HotSpot Parts
Guide Page 03
These are some of the MMDVM Boards that you might see for the Amateur Radio HotSpots. These are the ones that are compatible with the C4LABS cases shown in the first guide page.
The Single Hat Generic MMDVM Modem Board
This MMDVM Modem board is usually found on top of the Raspberry Pi Zero (Rectangular little box) or the Raspberry Pi 3B. The older version of this board has problems working on top of the Raspberry Pi 3B+ (Timing). This problem may have been fixed in later OS version updates to the Raspberry Pi OS. Just beware of the problem.
The ZUM Radio ZUMspot-RPi MMDVM Modem Board
This MMDVM Modem board appears to be discontinued. It was sold by Ham Radio Outlet. It too had issues with being used with the Raspberry Pi 3B+. (Timing and 3.3v power issue) If you find one it works well on top of the Raspberry Pi Zero and the Raspberry Pi 3B. This problem may have been fixed in later OS version updates to the Raspberry Pi OS. Just beware of the problem.
PURCHASE AT: No Longer Available, find one used cheap, grab it.
The LoneStar MMDVM Simplex N5BOC Modem Board
This Lone Star MMDVM Simplex N5BOC Modem board is made in Texas. The quality of these boards rival those from China. The Maker is said to test every single board, now that's quality. The only problem is getting your hands on one of these boards as they are almost always out of stock. The price is said to be well worth it. The maker fully stands behind their product. These boards are said to function properly with all Raspberry Pi SBC versions. Please excuse the blurry image of it, its the best I can find of it, maybe the maker will provide me with a better one, fingers crossed.
PURCHASE AT: N5BOC Store OR N5BOC On Tindie
The Dual Hat Generic MMDVM Modem Board
This is the standard Generic Dual Hat, Repeater Board. This board is more so for DMR, NXDN, and P25. Programming the Modem Firmware on this board takes an extra step. BOOT1 center and - have to be shorted together for the firmware upgrade to take place. Other than that, these boards work just fine.
Proceed to the “Next Guide Page” by clicking on the “Right Pointing Arrows”.
This MMDVM Modem board appears to be discontinued. It was sold by Ham Radio Outlet. It too had issues with being used with the Raspberry Pi 3B+. (Timing and 3.3v power issue) If you find one it works well on top of the Raspberry Pi Zero and the Raspberry Pi 3B. This problem may have been fixed in later OS version updates to the Raspberry Pi OS. Just beware of the problem.
PURCHASE AT: No Longer Available, find one used cheap, grab it.
The LoneStar MMDVM Simplex N5BOC Modem Board
This Lone Star MMDVM Simplex N5BOC Modem board is made in Texas. The quality of these boards rival those from China. The Maker is said to test every single board, now that's quality. The only problem is getting your hands on one of these boards as they are almost always out of stock. The price is said to be well worth it. The maker fully stands behind their product. These boards are said to function properly with all Raspberry Pi SBC versions. Please excuse the blurry image of it, its the best I can find of it, maybe the maker will provide me with a better one, fingers crossed.
PURCHASE AT: N5BOC Store OR N5BOC On Tindie
The Dual Hat Generic MMDVM Modem Board
This is the standard Generic Dual Hat, Repeater Board. This board is more so for DMR, NXDN, and P25. Programming the Modem Firmware on this board takes an extra step. BOOT1 center and - have to be shorted together for the firmware upgrade to take place. Other than that, these boards work just fine.
Proceed to the “Next Guide Page” by clicking on the “Right Pointing Arrows”.
This is the standard Generic Dual Hat, Repeater Board. This board is more so for DMR, NXDN, and P25. Programming the Modem Firmware on this board takes an extra step. BOOT1 center and - have to be shorted together for the firmware upgrade to take place. Other than that, these boards work just fine.
Proceed to the “Next Guide Page” by clicking on the “Right Pointing Arrows”.