2m – SkySmiths

DVMEGA & BlueStack-Micro+ Boards

These are the circuit boards that comprise a DVMEGA BlueStack (Android) or iBlueStack (iOS). Either of these BlueStack-Micro+ boards can be paired with either of the DVMEGA radios – the single band or dual band.

These hotspots can operate in two modes:

‘push button out’ for Bluetooth to Android (BlueStack-Micro+) or iOS (new iBlueStack-Micro+) using BlueDV software
‘push button in’ for connection to Raspberry Pi 2/3 or PC using BlueDV, MMDVM, Pi-Star (check availability)

Here is a photo of the dual-band 2m/70cm DVMEGA on BlueStack-Micro+ board connected via cable to USB port on Raspberry Pi 2. This configuration can run BlueDV (Linux), Pi-Star or other MMDVM options.

The software you decide to use will be based on how you prefer to operate in the different modes supported.

With BlueDV software:
Android/Windows PC – DMR/DSTAR/FUSION
iOS – DMR/FUSION (DSTAR not supported due to technical limitations). This version supports background operation for DMR which is an excellent feature.

DVMEGA BlueStack units operating in Bluetooth mode need no computer and run on battery packs for extended periods. Perfect for use with Android and iOS phones/tablets (check versions of phones/tablets for compatibility).

In the UK, these products are available from Karl Powell and now also ML&S. In the Netherlands, from Combitronics.

Hotspots for DMR, Fusion and DSTAR

I really enjoy these modes via the hotspot and having owned the DV4mini for a year, wanted one that was even more portable so recently purchased a dual band DVMEGA and BlueStack Micro+ combination in a 3D printed custom case. This primarily uses the BlueDV Android or Windows software. Coincidentally I also had a SharkRF OpenSpot on backorder which has now turned up so I will be comparing all three units in the different modes over the coming months. The interface to the OpenSpot is any web browser.

YAESU FTM-100D

Getting to grips with the new Yaesu FTM-100D.

Working FM Amateur Radio Satellites

There is an excellent resource for working FM through amateur radio satellites compiled by Clint Bradford (K6LCS)

Yaesu FT-60R/E Operating Articles

I uncovered the following articles and helpful advise by other authors. Links are to original content and are the copyright of the author(s).

FT-60R Quick Guide
Controls, Modes, and Programming
Richard Barr Hibbs KI6AQW

Yaesu FT-60R/E Dual Band 2m/70cm Transceiver

Having recently purchased a Yaesu FT-60, which is a great handheld transceiver, I thought there would be a lot of information and advice readily available for planning and programming the memories. Having spent many hours researching this, I will be publishing the best of ‘FT-60’ over the coming posts.