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Showing posts with label Shark RF Open SPOT. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Shark RF Open SPOT. Show all posts
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.
Unique identifier MAC address SharkRF openSPOT
Unique identifier MAC address SharkRF openSPOT
The question is does the SharkRF transmit any unique information like a MAC address, if someone uses a SharkRF openSPOT can the person be identified ??
The question is does the SharkRF transmit any unique information like a MAC address, if someone uses a SharkRF openSPOT can the person be identified ??
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.
openSPOT: How to set up cross mode operation
openSPOT: How to set up cross mode operation
This tutorial video shows how you can connect openSPOT to BrandMeister with a C4FM radio. There's a quick demo showing cross mode operation.
This tutorial video shows how you can connect openSPOT to BrandMeister with a C4FM radio. There's a quick demo showing cross mode operation.
openSPOT intro
openSPOT intro
A short introductory video in which you can see openSPOT working, the desktop and mobile web interface, and hear the DMR voice quality in two short echo tests.
A short introductory video in which you can see openSPOT working, the desktop and mobile web interface, and hear the DMR voice quality in two short echo tests.
openSPOT is now available for backorder!
Dear customers,
The next batch of openSPOT is now available for backorder in the shop!
All units backordered before 17th November have been shipped.
Estimated shipping date for units backordered after 17th November is 20th December.
UPDATE: Now our payment gateway provider is Braintree (subsidiary of PayPal). If you had payment problems on shop.sharkrf.com in the past, please try again
https://www.sharkrf.com
The next batch of openSPOT is now available for backorder in the shop!
All units backordered before 17th November have been shipped.
Estimated shipping date for units backordered after 17th November is 20th December.
UPDATE: Now our payment gateway provider is Braintree (subsidiary of PayPal). If you had payment problems on shop.sharkrf.com in the past, please try again
https://www.sharkrf.com
openSPOT is a standalone digital radio IP gateway / hotspot
- Supports DMR (Brandmeister, DMRplus), D-Star (DCS, REF/DPlus, XRF/DExtra, XLX), System Fusion (FCS, YSFReflector) networks. More supported networks and features will be available with new firmware releases.
- Supports cross modem modes. Talk with your C4FM radio on DMR, and with your DMR radio on System Fusion networks!
- Very easy to use, works without a computer. No additional hardware required, works out of the box. All accessories included.
- Web interface for configuration and monitoring.
- HTTP, UDP/TCP API support.
- Custom 2FSK/4FSK RF protocol support with TDMA.
- USB powered, low energy consumption, 20mW RF output.
- Create your own private radio network using our open source server application.
- Runs fully embedded software written in pure C, running on an embedded real time operating system. No Linux, bulky Windows software or failing SD cards!
SharkRF OpenSpot With Dmr Amplifier For Extended Range
SharkRF OpenSpot With Dmr Amplifier For Extended Range
works great
ve3wzw
works great
ve3wzw
Multiple DMR IDs on one OpenSpot radio
Can you use multiple DMR radio from different DMR IDs on one OpenSpot?
Yes. If you want, you can also lock an openSPOT to 3 separate DMR IDs/D-STAR/C4FM callsigns, but this is optional.
If you set the default DMR ID for C4FM calls to 0, then you must set the callsign on your Yaesu radio to your DMR ID, otherwise if openSPOT can't parse your callsign as a number, it will send your calls with source DMR ID 0. That's what the default DMR ID for C4FM calls setting is for.
Yes. If you want, you can also lock an openSPOT to 3 separate DMR IDs/D-STAR/C4FM callsigns, but this is optional.
If you set the default DMR ID for C4FM calls to 0, then you must set the callsign on your Yaesu radio to your DMR ID, otherwise if openSPOT can't parse your callsign as a number, it will send your calls with source DMR ID 0. That's what the default DMR ID for C4FM calls setting is for.
SharkRF openSPOT Mobile Installation
But how about Mobile Installation
Here’s where I became a bit creative. Rather than connecting directly to my router (downstairs), I wanted to see the lights flashing, so I purchased a TP-Link TL-WR802N and set it up as a client to access my in home WiFi. The openSPOT never missed a beat.Why the TP-Link? Well, it is just slightly smaller than the openSPOT, connects via an Ethernet connection, and fits nicely on top of my RAVPower 22000mAh battery. I linked the TP-Link to my Cellular WiFi hotspot and now, instant digital mobile. I also successfully tried a Vonets VAR11N-300 mini.
Now when traveling or on vacation, I no longer need to program a codeplug for every repeater along the way. I set the radio to mate with the preselected openSPOT frequency, and that’s it. I now have access to the worldwide Brandmeister network
The entire mobile hardware configuration is approximately 2 x 3 x 6.5″ (5.5 x 8 x 16.5cm), not counting a few cables sticking out. The entire configuration fits inside a pencil box.
I also noted that the cellular data required is relatively small. Approximately 6MB per hour.
Latency with the openspot into DMR-MARC
I started this to find answers for Latency with the openspot into DMR PLUS - DMR-MARC. The experience was poor. ranging from a delay, to audio quality.
Setup : SharkRF openSPOT ver 0119
I hope to find a solution
https://dmr-marc.net/FAQ/dmrplus-america.html
Setup : SharkRF openSPOT ver 0119
I hope to find a solution
https://dmr-marc.net/FAQ/dmrplus-america.html
OpenSPOT Reroute HOW-TO ( Solved )
OpenSPOT Reroute HOW-TO with MD-380
sharkrf OpenSPOT Reroute TG9 calls to ID
My question is, is there a way to use the Manual Dial feature on the MD380 to connect to another group call? I can only make it connect to another private call.
If you go to the menu of the MD380 you will see "contacts". go into contacts and you will see "manual dial" enter that sub menu, key the desired reflector/TG/Private ID and press ptt.
that links me up to a private call instead of a group call
sharkrf OpenSPOT Reroute TG9 calls to ID
My question is, is there a way to use the Manual Dial feature on the MD380 to connect to another group call? I can only make it connect to another private call.
If you go to the menu of the MD380 you will see "contacts". go into contacts and you will see "manual dial" enter that sub menu, key the desired reflector/TG/Private ID and press ptt.
that links me up to a private call instead of a group call
D-STAR not linking to D-STAR servers
Information that may be helpful for obtaining a unique (club) callsign in the US can be found below:
However, a unique callsign for ircDDB may not be needed for your purpose(??). Below is a cut and pasted note from an article discussing callsign registration.
Note: Many of us, for callsign routing, moved on from G2 to using the ircDDB system. But some people did not like, when using ircDDB for callsign routing etc., to have to also register at ircddb.net. These people believe each country’s FCC equivalents have regulations about being licensed, and that is enough, and in any case, there is no way to stop people from breaking the law and using someone else’s registered callsign.
However, a unique callsign for ircDDB may not be needed for your purpose(??). Below is a cut and pasted note from an article discussing callsign registration.
Note: Many of us, for callsign routing, moved on from G2 to using the ircDDB system. But some people did not like, when using ircDDB for callsign routing etc., to have to also register at ircddb.net. These people believe each country’s FCC equivalents have regulations about being licensed, and that is enough, and in any case, there is no way to stop people from breaking the law and using someone else’s registered callsign.
openSPOT is a standalone digital radio IP gateway | hotspot
openSPOT is a standalone digital radio IP gateway | hotspot
- Supports DMR (Brandmeister, DMRplus), D-Star (DCS, REF/DPlus), System Fusion (FCS) networks. More supported networks and features will be available with new firmware releases.
- Supports cross modem modes. Talk with your C4FM radio on DMR, and with your DMR radio on System Fusion networks!
- Very easy to use, works without a computer. No additional hardware required, works out of the box. All accessories included.
- Web interface for configuration and monitoring.
- HTTP, UDP/TCP API support.
- Custom 2FSK/4FSK RF protocol support with TDMA.
- USB powered, low energy consumption, 20mW RF output.
- Runs fully embedded software written in pure C, running on an embedded real time operating system. No Linux, bulky Windows software or failing SD cards!
How to Link OpenSpot to a C4FM Repeater?
How to Link OpenSpot to a C4FM Repeater?
We have used a hotspot on our repeaters and found putting it in the repeater case worked for us.
Our repeaters are based around the Yaesu DR-1X.
We have planes to use the cross mode capability of the openSPOT in the future.
We have used a hotspot on our repeaters and found putting it in the repeater case worked for us.
Our repeaters are based around the Yaesu DR-1X.
We have planes to use the cross mode capability of the openSPOT in the future.