TopBytes DXSpotter - User Manual

Release: 1.0.3   |   Date: 21 November 2025

Website: https://DXSpotter.topbytes.net

TopBytes DXSpotter https://DXSpotter.topbytes.net Release 1.0.3 User Manual Nov 21, 2025

The DX Spotter is a compact, WiFi-enabled device that connects to DX cluster networks and
displays real-time amateur radio spot information on a high-contrast yellow OLED display.
It provides an elegant solution for monitoring band activity and DX opportunities.

We have partnered with hamserve, https://dxc.hamserve.uk as the default DX Cluster to
connect. Hamserve DX cluster is hosted in a data center with excellent bandwidth and uptime
statistics, making it a great choice for receiving your DX Spots.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CHAPTER ONE – INTRODUCTION
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1.1 What is DX Spotter?

The DX Spotter is a dedicated amateur radio accessory that provides real-time DX cluster
spot information on a compact, easy-to-read display. Designed for ham radio operators,
it eliminates the need to have a computer or mobile device running to monitor band activity.

1.2 Key Features

1.2.1 WiFi Connectivity
• Connects to your home or portable WiFi network
• Built-in configuration portal for easy setup
• Automatic reconnection on network drops
• Support for WPA/WPA2 secured networks

1.2.2 DX Cluster Integration
• Real-time connection to DX cluster networks via Telnet
• Support for standard DX cluster protocols
• Displays frequency, callsign, and spot comments
• Automatic spot parsing and formatting

1.2.3 Display Features
• High-contrast 256x64 yellow OLED display
• Smooth scrolling animation between spots
• WiFi signal strength indicator
• Real-time clock display
• Configurable display title based on band filter

1.2.4 Band Filtering
• Configure spot filtering by band (160M through 6M)
• Display only the spots you're interested in
• Custom filter commands supported
• Automatic display title generation based on filter

1.2.5 User-Friendly Configuration
• Web-based configuration interface
• Captive portal for initial setup
• Available network scanning built into configuration page
• Save and restore settings to non-volatile memory

1.2.6 Customization Options
• Configurable scroll interval (how long each spot is displayed)
• Adjustable spot history size (1–15 spots)
• Custom display title
• Band-specific filtering
• Callsign identification

1.2.7 Over-The-Air Updates
• Firmware updates via OTA (Over-The-Air)
• No need to connect to computer for updates
• Secure HTTPS-based update mechanism
• Automatic version checking

1.2.8 Software Requirements
• A web browser (on computer, tablet, or smartphone) for initial configuration
• Access to a DX cluster server (several public clusters available)

1.2.9 Amateur Radio Requirements
• A valid amateur radio callsign
• Basic understanding of DX cluster operation
• Knowledge of the bands you wish to monitor

1.3 How It Works

The DX Spotter operates in a simple four-stage process:

1. Power On:
   When first powered, the device attempts to connect to a saved WiFi network. If no
   network is configured, it creates its own WiFi access point for configuration.

2. Configuration:
   Using the web-based configuration portal, you provide your WiFi credentials, DX cluster
   server details, and your amateur radio callsign.

3. Connection:
   Once configured, the device connects to your WiFi network and establishes a telnet
   connection to the specified DX cluster server.

4. Display:
   DX spots are received, parsed, and displayed on the OLED screen with smooth scrolling
   animations. The display continuously updates as new spots arrive.

1.4 Typical Use Cases

1.4.1 Station Monitoring
Keep the DX Spotter on your desk or operating position to monitor band activity without
dedicating a computer or mobile device screen.

1.4.2 Portable Operations
Take the DX Spotter to field day, portable operations, or camping. It only requires WiFi
connectivity and USB power (power bank compatible).

1.4.3 Contest Monitoring
During contests, filter for your favourite band and watch for rare multipliers or new
contacts.

1.4.4 DX Hunting
Set up band-specific filters to monitor for DX openings on specific bands you're interested
in working.

1.4.5 Learning Tool
New hams can use the DX Spotter to learn about band activity, propagation, and when
different bands are "open" for DX.

1.5 Design Philosophy

The DX Spotter was designed with the following principles in mind:

1.5.1 Simplicity
Configuration should be straightforward and not require technical expertise beyond
basic WiFi setup.

1.5.2 Reliability
The device should automatically recover from network disconnections and reconnect to the
DX cluster without user intervention.

1.5.3 Readability
The display should be easy to read from a distance, with clear contrast and appropriate
font sizes.

1.5.4 Efficiency
Power consumption should be minimal, making the device suitable for portable operations
with battery power sources.

1.5.5 Openness
The device supports standard DX cluster protocols and can work with any compatible
cluster server.

1.6 What's Next?
Now that you understand what the DX Spotter is and what it can do, proceed to the
Getting Started section to learn how to set up your device for the first time.