If you live outside the range of DMR repeaters, you need a device to connect to the DV systems. A personal DMR hotspot is such a device that lets Amateur Radio enthusiasts link directly to Digital voice systems across the globe.
Using the internet connection, DMR hotspots work as a personal repeater and gateway! Thus, enabling you to talk on your beloved amateur radio.
But, there are many different hotspots on the market. That’s why our expert teams spent hours researching for the best DMR hotspot and came up with only five of them.
Keep reading and find out exactly which one you need!
Best DMR Hotspot Reviews
Table of Contents
This section has different DMR hotspot options. However, not all of them might be suitable for your need. So, choose a ham hotspot according to your necessity.
1. HKCNMA DMR Hotspot | Wi-Fi Digital Voice System
If you want a DMR hotspot that does the job without causing you any problems, then you want one of these without even knowing.
HKCNMA hotspots are one of the dmr hotspots in the market because of how they work. Using open-source Pi-star as their operating system, these hotspots are fully assembled devices. You can just plug it in, connect to your Wi-Fi and go online.
With external inductors, the MMDVM hotspots can connect to low-range radio networks and also come pre-configured for a Wi-Fi network. So, all you have to do is connect to the Wi-Fi and configure your SSID.
But, most hotspots work only with one or two radio standards. It becomes difficult to use different types of amateur radios. Although, you don’t need to worry about that if you buy one of these. The MMDVM works flawlessly with YSF, D-star, DMR, and many other radio standards.
Being built as a compact but sturdy device the MMDVM DMR hotspot is one of the finest DMR hotspots in 2022. So, don’t think twice before buying these.
Key-Features
- External inductor to connect to low-range
- Pre-configured to connect with Wi-Fi
- Supports both VHF and UHF
- Sturdy Metal Body for longer performance
2. Aursinc DMR hotspot | Digital Voice Modem
If you need a multi-mode digital voice modem, Aursinc is here to provide you with the best value. With their portable hotspot system and easy charging Aursinc hotspots are a force to be reckoned with.
Aursinc has been providing with great value Amateur Radio Equipment for a long time now. Their reputation has only increased. So, it is not hard to say that aursinc makes the top DMR hotspot for Hams. This particular hotspot is not an exception.
With its pre-loaded pi-star operating system, the setup configuration is very easy with Aursinc.
All you have to do is connect to the Wi-Fi network and configure your SSID setup. But, keep in mind that these only work with 2.4 GHz SSID and not with 5.8 GHz.
Also, the security of your Wi-Fi network needs to be WPA and not WEP. But, most DMR hotspots work this way. So, with their easy charging feature and portable technology, these hotspots will work flawlessly for you.
Although, most amateur radio enthusiasts use more than one radio standard. That’s why, Aursinc made these hotspots to support D-star, DMR, YSF, NXDN, and so on. Well, all questions are answered. So, what are you waiting for?
Key Features
- Upgraded Pi-star software
- Free Micro USB cable included
- Usable in vehicles if Wi-Fi is available
- Great Value for the price.
3. Aursinc DMR hotspot Board | Aluminum Case
Are you someone who loves modern tech? Then, you must want the latest high-tech DMR hotspot for your usage. Well, if that is the case, Aursinc DMR hotspot boards should be your first choice.
These DMR hotspot boards don’t only look futurist, they are future tech. They save your electricity all while providing you with the best performance there is.
But, please note that these are not assembled DMR hotspots. These are quality hotspot boards with aluminum cases.
But, why would one buy an unassembled hotspot board you may ask? Then, you need to understand that you can configure these boards anyhow you want them to be. They support Raspberry Pi 3B with many other boards.
But, as we are talking about amateur radio hotspots here, the most important part to consider should be its MMDVM connectivity. That’s why Aursinc made these boards to support almost all of the radio standards out there while supporting VHF and UHF.
These boards also have a user-friendly OLED and you can upgrade firmware online. So, it’s a win-win situation for you anyway.
Key features
- Can be assembled according to choice
- Supports a wide range of Linux Pi boards
- Supports DMR, YSF, D-star, and a lot more
- Bluetooth modules can be added additionally
4. Aursinc MMDVM DMR hotspot | Fully Assembled
Did you notice that you can’t ignore Aursinc while talking about Amateur radio equipment? That’s because Aursinc is a very trusted and reputed company in the ham community.
These MMDVM hotspots are no exception to their high quality. Supporting NXDN, D-star, DMR, YSF, and a lot more radio standards, these hotspots might just be the best DMR hotspot out there. Also, these boards have pre-loaded Pi-star firmware on the TF card.
But, a very important thing to consider while buying DMR hotspots, is the power source. Aursinc made these MMDVM hotspots with easy charging capabilities.
Free micro USB cables are included with these hotspots and you can charge using any power source.
Although, to connect with the hotspot you need to connect with 2.4 GHz SSID because Pi zero W doesn’t support 5.8 GHz SSID. Also, make sure that your Wi-Fi security is WPA because these don’t support WEP security.
But, if you are new in the ham community, you may need to read the product setup guide. Though, you can find enough help on Github groups for solutions. As these hotspots work with both UHF and VHF these are the perfect companion for your mobile radios.
So, buy one of these Aursinc Hotspots if you need yourself to stop worrying about these.
Key Features
- Supports VHF and UHF
- Easy connectivity to the network
- Latest Update of Pi-star
- Easy charging technology
5. Aursinc MMDVM DMR hotspot Module | Duplex Dual Hat
As you are here reading about DMR hotspot modules, we can undoubtedly say that you know what you’re doing here. If you think so too, then this is the right choice for you.
While assembled boards are not much of a work, you can just Plug and Play, they steal the opportunity of personified experience and joy that is much appreciated in the Amateur Radio community. An unassembled board like this can get that for you.
These Aursinc boards are loaded with performance. With a fully tested 32 bit ARM processor, these boards will fit almost every raspberry Pi except Raspberry Pi 4. They mount easily on the current Raspberry Pi and Raspberry Pi zero.
These are widely compatible with worldwide DV systems. You can use them with DMR, D-star, P-25, and system fusion radio standards. So, you can transcode between most DV systems except D-star.
Also, these Aursinc made modules support both VHF and UHF. The frequency for VHF is 144-220MHz, while the frequency for UHF is 433-900MHz. So, you can see that Aursinc did a great job on the design and production with these hotspot modules.
At last but not least, you have two variants of these boards, ones come with OLED and others don’t! Now, you don’t need to buy an OLED if you don’t need one. How nice of them to think about that!
So, some might say that you shouldn’t expect anything more from a DMR hotspot!
Key feature
- Works much like a portable repeater
- Works great on different Raspberry Pi units
- Comes in two variants
- Up to 10 mW RF power
Things to Consider Before Buying a DMR Hotspot
If you are an Amateur Radio Enthusiast and you live outside the range of DMR repeaters, you need to buy a DMR hotspot to connect to the Digital Voice Modes like DMR or D-star. As you came all the way here, you likely want to buy one.
But, before buying a DMR hotspot, you first need to understand what you need and what you’re going to do with the hotspot. Because that makes all the difference. So, considering a few things before buying a DMR hotspot may save you from future displeasure. Additionally, you can check our review on stylus for ipad air 2.
Internet Connectivity
First of all, you need to consider whether you want an Ethernet-only or a Wi-Fi connectivity hotspot. Ethernet only hotspots are cheaper but older. Though, they work perfectly. So, if you are a bit short on the budget and don’t mind keeping the hotspot in an exact place then buy one.
But, Wi-Fi hotspots come with their merits too. They are portable and you can take them anywhere. So, you can connect to your favorite DMR on the go! If that doesn’t excite you, what will?
Transcoding Capabilities
Secondly, you need to consider the transcoding abilities. There are many different Digital Voice Modes or Radio standards. But, most hotspots can transcode between most standards. So, that you can connect to YSF using your DMR radio.
But, a slight problem occurs in the D-star mode. Because most hotspots can’t transcode with D-star. In reality, only one DMR hotspot can transcode between D-star. So, if you need to transcode with D-star, you may have to reevaluate your situation.
Included Screen
The thirds thing to consider while buying a DMR hotspot must be its screen. You see, in these modern times, connecting your hotspot to your desktop or phone, and then reconnecting the hotspot to the Wi-Fi can be pretty inconvenient for some.
That’s why some companies make hotspots with touch screen displays. So, you can use the hotspot all by itself. But, they get pretty pricier. So, you might not even want or need that. There are hotspots with only information display or some without any display technology and they work too.
So, you need to consider if you need one with or without display. If with, then what kind of display would you need is the question to ask. Also, you may want to consider if you want one with an internal battery. Rechargeable hotspots are just the best if you can work with mobile Wi-Fi.
Radio Input
Last but not the least, these hotspots mostly need a mobile radio to work. They are companions for your mobile radio. But, that might be inconvenient for you and you may want one that comes with the radio input. So, if you are into that you may get one with it. But, we wouldn’t advise that.
So, if you consider these things, you can get yourself the dmr hotspot in 2022.
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
1. Do I need a DMR hotspot?
If you live outside the range of a DMR repeater then, yes, you need a DMR hotspot to connect with DVs. DMR hotspots enable you to connect your mobile radio with radio standards through the internet. That’s just how amateur radio works.
2. What does a DMR hotspot do?
DMR hotspots are devices that work much more like a gateway or a personal repeater. They allow you to connect to digital networks like Brandmeister or DMR-MARC with your Radio. Without DMR hotspots, you can’t connect to Amateur Radio.
3. Can I transcode between D-star and DMR?
If you have a specific DMR hotspot that can transcode between D-star and DMR, only then you can be capable of doing that. The openSPOT3 by SharkRF is such a hotspot. But, these have their own merits and demerits. So, understand if you need them.
4. How can I make an MMDVM hotspot?
First, download the latest Pi-star image. Then, you have to flash that image to your SD card. Then, insert the SD card into your hotspot and configure the Wi-Fi settings. That’s how you can make an MMDVM hotspot.
5. What is a Pi-star?
Pi-star is an open-source, custom, and pre-configured burnable image for Raspberry Pi and other ARM processors. Pi-star is the whole sum of the different parts of the image. You can consider it the Windows for Raspberry Pi.
6. What does MMDVM stand for?
MMDVM is the abbreviation for Multi-Mode Digital Voice Modem.
Final words
As you have come this far in this article, we genuinely hope that you found what you were looking for through our help. As a fellow ham, you need to understand the basics of DMR hotspots to even connect to a DV.
But, a good DMR hotspot is not easy to find. There are many different aspects to consider while buying a DMR hotspot. So, if you consider based on our suggestions, we are positive that you will find the best DMR hotspot suitable for you.
As they say, “No hour of life is wasted when it’s spent on the HAM radio.” So, eat, sleep, and HAM!
Mark Robinson is a sportswriter for various companies. He received his B.A. from the University of Washington in 1999, majoring in journalism. He specializes in sports reports. As he believes in love to create, to share, and to make people smile.
