What Is A Digital Ham Radio Hotspot? DMR/DSTAR/C4FM Hotspots Explained

So this is a very popular question among my audience, due to my recent videos explaining some hotspots and reflectors. Hopefully you get some information from this video, and give me a thumbs up on the effort.
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Пікірлер: 271

  • @w0dyd
    @w0dyd2 жыл бұрын

    Good information Eric. I have been having fun with amateur radio for 70 years. DMR is just adding to the adventure and learning a lot even at age 85. Just got into DMR about 2 months ago. Thanks de Gary/W0DYD/MN

  • @hypnosiscenternyc
    @hypnosiscenternyc3 ай бұрын

    Thanks for one of the best and simpliest explanations of hotspots and how they work.

  • @digitalhillbilly8863
    @digitalhillbilly88634 жыл бұрын

    I'm retired, on a budget, and live in a rural area with no repeater in range. I'm studying for my license because I always wanted to explore ham radio and now that I am retired I do this sort of thing. A few videos that I watched almost made me give it up. I'm not ready to buy a $3000 receiver and spend another $1000 installing a big antenna just because I am in a rural area with no repeater. This video got me excited and gives me hope. Now I know that I can build a decent mobile unit and go "hunting" when the weather is good, and then sit at home and possibly further explore those contacts with a hotspot. Thanks for that.

  • @panoshountis1516
    @panoshountis15165 жыл бұрын

    I am an absolute rookie in thirst for education and stumbled upon your channel. Thank you for all the great knowledge you are sharing!

  • @brianshanahan3878
    @brianshanahan38782 жыл бұрын

    I'm a little late getting serious about DMR but once again your videos to the rescue!

  • @daviddavisson1654
    @daviddavisson16542 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Eric. I have watched 20 different people trying to teach me about DMR and you are the only one that I have understood. I will watch your other videos to get the rest of the story on the other digital modes. Again, thanks!!!

  • @fire1160
    @fire11604 жыл бұрын

    ive been a firefighter and a lifeboat man and still when you go into some clubs your greeted with some people that wont talk to you purely because your deemed to be bellow them im there to learn but sometimes most times you will not ask a question just so you dont receive the this guys thick or raised eyebrows so been able to watch your videos and understand and receive the answers to the questions you will not ask is a massive pleasure well done i belive they need younger people in this hobbie just a complete shame when the hobbie seems to be dieing phil uk

  • @Tsachyl
    @Tsachyl Жыл бұрын

    4 years after the make of this video and it is by far still one of the best to re-watch. Thanks much for information + humor .

  • @jaymandelker8893
    @jaymandelker88932 жыл бұрын

    Thank you very much, Eric. This is the second of your videos I've watched and enjoyed. I am now about to join the Vero Beach ARC. You have very well motivated me! 73 de W1JAY

  • @JimHoward
    @JimHoward5 жыл бұрын

    AS an old guy getting back in after 15 years this video was very helpful in helping me get back up to speed. Thanks!

  • @tsdelaney
    @tsdelaney4 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for the simple, yet thorough explanation!

  • @dadachoski5946
    @dadachoski5946 Жыл бұрын

    The most comprehensive video so far as I plough through the information out there trying to get a good grounding in Digital Voice Comms.. thanks you

  • @recumbentogiro26
    @recumbentogiro265 жыл бұрын

    Thank You. You filled in a lot of gaps in my knowledge. Still getting my equipment together so this helps me decide which direction I'm initially going and what I need to get there. Once again you always come through with what I need. Thank You and "73"

  • @seanl6340
    @seanl63404 жыл бұрын

    As a soon-to-be-newbie Ham (waiting for local testing to resume), I like much of your content. It's informative and you talk to your viewer not at them. And I LOVE the attitude - "Can we have some fun?". Don't even have a license yet, but already running into so many "old ways" and "Doom and Gloomers" who seem to want nothing better than to keep amateur radio stagnant. Thanks for being a vocal knowledgeable voice for advancement and growth.

  • @billmcroberts6566
    @billmcroberts65665 жыл бұрын

    Great historical perspective. Digital has incredible possibilities. Got my first hotspot set up for DMR, now I’ve ordered the parts to build my own Dstar hotspot. Thanks!

  • @lonniedomnitz1720
    @lonniedomnitz1720 Жыл бұрын

    Great. Open spot 2 …. Check. That seems crystal clear. Now i need to find another one of these videos that has a great description of which handheld digital radio to buy.

  • @gcsheltersystems
    @gcsheltersystems4 ай бұрын

    Perfectly done for us new birds just learning to fly on digital. You cleared up my questions on hotspots in this one video. Yes, understanding that analog may be of extreme usefulness in "THE" moment, but you can't live your life for that, can you? Also, digital can give you information from around the world which the media may choose not to place an importance. So even using it for a "heads up" to a developing problem somewhere, or just talking with a 8th cousin Aussie, it's all good. Thanks for the clarification!

  • @BenDover-wm7wf
    @BenDover-wm7wf3 жыл бұрын

    I would be one of those noobies. Hot spots, nodes, reflectors, repeaters, rooms, talk groups, Wires-X, Fusion, nXDN, DMR, D-Star, P25, IRLP, Echolink, AllStar... It’s all blah blah blah to me. The topology diagrams are very very helpful to visualize what the heck you are talking about. A million thanks for that.

  • @UndrwearBomber
    @UndrwearBomber3 жыл бұрын

    I was looking for a video to explain hotspots to my friends and this one is awesome! Good job!

  • @llewellyndutoit2703
    @llewellyndutoit27034 жыл бұрын

    Fantastic video for us Newbies! Appreciate the drawings you made on Computer too, to explain it better. TYVM and keep up the great work...

  • @bobn6rlg689
    @bobn6rlg6895 жыл бұрын

    Good chat, Eric! For all the others, the whole point is have fun when fun works or is needed and keep HF w/independent power supply handy for emcomm when all else fails. These things are complimentary, not “one-or-the-other” competitive.

  • @frederickhart2637
    @frederickhart26374 жыл бұрын

    You are the man! Cleared up a lot of questions. Thanks for all the vids and keep them coming.

  • @patm5165
    @patm51655 жыл бұрын

    Nicely done Eric, thanks for doing, very helpful.

  • @randyhavener1851
    @randyhavener18514 жыл бұрын

    This is some excellent history and background! Thank you so much!!!

  • @chrislikens2444
    @chrislikens24445 жыл бұрын

    I'm a brand new tech. Still waiting on my callsign. Doing a bunch of research right now. Thank you for simplifying things.

  • @henbentoify
    @henbentoify4 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for your time and effort you put into your vids . The best around. 73

  • @jimhansen439
    @jimhansen4392 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for a very informative video! I'm 73yrs old and it's hard to comprehend the digital world. I really learned a lot from your video. Thanks Again! K8JRH

  • @juanveloz5501
    @juanveloz55014 жыл бұрын

    IAM getting lots ok useful knowledge watching your videos keep up the great work and thank you.

  • @one-of-us9939
    @one-of-us99393 жыл бұрын

    Thanks... A good starter course video! And I find it funny that two years later we are talking about a "zombie apocalypse" I better get mine quick!🤣 Not even a Tech yet but I have an Any Tone D878 UVII Plus on its way to me. I wanna learn, listen, and get familiar with it before I got hotspot digital... after all, I gotta get FCC legal first!🤣 Thanks again!

  • @markhaynes8479
    @markhaynes84793 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for the wonderful info. I am new to Amateur radio and really new to DMR. This has been very helpful.

  • @rhondalecato9177
    @rhondalecato91775 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for this info and posting the video!

  • @canadiandiggers1184
    @canadiandiggers11844 жыл бұрын

    Hi!!! My name is Eric, just watched your dmr hotspot video, awesome info, wasn't aware dmr hotspots even existed. anyhow, looking forward on getting my own hotspot one day. I live in the country area and repeaters are either to far away or are beeing under repair. By watching your video, it gave me hope on doing the things i love about radio!!! 73's from your fellow ham in Canada 🇨🇦.

  • @calliepieters3446
    @calliepieters34463 жыл бұрын

    WOW !! great information ! just got my tech license. This is a deep rabbit hole !! LOL !! this new hobby can be expensive, I knew it !! I love it !! going for my general license now I know a lot more, and this would be perfect for my expeditions, and camping adventures. thanks

  • @louellanoble4219
    @louellanoble42195 жыл бұрын

    Thank you Eric - great explanations!

  • @jamesbrooker7748
    @jamesbrooker77483 жыл бұрын

    This was great. Back in the hobby after an absence of something like 10 years. This was exactly what I needed to know. I love the evolution of all this in the digital arena. Since the video was just over 2 years ago, now I guess I need to see what the successors are to Jumbospot and Openspot2. LOL The narrative on this video was easy to follow and it all makes sense. We've got all the modes around here and the routing through a hotspot makes total sense to me. NG8E

  • @nutter5454
    @nutter54545 жыл бұрын

    I now run both and enjoy both, so thanks for the explanation.

  • @cayot4243
    @cayot42434 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for the explanation, it's really clear!

  • @tomsmall2479
    @tomsmall24795 жыл бұрын

    Eric - I support the other comments below - you have helped me to better understand the world of "Hotspots" - Thanks Again for another great presentation ... 73

  • @eryen9503
    @eryen95034 жыл бұрын

    Have been holding off going DRM, mainly due to no repeaters close by (closest is 200+ miles away). Thanks to your excellent video it makes my decision easier to make...thanks.

  • @donpreisler322
    @donpreisler3223 жыл бұрын

    Answered all my questions and more. Thanks!

  • @DaninVirginia
    @DaninVirginia8 ай бұрын

    Excellent overview Eric thanks!

  • @eskwadrat
    @eskwadrat3 жыл бұрын

    Great history dive for newbies trying to understand all that jargon D HAM people use around. Thanks!

  • @heyitsvonage2768
    @heyitsvonage27683 жыл бұрын

    I'm just getting into ham radio and I think this video just solved my biggest problem -- Crappy location.

  • @justa.american8303
    @justa.american83034 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for the info! That cleared up a lot of questions. 73s

  • @Richard180924
    @Richard1809244 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for the very informative video. A lot of infos, mainly with the history of all the hotspots. 73, Richard VE2CH

  • @roncrow3965
    @roncrow39655 жыл бұрын

    Great explanation you cleared up some grey areas thanks.

  • @myleswilliamson5177
    @myleswilliamson51775 жыл бұрын

    OMG what a great info video. Big thanks.

  • @alvarogaitan2529
    @alvarogaitan25294 жыл бұрын

    good job Erick thanks 73 very good

  • @lyncchoo
    @lyncchoo3 жыл бұрын

    It's good to see digital and hotspots. They are an extension of the hobby and they will help keep amateur radio alive. Hopefully draw more people to the hobby before we lose it. When there is a power outage or catastrophe we still have analog! It will always be the root of amateur radio. Lets grow. Lets stay alive. GREAT VIDEO!!!!

  • @donaldfloyes3014
    @donaldfloyes30143 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for the informative video. I am new to DMR and looking forward to getting into the hobby!

  • @63snampook
    @63snampook4 жыл бұрын

    ...as always, a well explained topic ! Tnx.

  • @skippyi6969
    @skippyi69695 жыл бұрын

    Man Eric, without your videos, my NEWB self would be screwed. TY so much for what you do.

  • @haroldpalmsesq2506

    @haroldpalmsesq2506

    3 жыл бұрын

    There are a ton of us who would like to be Elmers but nobody asks. Find one near you.

  • @wercrooks1
    @wercrooks1 Жыл бұрын

    Yes learned a lot. I’m just getting started in this hobby and enjoy your attitude about Zombie time and Disaster Commo, just have fun. Well done and keep making the educational videos please! Thank you!

  • @fire1160
    @fire11604 жыл бұрын

    finaly a no nonsense informative vid well done

  • @TheAx504
    @TheAx5044 жыл бұрын

    I am just back into the hobby after a 20+ year hiatus! It’s good to see that hams (and the industry) are keeping pace with technology. However, I must admit that the first thing I bought to get back on the air was a Benchor Paddle. You can teach this old dog new tricks, but CW is home sweet home for me! Great video and very informative. Thanks! _ _ ... ..._ _

  • @KX4UL

    @KX4UL

    2 жыл бұрын

    Kudos on the Bencher paddle and CW! I too am an old dog from 30 years ago. But I am very curious about Hot Spots, C4FM and D-Star and found this video truly helpful. ...-.-

  • @sparkybluefox
    @sparkybluefox5 жыл бұрын

    Great overview of the HotSpot scene ! Thank you for posting this video !! 73 SBF

  • @DonaldChapman

    @DonaldChapman

    5 жыл бұрын

    And a great history lesson!

  • @sharonjuniorchess
    @sharonjuniorchess6 ай бұрын

    Another way (if you are starting up) is to just use a phone or computer with internet access. That way you can explore Digital Mode first before buying a digital radio & a hotspot. All you need is your call sign & a Brandmeister ID.

  • @fmaduro100
    @fmaduro1005 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for all your great videos. Frank KM4ZRT in Florida

  • @garylantaigne16
    @garylantaigne163 жыл бұрын

    Thank you so much, great video.

  • @burnsonp
    @burnsonp5 жыл бұрын

    Good video. I knew about 75% already but it took me a bunch of hours researching. Wish I would have found your video a month ago. I ordered open spot 2 yesterday so I’m excited. I live in a rural area with no digital repeaters near. KI7WBR

  • @AI5HV
    @AI5HV3 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for your explanation about hot spots. I was watching several videos trying to determine if I needed one or not. I watched several videos that did not help to clarify (at least not for me).

  • @johnrieley1404
    @johnrieley14045 жыл бұрын

    Thanks OM. You are right about the "funny" repeater culture. We have a "Metro" TG that is hooked up to so many repeaters, from NY to FL, it should be called the "East Coast" TG. Hotspots seem to fit the bill for mobile and work-around local machines. Keep having fun and servicing the public.

  • @CDPAutos555
    @CDPAutos55510 ай бұрын

    Thank you for breaking down these hotspots

  • @williamdekine1746
    @williamdekine17462 жыл бұрын

    Thanks, finally getting answers

  • @bifoot45
    @bifoot452 жыл бұрын

    I agree with you with the respect of not tying up the repeater. As a ham radio operator I would like to be considerate of my fellow ham operator’s. I am very new to this mode of operation now after retiring I was looking for something to do in this mode intrigues me very much.

  • @billkg4yqg713
    @billkg4yqg7135 жыл бұрын

    Great Video Eric!

  • @Jake2670
    @Jake26705 жыл бұрын

    thanks for all the help, been yrs since looked at this kind of stuff, we had a echo link repeater here n the county but its back strait analog now, have a 440 DSTAR up north but have to run 100w to hit it n don't have DTMF on that rig, so b getting one of these looks like, 73s

  • @Steve-GM0HUU
    @Steve-GM0HUU4 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for whirlwind tour of hotspot. Very interesting.

  • @minchyoda6854
    @minchyoda68545 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for the explanation!

  • @stevendrake6831
    @stevendrake68312 жыл бұрын

    Love your background! Clever.

  • @stevearrowood7430
    @stevearrowood74305 жыл бұрын

    I actually got into ham cuz I'm always fly fishing for weeks at a time with no reception and it was lonely sometimes. So I studied my but off to pas extra and put together a small station in my RV. An ICOM 7300/9700 (obviously 9700 hasn't shipped yet but soon) and a compact vertical on a 30ft mast and get great reception 160-6 good reception VHF UHF and a Arrow ll to play with . No more lonely nights! Just hope I can use the Dstar without wifi. Thanks for the info. KM6VAY

  • @philipbean5031
    @philipbean50315 жыл бұрын

    Thank you Eric very good information very good video

  • @xray9alpha
    @xray9alpha5 жыл бұрын

    24:30 - Amen... be prepared but have some fun.

  • @siientsinger6637
    @siientsinger66374 жыл бұрын

    As a old 90s licensed HRO i have come back after 18 year break to total new world... this is the best explanation video so far... im very much at the checkout and staying faithful to Yaesu and love the look of the FT3d any advice please comment ,. thank you for your channel and i have found this 73's G7WDH

  • @kd2rdhlarry571
    @kd2rdhlarry5714 жыл бұрын

    I bought a DXMINI it is perfect, Sits on my mantle and looks great while working flawlessly. So Ofcourse I need one for on the go. I ordered the pi zero and mmdvm and display and case and all the little doo-dads to make it all work. Now that I know more about them I can’t wait to put it together myself. I’ll hopefully have DMR at work and on the commute from the convenience of my trusty UV-380

  • @G1DYN
    @G1DYN Жыл бұрын

    Really useful video.

  • @PeterB_California
    @PeterB_California3 жыл бұрын

    Eric, great job. You provide so much unique value to this hobby, even with the other competitive channels. Why do you want to do something else?

  • @wheelsgonewild1286
    @wheelsgonewild1286 Жыл бұрын

    Excellent video thank you very much

  • @PhilG0BVD
    @PhilG0BVD4 жыл бұрын

    Excellent James another great video I am learning all the time from you 73 Phil G0BVD

  • @MarcLerchs
    @MarcLerchs5 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for this interesting conference. 73 from ON3IBZ. ;)

  • @tladotse
    @tladotse5 жыл бұрын

    Enjoyed it and learned lots. I like to play with different things. thanks Kenn w4tki

  • @wendylau931
    @wendylau9313 жыл бұрын

    Good explanation.....👍🏻👍🏻

  • @priceranch
    @priceranch5 жыл бұрын

    Great Vid, cleared up a few questions I had....Like what the hell is a hotspot! Thanks.

  • @mackperry9923
    @mackperry9923 Жыл бұрын

    Great video

  • @leecwilkin
    @leecwilkin3 жыл бұрын

    Just getting into dmr so all help great fully recieved

  • @mikeblanch8024
    @mikeblanch80244 жыл бұрын

    Great informative video. thanks

  • @KX4UL
    @KX4UL2 жыл бұрын

    Excellent video explaining exactly what I was wanting to know. I am a hardcore HF SSB/CW guy licensed in the early 90's and just using 2m VHF to check into local nets and running packet, the big deal digital craze back then. I was out of the hobby for about 10 years due to work and then returned to the hobby in 2018. I am now playing catch-up to all the new technology and this video answered so many questions. Thanks Eric!

  • @gglee1720
    @gglee17205 жыл бұрын

    Great info,thanks mate

  • @flpirate45
    @flpirate454 жыл бұрын

    Well done Eric

  • @danaharlan12
    @danaharlan123 жыл бұрын

    long and fast delivery, BUT! excellent presentation and super overview. Fine job! my second time through the whole thing. and now I have a basic understanding. (Iron head, but sinking in.) Cool! And let’s have fun.

  • @mikemiles3068
    @mikemiles30683 жыл бұрын

    Good video‼️

  • @USNERDOC
    @USNERDOC5 жыл бұрын

    Excellent video Eric. 👍

  • @mikemcdonald5147
    @mikemcdonald51475 жыл бұрын

    hotspots are ROIP and VOIP Radio Over IP and Voice Over IP this wasn't mentioned in the video and thought it should be. Just for those not in he know. :) Great video and explanation of all the different hotspots.

  • @alvarogaitan2529
    @alvarogaitan25294 жыл бұрын

    Hi erick very good knowledge you my teacher number one you numero uno thanks good luck 73

  • 5 жыл бұрын

    Very important thing I miss from the video. Openspot is the only digital hotspot on the market that has 2 years official warranty and customer support and documented laboratory testing. Openspot 2 has 0,5 ppm accurate oscillator frequency stability which is very good.

  • @philipgm1
    @philipgm14 жыл бұрын

    Great video. I am still learning what DMR is and how a hotspot works. Waiting for my radio and hotspot to arrive. 73. ZL3GP.

  • @acardnal
    @acardnal3 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for this . The drawings on Microsoft Draw(?) was very helpful.

  • @billhughes5736
    @billhughes5736 Жыл бұрын

    Thanks Eric. This really is helpful. I’ve been struggling to understand how to use hotspots. I have several but haven’t been able to use them, because I couldn’t figure how to use them. Thanks so much. Bill K6HB

  • @janpo9197
    @janpo91975 жыл бұрын

    great tutorial

  • @jamesa4958
    @jamesa4958 Жыл бұрын

    Thank you