SharkRF OpenSPOT OpenSPOT2 openSPOT3 Users Support Group
Discussion or Technical Questions
Showing posts with label OpenSPOT: How to do. Show all posts
Showing posts with label OpenSPOT: How to do. Show all posts
openSPOT with Wi-Fi network which uses a captive portal
The Mac ID cloning is used After log in with phone or laptop.
Warning, not really for the faint of heart, but I think that’s what it’s purpose was ?
MAC settings
This section is only available if Advanced mode is enabled.
You can change/clone the Wi-Fi MAC address of the openSPOT. This is useful if you try to use a Wi-Fi network which uses a captive portal for authentication (example: hotel or airport networks). In this case, do the following steps:
Connect to the Wi-Fi network with your phone/tablet/computer, log in on the captive portal to enable the internet access for your phone/tablet/computer's MAC address.
Switch the openSPOT to access point (AP) mode by holding the button for 3 seconds.
Connect your phone/tablet/computer to the openSPOT AP, but exit the Initialization setup and open the Network page.
Set the captive portal Wi-Fi network's SSID and key at the Wireless settings section.
Click on the Clone button at the MAC settings section (make sure Advanced mode is enabled so the MAC settings section is visible).
Warning, not really for the faint of heart, but I think that’s what it’s purpose was ?
MAC settings
This section is only available if Advanced mode is enabled.
You can change/clone the Wi-Fi MAC address of the openSPOT. This is useful if you try to use a Wi-Fi network which uses a captive portal for authentication (example: hotel or airport networks). In this case, do the following steps:
Connect to the Wi-Fi network with your phone/tablet/computer, log in on the captive portal to enable the internet access for your phone/tablet/computer's MAC address.
Switch the openSPOT to access point (AP) mode by holding the button for 3 seconds.
Connect your phone/tablet/computer to the openSPOT AP, but exit the Initialization setup and open the Network page.
Set the captive portal Wi-Fi network's SSID and key at the Wireless settings section.
Click on the Clone button at the MAC settings section (make sure Advanced mode is enabled so the MAC settings section is visible).
SharkRF IP connector Server Guide
Instructions for installing and configuring the SharkRF IP Connector software on a Raspberry Pi - by VE3xx (DEC-2018)
These instructions assume that:
- you are logging into the RPi as "pi" at the console, rather than connecting in using VNC or SSH
- you do NOT change accounts from "pi" to the SuperUser
- you have opened up a console window
----------------------------------------
Section 1: Updating the operating system
----------------------------------------
type in: sudo apt-get update
type in: sudo apt-get upgrade
sharkRF One Hotspot Device with One Radio
One device or Hotspot with one transceiver and have it all.
Question ?
I was going to ask about the sharkRF box as I thought I could get away with buying a $200-300 radio and use all the digital modes on the sharkRF with a regular single digital mode radio/transceiver.
Answer.
Question ?
I was going to ask about the sharkRF box as I thought I could get away with buying a $200-300 radio and use all the digital modes on the sharkRF with a regular single digital mode radio/transceiver.
Answer.
How to setup SharkRF Connector Server on Linux
I'm not a coder by any means but I was able to bang my way through setting up SharkRF Connector Server on Ubuntu Linux 16.04 using VMware. The methods should be the same for many flavors of Linux (and maybe similar to Pi).
Links to my two writeups are on my blog (that way I can update in ONE place if somebody provides feedback as opposed to four different forums).
Links to my two writeups are on my blog (that way I can update in ONE place if somebody provides feedback as opposed to four different forums).
DMR Hotspot from SharkRF
DMR Hotspot from SharkRF
A few years ago, I picked up some used MOTOTRBO gear to use on our local DMR repeater system (MOTOTRBO is Motorola’s version of DMR). Here in Colorado, the Rocky Mountain Ham Radio group has been instrumental in establishing a great network of DMR repeaters, a real asset for Colorado radio amateurs. See Rocky Mountain Ham Radio TRBO/DMR Network. Worldwide, the DMR-MARC organization has created a robust network of MOTOTRBO repeaters in over 60 countries.
A more recent development is the establishment of the BrandMeister Network,
which promotes more of a homebrew approach to DMR. This evening, the
BrandMeister dashboard shows 634 industrial repeaters (commercial
equipment), 263 homebrew repeaters and over 1300 hotspots of various
types. A variety of DMR hotspots are available, including the DV4mini. I’m not going try to list all of the hotspots available as I’m sure I’ll miss something. The SharkRF openSPOT caught my attention because of this excellent review by John ‘Miklor’ K3NXU. Because of its popularity, the openSPOT is on backorder (price: 182.5 Euro).
A few years ago, I picked up some used MOTOTRBO gear to use on our local DMR repeater system (MOTOTRBO is Motorola’s version of DMR). Here in Colorado, the Rocky Mountain Ham Radio group has been instrumental in establishing a great network of DMR repeaters, a real asset for Colorado radio amateurs. See Rocky Mountain Ham Radio TRBO/DMR Network. Worldwide, the DMR-MARC organization has created a robust network of MOTOTRBO repeaters in over 60 countries.
SharkRF openSPOT sloor mobile
This is an example of a setup by VIC v01vt how he is setup with the sharkrf openspot for mobile with a solar mobile charger
IOGEAR NetShair Nano - Ultra Portable Wi-Fi Router, Access Point GWPAP1
Solar External Battery Charger
IOGEAR NetShair Nano
Solar External Battery Charger
IOGEAR NetShair Nano - Ultra Portable Wi-Fi Router, Access Point GWPAP1
Solar External Battery Charger
IOGEAR NetShair Nano
Solar External Battery Charger
Solar External Battery Charger
Solar External Battery Charger, 5000mAh Others 15000mAh Batteries,
Power Portable Bank and Generator for Cell Phones, Multiple USB Kit
Charging Station Panel, Defiant Tactical Stinger LED Flashlight
Solar External Battery Charger
Solar External Battery Charger
openSPOT: How to connect to BrandMeister
openSPOT: How to connect to BrandMeister
This tutorial video shows how you can connect openSPOT to the BrandMeister network.
This tutorial video shows how you can connect openSPOT to the BrandMeister network.
OpenSPOT: How to do a factory reset
OpenSPOT: How to do a factory reset
This tutorial video shows how you can reset factory default settings on an openSPOT.
This tutorial video shows how you can reset factory default settings on an openSPOT.
SharkRF openSPOT
SharkRF openSPOT
SharkRF openSPOT Standalone IP Gateway/Hotspot (US) Designed for amateur radio Connect openSPOT easily to DMR, D-Star reflectors, C4FM/System Fusion rooms, and use your radio with excellent voice quality without sync errors Customize communication settings on the web interface Discover how digital protocols work, and connect your own apps by sending and receiving RF frames in UDP packets Create your own RF protocol by customizing RF modem settings, packet format, sync words (even with TDMA support) Use single, or separate RX/TX frequencies Optional erroneous packet generator module for testing other digital receiver State of the art hardware design 2 CPUs running at 100 and 120MHz USB mass storage device bootloader for easy firmware upgrades 4 multicolor, bright LEDs for easy real time state monitoring Low power usage Automatic recalibration DMR features Use openSPOT not only as a DMR hotspot, but as a base or mobile station with 2 timeslots simultaneously Timeslot repeating in base station/repeater mode Send and receive DMR SMS messages Built-in echo service Controllable with calls and custom short messages to preconfigured DMR IDs
SharkRF openSPOT Standalone IP Gateway/Hotspot (US) Designed for amateur radio Connect openSPOT easily to DMR, D-Star reflectors, C4FM/System Fusion rooms, and use your radio with excellent voice quality without sync errors Customize communication settings on the web interface Discover how digital protocols work, and connect your own apps by sending and receiving RF frames in UDP packets Create your own RF protocol by customizing RF modem settings, packet format, sync words (even with TDMA support) Use single, or separate RX/TX frequencies Optional erroneous packet generator module for testing other digital receiver State of the art hardware design 2 CPUs running at 100 and 120MHz USB mass storage device bootloader for easy firmware upgrades 4 multicolor, bright LEDs for easy real time state monitoring Low power usage Automatic recalibration DMR features Use openSPOT not only as a DMR hotspot, but as a base or mobile station with 2 timeslots simultaneously Timeslot repeating in base station/repeater mode Send and receive DMR SMS messages Built-in echo service Controllable with calls and custom short messages to preconfigured DMR IDs
SharkRF openSPOT Dstar/DMR/Fusion hotspot setup and test
SharkRF openSPOT Dstar/DMR/Fusion hotspot setup and test
Finally i got my SharkRF openSPOT. Discount available at www.gigaparts.com when using promo code HRCspot.
VERY easy to set this up, and very easy to switch between modes of digital operation. This unit operates on D-Star, System Fusion and DMR with the ability to interconnect System Fusion and DMR. Check out the video for complete details.
Finally i got my SharkRF openSPOT. Discount available at www.gigaparts.com when using promo code HRCspot.
VERY easy to set this up, and very easy to switch between modes of digital operation. This unit operates on D-Star, System Fusion and DMR with the ability to interconnect System Fusion and DMR. Check out the video for complete details.
Shark RF Openspot Review
I've got a DVMega, DV4mini, DV4home, and now the OpenSPOT.
Out of all 4 devices, the OpenSPOT is the most stable and just works all the time.
The DVMega is good, but lately the Raspberry Pi seems to lose connection with the DVMega board modem forcing me to shut it down and power-cycle it.
The DV4mini...well, I think we all know the horror stories with that one.
The DV4home is also an unmitigated disaster. Google "dv4home review" for more info on that one.
But SharkRF has come up with a simple, small device that just plain works and I've been running it non-stop for over a week now with no issues.
DMR and DSTAR audio feedback reports are that the audio is clear with no packet loss.
From what I hear, the C4FM users are also having no issues with it but I have yet to try that mode. It just does so much I haven't enough time to try out everything it can do.
Add to that they've released a complete set of APIs to remotely control the device for anyone who wants to build their own web-based or stand-alone app and they're light years ahead of the amateur radio digital hotspot competition with maybe the exception of the bluetooth-connected DVMega hotspots out there since the SharkRF OpenSPOT doesn't currently do bluetooth or wifi connections.
But for at home or hotel stays (with appropriate travel wifi bridge device) it really can't be beat
Out of all 4 devices, the OpenSPOT is the most stable and just works all the time.
The DVMega is good, but lately the Raspberry Pi seems to lose connection with the DVMega board modem forcing me to shut it down and power-cycle it.
The DV4mini...well, I think we all know the horror stories with that one.
The DV4home is also an unmitigated disaster. Google "dv4home review" for more info on that one.
But SharkRF has come up with a simple, small device that just plain works and I've been running it non-stop for over a week now with no issues.
DMR and DSTAR audio feedback reports are that the audio is clear with no packet loss.
From what I hear, the C4FM users are also having no issues with it but I have yet to try that mode. It just does so much I haven't enough time to try out everything it can do.
Add to that they've released a complete set of APIs to remotely control the device for anyone who wants to build their own web-based or stand-alone app and they're light years ahead of the amateur radio digital hotspot competition with maybe the exception of the bluetooth-connected DVMega hotspots out there since the SharkRF OpenSPOT doesn't currently do bluetooth or wifi connections.
But for at home or hotel stays (with appropriate travel wifi bridge device) it really can't be beat
Review SharkRF openSPOT
Hotspots were not developed to replace repeaters, but rather to supplement them. In areas where there is No repeater, a hotspot allows the user to connect directly to a digital network via the internet. In areas of Heavy repeater use, a hotspot allows the user to access the network without competing for an available time slot.
If your local repeater gives you access to a network such as DMR-MARC, an openSPOT can give access to networks such as Brandmeister. You will now have access to the best of both worlds.
Summary
DMR repeaters are being placed in service daily, but currently there are only around 800 repeaters in the US. As for me, I am 25 miles away from my two nearest repeaters and require an outside antenna to reliably use them (and I’m one of the lucky ones). In some areas of the country, digital repeaters don’t exist.
The solution quickly became obvious. To enjoy the freedom of a handheld, I needed the help of a hotspot. After listening to several configurations over the past several months, I am convinced daily that I definitely made the right decision with an openSPOT, with everything I need condensed into one small package.
If your local repeater gives you access to a network such as DMR-MARC, an openSPOT can give access to networks such as Brandmeister. You will now have access to the best of both worlds.
Summary
DMR repeaters are being placed in service daily, but currently there are only around 800 repeaters in the US. As for me, I am 25 miles away from my two nearest repeaters and require an outside antenna to reliably use them (and I’m one of the lucky ones). In some areas of the country, digital repeaters don’t exist.
The solution quickly became obvious. To enjoy the freedom of a handheld, I needed the help of a hotspot. After listening to several configurations over the past several months, I am convinced daily that I definitely made the right decision with an openSPOT, with everything I need condensed into one small package.
What's So Special?? Shark RF Openspot Review
What's So Special?? Shark RF Openspot Review
This week I'm reviewing the Openspot by Shark RF. No images to hunt down, It runs D-Star, DMR & Fusion all in one box.
This week I'm reviewing the Openspot by Shark RF. No images to hunt down, It runs D-Star, DMR & Fusion all in one box.
SharkRF OpenSPOT Review
SharkRF OpenSPOT Review
First, let me say that I have been engaged in digital voice radio since the early 2000's and I have had experience with Project-25, D-Star, NXDN, DMR, and C4FM and I have owned and built several hotspots over the past ten or so years; to-date, I have not found a better product for use with digital voice. As of this writing on 09/21/2016, firmware version 0056, the device supports three modes; DMR, D-Star, and C4FM. One unique feature of this product is the ability to transcode from DMR to C4FM and C4FM to DMR, meaning you only need one radio to work both modes. No need to waste your money on purchasing crappy Yaesu hardware that is plagued with numerous interface and firmware issues. If you have a DMR radio, just setup the transcode mode and talk to your buddies on C4FM; though there aren't many there as the bulk of the users are in the DMR and D-Star worlds. For the money, this is an excellent device, that is quality built, has a very clean web interface for control and the firmware updates couldn't be any easier to perform, even for novice computers users. If you are new to DMR or D-Star, this is the device for you; don't waste your money on the DV4mini or ANY product from Wireless Holdings, they are plagued with software and firmware issues, lack support, and sound just awful on the network with VERY few exceptions. This device powers up and works and experienced users can even tweak the advanced settings to perfect their audio and operating conditions. This will be the best $225 you'll ever spend exploring digital voice operations on amateur radio. If you want to hear live audio from it or just ask questions about this device, give me a call either on DMR via "USA Nationwide" talkgroup or on "D-Star Reflector 030C" as I am always monitoring both. Get yourself a Shark RF OpenSPOT, you won't be disappointed... As for the DV4mini, if you have one, please stop polluting the DMR talkgroups and toss that POS in the garbage where it belongs so we can all enjoy the clean, crisp-clear audio of DMR again!
First, let me say that I have been engaged in digital voice radio since the early 2000's and I have had experience with Project-25, D-Star, NXDN, DMR, and C4FM and I have owned and built several hotspots over the past ten or so years; to-date, I have not found a better product for use with digital voice. As of this writing on 09/21/2016, firmware version 0056, the device supports three modes; DMR, D-Star, and C4FM. One unique feature of this product is the ability to transcode from DMR to C4FM and C4FM to DMR, meaning you only need one radio to work both modes. No need to waste your money on purchasing crappy Yaesu hardware that is plagued with numerous interface and firmware issues. If you have a DMR radio, just setup the transcode mode and talk to your buddies on C4FM; though there aren't many there as the bulk of the users are in the DMR and D-Star worlds. For the money, this is an excellent device, that is quality built, has a very clean web interface for control and the firmware updates couldn't be any easier to perform, even for novice computers users. If you are new to DMR or D-Star, this is the device for you; don't waste your money on the DV4mini or ANY product from Wireless Holdings, they are plagued with software and firmware issues, lack support, and sound just awful on the network with VERY few exceptions. This device powers up and works and experienced users can even tweak the advanced settings to perfect their audio and operating conditions. This will be the best $225 you'll ever spend exploring digital voice operations on amateur radio. If you want to hear live audio from it or just ask questions about this device, give me a call either on DMR via "USA Nationwide" talkgroup or on "D-Star Reflector 030C" as I am always monitoring both. Get yourself a Shark RF OpenSPOT, you won't be disappointed... As for the DV4mini, if you have one, please stop polluting the DMR talkgroups and toss that POS in the garbage where it belongs so we can all enjoy the clean, crisp-clear audio of DMR again!
Ham Radio 2.0: Episode 65 - SharkRF Openspot Demonstration
Episode 65 - SharkRF Openspot Demonstration
The SharkRF Openspot is currently the newest and hottest DV hotspot in the Amateur Radio world. It performs cross-talk between DMR and Yaesu System Fusion, allowing users with DMR radios to talk on a YSF network, and vice-versa. Watch this video for setup and demonstration.
The SharkRF Openspot is currently the newest and hottest DV hotspot in the Amateur Radio world. It performs cross-talk between DMR and Yaesu System Fusion, allowing users with DMR radios to talk on a YSF network, and vice-versa. Watch this video for setup and demonstration.
openSPOT Setup and Interface
openSPOT Setup and Interface
To set up the openSPOT, I connected it to the USB power source and my WiFi router using the supplied Ethernet cable. The openSPOT has two internal micro-controllers, designed to use a web based interface. Once connected to my WiFi router, the openSPOT was accessed by simply logging into //openspot.local. I didn’t need to load any additional software or drivers. Everything is self contained.
At that point, all that was necessary was to enter:
– The operating mode (DMR, C4FM, D-Star)
– My callsign
– My DMR ID (available from DMR-MARC)
– The desired server
– The input and output frequency of my handheld
Note: The openSPOT allows you to select two different frequencies if desired.
After that, a 30 second calibration, and I was on the air.
The LEDs give a clear status indication during operation.
Once configured, time slot, trunk group, etc. information is controlled by your handheld. You set it, and forget it.
To set up the openSPOT, I connected it to the USB power source and my WiFi router using the supplied Ethernet cable. The openSPOT has two internal micro-controllers, designed to use a web based interface. Once connected to my WiFi router, the openSPOT was accessed by simply logging into //openspot.local. I didn’t need to load any additional software or drivers. Everything is self contained.
At that point, all that was necessary was to enter:
– The operating mode (DMR, C4FM, D-Star)
– My callsign
– My DMR ID (available from DMR-MARC)
– The desired server
– The input and output frequency of my handheld
Note: The openSPOT allows you to select two different frequencies if desired.
After that, a 30 second calibration, and I was on the air.
The LEDs give a clear status indication during operation.
Once configured, time slot, trunk group, etc. information is controlled by your handheld. You set it, and forget it.