Our newest mode:

Us 2 on DMR

Paul(K7VIQ - DMR: 3135605) and Kathy(KD7PJW - DMR # 3149355 

http://bit.ly/Us2onDMR (case sensitive)

 Our Introduction to DMR

   It is possible with DMR(Digital Mode Radio) to talk to other Ham operators around the world while both being on a mere handheld digital radio.    It is the least expensive digital mode to get into for us as its technology is well established for commercial radio communications.   Ideally this would be done via digital repeaters in lou of an available repeater a MMDVM(Multi-Mode Digital Voice Modem) works as a hotspot with several ham digital modes and connects through the internet.  We want to build a hot-spot to link us via DMR radio to the internet to link us to a worldwide ham radio DMR network. 

   We based our MMDVR project on a Pi-2 from a previous RC car project we did by adding the MMDVM board to it to make a hotspot but it turned out the china board was defective after MUCH consternation with trying to set it up .  

   So I bought a ready made kit based on a Pi-0(zero) that works great and was an easy setup by comparison. 

 Us 2 on DMR

   The reason we would like to use a hot spot for DMR is to talk ham Brothers around the world.   In Eugene the only one DMR repeater(kc7rjk) was taken down.   DMR repeaters are usually hooked up to regional or national networks(ie. PNW and Oregon DMR fb groups) and thus limits communications of peer to peer or specific groups of people(called rooms) you may with to talk to.  If you un-link a repeater from a network you only get 10 minute talk time to the group of your choice.  I have made Friends with a DMR group from Germany and elsewhere that I would like to talk to. We can also message these DMR Friends on Skype. 

Hotspot Construction and Setup

   I'll update this page by updating with new info as we progress.  

Hotspot board added to RC car project.

Nextion display says IP-Address line says "Logging onto network and  "Initializing  wait" but have been able to program it fine.  Also says Idle. Video clip  below

Pictures:

Of a project based on a DOA board

May 21, 2019 - Did some more work on hot spot.  Clear shell mounted to car body.  Decided to mount  display in front grill as to see from front when displayed on shelf.  Maybe someday will get a radio to use with it, but it was a fun project.

Quick clip of pretty lights on new hotspot.  We need to mount display and attach clear car shell.

IP-Address line still says "Logging onto network and still says Initializing  wait" but have been able to access it fine, Also says Idle.

Display working. Did not know was supose to remove card and reboot after loading screen files.

Pre-soldering

Assembled but with first error

Future display represented based on G0FEA's. Soon I hope to have a real photo to share rather than a photo-shopped display.

Old Pi-2 project car with new clear shell to use as the foundation of our hotspot 

Seller photo: MMDVM board and 70cm antenna for our Pi2 .  With some components shown already mounted.

  DMR mode screen that I like and would like to see frequently.  Display screen created by G0FEA. Soon I hope to have my own photo to share.

   Idle now, but stay tuned: Future updates and pics here.  Display screen created by G0FEA. Soon I hope to have my own photo to share.