Here are a few DMR Hotspot options for your consideration. I have used all these Hotspots and all work well.
The Option 1 and Option 2 units run open source software called “Pi-Star”. Both may require some minor soldering, assembly and software configuration. Both are capable of supporting DMR, YSF, D-Star and P25. They also allow for cross-mode traffic such as DMR to YSF, YSF to DMR, and others.
OPTION 1
The HRO ZUMSpot kit has everything you need to get up and running. Total price for this option is $161.85 plus sales tax.
The ZUMSpot Kit Package Includes:
- ZUMSpot Pi UHF Board
- Pi Zero WH (Wireless With Header)
- UHF Antenna
- Nylon Standoffs
- Pre-Imaged 16 GB MicroSD Card with Pi-Star Software
ZUMSpot Kit- $129.95 - https://www.hamradio.com/detail.cfm?pid=H0-015993
You will also need:
ZUM Pi Case - $14.95 - https://www.hamradio.com/detail.cfm?pid=H0-016096
ZUMSpot Power Supply - $16.95 - https://www.hamradio.com/detail.cfm?pid=H0-016273
A little less expensive power supply option is:
Raspberry Pi Power Supply – 5v 2.4A $7.50 https://www.adafruit.com/product/1995 Keep in mind you will have to pay @ $4.00 in shipping so the total will be @ $12.00.
OPTION 2
You can build a Chinese JumboSPOT Clone for @ $85.00 total. The JumboSPOT is basically a Chinese clone of the ZUMSpot and other MMDVM Hats.
Chinese JumboSPOT – select “Without Case” when adding to your cart ~ $40.00 including shipping.
I order the unit without the case or OLED. The case they sell is aluminum I hear it interferes with Wi-Fi and ceramic antenna reception. I played with the OLED display. It looks neat but the display is so small I didn’t see any value. You will have to solder on some header pins but it is a simple job. The main drawback is it will take anywhere from 2 – 4 weeks to arrive as this unit ships straight from China.
I would suggest using PayPal when ordering from China. This avoids sharing your credit card info with a foreign store and adds a layer of protection if you need to pursue a refund.
You will also need:
1 – PiZeroW $10.00 - https://www.adafruit.com/product/3400
1 - 8G Class 10 SD Card - @ $9.95 - https://www.adafruit.com/product/2692
1 – Raspberry Pi Power Supply – 5v 2.4A $7.50 https://www.adafruit.com/product/1995
1 – Case – Barry K5BSM is 3D printing some really neat cases. I’m not sure what he is charging for them.
-Or-
2 – Pibow PiZeroW Cases - https://www.adafruit.com/product/3471 - You will need 2 of these cases @ $5.95 ea. You will use all of one case kit and he top layer from the second.
When you order from Adafruit be sure to select USPS shipping. It is much less expensive than any of the UPS options. My Adafruit orders usually arrive in 3 or 4 days.
Option 3
If the first two options sound a little too challenging, you might want to consider a SharkRF openSPOT. This is a commercially built unit with most of the same features as the hotspots above. It comes assembled with the software loaded and you can have it up and running in a few minutes.
The first generation SharkRF openSPOT did not have built in Wi-Fi and sold for @ $250. It appears they are no longer available for sale new but you might find a pre-owned unit on E-Bay or other source. The Gen 1 SharkRF openSPOT requires a wired ethernet connection to your home router.
The much-anticipated Generation 2 SharkRF openSPOT (still not available) is supposed to have built-in Wi-Fi. The price is rumored to be somewhere in the $275 - $350 price range. The SharkRF folks have not published any information regarding availability or pricing.
Feel free to call or email me if you have any questions.
Steve
K5SVV
ECARC Repeater
145.410 Shift – Tone 110.9
ECARC DMR Repeater
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