MMDVM Hotspot Spot Radio Station Digital Voice Modem Supports Digital Radio Only NXDN POCSAG P25 YSF DSTAR C4FM DMR

I own two Shark RF openSPOT 1's (the original, wired, non-wifi versions). I've even taken one mobile traveling between AZ and IL, but needed the $20 Amazon-sourced mini-router to make the openSPOT work with my handheld D-Star, DMR, Fusion radios. This makes for a big modem setup, mounted on a piece of wood to prevent a rat's nest of cabling all over.The MMDVM has the wifi built in and is TINY !!! The hardest part was getting my unit configured and working. It took me a couple of hours to figure out what I was doing. Then it took more time to figure out what file to download from the UK Pi-Star site to make my own software load and burn it to a 16GB microSD/HC chip. (You can't easily find the smaller 8GB device that was included with the MMDVM. When you do, it's the difference between $1 and $3 to double the size to 16GB. So I bought the $3 16GB devices for my mad-scientist experimentation.)Once configured, this little gem is "slick as snot". In many ways, I like it much better than the openSPOT 1's, and there are some operation differences in "channel", "reflector", and "server/room" changes from the radio between the openSPOT and MMDVM. These are minor. Plus, openSPOT 2's (the new wifi-only version) are not sold by ham radio stores any longer, and must be ordered from Shark RF in Estonia. The purchase price for the newer openSPOT 2's (1's are no longer in production and only available on the used market) is 199 Euro's. This translates to something around $230, American dollars, give or take a few bucks due to exchange rate fluctuations.An assembled and tested, $105 MMDVM is a steal in comparison. The configuration is only slightly more complex than that of the Shark RF unit. So, what's not to like?Having a couple of spare Pi-Zero W's in the basement prompted me to order a couple of MMDVM kits now that I know how to download the correct Pi-Star load and do my own configurations on more MMDVM's that I will build for even less money.If the simplex repeater operating frequencies are far enough apart and one keeps physical distance between the individual MMDVM's one could simultaneously run DMR on one, D-Star on the 2nd, and Fusion on the 3rd...without having the hassle of mode switching on a single MMDVM unit on a computer on the same wifi network. While I'm not sure I have to modify MAC addresses to keep each Pi-Zero W unique so they all peacefully co-exist on the same wifi network, I'm sure I will be able to do this if they're not unique for each Pi-Zero individually already.But learning and surmounting puzzles like this is what hobbies are all about. The MMDVM's low cost makes this type of "playing around" very cost effective...and makes me want to do even more varied projects on more capable Raspberry Pi's. Anyone for building a supercomputer on an array of multiple Raspberry Pi's???This MMDVM has really opened my eyes to the possibilities. Again, this type of "shot in the arm" excitement is healthy, so what's not to like???

What can I say but it worked right out of the box. I changed the callsign to my own and did a few minor tweaks to the web-based configuration and we were up and running in less than 10 minutes. It should be noted that there are ZERO instructions with this device...nothing. If you have assembled similar devices (Pi-Zero's, SD card, MMDVM board, etc.), you'll find it easy to use this fully-assembled device. Pi-Star software comes preloaded making it all the easier to use and tweak to your own specific needs and uses. It also comes pre-configured for a wi-fi network. Just set up a wi-fi network (temporarily) with your own router/access point so it can connect then you can access the device through your web browser using Pi-Star. I'm impressed with the quality and price of this device. Why transport your existing digital voice interface when you can afford to buy a few of these and leave them in place? Just bring your compatible digital ham radio along...much easier and less gear to transport.2018-05-29 This device continues to work very well on an extended trip via wi-fi provided via a variety of methods including iPhone, hotel connections, etc. 'Have purchased another one. It is working well too. Great device and Pi-Star free software makes it easy to update it.

I've had this for a few weeks now in DMR only mode.it works as advertised. the supplied memory card is Toshiba i believe so it's nice. Assuming it lives at least a year, it is probably worth its price.I reflashed with latest version of pi-star just in case, so as to not to have something that comes from unkown source, on my network. It works. You need to follow seller's instructions for the display and MMDVM type. No issues here.However, feature wise, i wish i had a fully assembled duplex or dual hat hotspot. Simplex mode can be annoying, esp. if there's a back-to-back QSO on a dynamic group that you want to switch away from. Simplex is unable to receive unlink or hold-off commands when transmitting.Quality, esp. for transmission, seems to depend a lot on internet connection. I seem to get better transmissions on local repeaters than on this (I do have it going thru my mesh though, but i do prioritize its traffic internally. Even so, transmission loss could be significant while streaming videos).Couldn't get exact 0 DMR BER with my anytone 878 even with a thorough fine-tuning. I usually get 0.2-0.4% BER with this on 1w tx power.Couldn't make it work with a mobile wifi hotspot but it has something to do with my mobile, not this device.Of course you need at least a technician level ham license to operate this.

UPDATE!Well after about a year and a half, of which I used it off and on, for about six months. It appears as though the top hat board has stopped working. No read out screen, no connection to internet and after 5 or 6 hour trying everything I could read on the Pi-star site and watch on Youtube etc. I believe it is dead.I may look into a replacement board, but this really should not have happened as all it does is sit there, yes cheap components do fail from time to time and it looks as if this is what has happened. Mores the pity, as this had many good reviews, but NO customer support in english that I could fine.Old review ((Received this unit yesterday and having spent a couple of hours setting it up ( my first hotspot) it's up and running like a champ. Very pleased in deed. As I write this I'm listening to TG 91 and having a very good time doing so. Well worth to money if your going to take full advantage of DMRs capabilities.And for what it's worth, it came with a current version of Pi Star on a good Toshiba Mem card.))