FROM THE SHACK OF G1CEC
DX Pilot.
Your window
on HF.
A little screen with a world of radio on it. DX spots, observed propagation and the time where it matters—right beside your rig.
Prefer a ready-built display?ESP32 touchscreen · Wi-Fi connected · Made by Chris Raynerd
A SMALL ADDITION TO YOUR SHACK
More awareness.
Less screen juggling.
Keep useful radio information in sight while you get on with operating. DX Pilot puts online reports, a world map, time and an HF outlook on a dedicated display.
It connects to your Wi-Fi and can cycle through its pages automatically. Once configured, power it from USB and give it a place on the bench.
Read the full project & setup guideTAKE A CLOSER LOOK
A view for every moment.
Explore two real captures from the display.
See where the reports are coming from.
Recent PSK reports from receivers near your chosen location, with band colours and a world map showing the day/night boundary and the Sun’s position.
Useful details. A quick glance away.
A six-row DX spot list brings together countries, callsigns, bands and colour-coded modes. Tap a row on the touchscreen for the spot details.
The screenshots are recorded examples, not a live feed on this webpage.
Observed reports describe what other receivers are hearing. They do not measure your antenna, and an absence of reports does not necessarily mean a band is closed.
MORE THAN A MAP
Keep the essentials
in your eyeline.
A clock for the shack
UTC, local time, sunrise and sunset—without reaching for another window.
The wider HF picture
HamQSL’s HF outlook, solar figures and contest/DXpedition information alongside the reports.
Make it your station
Set your callsign, Maidenhead locator, place and page timings through the display’s settings.
THE HARDWARE
Choose your screen.
The same useful companion.
DX Pilot has separate firmware for tested 2.8-inch CYD boards, including Diymore, and the 3.5-inch ESP32-3248S035C. Both have the same HF screens and controls, with a layout suited to the display.
No extra wiring is needed on these supported boards. Bring a USB data cable, a desktop computer for installation and a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network with internet access.
| Board | 2.8-inch CYD | 3.5-inch 035C |
|---|---|---|
| Model | Tested standard CYD and Diymore boards | ESP32-3248S035C |
| Display | 320 × 240 · ILI9341 / ILI9341V | 480 × 320 · ST7796 |
| Touch | XPT2046 resistive · calibrate at first start | GT911 capacitive · use a finger |
| Processor / flash | ESP32 · 4 MB | ESP32 · 4 MB |
Match the display and touch controllers before installing. The 3.5-inch build is for the 035C capacitive model; the resistive 035R needs different firmware.
FROM YOUR BROWSER TO THE BENCH
Give your display
a new purpose.
Use desktop Chrome or Edge with a USB data cable.
The installer will ask you to choose your board’s port.
- 01
Check the board
Match your display to the hardware details above.
- 02
Connect & install
Plug in USB, then use the installer below.
- 03
Make it yours
Add Wi-Fi and your station; calibrate touch if prompted.
Install DX Pilot
CHOOSE YOUR SCREENBoth builds have the same DX Pilot features. Choose the build for your display.
Select your display and confirm the model to open the installer.
Updating DX Pilot? Leave “Erase device” unchecked to keep saved station details, Wi-Fi and touch calibration. Installing replaces the firmware on the board; back up another project before replacing it.
FROM MY BENCH TO YOUR SHACK
Prefer a ready-built DX Pilot?
Ask Chris about a ready-built display, including availability, pricing and postage.
Do I need to leave a computer connected?
No. A computer is needed for installation. Once configured, DX Pilot uses Wi-Fi for its reports and time, and you can power the display from a suitable USB supply.
Does it connect to or control my radio?
DX Pilot is a companion display for online reports and time. There is no CAT connection, and it does not control your radio. Version 0.5.0 provides matching features on both the 2.8-inch CYD and 3.5-inch 035C: ADIF import, worked or LoTW-confirmed DXCC alerts, independent rarity alerts, a choice of DX cluster, clock weather and Wi-Fi updates. It also includes device counting, enabled by default with an opt-out in Advanced web settings. See the user guide and device-counting details.
What happens on the first start?
A fresh 2.8-inch installation asks for three touch targets. The 3.5-inch 035C uses capacitive touch and needs no calibration. Add your Wi-Fi, callsign, locator and place in Settings, save, and allow time for the first reports to arrive. The full setup guide explains the display controls and local browser setup.
What if the installer cannot find my display?
Check that your USB cable carries data, close other software using the serial port and use desktop Chrome or Edge. The manual instructions cover drivers, BOOT/RESET and a slower upload option.
Where can I find the licence and project notes?
The application uses PolyForm Noncommercial 1.0.0; third-party components retain their own licences. Open the files and licence section for notices, matching sources and relinking materials, or visit the public project documentation.