (re)start DUC" button. In the status field below you should see the response"DUC started successfully" or an error message if there is a problem. To start the DUC every time the Kiwi restarts change the "enable DUC at startup?" switch to "yes".Configuring a reverse proxyAt this time no new requests to use the reverse proxy service are being accepted.UNLESS you have a publicly accessible Kiwi installed at a remote locationusing 4G/5G/Starlink Internet service that won't work without a proxy.Instructions for existing users:On the connect tab of the Kiwi admin page select Reverse Proxy from the menu.
In the reverse proxy configuration section (bottom of page) put your assigned user key in the User key field.
Enter a name you choose in the Host name field.Valid characters are a-z, 0-9, -, _ (no upper case, no leading '-')The name must not already be in use.
Press the Click to (re)register button.
The status message should say "New/Existing account, registration successful".
Multiple proxied Kiwis behind a single Internet connection NewIt is possible to run multiple Kiwis using the proxy behind a single Internet connection.Do this by requesting one unique user key per Kiwi.Then give each Kiwi a unique internal and external port number on the admin pagenetwork tab (e.g. 8073, 8074, 8075 ...)Your router must have the external port open to each Kiwi.Consider using the Kiwi UPnP option on the admin pagenetwork tab to open the ports automatically if your router supports UPnP.The situation is summarized in the following table: Public URL to connect to the Kiwi Public IP seen by proxy server Network tab external port Network tab internal port Private IP on local network host1.proxy.kiwisdr.com:8073 1.2.3.4:8073 8073 8073 192.168.1.100:8073 host2.proxy.kiwisdr.com:8073 1.2.3.4:8074 8074 8074 192.168.1.101:8074 host3.proxy.kiwisdr.com:8073 1.2.3.4:8075 8075 8075 192.168.1.102:8075 Configuring an Ethernet static IP addressIf you are unable if get your router to associate the Beagle Ethernet MAC to a fixed local IP then there is an alternative. It is now possible to configure the Kiwi to use a static local IP address rather than obtaining one via DHCP. You'll have to get initial access to the Kiwi using one of the methods above. But then you can go to the admin page (e.g. kiwisdr.local:8073/admin) and then the network tab and change from DHCP mode to a static IP appropriate for your local network. The Kiwi Beagle will use this IP address on the Ethernet interface when next booted.Using a USB network connection for initial Beagle accessIf your network is very limited and has no DHCP server at all you can get initial access to the Kiwi by using a USB cable between the Kiwi Beagle and another computer as the network connection (micro-USB for BeagleBone Green, mini-USB for BeagleBone Black). This is a standard feature of the Beagle and instructions are available here. Note that it requires the installation of a USB networking driver on your computer. Once logged into the Beagle root account using the SSH (Linux) or PuTTY (Windows) program setup a static address for the Ethernet interface by editing the file /etc/network/interfaces on the Beagle. Change the entry for eth0 from using DHCP to using a static address. Use the entry for usb0 a guide.But note the Kiwi software itself does not support using USB networking. This method is only for gaining initial access to the Beagle in order to change the Ethernet configuration so the Ethernet can subsequently be used.Using a serial connectionAs a last resort it is possible to connect a serial cable between the Beagle and a host computer.You'll need to purchase a USB-to-serial cable that is designed to connect to the Beagle serial port header. More information is here. Be certain to buy a cable that presents 3.3V to the Beagle and not 5V (the 5V cables are more common). You'll need to remove the Kiwi board in order to access the Beagle's serial header. Use a serial com program to login to the Beagle at 115.2k baud as the root user with no password. Then edit the file /etc/network/interfaces and change the configuration of the eth0 (Ethernet) interface from dhcp to static. Use the settings for usb0 at the end of the file as a guide.Point-to-point Ethernet connection to a host computer UpdatedFor step-by-step instructions on how to do this with Window 10 see thisKiwi forum post. This should works with most recent Windows versions. Some users simply want to install an Ethernet cable directly between the Kiwi and a laptop or PC and not involve other equipment (like a router) and not involve the Internet. This might be because they are traveling or only have a wireless connection between their PC and an Internet access device that has no Ethernet ports. We now have a solution for this case.Starting with the v1.47 release the Kiwi software uses something called avahi-autoipd which takes over when the Kiwi is unable to locate a DHCP server to get an IP address for the Ethernet port. A random-but-unique link-local IP address in the 169.254.0.0/16 range is then assigned to the Ethernet. Similar software present on all modern Macs and PCs does the same thing. Now the PC and Kiwi should be able to talk to each other. Since you don't know what IP address has been assigned to the Kiwi you instead use the name kiwisdr.local. On Windows this currently requires the Bonjour/mDNS package to be installed with the workaround described here. Macs are already setup. So now you can connect to the Kiwi by usingkiwisdr.local:8073/ andkiwisdr.local:8073/adminto administrate.It's also now possible to observe the Beagle LEDs to see what IP address was assigned.Note that it takes more than 60 seconds after the Kiwi boots before it decides there is no DHCP and it should assign a link-local address. So please be patient before trying to connect from the PC.A question remains however. If your PC only has a wireless connection to the Internet, and your new Kiwi was delivered with an installed software version prior to v1.47 (which is going to be true for quite a while) and you can only plug the Kiwi into the PC, then what can you do? The answer is to download a special version of the Kiwi software from the Internet onto your PC. Then copy it to a micro-SD card. And finally re-flash the Kiwi on-board filesystem from the SD card. Follow the instructions here./admin web configuration interfaceAlmost all configuration and administration of the KiwiSDR is done through the admin web interface atkiwisdr.local:8073/admin (adjust hostname as required).Each tab at the top of the page selects a group of related configuration parameters or status information. A restart button for the server will appear when certain parameters are changed. Use it when you have made all of your changes in all of the tabs.Status
Mode
Control
Connect
Config
Webpage
Public
DX
Update
Backup
Network
GPS
Log
Console
Extensions
Security
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