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Pi-Star: DMR through your simplex hotspot

Set up the local RF link and BrandMeister access separately, then verify them together.

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HB3YAQ · Ajdin HadzicLearning to take awayhttps://hb3yaq.ch/en/digital/guides/pi-star-dmr-hotspot

← Back to the guided digital radio path

This guide assumes a bootable Pi-Star hotspot with an identified modem. The existing unbranded enclosure does not establish board type, firmware or configured frequency. Read these from your device; do not guess the modem type or flash unrelated firmware. You need your own radio ID, local admin access and a BrandMeister account.

  1. 01AnyTone · DMR
  2. 02Local simplex RF
  3. 03MMDVM / Pi-Star
  4. 04Internet → BrandMeister
Your progress0 / 6 steps checked

Checks apply to this page visit. They record your own verification and do not automatically test a radio.

  1. 01

    Identify and back up

    Open Pi-Star administration on your own network and back up its configuration. Note Pi-Star version, modem type and firmware. Verify that the board is actually simplex. Use your own admin password; the administrative dashboard does not belong on the public website.

    How to verify this step

    The device and backup are identified and local access works.

  2. 02

    Set local RF parameters

    Start with DMR and the simplex operation matching your hardware. Use a coordinated frequency suitable for your location and operation, and match it on the handheld. Colour code must agree at both ends. A conventional MMDVM simplex DMR access uses slot 2 on the handheld; consult the documentation for other software configurations.

    How to verify this step

    The handheld’s frequency, colour code and slot match the hotspot.

  3. 03

    Prepare personal network access

    Enter your own callsign and radio ID. Choose a BrandMeister master currently documented by the network. If multiple hotspots share an ID, plan their ESSID assignment deliberately. Set a personal hotspot security password in BrandMeister SelfCare; distinguish it from the website login password.

    How to verify this step

    The identity is yours and the intended network server is known.

  4. 04

    Connect Pi-Star to BrandMeister

    Enter the personal hotspot password in the DMR configuration’s matching field and apply the change. Check the connection state afterwards. If your installation uses DMRGateway, its network section and any rewrite rules also affect troubleshooting. Do not publish passwords here or in screenshots.

    How to verify this step

    Pi-Star confirms network login. This initially confirms only the internet segment.

  5. 05

    Select one desired group

    Create a matching AnyTone hotspot channel with equal RX and TX frequencies. Select the desired talkgroup as Group Call and configure reception. Check the network’s dynamic activation or static assignment rules for that group. Start with one destination so several groups do not complicate diagnosis.

    How to verify this step

    The channel destination and network group assignment are deliberate.

  6. 06

    Verify RF and network separately

    Make a short identified call on a clear channel. Check first whether Pi-Star detects it locally, then whether it reaches the network. Ask another station for a reply and report. For dropouts, distinguish RF error rate from network loss instead of changing every calibration value at once.

    How to verify this step

    Local input, network forwarding and return path have been observed. Only an actual conversation is logged.

If it does not work yet.

Network connected but no local transmission detected.

Start with the handheld: DMR, matching simplex frequency, slot and colour code. Then check modem recognition and antenna spacing. Network status says nothing about RF input.

Local RF is detected but network login fails.

Compare master selection, internet/DNS, your ID and hotspot security password. For DMRGateway check the network section actually in use. Keep the working radio channel unchanged during this check.

Need a term explained?

These explanations help you keep reading.

DMR ↗Talkgroup ↗Time slot ↗Colour code ↗Hotspot ↗Simplex ↗Full glossary →
DMR stays silent? Continue checking here.From RF input through network login to the talkgroup.

Original documentation for reference

Original explanations based on the linked manufacturer and project documentation. Menu labels may differ by language and software version.

Icom ID-52E PLUS: set up D-STAR →AnyTone: build a DMR channel →