This Monday night the DMR Tech Net team will discuss using WPSD with your Pi-star hotspot along with using some of the advanced features available. Check in with your tips or questions on WPSD.
Join us on Brandmeister Talk Group 31266 (Michigan Nets channel) for the DMR Tech Net on Monday, February 24th starting at 7:30 PM ET. The net will conclude at 8:25pm to allow time for you to QSY over to BrandMeister talk group 3126 for the Michigan One DMR Net (which begins at 8:30 PM ET).
Every Monday night, join the DMR Tech Net as we try to make Digital Mobile Radio (DMR) easier to understand and fun to use! If you have a topic suggestion for a future DMR Tech Net, please let us know! Send the email to Dana@dmrtechnet.net
March’s tentative DMR Tech Net topics
- March 3 How to use Repeaterbook.com & its new features with Garrett Dow KD6KPC
- March 10 Explanation of, & differences between Dynamic, static, and auto-static talkgroups
- March 17 International Contacts via DMR. Best practices for making worldwide QSOs
- Tuesday, March 18 DMR Tech Net TV with Garrett Dow going over Repeaterbook.com
- March 24 How to find Active DMR Talkgroups
- March 31 Codeplug Best Practices – Organizing channels, zones, and talkgroups
Setting up WPSD can seem daunting at first, but it’s a straightforward process once you break it down. Here’s a comprehensive guide to get your WPSD hotspot up and running:
- Gather Your Hardware
- Raspberry Pi: A Raspberry Pi 3 or later is recommended for optimal performance. Older models might work, but you may experience limitations.
- MicroSD Card: A 16GB microSD card (or larger) is recommended.
- Radio Modem: You’ll need a compatible radio modem, such as a MMDVM hat or a USB dongle.
- Antenna: A suitable antenna for your chosen digital voice modes.
- Power Supply: A reliable power supply for your Raspberry Pi.
- Ethernet Cable (Optional): For initial setup or if you prefer a wired connection.
- Download and Flash the WPSD Image
- Download: Go to the official WPSD website (https://w0chp.radio/wpsd/) and download the latest image for your Raspberry Pi model.
- Flash: Use a tool like Etcher (https://www.balena.io/etcher/) to flash the downloaded image onto your microSD card. This process will format the card and copy the WPSD operating system onto it.
- Boot Up Your Raspberry Pi
- Insert: Insert the microSD card into your Raspberry Pi.
- Connect: Connect your radio modem, antenna, and power supply to the Raspberry Pi.
- Power On: Power on your Raspberry Pi.
- Connect to the WPSD Dashboard
- Initial Boot: The first boot can take some time as WPSD expands the file system and performs initial setup tasks. Be patient.
- Access: Once the boot process is complete, you can access the WPSD dashboard through a web browser on your computer.
- If using a monitor: You can see the IP address assigned to your Raspberry Pi on the screen.
- If not using a monitor: You can try accessing it through http://wpsd.local or http://pi-star.local. If these don’t work, you may need to check your router’s DHCP client list to find the IP address assigned to your Raspberry Pi.
- Initial Configuration
- Login: The default username is pi-star and the password is raspberry. You can change this later for security.
- Wireless Setup: If you’re using Wi-Fi, go to the “Configuration” page and set up your Wi-Fi connection.
- Basic Settings: Configure your callsign, location, and other basic settings on the “Configuration” page.
- Radio/Modem: Select your radio modem type and configure the port and baud rate.
- Configure Digital Voice Modes
- Choose Modes: Select the digital voice modes you want to enable (DMR, D-Star, YSF, etc.).
- Network Settings: Configure the network settings for each mode, including connecting to your preferred DMR networks or reflectors.
- Codeplugs: Ensure your radio’s codeplug is properly configured for the digital voice networks you’ll be using.
- Advanced Configuration (Optional)
- Explore: Once you have the basics working, explore the advanced features of WPSD, such as cross-mode, Nextion display support, and system management tools.
- Customize: Customize the dashboard, configure profiles, and fine-tune settings to your preferences.
- Stay Updated
- Updates: Keep your WPSD installation up-to-date to benefit from the latest features, bug fixes, and performance improvements.
Important Notes:
- Documentation: Refer to the official WPSD documentation and community forums for detailed instructions and troubleshooting tips.
- Community: The WPSD community is a valuable resource for getting help and sharing tips.
- Backups: Regularly back up your WPSD configuration to avoid losing your settings in case of a problem.
By following these steps, you’ll have your WPSD hotspot up and running in no time. Remember to be patient, take your time, and don’t hesitate to ask for help if you encounter any issues.
Here’s a breakdown of WPSD to help you decide if it’s the right choice for you:
Pros of WPSD:
- Actively maintained: WPSD is actively developed, meaning bugs are addressed and new features are added regularly. This contrasts with Pi-Star, which has seen less frequent updates recently.
- Feature-rich: WPSD offers a wider range of features compared to Pi-Star, including:
- Multi-mode support: It supports all the major digital voice modes (DMR, D-Star, YSF, NXDN, P25, M17) and even POCSAG paging.
- Cross-mode functionality: Allows for cross-mode communication between certain digital voice modes (YSF to DMR, NXDN, P25).
- Enhanced dashboard: Provides a more modern and informative web-based dashboard for monitoring and managing your hotspot.
- Built-in Nextion screen support: Simplifies the setup and configuration of Nextion displays for your hotspot.
- Improved performance: Some users report that WPSD performs better than Pi-Star, especially on more powerful Raspberry Pi models.
- User-friendly interface: Many users find WPSD’s web interface more intuitive and easier to navigate than Pi-Star’s.
- Faster updates: WPSD generally receives updates more frequently than Pi-Star, ensuring you have access to the latest features and bug fixes.
Cons of WPSD:
- Resource intensive: WPSD can be more demanding on system resources, potentially leading to slower performance on older or less powerful Raspberry Pi models (like the Pi Zero W).
- Steeper learning curve: While the interface is generally user-friendly, some advanced features might require a deeper understanding of digital voice and Linux systems.
- Community support: While WPSD has a growing community, Pi-Star has a larger and more established community, meaning more readily available support and resources.
- Potential instability: Some users have reported occasional stability issues with WPSD, although these are often addressed in subsequent updates.
- Developer personality: Some users have expressed concerns about the lead developer’s communication style and approach to bug fixing, which might affect their experience with the software.
Ultimately, the best choice between WPSD and Pi-Star depends on your individual needs and preferences.
Consider WPSD if:
- You want the latest features and active development.
- You need support for a wide range of digital voice modes.
- You prefer a modern and feature-rich web interface.
- You have a relatively powerful Raspberry Pi (Pi 3 or later).
Consider Pi-Star if:
- You prioritize stability and a well-established community.
- You are comfortable with a less feature-rich interface.
- You are using an older or less powerful Raspberry Pi.
- You prefer a more traditional approach to digital voice hotspot management.
It’s also worth noting that you can try both WPSD and Pi-Star on separate SD cards to see which one you prefer. This allows you to experience both platforms firsthand before making a final decision.
Hints and tips to get the most out of WPSD
WPSD is a powerful and feature-rich platform, so here are some hints and tips to help you get the most out of it:
- Explore the Web Interface:
- Familiarize yourself: Take some time to navigate through all the menus and options in the WPSD web interface. There are many settings that can be customized to your preferences.
- Dashboard: The main dashboard provides a wealth of information about your hotspot’s status, including connected modes, active talkgroups, and recent calls. Use it to monitor your hotspot’s activity.
- Configuration: The configuration section is where you’ll make most of your changes. Don’t be afraid to experiment, but always back up your configuration before making major changes.
- Instant Mode Manager: This tool allows you to quickly enable or disable different digital voice modes without having to go through the full configuration process. It’s useful for temporarily switching between modes or silencing a busy mode.
- System Manager: This section provides access to advanced settings, such as enabling/disabling the firewall or managing cron jobs. Use these options with caution, as they can affect the stability of your hotspot.
- Optimize for Your Hardware:
- Raspberry Pi model: WPSD can be resource-intensive, especially on older Raspberry Pi models. If you’re using a Pi Zero W, you might experience performance issues. Consider upgrading to a Pi 3 or later for better performance.
- Cooling: Ensure your Raspberry Pi has adequate cooling, especially if you’re running demanding modes or using it for extended periods. A heatsink or fan can help prevent overheating and improve stability.
- Power supply: Use a reliable power supply to avoid voltage drops that can cause instability. A good quality power supply is essential for smooth operation.
- Master DMR Configuration:
- DMRGateway: WPSD uses DMRGateway for connecting to DMR networks. Learn how to configure DMRGateway to connect to your preferred networks and talkgroups.
- Talkgroup management: WPSD provides tools for managing static and dynamic talkgroups. Understand how to add, delete, and link talkgroups to your hotspot.
- Codeplugs: Ensure your DMR radio’s codeplug is properly configured to work with your WPSD hotspot. This includes setting the correct frequencies, talkgroups, and other parameters.
- Leverage Advanced Features:
- Cross-mode functionality: WPSD’s cross-mode capabilities allow you to communicate between different digital voice modes. Explore this feature to expand your communication options.
- Nextion screen support: If you have a Nextion display, WPSD can simplify its integration with your hotspot. Use this to display important information about your hotspot’s status.
- Profiles: Create different profiles for various configurations. This allows you to quickly switch between different setups for different purposes.
- Stay Updated and Informed:
- Regular updates: WPSD is actively developed, so updates are released frequently. Keep your WPSD installation up-to-date to benefit from the latest features, bug fixes, and performance improvements.
- Community support: Join the WPSD community forums or Discord server to get help, share tips, and stay informed about the latest developments.
- Documentation: Refer to the official WPSD documentation and FAQs for detailed information about the software and its features.
- Fine-tune and Experiment:
- Customization: WPSD offers a wide range of customization options. Experiment with different settings to find what works best for your needs and preferences.
- Monitoring: Use the dashboard and other monitoring tools to track your hotspot’s performance and identify any potential issues.
- Backup: Regularly back up your WPSD configuration to avoid losing your settings in case of a problem.
By following these hints and tips, you can unlock the full potential of WPSD and create a powerful and versatile digital voice hotspot for your amateur radio activities.
WPSD Enhanced Features:
Here are some less commonly known or underutilized features of WPSD that can significantly enhance your hotspot experience:
- Advanced Cross-Mode Capabilities:
- Beyond the Basics: WPSD’s cross-mode isn’t just about linking. You can fine-tune how cross-mode works. For example, you can adjust the audio levels for different modes to ensure balanced audio.
- Reflector Linking: Cross-mode can be used to link to reflectors/repeaters of different modes. This allows you to connect to a wider range of systems.
- Customizable Rules: Dive into the configuration to create specific rules for cross-mode. You can define which modes can communicate with each other and even set up time-based restrictions.
- Deep Dive into the Dashboard:
- Real-time Statistics: The dashboard isn’t just for show. It provides real-time statistics on signal quality, packet loss, and other crucial metrics. Use this to diagnose issues and optimize your setup.
- Live Log Viewer: The live log viewer gives you a direct view into what’s happening behind the scenes. This is invaluable for troubleshooting and understanding how WPSD is operating.
- Customizable Layout: You can customize the dashboard layout to display the information that’s most important to you.
- Nextion Display Mastery:
- Beyond Basic Info: While most use Nextion displays for basic callsign/talkgroup info, WPSD allows for much more. You can display real-time statistics, graphs, and even custom messages.
- Customizable Screens: Create multiple screens and switch between them based on your needs. For instance, you could have one screen for monitoring activity and another for displaying system information.
- Integration with Other Features: Combine Nextion displays with other WPSD features, like cross-mode, to create a truly integrated and informative user experience.
- System Management Power:
- Cron Jobs for Automation: Use cron jobs to automate tasks, such as backing up your configuration, restarting services, or even sending notifications.
- Firewall Control: WPSD allows you to manage the firewall directly from the web interface. This is useful for securing your hotspot and preventing unauthorized access.
- Advanced Network Configuration: For those comfortable with networking, WPSD provides access to advanced network settings, allowing for fine-tuning and optimization.
- Profiles for Flexibility:
- Quick Switching: Profiles allow you to save multiple configurations and switch between them quickly. This is useful for different operating scenarios (e.g., home hotspot vs. portable operation).
- Mode-Specific Settings: Use profiles to store different settings for different modes, such as audio levels, talkgroup lists, and even cross-mode rules.
- MMDVMHost Customization:
- Beyond the GUI: While WPSD provides a user-friendly interface, you can still access and customize the underlying MMDVMHost configuration files for even greater control. This allows for advanced tweaks and optimizations.
- Expert Settings: MMDVMHost has a wealth of settings that can be adjusted to fine-tune performance and behavior. However, proceed with caution, as incorrect settings can lead to instability.
- API Integration (For Developers):
- External Control: WPSD offers an API that allows you to control and interact with your hotspot from external applications or scripts. This opens up possibilities for custom dashboards, automation, and integration with other systems.
Unlocking these features requires a bit more exploration and tinkering, but the rewards are significant. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of WPSD and be able to tailor your hotspot to your exact needs and preferences.
Remember to consult the WPSD documentation and community forums for more detailed information on these advanced features.
https://w0chp.radio/wpsd/
https://w0chp.radio/wpsd-faqs/ What
https://www.scribd.com/document/764525867/WPSD-User-Manual-1
https://discord.gg/YCwgfBkrmP
If you can’t join us live for the DMR Tech Net, you can always listen to us via BrandMeister’s mobile Hoseline app or their Hoseline desktop software: (https://hose.brandmeister.network/).
We do record the show so if you miss out and want to listen, or re-listen, to it you can. The audio link is located at the very bottom of this post (after the show ends) on our website, along with the AI interpretation of the audio so you can read along.
You can always chat with the DMR Tech Net team on TGIF talk group 31268, the DMR Tech Net channel or Brandmeister talk group 31266, the Michigan Nets channel.
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The DMR Tech Net team is assisting Dustin N8RMA with NCS duties on the Michigan One DMR Net, Monday nights at 8:30 PM ET on BrandMeister Talk Group 3126, the statewide Michigan calling channel. Here is the list of the upcoming NCS (Net Control Stations) for the Michigan One DMR Net:
- Mar 3 Steve KC8WXM
- Mar 10 Dustin N8RMA (with Al N4ALK as backup)
- Mar 17 Brad KE8WNV
- Mar 24 Rick AD8KN
https://www.michiganonedmr.net/
Announcing the 2025 Young Ladies Radio League Scholarships
February 13, 2025 — The Young Ladies Radio League (YLRL) has announced the Memorial Scholarship program for 2025. The scholarship program is aimed at women Amateur Radio Operators studying radio, communications, electronics or Amateur Radio related arts and sciences.
The Young Ladies Radio League (YLRL) is an international non-profit organization of women Amateur Radio enthusiasts. It was founded in 1939 and is the longest running YL club in the world. The YLRL is sponsoring three memorial scholarships for 2025:
The Ethel Smith K4LMB Memorial Scholarship—$2,500 award
The Mary Lou Brown NM7N Memorial Scholarship—$2,500 award
The Martha “Marte” Wessel K0EPE Memorial Scholarship—$1,500 award
The YLRL believes that education in the fields or radio, communications, electronics and Amateur Related arts and sciences will play an important role in shaping the world’s future. Through these Memorial Scholar-ship, YLRL hopes to encourage female students to learn more about Amateur Radio.
“YLRL is committed to investing in women in Amateur Radio, and we believe that every act of volunteerism through Amateur Radio — even a small one — helps turn the world into a better place,” said Vicki Zumwalt, President of YLRL. “We hope that our scholarships will not only encourage students to learn more about science, technology, engineering but also inspire them to take pride in being an Amateur Radio operator and to encourage others to do so as well.”
To qualify, students must be female, have an Amateur Radio License, meet the requirements listed on the YLRL.net website and apply using the online application. Applications are due by April 30, 2025.
Winners will be announced in July 2025.
Application link: https://YLRL.net/Scholarships
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ARRL Great Lakes Division
Director: Scott D Yonally, N8SY
n8sy@arrl.org
——————————————————————–
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Diane Ortiz – VicePresident@ylrl.net
Announcing the 2025 Young Ladies Radio League Scholarships
February 13, 2025 — The Young Ladies Radio League (YLRL) has announced the Memorial Scholarship program for 2025. The scholarship program is aimed at women Amateur Radio Operators studying radio, communications, electronics or Amateur Radio related arts and sciences.
The Young Ladies Radio League (YLRL) is an international non-profit organization of women Amateur Radio enthusiasts. It was founded in 1939 and is the longest running YL club in the world. The YLRL is sponsoring three memorial scholarships for 2025:
The Ethel Smith K4LMB Memorial Scholarship—$2,500 award
The Mary Lou Brown NM7N Memorial Scholarship—$2,500 award
The Martha “Marte” Wessel K0EPE Memorial Scholarship—$1,500 award
The YLRL believes that education in the fields or radio, communications, electronics and Amateur
Related arts and sciences will play an important role in shaping the world’s future. Through these Memorial Scholar-ship, YLRL hopes to encourage female students to learn more about Amateur Radio.
“YLRL is committed to investing in women in Amateur Radio, and we believe that every act of volunteerism through Amateur Radio — even a small one — helps turn the world into a better place,” said Vicki Zumwalt, President of YLRL. “We hope that our scholarships will not only encourage students to learn more about science, technology, engineering but also inspire them to take pride in being an Amateur Radio operator and to encourage others to do so as well.”
To qualify, students must be female, have an Amateur Radio License, meet the requirements listed on the YLRL.net website and apply using the online application. Applications are due by April 30, 2025.
Winners will be announced in July 2025.
App lication link: https://YLRL.net/Scholarships
——————————————————————–
ARRL Great Lakes Division
Director: Scott D Yonally, N8SY
n8sy@arrl.org
——————————————————————–