Building a Hotspot for Phoenix (DMR Part 3)
1. What is a Hotspot? Part 1 and Part 2 described how to get a DMR rig onto the Phoenix network using a local repeater. This assumes, of course, that you are in range of a suitable repeater! What if you are not? Or if you are visiting another location without coverage? The solution is to build your own mini-repeater, known as a Hotspot. This blog assumes you have a DMR ID, and a working DMR rig. If not, please return to Part 1 . A Hotspot is a low-power multi-mode digital repeater. It has an internet connection (wireless or wired) that connects it to the various amateur radio networks. And it has a small UHF transceiver that makes it accessible as a repeater from a local DMR handheld. Hotspots typically support more than one mode and network - so they can be used to connect to Phoenix, Brandmeister, FreeDMR, TGIF, DSTAR and more. There are several commercial Hotspots available, and a few variations of software. Hotspots can be simplex or duplex, supporting one or two timeslots on D