ZUMSpot RPi PiStar Hotspot Review
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- čas přidán 4. 09. 2024
- HRO has an exclusive new ZUMSpot with an LCD screen. Is this the best Hotspot yet?
Zumspot Kit: goo.gl/RBPhxX
Zumspot Case: goo.gl/mPkyC9
Zumspot Power Supply: goo.gl/o69yvP
Program a DMR radio: • Program DMR BaoFeng RD...
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Thanks!
I think it's important to talk about the fact that the zumspot is designed by a ham, in the US (originally KI6ZUM in California, I think a couple others in the PAPA group are leading zumspot production now). Otherwise someone might not see value is buying this over paying half as much for knockoffs on ebay. Alternatively, N5BOC in Texas hand-makes a duplex hat on Tindie for slightly less and can do dual time slots. You can get that one up and running by adding a rPi, screen, and sd card for about the same price as the new ZumSpot.
Edit: I spoke with KI6ZIM last weekend at the Yuma Hamfest and got some more complete information. The Zumspot team is pretty small and scattered around the globe. They're limited in what they can do because of the small group and limited time they have to develop now products. The way that duplex boards currently work is not optimal because they only have one person who can develop firmware and he doesn't have time/knowledge to fully utilize the radio chipset.
I've changed my mind and now think that people should absolutely buy the Zumspot products if they're able to, because otherwise we won't see new products, feature improvements, and cool new things to play with.
Wow great point! That comment is getting pinned!
Drove 5 hours to HRO to get one of these bad boys. Excited to learn about it. Thanks Josh
Just ordered this yesterday morning from HRO Milwaukee. I'm very excited to put it together and get on Digital modes. I also ordered a AnyTone D-868UV I don't need the GPS so saved and from the reviews I've seen the new 878 is just upgraded Firmware that can be downloaded and flashed to the 868 making it the same as the new 878. I'm stuck in Condo Hell and have nowhere to put any kind of Antenna for HF so this is my link. The other problem I have is the fact that the local repeater is dead as in physically toast and no one cares. The only other Repeater I can hit is 30 miles away so its mobile for me as I have a Dual Band in the car. Anything to get on the air and talk. I think its well worth the money. I'm very happy! 73, K9HDT
Thanks, I have a DMR .,,, with no idea how to use it.
I do like this new ZUMSpot with the OLED Screen. I have the older version, and it, in my opinion, is a must have down in in the Southern portion of OC. I am shadowed from one Fusion repeater, and blocked from the Mt. Wilson. The ZUMSpot allows me to still get on the air with ease. After watching this video, I may have to make another trip to Anaheim and pick up the new version! All I need to learn to do now is learn how to crosslink so I can use my FTM-400 on DMR.
That is pretty easy. Just use a phone or computer to change talk groups for the YSF to DMR mode. hit me up. Hoshnasi@gmail.com we can do some vids.
@@HamRadioCrashCourse I sure will! Thanks for the info and the über quick response!
The Raspberry Pi running Pi-Star software can store at least TWO network connections. I have a Zumspot with Raspberry Pi Zero HotSpot, set up for YSF, which I use both at my home QTH, and also when I go mobile. When at home, it is connected to my home WiFi. When I go mobile, I use a Verizon Jetpack to give me Internet access, and I have its connection info (similar to WiFi login) stored in the Zumspot's Pi as well. The trick to get it to switch automatically between the two "Internet" connections is to set it up, in the Pi-Star software, to connect to the Jetpack (mobile Internet connection) FIRST. It then considers that the "default" connection. Next, set it up to connect to your HOME WiFi, and store that in the Pi-Star settings as well. Once completed, it will always try to connect to the Jetpack first, as long as it's powered on. Once you power off the Jetpack, power-cycle the Zumspot/Pi HotSpot, and when it re-initializes the network connection on boot up, when it doesn't find the Jetpack, it will use the "next" connection info it has stored, which is your Home WiFi. Pretty slick! I do this at least once a week, when I meet up with my Ham club on Saturdays for breakfast. I use a 2400mAh battery pack to power both the Zum/Pi and the Jetpack when I'm mobile, and it is MORE than adequate for a couple of days use! (NOTE: You could also get a network connection by using your cell phone as a "personal HotSpot" for an Internet connection, in lieu of the Jetpack. The only difference is that you would have to TURN OFF the "Personal HotSpot" mode on your cell phone if you want it to connect to your Home WiFi again. I always power-cycle the Zum/Pi when I want it to switch networks). Like Josh, I HIGHLY recommend you add an inline pushbutton power switch to you Zum/Pi setup, as repeatedly mating/unmating the fragile little USB micro connector on the Zum/Pi, which connects to your power supply, will inevitably break that tiny connector. The inline pushbutton cables are readily available on Amazon.com for a couple of bucks. I have them on ALL SIX of my HotSpots. Look for the ones that have a female USB Micro on one end, and a male USB micro on the other end, with the pushbutton switch in between. That type will allow you to add it to any existing Pi power unit, either "wall wart" or battery pack, with ease.
Thanks for your excellent channel, Josh! Love the stuff you do with your family too. 73! -- K7VTT -- Oro Valley, AZ. (Sadly, there are no "Jollibees" over here)
I've had a zumspot for the past 2 months now and I love it. I run the zumspot with a yaesu ft-70d and a tyt md-380 most of the time. The zumpot is amazing for the size. It takes up very little space on the desk and in the truck. I like the fact that I can put it in my truck when traveling and be able to talk back to hams black home. Or I can be listening to people from the state I'm in. I like my yaesu ft-70d and the yaesu ftm-400xdr to use on the zumspot. Yes I have used wiresx through the zumspot as well. But the only down fall with the fusion side is wanting to change room. You either use wiresx or have to go into the software and change it there. On the dmr side, after playing with that for the past few weeks. I found it easier to change rooms on the zumspot. Cuz you dont have to touch the zumspot, just put it somewhere connect it to internet and program your radio for where you want to talk. Your golden. Just changing the dial on the radio. For the price of the zumspot, you just cant beat it!!! Now that they have the upgraded one with the screen it got better. Its definitely worth the buy, for anyone wanting to start talking in the digital world.
I agree 100%!
Totally agree with inline on/off button. So much less wear on plug.
Its such a cool idea.
Awesome video as usual. I am brand new to ham. Just passed my tech this past weekend. Now gotta wait for shutdown to end so I can get my license online. So, just cramming now. Thanks for all you knowledge.
I have a baeofang f8hp and just got the d74. Learning what I can til I get the cert.
Went for the D74? Nice. that should keep you busy for a while.
@@HamRadioCrashCourse yeah hopefully that was a good choice. I really like the yaesu f2dr too.
Yeah its a good radio, tons of features.
@@HamRadioCrashCourse thanks!! I guess I have plenty of time to learn the features. No idea when the shutdown will end.
Great Video just got my Icom 52.
Yep ... Bought the Yaesu 70DR .. new ham ... nearest repeater is in Zimbawe ....
Ham Radio Outlet mentioned this one .... lets see.
Excellent video as always Josh!
Thanks!
Very clear summary. Thanks
Love my Zumspot, though I have one of the originals and had to put a case and screen on it on my own. That new version looks nice!
There are parts out there to add the screen on. Not hard to do.
You should shut down the hotspot via the Pi-Star program or SSH into the hotspot and issue the Linux shutdown command. The hotspot is a Linux computer and should be shutdown like any other computer to avoid Corruption. I program in Linux and never unplug my Linux machines to turn them off. And we don’t turn off our windows machines by unplugging power to them.
I use my zumspot 3.5 I use the ysf side I am big into fusion.
I want to try one of these, have owned an Icom 7100 now for a couple of years but have no Dstar repeaters in range. Thanks.
Great vid thanks for sharing
139.95 ZUMspot Kit 2
16.99 Case
16.95 Power Supply
173.89 That's getting pretty close to openSPOT 2 territory which will "just work", versus fiddling around.
Well aside from openSPOT not having a screen or removable antenna.
I've noticed some Hotspots have one antenna and others have two antennas. What is the difference in performance between the two?
Great video! 73 de N1AD
Can I just receive any of the modes without holding up a repeater ?
Yep. Receiving doesn’t tie up anything.
I know virtually nothing about digital modes but there is one question that seems obvious to me, why don’t radios with digital modes have the ability to connect straight to WiFi???
Because it’s a radio on 2m/70cm not 2.4 or 5 ghz
I have a Yaesu 7250dr, would I be able to use this to go digital and reach out there? There are a few fusion repeaters close to me but none are wires capable as of yet.
Josh great show as always hows this compare to sharkopen spot? Any chance of a side by side?
I don’t have an open spot so I can’t really comment.
And one weird thing.. I can get on the dash on the PC but never able to get on the dashboard on phone, both ip and url is not working
So..if I hear this correct, if I have an FT-2DR and this hotspot, I am able to work on DMR, the same as the Peanut app is doing now? I am mostly illiterate with the digital so any help is appreciated. Thanks de KF7VUT
Yes, you can use your FT2D to talk on selected talkgroups via the hotspot.
@@HamRadioCrashCourse thanks for the quick reply! I learn a lot from your vids. Thanks and keep up the good work.
Nice Video. Can I get your call sign again? You said it but couldn't catch all the letters.
By chance have you created a video for getting the ZUMspot tethered to hoke computer? If so, could you post the link in response? I just can’t seem to get anything to happen when I Ethernet connect my ZUMspot with my laptop
Can anybody help me I have got a anytone 878 and a zoom spot but I cannot get the zoom spot connected it just says connected no internet at all I see and I tried putting paiste into the computer and it just don't bring up any page any configuration page
How do you set-it up so anyone can access it ? Or is there a video for this ? I like it so much I have one in the truck and one in the shack . Thanks for the videos
Just set your radio to the same frequency.
I have a Zumspot. Mine I hear YSF and DSTAR on my radio but the spot does not hear the radio. Im sure its an offset problem but, I cant get it to work. I have set the rec offset from 250 to 10000 both + and - with no luck. no paperwork listing a offset. it came from HRO.
Try simplex
Given it's a Pi, what would it take to hook up a microphone and a speaker to it and talk directly without a radio? My FTM-400 is not an option since even at low power, I'm unnecessarily putting out 5 watts into the airwaves. I'm "require" to have a HT in order to operate the hotspot. Thanks for the review.
You will still need a radio. You could get a cheap DMR radio (Less than $100), or spend a bit more on a FT-70DR.
as the repeater times out
Hi Josh, you’ve almost sold it to me but wanted to check it will work with my iPhone 6s personal hotspot for internet access? I know apple love to hinder the open source market!
I'm pretty sure it can use the wifi hotspot on the iPhone.
I am still not clear on one thing. Can I cross mode with this like the Shark openspot3? Can I use my D-Star radio and connect with a DMR talk group?
Yes
I'm guessing you can tether the hotspot to WiFi via your phone and connect that way too?
Yes you can.
Apparently HRO no longer carries this device, or the link doesn't work.
They’re between models.
They have the oled screen now? Can I add on the screen?
range test on it ? better antenna ?
how seamlessly does it transition between wifi networks? (home vs mobile, the openSPOT2 is really good at this)
I have not tried it yet, I will test it with my mobile hotspot and home network.
Is there anyone within range of a digital repeater still choosing to use a hotspot? And what influenced the decision?
I covered it in the beginning and at the end. When you're transmitting on a repeater on DMR or YSF you're taking up that timeslot. In other words you could be on a TG no one is on and you're taking up the space for others. Also, some repeaters don't let you change TGs, reflectors or chats. With a hotspot you're free to do whatever you want.
I may have missed it but do you need a digital radio to use with this or could you use a regular one like my ft60r?
Yes. The hotspot basically replaces filter.
Planning on doing a real zumspot vs. openspot? I google this and it doesn't come up with anything....perfect opportunity!
I don’t have an open spot though.... yet 🤔
I agree, the new Openspot 2 vs the Zumspot would be a great video. And I think that someone like Josh could do justice too the subject. I am torn between the two for use with my FT-2D. Mark W6XYZ
Can someone explain how this is any different than using Skype on your phone other than requiring a license?
Well, you're using your radio to interface with the PiStar which is programmed to interface into the multiple different talkgroups. Its kind of like a party line.
@@HamRadioCrashCourse What is a VHF/UHF repeater? A party line, but at least it's radio. Using a box to send your radio over the Internet appears to be heading away from radio. Talkgroups are just chatrooms, that has existed for a couple of decaedes. Maybe Yaesu, Icom, and Kenwood should get out of the Amateur Radio market. Dell and Microsoft can get into that market and sell Amateur Radio USB mics that hook up to your Amatuer Radio computer and you can just carry around a small laptop and talk to people. This isn't even catagorized as experimental, voice communications over the Internet? Skype, Facetime, Facebook messenger, not to mention the old MSN messenger, Yahoo messenger, etc all had audio communication over the Internet.
Also, with the ZUMspot, I see people carrying a ZUMspot and a 4G hotspot around, so you're converting the signal from your HR into digital that sends over 2.4 WIFI which then gets sent over a GSM/CDMA band, just get a cell phone and talk on that.
At what point are we getting off of HF, just have a ZUMspot that has a speaker and a microphone attached directly to it and you can just stop messing with that pesky RF. I know there are plenty of companies that would love to take over the Amateur Radio frequencies, so the faster we get off the air and on the Internet, the better off those companies are. The FCC can make a lot of money auctioning off all the Ham bands.
With the advent of fully automatic FT8 the operator doesn't need to be there. There are programs that translate CW into clear text and take your keyboard input and send CW. Why? What's the point? CW is supposed to be 2 people communicating with a key or paddles and transceivers not 2 keyboard jockeys. We can just go to any number of forums or IRC chat rooms and make text QSOs. Maybe we could just have QRZ forum contests and see how many people comment on our post in 24 hours.
I myself primarily use HF and its what I like to encourage people to look into. For me, I use these others modes of comms as a way to get people interested and hopefully get them to look at HF too. While none of your points are inaccurate, I think you're arguing for purity which I believe is now a thing of the past. I'd much rather be inclusive and encourage people learn and understand as much as they can and do what they enjoy. I'm not really about throwing this our that out by claiming "that's not real radio."
Exactly my consensus !!! What is this all about ?? Let's just get rid of ham radio VHF/UHF hand held transceivers, get rid of HF transceivers, antennas, tuners, etc. Let's all press smartphones and laptops to our heads, mouths and eyes and see who we can "chat" with. lol
@@stickycricket2 Just wait, someday soon, hams will want contests to recognize qsos made over the internet, and some fellow will want to show you his qsl collection that he acquired over the internet. And authors and video producers will continue to use the words, HAM RADIO, when they discuss communications that truly are not radio-to-radio communications. A person on the street might be fooled into believing that a person with a handheld radio is communicating across the country with RADIO. Hey, it's new, it's neat, and it has some applications. This is like me beginning a foot race within a mob of runners, and about a block and a half after the start line, I secretly hop in a taxi cab, that races to a spot about a block and a half from the finish line. I then hop out, and am the first to cross the finish line. Everyone knows that i ran the race, and won it, and I am a RUNNER. In reality, I am a taxi cab rider, who has put forth very little work and effort, and am a deceiver. I recently heard a local, defending these internet contacts, and he said, "ham RADIO is communication." He is in self-denial that he said, "RADIO". Some of these folks are in denial, and they are going to do what they want to do. It's all about them. In the meantime, I search the local 2 meter band, which in my area, already had almost no activity (Some sites say we have huge numbers of hams now, but I'd like to know where they are. They aint operating around here.) , and listen to the BRAAAAAPs of digital transmissions, scattered within the repeater section of the band, not in a DIGITAL section of the band. Perhaps some day, there will be a change in the 2 meter band plan, and there will be a VERY SMALL section, from which operators that wish to use "vintage" fm transceivers may not stray. Only time will tell. To some people ( Those that got into amateur radio to make friends and learn more about radio, and have enjoyable conversations with other hams, and make changes to see if they can improve performance, and are not into the "it's all about me," thing. I am talking about my ideals, and I don't know of too many others locally that share them. ), right now seems like a good time to sell everything and not look back. 73
So if a friend and I live 50 miles away we could both get one of these and a dmr radio and talk as if we're on the same block ?? Do companies make these I love raspberry pi and I would absolutely go with this one but is there like a Motorola version?
To your first asnwer, yes, that is basically what would happen. You'd use a DMR talkgroup to talk to each other.
To your second a "Motorola Version" The ZumSpot supports DMR and P25, so its already a Motorola version. You just need to set it up.
@@HamRadioCrashCourse okay so basically it's like a cheaper version of Motorola's IP site connect !? I'm getting some Motorola 7550e units for my business but the. Repeaters and IP site connect are like 4grand each. rightfully so because of how big professional robust they are but it seems like this does the same thing ... Just on a smaller scale so I'm wondering if I'll be able to use the 7550e with these to communicate over long distances with a buddy with the same setup
The Zumspot will work with DMR, P25, YSF and DSTAR. If you have a radio that uses those modes and an internet connection the ZUMspot will operate with your friend if they also have a ZUMspot in their location.
Hi Josh. I've followed W1MSG's video on using the DMR2YSF cross-mode setting on my Pi-Start. It's supposed to be easier to use than the DMRGateway method. My dashboard shows the Pi-Star linking to YSF and FCS reflectors, but when I make a call no one replies. Either no one is listening or I've done something wrong (most likely). Can you address this in a video? It would be great if you could test this out on a regular video or live stream. By the way, which reflector do you listen on? 73, Sebastian (K2PDR).
I'm usually on the HRCC reflector. :D
ysf.hrcc.link/
Thanks Josh. My Pi-Star dashboard shows I'm linked to YSF US HRCC LINK and I'm showing up on your ysf.hrcc.link/ dashboard too. I threw out my call, but no reply. Not sure if anyone heard.
Likely it means no one was listening at that time. This week we'll be talking about Pi-Star setups on the stream.
with this hotspot in my car, does this mean I can leave my rubber duck on my ht?
Oh yay, i am in China right now and this zumspot is fantastic! No doubt about it!
It’s pretty cool.
What is the power supply pack you are using with the zumspot shown at 10:15 of video? Thanks.
It’s linked in the video description.
@@HamRadioCrashCourse No that is power brick...i am talking about the ion portable battery pack that is in shot at time I gave above.
AH, its made by a company called ION that made cheap action cams. I think they went under?
@@HamRadioCrashCourse oh, ok. thank you. i like how compact it is.
Cheaper on ebay.
Can yaesu FT- 70dr use a hotspot?
Yes.
do you have to solder at all?
Nope
@@HamRadioCrashCourse Thx!
that is neet
I have watch the videos, I love to talk to a user, Mine seams to be blocked to the internet. KB3YRC
I wish someone would send me one to try lol
Hot spots are going to be the tool of the authorities use to record all conversations through the internet and will eventually allow the government to force us on WiFi access only taking away all other HF to light frequencies away from Amateurs..! I for one am going to boycott DMR, DSTAR and similar modes..! SSB only for me..!
iF
The FCC already monitors and records lots of things put out in the air. Including ssb.
@@HamRadioCrashCourse No they only Have FM radios, I've been there. for VHF UHF SHF, I do not do anything illegal but I do kid around and might say the wrong thing and next thing you know they are at your door. The more you resort to DMR type modes the more the Government will see fit to put HAM radio on WiFi only using digital modes and we will loose all the other frequencies. Just give it a little time you'll see..! Remember Snowden?
I personally know a fcc enforcement manager. If you believe they can’t listen everywhere you are fooling yourself.
Remember, you can run digital voice modes on all amateur bands. Hf, vhf, uhf. It’ll work everywhere.
I think you’re drawing a line that doesn’t mater in the large scheme of things. The fcc isn’t going to “push us to WiFi”.
@@HamRadioCrashCourse I used to know one of those guys too over at the Cerritos office named Ben about 20 years ago and at the time they lost the budget to give amateur testing for the licensing. He told me they had a tri-band FM Kenwood VHF, UHF, SHF, for listening to Jammers on repeaters. They didn't even have the mobile equipment to go out find the violators. If and when I get the time I going 1296 EME SSB and CW with 16 six foot antennas coupled together with power dividers and 100 watts. DMR, Dstar through the internet is not for me..! from N6JJI