Hotspot Soup PRA Presentation August, 2016 W0AKO
Agenda Important Disclaimer Common Ground Why Hotspots? Current Hotspot Options Operating Practices How to get started
Important Disclaimer The technology of Digital Voice (DV) and particularly DV Hotspots is changing rapidly. New options, methods, and techniques are being introduced almost daily. Enjoy the ride!
Common Ground When we talk about digital voice, we are talking about: D-STAR DMR Fusion and others When we talk about the network, we are talking about: D-STAR Reflectors (REF, XRF, DCS, XLX) DMR TalkGroups on BrandMeister Fusion rooms on YSFGateway
Why Hotspots In Digital Voice, the Network is where all the action is Accessing the network from a repeater works fine, but You must be in repeater range with a good signal When in use, you tie up the repeater for other users Hotspots free you from the repeater by implementing a personal simplex repeater connecting you directly to the network Hotspots behave just like a repeater, so no special handling is required Hotspots use the Internet to connect to the DV Network
Common Hotspot Options Some hotspots are D-STAR only Some can do DMR (BrandMeister) and D-STAR (and Fusion) DVAP DVMega MMDVM DV4Mini openspot
DVAP D-STAR Hotspot What: USB dongle with built in transceiver, use PC or Raspberry Pi with special software Cost: $270 for dongle + antenna Pros: Offers the most stable D-STAR experience Combined with Raspberry Pi, can be used as a mobile hotspot Several stable system images to chose from Cons: Cost is highest of all options When used with PC, limited to only REF reflectors (must use Raspberry Pi to get full use)
DV4Mini D-STAR, DMR, Fusion, P25 Hotspot What: USB dongle with built in transceiver, use PC or Raspberry Pi with special software Cost: $130 for dongle only (does not include antenna) Pros: Very popular, easy to use on your PC Can use a Raspberry Pi instead of PC (but still requires local control of system not good for mobile hotspot) Allows connecting to D-STAR and DMR Inexpensive Cons: Must use specific software, lack of options Can be buggy frequency drifts requiring regular tuning
DVMega D-STAR & DMR Hotspot What: Daughter board for Raspberry Pi or BlueStacks, transceiver (singleband & dualband available), providing DMR & D-Star access Cost: $130 for singleband, $170 for dualband Pros: Can be used for D-STAR only, as stable as DVAP with proper software Can be used for DMR with Raspberry Pi using MMDVMHost software Can be used with BlueStacks using Android phone or Windows PC software With BlueStacks or Raspberry Pi can be a mobile hotspot Most versatile option Cons: Requires additional hardware (BlueStacks or Raspberry Pi, and antenna) Firmware upgrade is tricky
openspot by SharkRF DMR, D-STAR, Fusion Hotspot What: Standalone Digital Voice Hotspot, supporting DMR, D-STAR, & Fusion, including cross-over between DMR & Fusion radios Cost: $200, includes antenna, power supply, USB cable, and Ethernet cable Pros: Single standalone device Web interface to configure connections Supports DMR, D-STAR, and Fusion Can use DMR radio to access Fusion rooms, or Fusion radio to access DMR talkgroups Cons: New still being proven D-STAR support limited to DCS (REF & XRF coming in August with firmware update) Out of stock until late August
MMDVM Repeater Interface What: Interface for repeater (industrial or homebrew) to allow use with MMDVMHost, creating a DMR, D-Star, Fusion multi-mode repeater Cost: $80 for board with Arduino Due Pros: Allows homebrew repeaters from analog equipment Fun project for expert tinkerers Works with MMDVMHost for true multimode (at the same time) digital voice Cons: Hardware and Software is still in development, meaning regular changes and updates Requires deep experience in compiling and configuring software, and interfacing with hardware
Operations Once configured properly, Hotspots behave just like a repeater Simplex only, low power Access the digital voice network with your radio the same way you would access a repeater D-STAR Program memories as DUP with 0 offset Link (L), Unlink (U), Status (I), and Echo (E) commands are all supported DMR Use timeslot 2 for all talkgroups All talkgroups are dynamic Remember good operating practice is to press the PTT and wait 1 second before talking, and to leave short breaks between transmissions
How to get started? 1. If new to Digital Voice, register your callsign with the proper system US Trust system for D-STAR, DMR-MARC for DMR 2. Work with an Elmer to select a good operating frequency (these are low powered transceivers on shared frequencies, must not cause interference) 3. Acquire the right hotspot for your lifestyle 4. Program your radio (ask your Elmer for help!) 5. Have FUN!