Here are a few Hotspot options for your consideration. I have used all of these and all work well.
Option 1 and Option 2 run open source software called “Pi-Star”. Both may require some minor assembly and software configuration. All 3 options are capable of supporting DMR, YSF, D-Star, NXDN, P25 and POCSAG. They also allow for cross-mode traffic such as DMR to YSF and YSF to DMR.
OPTION 1
The HRO ZUMSpot kit has everything you need to get up and running. It is currently on sale for $129.95.
https://www.hamradio.com/detail.cfm?pid=H0-016491
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
- Built-in 1.3" OLED display
You will also need:
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.
Not required but nice to have, especially if you plan to use your hotspot mobile:
ZUM Pi Case for unit with 1.3 OLED - $16.95 - https://www.hamradio.com/detail.cfm?pid=H0-016583
Total with case ~$163.00 + tax
OPTION 2
You can build a Chinese JumboSPOT for @ $85.00 total. The JumboSPOT is basically a Chinese clone of the ZumSpot and other MMDVM Hats. I have several of these and they all work fine.
Chinese JumboSPOT – select “with case and OLED” when adding to your cart. ~ $40.00 including shipping.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32835555617.html?spm=a2g0s.13010208.99999999.259.4a5f3c0042VwfB
The best value is to order to board with the OLED and case. 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. Reach out to me if you need help setting up PayPal. I’ve been using it for several years and have had no issues.
You will also need:
1 – PiZeroW with header pins installed - $14.00 - https://www.adafruit.com/product/3708
1 - 16G Class 10 SD Card - @ $19.95 - https://www.adafruit.com/product/2693
1 – Raspberry Pi Power Supply – 5v 2.4A $7.50 https://www.adafruit.com/product/1995
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 openSPOT2. The openSPOT2 is a commercially built unit with most, if not all, 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.
It can only be ordered directly from RF Shark. The price is $200.00.
https://shop.sharkrf.com/index.php
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
441.650 CC9