Ham radio hotspots are a vital tool for amateur radio enthusiasts who want to stay connected and communicate with other radio operators. These compact devices allow users to connect to the internet via Wi-Fi or cellular data and then link up with other radio operators around the world. They are particularly useful for those who want to operate their radios in areas with no or limited coverage.
When it comes to choosing the best ham radio hotspot, there are several factors to consider. First and foremost, you’ll want to look for a device that is compatible with your radio and offers reliable connectivity. Additionally, you’ll want to consider the range of the hotspot, its battery life, and any additional features it may offer.
After researching and testing several ham radio hotspots, we have identified the top devices that offer the best combination of reliability, range, and features. Whether you’re a seasoned ham radio operator or just getting started, these hotspots will help you stay connected and communicate with ease.
Best Ham Radio Hotspots
We have researched and tested various ham radio hotspots to bring you the best options available in the market. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced ham radio operator, having a reliable hotspot can make a huge difference in your communication experience. In this roundup article, we have compiled a list of the top ham radio hotspots that offer exceptional performance, ease of use, and value for money. So, without further ado, let’s dive into our list of the best ham radio hotspots.
AURSINC MMDVM Hotspot Spot Radio Station
If you’re looking for a hotspot that supports C4FM YSF NXDN DSTAR P25 DMR, the AURSINC MMDVM Hotspot Spot Radio Station is a great option.
Pros
- Preloaded software Pi-Star on TF card
- Easy charging
- OLED display
Cons
- Not compatible with Baofeng UV-5R, Baofeng RD-5R, 5X, 5R+, 5R Plus, etc UV series, BF series
- WiFi will not work with WEP
- May encounter issues with connecting to network after setup
We found the AURSINC MMDVM Hotspot Spot Radio Station to be an easy-to-use hotspot that supports a variety of modes. The preloaded software Pi-Star on the TF card made setup a breeze, and the included micro USB charging cable made charging the hotspot simple. The OLED display was also a nice touch.
However, it’s important to note that the hotspot is not compatible with certain Baofeng models and WiFi will not work with WEP. We also encountered issues with connecting to the network after setup, but the customer service team was quick to address the issue.
Overall, we recommend the AURSINC MMDVM Hotspot Spot Radio Station for those looking for a hotspot that supports multiple modes and is easy to use.
Mokxihit Duplex DMR Hotspot
If you’re looking for a reliable and versatile hotspot for your ham radio needs, the Mokxihit Duplex DMR Hotspot might just be the one for you.
Pros
- The hotspot is pre-configured with most settings for pi-star in the TF card, making it easier to get it to work.
- The duplex mode supports both Simplex and Duplex mode, allowing you to receive in one frequency and transfer in another frequency.
- The upgraded network supports two networking methods, wifi wireless connection, and wired connection to the router directly.
Cons
- Some users have reported difficulty in setting up the hotspot’s wifi connection.
- The product’s build quality could be improved.
- The price point is higher than some other hotspots on the market.
In our experience, the Mokxihit Duplex DMR Hotspot is a reliable and versatile device that can support a variety of ham radio modes, including DMR, YSF, D-STAR, and P25. The pre-configured settings make it easier to get started, and the duplex mode allows for more flexibility in frequency usage.
However, some users have reported difficulty in setting up the wifi connection, and the build quality of the product could be improved. Additionally, the price point is higher than some other hotspots on the market.
Overall, if you’re looking for a hotspot that can support multiple modes and provide flexibility in frequency usage, the Mokxihit Duplex DMR Hotspot is worth considering.
Upgraded Duplex MMDVM Hotspot Radio WiFi Digital Voice Modem Work UHF VHF Dual Band Support DMR Dstar YSF P25 Fusion Raspberry Pi Zero W Two Colors OLED
If you’re looking for a reliable and easy-to-use hotspot for your ham radio, the Upgraded Duplex MMDVM Hotspot Radio is definitely worth checking out.
Pros
- Easy setup with preloaded software on the TF card
- Dual-band support for UHF and VHF
- Duplex mode for receiving and transmitting at different frequencies
Cons
- Not compatible with Baofeng UV-5R, Baofeng RD-5R, 5X, 5R+, 5R Plus, etc UV series, BF series
- May encounter issues connecting to network after setup
- No battery included
Setting up the Upgraded Duplex MMDVM Hotspot Radio is a breeze thanks to the preloaded software on the included TF card. The device supports dual-band UHF and VHF, making it a versatile option for ham radio enthusiasts. Additionally, the duplex mode allows you to receive and transmit at different frequencies, making it a great option for those who need to communicate in different bands.
However, it’s important to note that the device is not compatible with certain Baofeng models, and you may encounter issues connecting to the network after setup. Additionally, the device doesn’t come with a battery, so you’ll need to provide your own power source.
Overall, the Upgraded Duplex MMDVM Hotspot Radio is a solid choice for anyone looking for a reliable and easy-to-use hotspot for their ham radio.
All-New DMR Hotspot Ethernet Port Assembled Radio Station WiFi Voice Modem Support DMR Dstar YSF P25 Fusion Antenna Raspberry Pi Model 2B Two Colors OLED Acrylic Shell
If you are looking for a reliable and easy-to-use hotspot for your ham radio, the All-New DMR Hotspot Ethernet Port Assembled Radio Station is a great choice. It supports multiple modes of digital two-way radio communication and comes with upgraded hardware that allows for wired or wireless connection to the router.
Pros
- Supports D-STAR, DMR, YSF, P25, NXDN, and POCSAG modes of digital two-way radio communication
- Upgraded hardware with Raspberry Pi Model 2B and wireless/wired connection to router
- Easy to set up with pre-loaded 4.1.5 firmware and helpful customer service
Cons
- Small OLED screen may be difficult to read in certain lighting conditions
- WiFi setup can be tricky for those unfamiliar with Pi-Star programming
- Only includes one UHF antenna, may need additional antennas for other frequencies
This hotspot is pre-loaded with the 4.1.5 firmware and comes with most settings already configured, making it easy to get up and running quickly. The device supports duplex and simplex modes, and the OLED screen displays status updates in two colors.
The Raspberry Pi Model 2B allows for wired connection to the router, while the wireless module supports connecting via WiFi. The device is powered by a 5V mobile charger or USB cable connected to a computer or laptop.
Overall, the All-New DMR Hotspot Ethernet Port Assembled Radio Station is a reliable and easy-to-use hotspot that supports multiple modes of digital two-way radio communication. Its upgraded hardware and helpful customer service make it a great choice for anyone looking for a high-quality hotspot for their ham radio.
All-New Duplex DMR Hotspot
If you’re looking for a reliable and affordable ham radio hotspot, then the All-New Duplex DMR Hotspot is a great option.
Pros
- Supports multiple digital two-way radio modes, including D-STAR, DMR, YSF, P25, and NXDN.
- Two time slots allow for receiving and transmitting on different frequencies in duplex mode.
- Supports both wired and wireless connections to your router.
Cons
- Programming can be a bit tricky if you’re not familiar with the process.
- Only compatible with Raspberry Pi Model 2B.
- Antennas are not very strong and may need to be upgraded for better performance.
We’ve had a positive experience using the All-New Duplex DMR Hotspot. The hotspot supports a variety of digital two-way radio modes, making it a versatile option for ham radio enthusiasts. The two time slots allow for receiving and transmitting on different frequencies in duplex mode, which is a great feature for those who need to communicate on multiple channels. We also appreciate that the hotspot can be connected to your router both wirelessly and wired, giving you more flexibility in how you use it.
One downside to the All-New Duplex DMR Hotspot is that programming can be a bit tricky if you’re not familiar with the process. However, the firmware is pre-loaded and the manufacturer offers excellent customer service, so you can reach out if you have any questions or issues. Another downside is that the hotspot is only compatible with Raspberry Pi Model 2B, so if you have a different model, you’ll need to look for a different hotspot. Finally, the antennas that come with the hotspot are not very strong, so you may need to upgrade them for better performance.
Overall, we recommend the All-New Duplex DMR Hotspot for those looking for an affordable and reliable ham radio hotspot that supports multiple digital two-way radio modes. With its two time slots and support for both wired and wireless connections, it’s a great option for ham radio enthusiasts.
MMDVM Hotspot Spot
If you’re looking for an affordable and easy-to-use hotspot for your ham radio, the MMDVM Hotspot Spot is a great choice.
Pros
- Supports multiple modes of digital two-way radio, including DMR, D-STAR, YSF, P25, and NXDN.
- Built-in WiFi and OLED display make it easy to set up and monitor.
- Pocket-sized aluminum enclosure is durable and easy to carry.
Cons
- Setup can be a bit tricky, especially if you’re new to digital radio.
- Some users have reported issues with overheating and poor range.
- Customer support can be slow to respond.
We’ve been using the MMDVM Hotspot Spot for several months now, and we’ve been impressed with its performance and ease of use. The built-in WiFi and OLED display make it easy to set up and monitor, and the pocket-sized aluminum enclosure is both durable and easy to carry.
That being said, setup can be a bit tricky, especially if you’re new to digital radio. We recommend following the instructions carefully and reaching out to customer support if you run into any issues. Some users have also reported issues with overheating and poor range, so keep that in mind if you plan on using it for extended periods of time.
Overall, we think the MMDVM Hotspot Spot is a great choice for anyone looking for an affordable and easy-to-use hotspot for their ham radio. Just be prepared to spend a bit of time getting it set up and configured properly.
AURSINC Latest OSTAR MMDVM Hotspot Spot Radio WiFi Digital Voice Modem Work UHF VHF Dual Band | Support DMR D-Star System Fusion FCS YSFReflector P25 NXDN Pocsage Networks
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly hotspot that supports multiple networks, the AURSINC Latest OSTAR MMDVM Hotspot is a solid choice.
Pros
- Latest design by the AURSINC team
- Supports multiple networks
- Easy to use
Cons
- Not suitable for beginners
- Limited documentation available
- Only supports BM network on DMR
We found the AURSINC Latest OSTAR MMDVM Hotspot to be a reliable and easy-to-use device. The setup process was straightforward, and the web interface made it easy to configure and monitor the hotspot.
One of the standout features of this hotspot is its compatibility with multiple networks, including DMR, D-Star, System Fusion, P25, NXDN, and Pocsage networks. This makes it a versatile option for ham radio enthusiasts who want to connect to different networks.
Another advantage of the AURSINC Latest OSTAR MMDVM Hotspot is its latest design by the AURSINC team. This ensures that the device is up-to-date and optimized for performance.
However, we do not recommend this hotspot for beginners. The lack of documentation can make it challenging for new users to set up and configure the device. Additionally, it only supports BM network on DMR, which may be a limitation for some users.
Overall, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly hotspot that supports multiple networks, the AURSINC Latest OSTAR MMDVM Hotspot is a great option.
Buying Guide
When it comes to buying a ham radio hotspot, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure you get the best product for your needs. In this buying guide, we’ll go over some important features to consider before making a purchase.
First and foremost, you’ll want to look at the frequency range of the hotspot. Make sure it covers the frequencies you plan to use, as some hotspots may only cover certain bands. You’ll also want to consider the power output, as higher power can lead to better signal strength and range.
Another important factor to consider is the type of network connectivity the hotspot offers. Some hotspots may only support Wi-Fi, while others may offer cellular or Ethernet connectivity as well. Think about where you plan to use the hotspot and what type of network you’ll have access to.
Next, you’ll want to look at the size and portability of the hotspot. If you plan to use it on the go, a smaller, more portable device may be better suited for your needs. On the other hand, if you plan to use it primarily at home, a larger, more powerful hotspot may be a better option.
Other features to consider include battery life, display type and size, and ease of use. Look for a hotspot with a long battery life if you plan to use it for extended periods of time without access to a power source. A clear, easy-to-read display can also make using the hotspot more convenient.
In summary, when choosing a ham radio hotspot, consider the frequency range, power output, network connectivity, size and portability, battery life, display type and size, and ease of use. By keeping these factors in mind, you can find the best hotspot for your needs and enjoy reliable, high-quality communication.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a DMR hotspot and how does it work?
A DMR hotspot is a device that connects to the internet via Wi-Fi or Ethernet and allows users to communicate with other DMR radios over the internet. It works by taking the digital signal from a DMR radio and converting it to an internet protocol (IP) packet that can be transmitted over the internet. The hotspot then receives the IP packet, converts it back to a digital signal, and transmits it to the recipient’s DMR radio.
What are the best ham radio hotspots for sale in 2023?
As of 2023, some of the best ham radio hotspots for sale include the Openspot 4, the MMDVM hotspot, and the SkyBridge hotspot. These hotspots offer a range of features and capabilities, including support for multiple digital modes, built-in Wi-Fi, and easy setup and configuration.
What are the advantages of using a MMDVM hotspot?
One of the main advantages of using a MMDVM hotspot is that it supports multiple digital modes, including DMR, D-Star, and Fusion. This means that users can communicate with a wide range of radios and networks using a single device. Other advantages of using a MMDVM hotspot include its low cost, ease of use, and flexibility.
What frequencies are commonly used by ham hotspots?
Ham hotspots typically operate on UHF frequencies between 430 and 450 MHz. However, some hotspots may also support VHF frequencies or other frequency bands depending on the specific device and its capabilities.
What is a SkyBridge hotspot and how is it different from other hotspots?
A SkyBridge hotspot is a type of hotspot that is designed to be used with the SkyBridge Plus digital voice server. It offers a range of features and capabilities, including support for multiple digital modes, built-in Wi-Fi, and a large, easy-to-read display. One of the key differences between the SkyBridge hotspot and other hotspots is its integration with the SkyBridge Plus server, which provides additional features and functionality.
What are the key features of the Openspot 4 hotspot?
The Openspot 4 hotspot offers a range of features and capabilities, including support for multiple digital modes, built-in Wi-Fi, and a large, easy-to-read display. It also supports cross-mode operation, allowing users to communicate with radios and networks that use different digital modes. Other key features of the Openspot 4 include its compact size, low power consumption, and easy setup and configuration.
