Just an FYI, SharkRF is the best hotspot I have ever used, the 2 was amazing, the 3 is just phenominal. I will never consider switching to another device as long as SharkRF is in business. Not one single issue, almost instant startup and connectivity, automatic updates, never locked up, don't need to reconnect it to my iphone when I leave the truck. Just impressive... 73 Bob
Hi you can connect the openspot interface on your iphone that's what im trying to do , what are you doing different , My iphone shows openspot3 on in wifi , still cant open the interface , its not getting internet . do you have any tips to share.
Loved this video. A new ham and still deciding on what direction to take it. This helped tremendously knowing that I can talk across the different digital platforms! Awesome and thanks! Steve KO4FZY
I've called CQ from my 2M/440 FM rig for the last 5 years and never got a call back except from our of our guests at our central FL campground that I arranged in advance. Even with a 1/2~ antenna I cannot hit a local repeater from my golf cart due to a 300' hill 6 miles to the SW of me. I think it is time for Dstar with a SharkRF Openspot 3, our campground WIFI admin account, and a suitable Icom or Kenwood ht. Thanks Bob for helping this old elmer come out of the stone age, but if I am going to spend 8 hours a day on my golf cart repairing the campground infrastructure, I need more than a Chinese radio programmed to GMRS channel 4 to chat with my maintenance guys or the office ..... Zzzzzz. 73, Dave - KU9L
Awesome video. Great information! So I really wanted a Yaesu FT3 as my first ht but DStar is more popular in my area. There are a few fusion releaters as well in my neighborhood, not to mention DMR is picking up too. I didn't know such a capable device existed.. Thank you!...
On a DMR radio, you always have to have a "codeplug" or you won't be able to access anything other than what was programmed into the radio at the factory. Plus, you still can't access WIRES-X on YSF, and D-Star is a dying mode anyway. I'll keep the $300 and spend it on something else.
I don't need a codeplug on my MMDVM hotspot. I use one 440MHz UHF frequency. And, I select which talkgroup I want to be on. I just need the hotspot to connect to the correct DMR Master. So for example Brandmeister has a different server than my c-bridge server for PNW DMR. Keep in mind the meaning of the talk group number depends on the server you are connected to. So my question: Is it easy to change DMR Master? How is that done?
Yes, the DMR Server is part of the basic setup. This changes as you travel around the world. I guess you need to carry a laptop or a cellphone to reconfigure it?
Oddly enough I enjoy picking through CPS when I get a new radio and putting in freqs/TG's/ CC's for some reason it's like therapeutic for me to do it and just get in my zone and click away at it. It's half the fun of getting a new radio for me to do the codeplug and yall probably looking at me like I have 4 eyes lol!!!
I love mine. The battery option was my decision in buying it as I take it on my work commute but the cross mode is a bonus. I bought my OP3 2 3 week after I got the OP2 and soon after playing with the OP3, I sold the OP2.
Dude, you scared me. I ordered one last week. It's on back order shipping end of March. I saw your vid title and my throat sunk into my gut. I thought you were going to say it's terrible and junk. Now I'm relieved.
Glad yours worked! mine died after 4 uses. All you get through product support is next to nothing, they won't admit that their product failed. I got told that my WIFI magically turned on "client isolation". I then took the open spot to 6 friends houses and got same lights that again support told me that was because of client isolation, even though while at 1 friends house I helped him put up 6 wireless cameras that were on this router that my open spot wouldn't talk to. Huh? Lastly I dug out my 4G cellular hot spot that the open spot was last mated to last June but surprise! Same lights telling me, according to support that I had client isolation enabled on my hot spot. I called the cellular company and surprise you can't turn it on in their hot spot!! SAVE YOUR MONEY, IF IT FAILS BE READY FOR HOURS AND I MEAN HOURS OF FRUSTRATION BEFORE YOU FINALLY THROW IN THE TOWELL.
Gosh.. Cant find any videos on comparison between this openspot3 vs Skybridge plus for dmr? Just got my dmr id and wanting a hospot the prices now ( jan 2022) are about the same $500 but the shark seems way more simple????
I will have to consider this. I have the 2 and like it for Fusion but can't get it to work on DMR for some odd reason. Good News! I passed my Amateur Extra Exam today.
@@K6UDA Yes. I have a couple of pi-star units that work flawlessly on DMR. I just find that the OS2 is a little flaky on DMR. Likewise I have trouble with pi-star on fusion. So I have both the OS2 and pi-star. And no I don't run all three the same time. I need to spend more time figuring out the settings on the OS2 for DMR. I like to copy what others that have videos on UA-cam have for DMR settings that work so I don't have to fiddle with that. I have not found a good video that goes from step 1 to finish but that was about six months ago. Yes I read the manual. I have argued with SharkRF that I had a bad unit but they say no. It works with Fusion.
There in fact is a sense behind a dark theme. Modern smartphones do use OLED displays and on an OLED Display the power consumption depends on the pixel brightness. So with a dark mode your smartphone display saves power. Put your iPhone in dark mode and activate dark themes on your apps if available and you save 1 hour of battery life every day.
Just sent mine back to the warehouse. The app didn’t work at and it took several hours of trying to connect it to a Wi-Fi for the website to see the device. After watching this video the one I ordered did nothing like what your showing. There must have been something wrong with. I spent probably six hours just to get it to see my wifi. It’s not heavy enough for a paperweight socI sent it back.
Question: At 12:40 in the video, you mentioned that the Openspot3 is not exactly APRS. What do you mean? Can you provide some more information on why it's not?
Great video Bob! Nice to see that cross mode feature. FT-3 is my next radio so it’ll be nice to not buy another one for DMR, since we now have that back up here on the local repeater.
I got mine in two days ago, I was able to set it up and get off the ground in no time(after getting on UA-cam). BTW, just got my license 3 months ago and I am very happy to get into HAM world in 2020 with such a clear vision to the future. This is only possible because of you and other great UA-cam backbones making it possible to understand and use these advanced technologies. 73 KE8NPD
I Use a separate Android phone to program the hotspot 4, to connect to my regular Android phone, on Hotspot mode, then once the hotspot 4 is connected, then I can use my regular phone for the rest of the programming, makes it a whole lot easier than before, I was trying to use my PC but apparently the unit got confused and thought it was another PC hotspot, it's was being programmed for, Now I can Add the Profiles,
THANX Bob, Was wondering what this $$$ unit is all about - Wouldn't think the RDO companies are going to like this REALLY Nice to use it for all three modes and More I see. Have the 400XDR - found ur Node on WIRESX I have the D74. I really have to figure out how to use it. Have it setup for APRS and DSTAR - but not one contact on DSTAR yet. Think I really need a Hotspot3. There is a DSTAR Rptr here - but not a soul I have heard?? why? Nice MHome ya got there. 73s
If you had to buy one hotspot, and you were brand spanking new. Openspot3 ? HRO's unit (nice screen), RuggedSpot (not sure they're in business) or Bridgecom's (good education but who want's to know that much). Thanks ..love your videos. Where do the girls come from? :)
Ok great! Now I understand how this digital stuff works. My question is why can't you just use your hotspot from your phone to connect straight to the radio? I have D-star on my 5100 but have never used it.
So, what happens after you go through the 200 cycles of the LiPo battery and it no longer holds a charge? Also, you still cannot access WIRES-X. You still have to have a WiFi hotspot, so there goes your unfettered mobility. So, I'm spending $250 over a homebrew MMDVM/Pi-Star so I can get 30 and 1 Charlie? Thanks but no thanks.
I’ve always got my phone in my pocket so there’s my internet. OSP slips into my pocket so I can operate anywhere, like on my motorcycle. As for the battery, I’ll deal with that a couple of years from now.
Great video and subscribed. Thank you sir. Question if I may, keeping the unit powered would this damage the battety? I have OP1 looking to upgrade but the “always” on is my concern, although just switch it on when needed I suppose.
K6UDA Thank you. Something I ‘worry’ about with built-in rechargeable batteries. Looks like start selling and saving now as it looks a cool neat bit of kit. Once again love your videos sir.
LOL... nice lesson on how to not look like a "radio dork"! However when the openSPOT3 was announced, the openSPOT2 went on sale... and I bought two more of those rather than going with the openSPOT3. So I am fine with being a radio dork. I don't think it matters if you have one radio or three. Chicks think that guys that play radio are dorks.
Is it easy to perform on-the-fly mode changes? For example, say I’m driving . . talking on my favorite DSTAR reflector using my DSTAR radio, and wish to then switch to my favorite DMR Brandmesiter talkgroup while using the same DSTAR radio, while driving . . thanks in advance !
I haven't been able to find the open spot 3 any place and they are on back order at SharkRF. Keep looking. Good Video Bob. I have been around for a good while but not active and all these new modes has my brain spinning. I did buy the TH-D74A waiting for them to get software working on MacOS. Just registered for D-Star but trying to figure our the rest. Oh, I do have my call in the phone. lol. 73
Here is another question. I connected my IC-92AD to my original openspot. That is Version 1. Everything is working but what is really weird is that I hear the Audio from 1C on every other reflector that I have programmed into my radio. I don't understand why this is happening. Mark KB3Z
The UI is definitely more user friendly than PiStar. If you're doing cross mode. If you use Dstar to DMR. I guess you have to change the talkgroup using the web interface and not the radio. Would that be correct?
@@K6UDA Nope! You can using your D-STAR radio to change DMR talkgroup or DMR reflectors too. Please see online manual how do you do this. manuals.sharkrf.com/openspot3/en/homebrew-mmdvm-connector.html Please also try the barcode scanning new feature in your next UA-cam video! You can try a cross mode QSO on NXDN or P25 reflector. Good luck!
Got a question about the OpenSpot3 Say you are are on a D-Star XLX Reflector, XLX227D then want to change to another XLX Reflector, XLX016D Did one have to Input the Global Server for each XLX reflector like you need to do on Icom Radio’s like the IC-9700 or IC-705 Just wanted to know if it’s seemless in changing since I may not know the associated Global Server (dashboard) IP address for that XLX reflector Is the OpenSpot3 already know each IP or url Global Address when just selecting The XLX reflector number Is it that Smart in software Mike WB6DJI
Good video. Unfortunately I bought one of the first ones and it was a lemon and had to get a refund! I will wait for the unit to become a bit more mature and try again.
I wanted to ask you a question concerning the placement of my OpenSpot3. I use the OS3 in my shack ONLY and always keep it plugged in. When it's not in use I keep it in NULL. It sits on a shelf in front of my MFJ auto tuner. I also have my HF radio in the shack as well as ladder line coming into the shack. My question is when I transmit on HF while in the shack, can RF damage the Open Spot3 in any way? I haven't yet gone on HF since receiving the OS3. I figured I would ask someone like yourself before I transmit. Any information concerning this question would be greatly appreciated. Be well.
Rich Ross Wow. There’s a lot to unpack there. First off when you’re not using the open spot why don’t you simply turn it off the battery is constantly charging and discharging when it’s on and it’s not getting a full discharge by turning it off you’ll give it a rest. As for a high RF environment it shouldn’t damage the open spot but then again I’ve seen other things damaged by stray RF including a brand new computer in my shack so I would tend to keep things away from sensitive equipment.
Rich Ross But I wouldn’t hesitate to run the open spot in the shack along with all your other equipment I just wouldn’t keep it parked on top of your antenna tuner or your amp.
A simple question. If I have my DMR radio on and my Dstar Radio on, can I pick different receive and transmit frequencies for each radio? Also, Can I access both radio's at the same time with the Openspot3? Or is it like the regular openspot where you have to designate the connection and make the necessary change in the software? KB3Z
Hey so i'm new, so great video #1. So question, it looks like openspot3 does everything but wires-x? So basically with like FT3DR with openspot3 you can do everything? but with other radios+openspot3 you can do everything but wires-X? thanks for helping newbie.
@@K6UDA Hey thanks for the feedback, so noobie here, I just pulled the trigger on ordering an FT3DR. The nearest Fusion repeater is 7 miles away, i live in VA (residential houses/trees) and the repeater is at the airport so i'm assuming its pretty dang high up open line of sight. Anyways can you recommend an aftermarket HT antenna to go with the FT3DR that can hopefully reach that repeater that isnt like crazy huge. thanks!
After some thought and reflection I would recommend a new ham buy the new OS3 along with the Yaesu FT3D. If you can't spring for the FT3D then I would buy the FT70D fusion HT for half the price. i think after owning the OS2 I would spring for the OS3 instead from what you are claiming. Kinda funky about the charging though. I guess from what you are saying is run the unit down and shut it off and charge it when you are done with it. It's probably for battery protection. How hard are the buttons to push? They look small...
N2yio I bought an openspot3 and I guess I am just Stupid or am just doing something wrong because I am having a hell of a time connecting to my phone and I have a couple other of the U Tube channels what I am doing wrong and no one has given me any help or any answers at all. I live in South Jersey and have Verizon as my internet provider when I try to connect to the openspot3ap like I'm supposed to do but it disconnects my network so I can't do anything on the computer or phone when I try to connect to that am I doing something wrong? or what can someone please help me because I am about ready to sell my 878uv and the openspot3 because its not doing me any good If I can't use it Thanks, N2yio
I have spent at least 25 hours trying to set it up. Why say it is the greatest. It did work 2 or 3 years ago but now. I have tried facroty reset, firmware update, been working with computer for at least 60 years now. Why praise what is so diffucult.
OK so basically, the DMR radios let you talk to the guys 50, 60, 300 miles away easy, as long as you have your cell phone providing a wifi hotspot when you're away from home or work and as long as the eggs battery lasts.... But your cell phone can talk to those guys without the egg and the radios, even in a group chat. and if you share your google location they can see where you are at all times. Just practically speaking it seems to add too much expense and complication to your day, when your phone is so easy. I've been looking hard at these radios and trying to find out what my personal needs are and if these DMR's would make my days easier or just complicate my day. Excellent video. Thank you for putting this all together. Thank You.
Dmr to D-star? that will be fun. I just got the D74a a little bit ago. I will say this most Dmr radios mic quality sucks. I use md-2017 and md-9600 great audio. Those Baofeng etc are crap trying to hear. As the saying goes there goes the neighborhood!!
How to Configure your MMDVM Pi-Star HotSpot for DV Scotland DMR Network IPSC2-DVScotland. Configure your radio with HotSpot Frequency and Time Slot 2. List of DV Scotland DMR Network Talk Groups: www.dvscotland.net/talkgroups.xhtml How to configure static Talk Groups. DMR Configuration DMR Master: DMR+_IPSC2-DVScotland DMR+ Options: Options= TS2_1=23555;TS2_2=23556; ua-cam.com/video/xBLIC9sMp8c/v-deo.html
Boomer speaking: what the hell's an 'open spot'? I'm glad I'm into ham radio.. not hamplusinternet radio. Looks like a good and useful vid for the non-boomers out there who aren't stuck in 1939 like me. I wouldn't know. I didn't understand a word you said.. and I'm a retired biomedical engineer who's into Linux and prototyping one-off transceiver designs. 73 OM and welcome back from that freak show in the desert. Speaking of - next year I'm bashing your 'youtubers of ham radio' panel. I've got 3 subs now.. and at least as many 'likes'. I'm just like you now, UDA!. Yep, ol' UDA... maybe next year I'll be seated between you and ol' 'RLW. I need to teach that boy the definition of QRP. He seems confused. 73 OM
@@K6UDA lol, see.. that's exactly why I'm not getting into digital radio or messing with posting vids... I'm retired and too busy just screwing off to do anything meaningful - especailly anything requiring 60+ hour weeks. Unless its sleeping of course. 73 and thanks for your interesting vids. Fun place to fish for fun comments btw. lol. I'd never, ever give someone's vid a dislike, even if i completely disagree with them. Not that I do you.. I don't. Just sayin'. 73 OM
@@n8nkqrp595 I am with you sir, have no use for "digital or internet ham radio" it makes 0 sense to me. I'll stick with my home brew antenna and run 1500 watts of power and continue to work the world 73' David. Now I will say I certainly do appreciate the effort K6UDA puts into displaying the finer sex of our species , well done sir !
@@rogerwoods8697 LOL, no not really in a way I think thats a good thing I for one dont want the hobby to die off and dropping the code requirement opens up the door so to speak to a lot of people. All the best my friend, David.
Just an FYI, SharkRF is the best hotspot I have ever used, the 2 was amazing, the 3 is just phenominal. I will never consider switching to another device as long as SharkRF is in business. Not one single issue, almost instant startup and connectivity, automatic updates, never locked up, don't need to reconnect it to my iphone when I leave the truck. Just impressive... 73 Bob
Hi you can connect the openspot interface on your iphone that's what im trying to do , what are you doing different , My iphone shows openspot3 on in wifi , still cant open the interface , its not getting internet . do you have any tips to share.
If you carry three radios you look like a radio dork. Love it!
Great video for beginners to hot spot confusion!
Thanks.
Loved this video. A new ham and still deciding on what direction to take it. This helped tremendously knowing that I can talk across the different digital platforms! Awesome and thanks!
Steve KO4FZY
I've called CQ from my 2M/440 FM rig for the last 5 years and never got a call back except from our of our guests at our central FL campground that I arranged in advance. Even with a 1/2~ antenna I cannot hit a local repeater from my golf cart due to a 300' hill 6 miles to the SW of me. I think it is time for Dstar with a SharkRF Openspot 3, our campground WIFI admin account, and a suitable Icom or Kenwood ht. Thanks Bob for helping this old elmer come out of the stone age, but if I am going to spend 8 hours a day on my golf cart repairing the campground infrastructure, I need more than a Chinese radio programmed to GMRS channel 4 to chat with my maintenance guys or the office ..... Zzzzzz. 73, Dave - KU9L
@CHe59v should take some lessons from you.
My FIL received two of these about two weeks ago, can't wait to give it a try. Thanks for the video Bob.
Late to the party but ordered my device. Wish I had this 10 years ago. Great video Thank you 73’s W1FYG
Nice job! Plan to use in my motorhome too!
Great video Bob! and I agree well worth the $300 73 de N1AD, I received one as a belated Christmas present from the XYL
Awesome video. Great information! So I really wanted a Yaesu FT3 as my first ht but DStar is more popular in my area. There are a few fusion releaters as well in my neighborhood, not to mention DMR is picking up too. I didn't know such a capable device existed.. Thank you!...
Built-in cross mode changes everything! Thanks for the review @K6UDA. And yeah, who wants to be a radio dork.
Great video explains lots. I am just having a heck of a time trying to decide what digital format radio (HT) to but? Fusion, DMR or DSTAR?
Loved the “don’t be a radio dork” comment... 😆🤣😂
Not having to mess with code plugs? Priceless.
On a DMR radio, you always have to have a "codeplug" or you won't be able to access anything other than what was programmed into the radio at the factory. Plus, you still can't access WIRES-X on YSF, and D-Star is a dying mode anyway. I'll keep the $300 and spend it on something else.
I don't need a codeplug on my MMDVM hotspot. I use one 440MHz UHF frequency. And, I select which talkgroup I want to be on. I just need the hotspot to connect to the correct DMR Master. So for example Brandmeister has a different server than my c-bridge server for PNW DMR. Keep in mind the meaning of the talk group number depends on the server you are connected to.
So my question: Is it easy to change DMR Master? How is that done?
Yes, the DMR Server is part of the basic setup. This changes as you travel around the world. I guess you need to carry a laptop or a cellphone to reconfigure it?
Oddly enough I enjoy picking through CPS when I get a new radio and putting in freqs/TG's/ CC's for some reason it's like therapeutic for me to do it and just get in my zone and click away at it. It's half the fun of getting a new radio for me to do the codeplug and yall probably looking at me like I have 4 eyes lol!!!
@KB9OAK. I see you are still waiting for yours to be shipped. Im also on the SharkRF site (MichaelL) Im also still waiting.
Thanks for your time Helping me
Another great video. Thank you Bob!! I am enjoying my OpenSpot3
I love mine. The battery option was my decision in buying it as I take it on my work commute but the cross mode is a bonus. I bought my OP3 2 3 week after I got the OP2 and soon after playing with the OP3, I sold the OP2.
Bought mine right after seeing Bob's review, BEST Openspot yet!!
Love mine, keep up the great videos. Looking forward to QSO's on the road
Dude, you scared me. I ordered one last week. It's on back order shipping end of March. I saw your vid title and my throat sunk into my gut. I thought you were going to say it's terrible and junk. Now I'm relieved.
All better now?
@@K6UDA yes. Thanks for the review.
Glad yours worked! mine died after 4 uses. All you get through product support is next to nothing, they won't admit that their product failed. I got told that my WIFI magically turned on "client isolation". I then took the open spot to 6 friends houses and got same lights that again support told me that was because of client isolation, even though while at 1 friends house I helped him put up 6 wireless cameras that were on this router that my open spot wouldn't talk to. Huh? Lastly I dug out my 4G cellular hot spot that the open spot was last mated to last June but surprise! Same lights telling me, according to support that I had client isolation enabled on my hot spot. I called the cellular company and surprise you can't turn it on in their hot spot!! SAVE YOUR MONEY, IF IT FAILS BE READY FOR HOURS AND I MEAN HOURS OF FRUSTRATION BEFORE YOU FINALLY THROW IN THE TOWELL.
Bob,
Excellent video as usual. Waiting on my OS3 to arrive. 73!
Gosh.. Cant find any videos on comparison between this openspot3 vs Skybridge plus for dmr? Just got my dmr id and wanting a hospot the prices now ( jan 2022) are about the same $500 but the shark seems way more simple????
I will have to consider this. I have the 2 and like it for Fusion but can't get it to work on DMR for some odd reason. Good News! I passed my Amateur Extra Exam today.
Are you registered on DMR? Congrats on getting the extra.
@@K6UDA Yes. I have a couple of pi-star units that work flawlessly on DMR. I just find that the OS2 is a little flaky on DMR. Likewise I have trouble with pi-star on fusion. So I have both the OS2 and pi-star. And no I don't run all three the same time. I need to spend more time figuring out the settings on the OS2 for DMR. I like to copy what others that have videos on UA-cam have for DMR settings that work so I don't have to fiddle with that. I have not found a good video that goes from step 1 to finish but that was about six months ago. Yes I read the manual. I have argued with SharkRF that I had a bad unit but they say no. It works with Fusion.
There in fact is a sense behind a dark theme. Modern smartphones do use OLED displays and on an OLED Display the power consumption depends on the pixel brightness. So with a dark mode your smartphone display saves power. Put your iPhone in dark mode and activate dark themes on your apps if available and you save 1 hour of battery life every day.
Just sent mine back to the warehouse. The app didn’t work at and it took several hours of trying to connect it to a Wi-Fi for the website to see the device. After watching this video the one I ordered did nothing like what your showing. There must have been something wrong with. I spent probably six hours just to get it to see my wifi. It’s not heavy enough for a paperweight socI sent it back.
Great review Bob! Now I have to spend more money, thanks..... -K8TSG
Question: At 12:40 in the video, you mentioned that the Openspot3 is not exactly APRS. What do you mean? Can you provide some more information on why it's not?
Great video Bob! Nice to see that cross mode feature. FT-3 is my next radio so it’ll be nice to not buy another one for DMR, since we now have that back up here on the local repeater.
Thanks. Enjoy the ft3
I got mine in two days ago, I was able to set it up and get off the ground in no time(after getting on UA-cam). BTW, just got my license 3 months ago and I am very happy to get into HAM world in 2020 with such a clear vision to the future. This is only possible because of you and other great UA-cam backbones making it possible to understand and use these advanced technologies. 73 KE8NPD
I Use a separate Android phone to program the hotspot 4, to connect to my regular Android phone, on Hotspot mode, then once the hotspot 4 is connected, then I can use my regular phone for the rest of the programming, makes it a whole lot easier than before, I was trying to use my PC but apparently the unit got confused and thought it was another PC hotspot, it's was being programmed for, Now I can Add the Profiles,
Appreciate your insight on the Openspot 3. Cannot find it for sale anywhere in the US. Your thoughts on why this is the case.
Very cool, as you said you can use the radio you want, and cross band 👍👍👍
Nice review. Just got a FTM-400DR in my TACOMA.
THANX Bob,
Was wondering what this $$$ unit is all about -
Wouldn't think the RDO companies are going to like this
REALLY Nice to use it for all three modes and More I see.
Have the 400XDR - found ur Node on WIRESX
I have the D74. I really have to figure out how to use it.
Have it setup for APRS and DSTAR - but not one contact on DSTAR yet.
Think I really need a Hotspot3. There is a DSTAR Rptr here - but not a soul I have heard?? why?
Nice MHome ya got there. 73s
I don’t know why your local dstar repeater is quiet. Maybe it’s time to breathe some life into it. Put it on 30c and have at it.
If you had to buy one hotspot, and you were brand spanking new.
Openspot3 ? HRO's unit (nice screen), RuggedSpot (not sure they're in business) or Bridgecom's (good education but who want's to know that much). Thanks ..love your videos. Where do the girls come from? :)
Openspot 3 hands down. The girls, just appear.
One thing I wish it had was a way to setup for home on power supply. Battery great if on go but at home I like not having to charge
You can tell it to use a power cord only and bypass the battery.
Ok great! Now I understand how this digital stuff works. My question is why can't you just use your hotspot from your phone to connect straight to the radio? I have D-star on my 5100 but have never used it.
So, what happens after you go through the 200 cycles of the LiPo battery and it no longer holds a charge? Also, you still cannot access WIRES-X. You still have to have a WiFi hotspot, so there goes your unfettered mobility. So, I'm spending $250 over a homebrew MMDVM/Pi-Star so I can get 30 and 1 Charlie? Thanks but no thanks.
I’ve always got my phone in my pocket so there’s my internet. OSP slips into my pocket so I can operate anywhere, like on my motorcycle. As for the battery, I’ll deal with that a couple of years from now.
Great video and subscribed. Thank you sir. Question if I may, keeping the unit powered would this damage the battety? I have OP1 looking to upgrade but the “always” on is my concern, although just switch it on when needed I suppose.
Nope, they say it can be constantly powered externally and it doesn't hurt it.
K6UDA Thank you. Something I ‘worry’ about with built-in rechargeable batteries. Looks like start selling and saving now as it looks a cool neat bit of kit. Once again love your videos sir.
Not on digital enough for my 300 . but pretty cool. 😎
LOL... nice lesson on how to not look like a "radio dork"! However when the openSPOT3 was announced, the openSPOT2 went on sale... and I bought two more of those rather than going with the openSPOT3. So I am fine with being a radio dork. I don't think it matters if you have one radio or three. Chicks think that guys that play radio are dorks.
I’m living proof that chicks like dorks.
@@K6UDA yes! the good ones do. :)
Is it easy to perform on-the-fly mode changes? For example, say I’m driving . . talking on my favorite DSTAR reflector using my DSTAR radio, and wish to then switch to my favorite DMR Brandmesiter talkgroup while using the same DSTAR radio, while driving . . thanks in advance !
Great upload, thank you. I am considering the purchase of one of these for my 9700; looks like just the ticket! 73s, John M7JHA
I haven't been able to find the open spot 3 any place and they are on back order at SharkRF. Keep looking. Good Video Bob. I have been around for a good while but not active and all these new modes has my brain spinning. I did buy the TH-D74A waiting for them to get software working on MacOS. Just registered for D-Star but trying to figure our the rest. Oh, I do have my call in the phone. lol. 73
Here is another question. I connected my IC-92AD to my original openspot. That is Version 1. Everything is working but what is really weird is that I hear the Audio from 1C on every other reflector that I have programmed into my radio. I don't understand why this is happening. Mark KB3Z
i enjoy your videos...i am new subscriber......can the openspot 3 use a battery bank?
Yes you can plug it into a battery bank for extended use.
$300 +$25 shipping US. $386.00 after euro conversion!
Is over price 386.00 plus taxes plus shipping you will end paying like 410.00 dollars no thanks
The UI is definitely more user friendly than PiStar.
If you're doing cross mode. If you use Dstar to DMR. I guess you have to change the talkgroup using the web interface and not the radio.
Would that be correct?
That would be correct.
@@K6UDA Nope! You can using your D-STAR radio to change DMR talkgroup or DMR reflectors too. Please see online manual how do you do this. manuals.sharkrf.com/openspot3/en/homebrew-mmdvm-connector.html Please also try the barcode scanning new feature in your next UA-cam video! You can try a cross mode QSO on NXDN or P25 reflector. Good luck!
I cant get mine to connect to the openspot3 interface ,using my iphone , home wifi it connected no problem , any tips can can help
Got a question about the OpenSpot3
Say you are are on a D-Star XLX Reflector,
XLX227D then want to change to another
XLX Reflector, XLX016D
Did one have to Input the Global Server for
each XLX reflector like you need to do on
Icom Radio’s like the IC-9700 or IC-705
Just wanted to know if it’s seemless in
changing since I may not know the associated
Global Server (dashboard) IP address for that
XLX reflector
Is the OpenSpot3 already know each IP or
url Global Address when just selecting
The XLX reflector number
Is it that Smart in software
Mike
WB6DJI
I'm a radio dork and even wear mirrored sunglasses.
Good video. Unfortunately I bought one of the first ones and it was a lemon and had to get a refund! I will wait for the unit to become a bit more mature and try again.
is the openspot3 going to keep working after 2024, dosent sharkrf host its service.. thank you N6RIP
I wanted to ask you a question concerning the placement of my OpenSpot3. I use the OS3 in my shack ONLY and always keep it plugged in. When it's not in use I keep it in NULL. It sits on a shelf in front of my MFJ auto tuner. I also have my HF radio in the shack as well as ladder line coming into the shack. My question is when I transmit on HF while in the shack, can RF damage the Open Spot3 in any way? I haven't yet gone on HF since receiving the OS3. I figured I would ask someone like yourself before I transmit. Any information concerning this question would be greatly appreciated. Be well.
Rich Ross Wow. There’s a lot to unpack there. First off when you’re not using the open spot why don’t you simply turn it off the battery is constantly charging and discharging when it’s on and it’s not getting a full discharge by turning it off you’ll give it a rest. As for a high RF environment it shouldn’t damage the open spot but then again I’ve seen other things damaged by stray RF including a brand new computer in my shack so I would tend to keep things away from sensitive equipment.
Rich Ross But I wouldn’t hesitate to run the open spot in the shack along with all your other equipment I just wouldn’t keep it parked on top of your antenna tuner or your amp.
I would imagine that this unit has a ceramic type antenna in it?....Any idea how far away I can get from it before it starts loosing RX/TX?
Very good video I may go out and get one 73 VE6 DCV
HOW MUCH DATA DO YOU USE PER MONTH? 73 VE1DEW THANKS FOR THE VIDEO
Seems like we all need to have unlimited data with phone and internet plans......... Mike N6IMY
My question exactly. I'm just getting into HAM, but I'm interested in DMR, etc. 73's to you all. Bo Leggs KE0WKN
I’ve got unlimited data from AT&T. The openspot data per month is less than streaming a couple of movies.
Question: how far away do you think top of the line radios are from having this hardware already installed on the radio? And making this obsolete.
Maybe 5 or 10 years, if the demand is there.
what about the battery..can it be changed.
It can, how or who remains to be seen.
Do the sharkrf guys have any USA dealers? Or are all sales direct from them?
A stupid question. Does this does allstar nodes?
No, for that look at a clear node.
A simple question. If I have my DMR radio on and my Dstar Radio on, can I pick different receive and transmit frequencies for each radio? Also, Can I access both radio's at the same time with the Openspot3? Or is it like the regular openspot where you have to designate the connection and make the necessary change in the software? KB3Z
I have different frequencies for D-Star, DMS & fusion. very easy to switch between them and no, you can't do them all at the same time.
3:50 - Couldn't agree more
Hey so i'm new, so great video #1. So question, it looks like openspot3 does everything but wires-x? So basically with like FT3DR with openspot3 you can do everything? but with other radios+openspot3 you can do everything but wires-X? thanks for helping newbie.
Pretty much.
@@K6UDA Hey thanks for the feedback, so noobie here, I just pulled the trigger on ordering an FT3DR. The nearest Fusion repeater is 7 miles away, i live in VA (residential houses/trees) and the repeater is at the airport so i'm assuming its pretty dang high up open line of sight. Anyways can you recommend an aftermarket HT antenna to go with the FT3DR that can hopefully reach that repeater that isnt like crazy huge. thanks!
After some thought and reflection I would recommend a new ham buy the new OS3 along with the Yaesu FT3D. If you can't spring for the FT3D then I would buy the FT70D fusion HT for half the price. i think after owning the OS2 I would spring for the OS3 instead from what you are claiming. Kinda funky about the charging though. I guess from what you are saying is run the unit down and shut it off and charge it when you are done with it. It's probably for battery protection. How hard are the buttons to push? They look small...
Great video Bob, thank you for posting! Cheers from way north of you! VE7PJG
So for a very new dmr / c4fm user is this easy to program?
Go to get One of these,
Will mine ever get here ?
N2yio
I bought an openspot3 and I guess I am just Stupid or am just doing something wrong because I am having a hell of a time connecting to my phone and I have a couple other of the U Tube channels what I am doing wrong and no one has given me any help or any answers at all.
I live in South Jersey and have Verizon as my internet provider when I try to connect to the openspot3ap like I'm supposed to do but it disconnects my network so I can't do anything on the computer or phone when I try to connect to that am I doing something wrong? or what can someone please help me because I am about ready to sell my 878uv and the openspot3 because its not doing me any good If I can't use it
Thanks,
N2yio
does it crossband as well as cross talk? @ 14:39 the Yaesu is on 2m, and the Kenwood is on 70cm.
No cross banding. UHF only. In that shot you saw the B band below the active band.
Be great if you could buy one !
I have spent at least 25 hours trying to set it up. Why say it is the greatest. It did work 2 or 3 years ago but now. I have tried facroty reset, firmware update, been working with computer for at least 60 years now. Why praise what is so diffucult.
By the way great video and very informative. Thanks you for your videos. 73 de KI5GLT
I didn't see this, as it said I didn't want to. Did I miss anything?
Nothing to see here, move along.
Yes, some of us still understand the word "WIRELESS" , My PERSONAL digital radio is my Android phone.
Wow, you just go from page to page with negative comments. Have a great day.
@@NCMilVet What's negative about it? more like fact. have a great weekend.
@@NCMilVet Wow, Stand by your words and explain how the above is a " negative comment". can you back up what you are writing? Let's see.
OK so basically, the DMR radios let you talk to the guys 50, 60, 300 miles away easy, as long as you have your cell phone providing a wifi hotspot when you're away from home or work and as long as the eggs battery lasts.... But your cell phone can talk to those guys without the egg and the radios, even in a group chat. and if you share your google location they can see where you are at all times. Just practically speaking it seems to add too much expense and complication to your day, when your phone is so easy.
I've been looking hard at these radios and trying to find out what my personal needs are and if these DMR's would make my days easier or just complicate my day.
Excellent video. Thank you for putting this all together. Thank You.
It's not cool to be a radio dork? DANG!!! 73's. KE0WKN
Alright, I watched your video and ordered one on the spot.
Dmr to D-star? that will be fun. I just got the D74a a little bit ago. I will say this most Dmr radios mic quality sucks. I use md-2017 and md-9600 great audio. Those Baofeng etc are crap trying to hear.
As the saying goes there goes the neighborhood!!
Mine just quit working. Man!
I do the same thing with two cheap MMDVMs and a battery pack. I control it from my phone, too. Of course, I'm a geek and it comes natural. ;
Yeah yeah but will it fit in your pants pocket without looking like you’re trying to smuggle a bomb? Remember, don’t be that guy.
@@K6UDA It's such a smooth shape, I'm sure you could shove it somewhere in your pants.
Can you use the open spot to connect your radio to AllStar?
Nope, I think allstar is digital/analog. OSP is digital only.
3:09 trying to loosen your load?
How to Configure your MMDVM Pi-Star HotSpot for DV Scotland DMR Network IPSC2-DVScotland.
Configure your radio with HotSpot Frequency and Time Slot 2.
List of DV Scotland DMR Network Talk Groups: www.dvscotland.net/talkgroups.xhtml
How to configure static Talk Groups. DMR Configuration DMR Master: DMR+_IPSC2-DVScotland DMR+ Options: Options= TS2_1=23555;TS2_2=23556;
ua-cam.com/video/xBLIC9sMp8c/v-deo.html
Unfortunately Bob you released the video too late ,mine ships on Feb 20 th ,could not help myself ,credit card nu,bees flew from my dinger tips.
If you already own the openSPOT2, would you buy the openSPOT3 or wait for the openSPOT4?
Depends. If having an internal battery or cross coding to/from D-star isn't important to you stick with the OSP2.
Whats the nelody of the intro
Gee Bob, thanks for helping me spend more mad money.
Just trying to help.
can I put in a new battery
I’m sure you “can” but the sharkrf folks recommend you send it to them for a battery replacement.
Id like the video
The price today is 386.00 plus shipping plus taxes you end paying like 414.00 are Rf Sharp crazy no thanks
Good video, stop with the click bait titles. You are better than that.
No I’m not.
Boomer speaking: what the hell's an 'open spot'? I'm glad I'm into ham radio.. not hamplusinternet radio. Looks like a good and useful vid for the non-boomers out there who aren't stuck in 1939 like me. I wouldn't know. I didn't understand a word you said.. and I'm a retired biomedical engineer who's into Linux and prototyping one-off transceiver designs. 73 OM and welcome back from that freak show in the desert. Speaking of - next year I'm bashing your 'youtubers of ham radio' panel. I've got 3 subs now.. and at least as many 'likes'. I'm just like you now, UDA!. Yep, ol' UDA... maybe next year I'll be seated between you and ol' 'RLW. I need to teach that boy the definition of QRP. He seems confused. 73 OM
Haha. Jump in and welcome to your new 60+ hour work week. See ya next year.
@@K6UDA lol, see.. that's exactly why I'm not getting into digital radio or messing with posting vids... I'm retired and too busy just screwing off to do anything meaningful - especailly anything requiring 60+ hour weeks. Unless its sleeping of course. 73 and thanks for your interesting vids. Fun place to fish for fun comments btw. lol. I'd never, ever give someone's vid a dislike, even if i completely disagree with them. Not that I do you.. I don't. Just sayin'. 73 OM
@@n8nkqrp595 I am with you sir, have no use for "digital or internet ham radio" it makes 0 sense to me. I'll stick with my home brew antenna and run 1500 watts of power and continue to work the world 73' David. Now I will say I certainly do appreciate the effort K6UDA puts into displaying the finer sex of our species , well done sir !
@@davidvelen9835 Bet you were against a code free licence too :)
@@rogerwoods8697 LOL, no not really in a way I think thats a good thing I for one dont want the hobby to die off and dropping the code requirement opens up the door so to speak to a lot of people. All the best my friend, David.
GIMMEE! Gimmee, gimmee, gimmee!
We love your video KJ7LXL
Well.. I cannot allow myself to be a dork, so they’ll just have to take my money.
Today's price $480 USD!
Wrong.. you can’t cross from D-Star to p25, or vise versa