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DMR relaunched
I dug my poor dusty MD380 out yesterday and charged it up. For a while now I have had Fusion and POCSAG on the pi-star but I rarely use the FT2D and when I do it’s only for APRS. So I thought why not get DMR back into the pi-star. I have a dual DVMEGA HAT with pi-star set to duplex from when I was fiddling with the new HAT.
Anyway, since I last used the MD380 I changed the rx and tx frequencies in pi-star to the ‘designated’ hotspot frequencies so the MD380 needed reprogramming.
That’s where it all started to go south…
First off, since I rebuilt the Windows PC I did not, for some reason copy across the MD380 programming software. Ok, found it on the web and installed it. Can it see the TYT programming lead? Nah. This particular lead is basically a wire, it does not have a chip built in apparently and so needs a specific driver. Oh yes, Windows will see the lead and knows what the device is but has no clue about the driver.
Ok. Found a driver. Installed it – apparently – it does not give an error but the rapidly disappearing screen on installation did not fill me with confidence. And no, it doesn’t work.
Tried another programming software suite called editcp (https://www.farnsworth.org/dale/codeplug/editcp/) in case that included the driver. Nope. The disk that came with the MD380, which took some searching as it is one of those small CDs and has nothing at all written on to indicate it is from TYT, also has the driver but it would not install either.
Right. Over to Linux. It saw the device and lsusb shows a reasonable text string. The same editcp software has a Linux version. And, typical of Linux it just works. It read the radio, allowed me change the frequencies and programmed the radio again, no issues (*). I did have to remember just how to set up the codeplug as I wanted to use both TS1 and TS2… that took a bit of head scratching as it’s been years since I fiddled with this. But a couple of useful websites (there are many others) helped sort my brain out and I now have pi-star and the MD380 set up for TS1 and TS2 with different talkgroups on each via the Brandmeister self service.
(* OK I’ll admit it took me five attempts to program the frequencies as I kept reading it wrong! FOUR times entered wrong before I got it typed in correctly)
Of Hotspots and Wi-Fi
I recently spent some time in Central Pennsylvania at my daughter’s house. Since I was going to be there a while, I brought along my Raspberry Pi hotspot. While I’m not really active in digital voice modes (or any voice modes, for that matter), there are a couple of DMR nets I like to check into each week.
One issue I ran into in the past, is that my hotspot refuses to connect to their Wi-Fi network. Their Wi-Fi SSID has both an apostrophe and a space in it, so I’m guessing that’s the issue. I could have connected the hotspot directly to their router via an ethernet cable. Because of their router’s location, I would have had to move some furniture and put the hotspot in an awkward location. So, this time around I brought a little travel router to try another approach.
Back when I was working, I had a TP-Link Nano router that I took on business trips. Typically, I would connect it to an Ethernet port in my hotel room to create a personal Wi-Fi network for my laptop and phone. A while back, I upgraded to the newer (and faster) TP-Link TL-WR802N travel router. I don’t travel nearly as much these days, so the new router hasn’t seen much use.
I brought the travel router along on this trip to create a wireless bridge from the house’s Wi-Fi to my personal Wi-Fi. The router’s Wi-Fi network has an SSID that my hotspot likes. I haven’t used that mode much, so I had to resort to the user manual to refresh my memory on how to set this thing up.
Actually, it was pretty easy to set up. It was simply a matter of connecting my laptop to travel travel router’s Wi-Fi to access the admin functions. From there, I set it up in the “Hotspot Router” mode. Then, I scanned to find the house’s Wi-Fi network and logged into it.
Testing the internet connectivity with my laptop, the speed looked good. I had previously added my travel router’s SSID and password to the hotspot, so soon after powering up I was hearing the sounds of DMR coming from my HT. This configuration worked great, and I successfully checked into a few nets during the week.
The next time I go out there to visit, I’ll just need to power up the router and the hotspot, and everything should work. (Knock on wood)
No ground-breaking technological advances here. I just love when a plan comes together.
73, Craig WB3GCK
[Disclaimer: I have no monetary interest in this product, and there are no affiliate links in this post. I’m just a satisfied owner.]
Brüllend laut!! So stellt ihr das Mic Gain richtig ein
SharkRF openSPOT 4 Pro: Hotspot für die Hosentasche
Retevis Ailunce HD2 ISRU Frequency Expansion
CS800D Plus – Mühsam ernährt sich das Eichhörnchen!
Some Thoughts on Digital HTs
Like many amateur operators, I have far too many handie talkies (HTs). I’ve cycled through many, and sold or given away many that I was done with. Some of those I wish I hadn’t sold (like the Kenwood TH-D74), but others I was glad to be rid of. I thought I would take a few paragraphs to talk about what I use day to day, and what I like and don’t like about these radios. I should note that I won’t discuss the HTs that I use in wildland fire communications as that is an entirely different purpose and topic.
On a regular basis and in addition to analog FM, I use DMR and Yaesu C4FM. To a lesser extent, I use P25 on amateur networks. Rarely do I ever use D-STAR any more, and then only via DVswitch and the mobile app on the phone.
I like using DMR. I’ve always liked the networks (specifically Brandmeister) and the architecture. I know, the digital audio is totally different than the richness of analog, but it’s still fun. And DMR was where I really learned about bridging and how I got into XLX reflectors.
For DMR, I mainly use the Anytone 878UV Plus II. I also use a Radioddity GD77 with the OpenGD77 firmware, and a Motorola XPR7550e. Of these three, I think the 878 is probably the best everyday choice. Yes, the 878 has its weird quirks, and the CPS (Customer Programming Software) is pretty bad, but the radio is fairly solid and easy to operate. And it sounds very good, both on receive and transmit. I also like the form factor and feel in the hand when operating. The OpenGD77 firmware is probably the most ham-friendly DMR firmware in existence, and is a pleasure to operate. But the hardware (Radioddity GD77) isn’t nearly as nice as the Anytone. I do like this radio as well, and keep one in the shed and use it while I’m out working in the yard. These radios as so inexpensive that you can have a couple and not worry about beating them up. In addition, both the 878 and the GD77 work very well with the Mobilinkd TNC4 for packet.
I don’t use the Motorola XPR7550e as much. It is a good solid radio, but is lacking a lot of the ham friendly features (like direct TG entry and persistence). I use it mostly on the Rocky Mountain Ham Radio region-wide DMR network where I am usually parked on one repeater/TG (Talkgroup) or roaming on a single TG.
For Yaesu C4FM (commonly referred to as “Fusion”), I use the FT-5DR. I also have an older FT-2DR, but it is relegated to my PDN (Personal Digital Node). The FT-5DR is a decent radio, and has a lot of APRS features. But to me, it feels pretty cheap. Indeed, mine has develoepd the dreaded case crack (or “mold line” as Yaesu likes to call it). It also goes through batteries very quickly. I always carry 2 extra batteries for this radio. I think my main gripes about this radio are the audio quality and the form factor. It does not sound very good, probably owing to the tiny size and small speaker. And it feels uncomfortable to hold an operate. I mostly use Yaesu C4FM because it is becoming more and more popular in our area, but I will admit that I am a bit of a reluctant user.
In my opinion, the Kenwood TH-D74 was the best APRS HT that I have ever owned. I should not have sold that. Kenwood’s APRS implementation and UI are much better than Yaesu’s, and the receiver in the Kenwood radios is much, much better than the Yaesu. I just wish Kenwood hadn’t gone with D-STAR as their digital mode of choice.
Finally, I use P25 a bit over a hotspot on amateur radio. For that I use a UHF Motorola XTS2500. I said I wouldn’t talk about wildland fire radios in this post, but I did it anyway. I also use this radio on fires, as it is one of the NIFC (National Interagency Fire Center) approved radios. This is a very solid older radio with great audio. The CPS is a real bear to deal with (read: it is horrible and not ham friendly), but the radio is awesome. On fires, I use it with a very large AA batttery clamshell that holds 12 batteries, but around the house I use an old rechargeable battery.
Anyway, as you can see I like HTs Maybe in a future post I will discuss some others, and talk about what we use in wildland fire.
CS800D Plus – Eierlegende Wollmilchsau des Digitalfunks?
XLX-Zugang mit Pi-Star in DMR
Radio Chest Pack harness VHF/UHF voice & data
MMDVM Hotspot and the new Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W
A short while ago, the new Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W was announced. The original Pi Zero and the Zero W are widely used in MMDVM based hotspots and the new Zero 2 W is a direct, drop in replacement. The most obvious question is whether you need to replace your Pi Zero with a […]
The post MMDVM Hotspot and the new Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W first appeared on QSO365.Release DVPI Version 1.03 (scirpt update)
Release DVPI Version 1.03
There have been some changes to the DMR node recently.
This version changes only those related to the recently changed DMR node. If you normally use Version 1.0 or Version 0.95, no upgrade is required.
DVPi uses the USRP Client protocol. When you install and use DVSwitch, you must read and comply with the license that appears. The user is responsible for the license for the use of DVPi.
1.Download Link
https://github.com/phdlee/dvpi/releases/tag/v1.03
https://github.com/phdlee/dvpi/releases/download/v1.03/dvpi_103.zip
https://github.com/phdlee/dvpi/releases/download/v1.03/dvpimanager_103.zip
2.What was added in Version 1.03 (from Version 1.0)
-To reduce user confusion, the MMDVM password change function has been removed.
If the DMR's BM password has been changed, it can be changed on the DVSwitch Settings Change screen.
- It is not a function you use. Changed the TX/RX frequency of MMDVM to the same frequency. This is because the new DMR rule may not work if the frequency is different.
3.How to Install
There is a detailed explanation about more detailed installation method and H/W configuration on my blog.
The following explains how to download and configure to use DVPi. Please refer to another post for more details.
3.1 Download
Download the dvpi_103.zip and dvpimanager_103.zip files from the download link.
Unzip the downloaded files (dvpi_103.zip, dvpimanager_103.zip)
3.2 Write the dvpi_103.img file to the SD card.
Formatting the SD card is not mandatory. When I apply the image file to the SD card, sometimes an error occurs, so I format it first.
Apply the dvpi_103.img file to the SD card with Win32Disk Imager.
You can also check your Hotspot list if you log in to Brand Meister. I set the unique number 37 and it was displayed as follows.
3.5 flip the screen upside down
DVPi has quite a few features. In this post, I only set the settings for some of the features that are absolutely necessary for me.
You can find various features in different posts.
Release DVPI Version 1.0
Release DVPI Version 1.0
Version 1.0 and Version 0.95 are the same. If you are using Version 0.95 you do not need to update to Version 1.0.
DVPiManager has some features added. If you want to use features added in Versio 1.0, you only need to download dvpimanager.
DVPi uses the USRP Client protocol. When you install and use DVSwitch, you must read and comply with the license that appears. The user is responsible for the license for the use of DVPi.
1.Download Link
https://github.com/phdlee/dvpi/releases/tag/v1.0
https://github.com/phdlee/dvpi/releases/download/v1.0/dvpi_1.0.zip
https://github.com/phdlee/dvpi/releases/download/v1.0/dvpimanager_1.0.zip
2.What was added in Version 1.0 (from Version 0.95)
2.1 DVPi Manager 1.0 has added the ability to change the DMR password.
Of course, you can change the DMR password using the DVSwitch Setup function in DVPiManager. But it will be a pretty long process.
If you have changed the DMR password in https://brandmeister.network/, you can easily change the DMR password in DVPiManager.
Enter the password you changed at brandmeister in the password field.
If you are using DVPi in DualMode, select both MMDVM_Bridge#1 and MMDVM_Bridge#2. If not, just choose MMDVM_Bridge#1.
Then click the'Change Password' button. Restart DVPi and your new password will take effect.
2.2 DVPi update function
If the update fails, you can download the DVPi executable file below.
https://github.com/phdlee/dvpi/releases/download/v1.0/dvpi_up.zip
3. Getting started with DVPi
Posts on DVPi : http://www.hamskey.com/search/label/dvpi
Thank you for using DVPi.
Next time, I'll post a new kind of article.
Ian KD8CEC
Release DVPi Version 0.88 - Dual Mode, D-Star, Function Key 2
Release DVPi Version 0.88 - Dual Mode, D-Star, Function Key 2
DVPi uses the USRP Client protocol.
When you install and use DVSwitch, you must read and comply with the license that appears.
Version 0.88 is a test version. If you want a stable version, please wait for Version 1.0.
1.How to install
Download : https://github.com/phdlee/dvpi/releases/tag/V0.88
Please check the previous installation documentation for detailed installation instructions. This post only describes what was added in Version 0.88.
http://www.hamskey.com/2020/08/release-dvpi-07-1installing-on-micro-sd.html
2. What was added in Version 0.88
2.1 D-Star protocol
You can use D-Star only by checking whether to 'Enable D-Star' in DVPi Manager.
If you are already using D-Star, you will not be able to use it on two at the same time. If you want to use D-Star in DVPi, you need to log off in another device. If anyone has solved this problem, please tell me.
2.2 Dual Mode
You can use two VFOs in the same way as a conventional VHF/UHF transceiver.
You can use two DVSwitch servers or DVLink. Or, if you operate DVPi as Standalone, you can create session 2 by copying the existing installed DVSwitch in DVPi.
If you are using DVPi stand alone, just run the setdvs2.sh command to copy the DVSwitch installed in DVPi and add a new session.
Unique ID values must be entered differently from existing values.
Example)
Session 1 Unique ID is 51
Sesssion 2 Unique ID is 58
In order to distinguish Hotspot in DMR network, you must use different Unique ID.
Select Dual VFO in DVPi Manager.
It will operate in Dual Mode as shown below.
Important Point: If you use DVPi stand alone, D-Star only works on VFO A.
The video below shows how to create Session 2 by copying the DVSwitch installed in DVPi and operate DVPi as Dual Mode.
2.3 Function Switch 2
Function Switch2 can be used as Mode change or VFO change according to your selection.
Example of using Function Switch2 as a mode change switch
3.conclusion
The host.brandmeister.network server is not serviced, and the entire Talkgroup status can no longer be retrieved. So, the underline of DVPi's Talkgroup Button is disabled.
I'm trying to restore that functionality in Version 0.9. If we connect to brandmester.network directly, it will generate quite a lot of traffic. This is a problem for us as well, but it could also cause problems on the brandmeister.network server.
So I am thinking of building a separate server to minimize traffic.
Until version 1.0, we plan to stabilize without adding features.
Thank you for using and testing.
We are always grateful to the DVSwitch team for implementing most of the features.
Ian KD8CEC
DVPi schematic final version
DVPi schematic final version
I know some nice PCBs are designed for DVPi. I also ordered 5 samples of the PCB designed by EA7GIB and recently received it.
However, I had to add one LED and one switch to the needs of users. But this is just an option. Add this feature only if you need it.
You must read the document below link before reading this document.
http://www.hamskey.com/2020/08/dvpi-hardware-expansion-ptt-encoder-and.html
This document is an extension of the document at the link above. Most of the DVPi's hardware is explained in the link above.
This document describes only recently added hardware.
1.Schematic
2.Added Hardware
2.1 Added TX Led (transmission)
An LED has been added to indicate TX (transmission).
This can also be replaced by the PC817, just like the RX Led.
It can be used usefully when using the PTT button on touch screen or Vox function .
2.2 Fun2 S/W
The final version of DVPi supports Dual VFO and D-Star.
Function 2 switch can be used in Dual VFO or mode change (DMR <-> D-Star) according to user's selection.
GPIO_FUNC2_TYPE=1 : Function 2 switch is used to change VFO (Vfo A <-> Vfo B)
GPIO_FUNC2_TYPE=0 : Function 2 switch is used to change Mode (DMR <-> D-Star)
3.Conclusion
Again, DVPi can be used without any hardware. Just, if you need, you can add any hardware you want as RX Led, rotary Encoder ...
Recently, the hose.brandmeister.network server went down. So, Talk group information is not displayed in DVPi.
I'll wait a few more days and look for other ways before DVPi 1.0.
We can bring the Lastheard information from https://brandmeister.network/ but it will require quite a bit of network traffic.
Let's find a better way together.
Ian KD8CEC
About DVPi Talkgroup status line
About DVPi Talk group status line
2.Status Line in Talkg group Button
The Talk group button contains a status line. Numbers 262 and 91 below are blue and the rest are gray.
Let’s explore if there are other colors. Talk group 914 is Light Blue.
DVSwitch Builtin on DVPi (DVPi standalone setup) without DVPi Manager
DVSwitch Builtin on DVPi (DVPi standalone setup) without DVPi manager
DVPi is a client program that communicates with DVSwitch.Please be aware of the licenses that arise when installing and using DVSwitch. Follow the instructions that appear when installing DVSwitch or the instructions on the DVSwitch site. I am not responsible for DVSwitch and the programs contained in DVSwitch, and I am not responsible for the use of DVPi. Please use it only if you agree to this.
If you are using an existing DVSwitch server or DVLink server, you do not need to read this post. Follow the DVSwitch group's instructions on how to install DVSwitch on DVPi. I just make the setup of the installed DVSwitch a little easier.
I will explain how to set up DVSwitch to DVPi in two ways. The first is to use DVPi Manager and the second is to not use DVPi Manager.
This post explains how to edit ini file directly without DVPi manager. If you want to easily configure the DVPi manager, please refer to the previous post.
As of DVPi Version 0.7, a script to easily set up DVSwitch has been included.
The video is linked at the bottom of this article.
1.Required
1.1 Installed DVPi and You need to know the DVPi's IP address.
Please refer to the previous post.
http://www.hamskey.com/2020/08/release-dvpi-07-1installing-on-micro-sd.html
1.2 ssh terminal program as putty.exe
If you are using Windows I recommend using putty.exe. You can download it from the link below.
https://www.chiark.greenend.org.uk/~sgtatham/putty/latest.html
If you are using Linux, there is no need to install a separate program
You can connect to pi@dvpi ipaddress from a Linux terminal.
2. Install DVSwitch
2.1 launch an SSH terminal. You can use any SSH terminal. I used putty.
Command #2 - complete
Command #3
Command #3 - It is completed in about 1 minute
Command #4 (Last)
Command #4 - It is completed in about 1 minute.
2.3 When all settings are done, turn off DVPi.
(using sudo halt)
Click the SD card drive. Among the files you will see setdvs.ini file.
However, if you change to the BM server closest to you, you can use a much more stable DMR. Please replace it with the one closest to your area from the BM List below.
If you make any modifications related to DVSwitch, it will be set automatically by executing ./setdvs.sh after editing setdvs.ini file anytime.
You can easily change the DVSwitch settings at any time by running steps 3 (Edit setdvs.ini) and 4 (execute setdvs.sh) above.
Thanks for reading
KD8CEC ian
DVSwitch Builtin on DVPi (DVPi standalone setup) using DVPi Manager
DVSwitch Builtin on DVPi (DVPi standalone setup) using DVPi Manager
DVPi is a client program that communicates with DVSwitch.Please be aware of the licenses that arise when installing and using DVSwitch. Follow the instructions that appear when installing DVSwitch or the instructions on the DVSwitch site. I am not responsible for DVSwitch and the programs contained in DVSwitch, and I am not responsible for the use of DVPi. Please use it only if you agree to this.
If you are using an existing DVSwitch server or DVLink server, you do not need to read this post. Follow the DVSwitch group's instructions on how to install DVSwitch on DVPi. I just make the setup of the installed DVSwitch a little easier.
I will explain how to set up DVSwitch to DVPi in two ways. The first is to use DVPi Manager and the second is to not use DVPi Manager.
This post will use DVPi Manager to setup DVSwitch. If you are having trouble using DVPi Manager, please refer to the following post.
As of DVPi Version 0.7, a script to easily set up DVSwitch has been included.
1.Required program
1.1 dvpimanager.exe
Included in the dvpi release distribution. In previous posts, there is a way to download and unzip it.
1.2 ssh terminal program as putty.exe
If you are using Windows I recommend using putty.exe. You can download it from the link below.
https://www.chiark.greenend.org.uk/~sgtatham/putty/latest.html
If you are using Linux, there is no need to install a separate program
You can connect to pi@dvpi ipaddress from a Linux terminal.
2. Install DVSwitch
2.1 Execute dvpimanager.exe and connect to DVPi
Double click the 'dvpimanager.exe'
or mono dvpimanager.exe on (linux or mac)
DVPi works based on DVSwitch. With the dedication of many DVSwitch developers, DVPi can be used. Install using the installation method provided by the DVSwitch group.
Below is the current installation method.
KD8CEC, Ian