Digital Communications: Chromebook Setup

This article is a work in progress. Content may not be complete or have full background information and links. This page was started on May 28 2026, please contact Ron WB9YZU for more information.

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Chromebook setup for Digital Communications

The Google Chromebook is an economical computer that has applications in Amateur Radio Communications. There are no Chrome applications at this point, but Chromebooks are designed to allow use of shell Debian Linux shell.

Unique Chromebook features

The Chromebook is designed to communicate with the Google Cloud for software updates, time sync, and adjusting some settings.

• On Power-On, the Chromebook will check the Google Server for latest OS updates. If there is no network present, the Chromebook will not load the GUI.
• Settings and Time Sync. Some setting adjustments and time sync need access to the world wide web.
• Linux setup requires WWW access as this is done in setup.
• When running Linux IO needs to be specifically shared with Linux. Microphone, USB will need to be given permission to be shared.

Disabling OS verification, and setting up Linux

Disabling OS verification:

This is best done on a laptop with no data as putting on or removing developer mode will reinstall the Chrome OS.

On Boot:

1. Press Esc + Refresh + Power to enter Recovery Mode
2. Press Ctrl + D

The Chromebook will reset the OS and reboot.

Every power-on boot afterword will display "To turn OS verification OFF, press ENTER and after a bit make a loud beep and boot.

Setting up Linux

• Enter Setup [ Click on the time, then the gear]

• In the search bar, type Linux, then click on "Penguin". This will install the Linux environment and create the Terminal icon.
• Re-Enter Setup [ Click on the time, then the gear], search again for Linux, then click on Allow Linux to access your microphone; share the microphone.

Installing WSJTX

Open the Terminal (Terminal ICON), click on Penguin, and wait for the <username>@penguin: prompt.

• At the @penguin prompt enter: sudo apt update - This will update the local installer package library.

• At the @penguin prompt enter: sudo apt install wsjtx - This installs the WSJTX package.

To start WSJTX, at the @penguin prompt enter: wsjtx - WSJTX will launch. Leave Terminal open in the background. Closing WSJTX will return you to the @penguin prompt.

Setup WSJTX

NOTE: WSJTX data modes are Synchronous modes, they use the system clock for timing. If the system clock is not close to internet time, WSJTX may not decode incoming transmissions or transmit your data in a time frame others can decode.

• In settings > Time Zone: Select Use your IP address to determine location.
• A network connection is required to sync the clock.

WSJTX Settings.

(Located under File)

Highlights in Red are mandatory fields.

• General Tab: Enter your station info and IARU Region (2). Select how you want the distance preferences and how the controls work.
• Radio Tab: Set up Rig control or select VOX to use the VOX (voice activated relay) function on your radio to key the radio.
• Audio: This sets up the sound card parameters. Default - Mono should work for using the internal sound card. If you see audio in the waterfall and you hear a tone when clicking on Tune, the sound card setting is correct.
• TX Macros: This sets up optional messages for TX5
• Reporting: This allows you to select logging options, and spotting services (requires network) .

• Frequencies: Sets the frequencies that correspond to a mode/band selection. This is already populated with the common frequencies by mode and region.
• Colors: Allows you to customize colors used for tracking stations worked, calling, etc.
• Advanced: Allows specialized setup of J65 mode, also enabling of Contest macros for Field Day, VHF Contests, Fox/Hound, etc.

Operating WSJTX at W9YT:

W9YT Digital Operation using Chromebook

WSJTX Basic Operating Tutorial

Installing FLDIGI

Open the Terminal (Terminal ICON), click on Penguin, and wait for the <username>@penguin: prompt.

• At the @penguin prompt enter: sudo apt update - This will update the local installer package library.

• At the @penguin prompt enter: sudo apt install fldigi - This installs the WSJTX package.

To start WSJTX, at the @penguin prompt enter: fldigi - FLDIGI will launch. Leave Terminal open in the background.

Closing FLDIGI will return you to the @penguin prompt.