MMDVM

You will need…

Internet

ADSL 8 Mbps or more

C4FM Radio

Yaesu radio C4FM compatible

Multi Mode Digital Voice Modem

So do you want a cheaper option?

Skip to…

pi-star 3.2″

pi-star web interface

Updating

QRZ lookup

Changing rooms

Band plan – Important!

As you should be aware there is a band plan for the UK regulated by Ofcom and published by RSGB. Your license allows you to use different frequencies, modes and so on, in your licence you have agreed to abide by this… BUT!

– check whether you are using the correct frequency
– check that the frequency is available (not interfering with another station, node, gateway or repeater)
– use a dummy load on the radio (even if it is a handheld)
– using a frequency doesn’t make it yours (check for updated lists)
– put a call out to ask if the fequency is in use (even with a dummy load)

All of this will minimise you breaching your license
If you want to have a gateway on a frequency then you need to apply for an NoV

Some links to help you out
RSGB – Band Plans and information
RSGB – UK Repeaters 2m
RSGB – UK Repeaters 70cm
RSGB – Simplex Gateways
RSGB – Vetting list
Also on our site https://wires-x.uk/ways-to-connect/repeaters/

Ver Pi-Star – RPi_V4.1.2_20-May-2020

Default frequency 438.800 MHz

A MMDVM (Multi Mode Digital Voice Modem) is a link from your wires-x capable radio to a room on the wires-x system – allowing you to speak to other hams.

This can be particularly useful when out and about as you don’t need to link your radio in PDN mode to a laptop

The software (Operating System) runs on a small computer called a raspberry pi

There are different models and sizes from the small pi zero to the full sized pi – these can be used as a desktop PC giving them more than enough processing power and features to run pi-star

Skip to video first set up

Well for around £70 (fully assembled) you can get a small MMDVM JumboSpot; running pi-star

Mini MMDVM Hotspot with 0.96″ OLED screen

Where to get an MMDVM

You can buy there from many places – including our shop.

Would you like to have a look at the pi-star software?

Click here to have a look at the admin config

You cannot change settings; it will show you an error, but you can get an idea of a WIRES-X setup.

For your pi-star

Default Username: pi-star
Default Password: raspberry

Changing rooms

And saving

Note this works on all WIRES-X radios

This little box allows you to connect a WIRES-X digital radio to the WIRES-X network and talk via any WIRES-X digital radio.

MMDVM van

Use your mobile data to connect

So whats in the tiny box?

Raspberry pi (zero/ 3b)
OLED screen or nextion screen
MMDVM HotSPOT Module
Antenna
Case
micro SD card

This is all neatly packaged in a 7cm x 3cm x 3cm (approx) case

Other specs

5 Volts DC
0.18 Amps (± 0.03a) (idle) *
0.25 Amps (± 0.03a) (transmitting) *
Connect to power with micro B USB

*Reading from USB volt and amp meter

Pros

Portable; can be used anywhere if tethered to your mobile phone
Power from 5v USB (could use a battery)
Support for Dstar – DMR – and others…

Cons

No battery included
Not all rooms supported

3.2″ MMDVM

This setup is almost the same a the small oled screen, just with a customisable 3.2″ screen

I find one of these on my desktop it great especially as it tells me where the call sign is from

Tip

When your MMDVM is connected to home wifi and you can access the admin area; there is a tab up the top that says Restore/Backup. You can click download configuration and save to a place on your PC. Then if anything goes wrong and a reset is required, you can upload in the same way, restoring it to a time it was working.