All about HAM-radio and projects…
Hi All again,
As many users of HAM equipment are Windows users, PA7LIM was building a BlueDV for windows. Currently in beta.
Of course if it is released, you want to know if you are compatible, and probably you are! Below find an overview of BlueStack boards, and how to use them with BlueDV!
Unfortunately our webshop has been down due to some technical issues. As I was out for a few days, I noticed it to late.
Anyway, we’re back again, and our goodies are ready for you!
Check our webshop at : http://www.combitronics.nl
[Top]After all nice remarks we have received, we have been doing a lot in the background. PLA boxes are being sold, and are available in a few nice colors.
Since we hear that communication is very clear with BlueSpotDV and BlueStack, it seems a good idea to make a nice clear box.
So here we go, let’s keep it clear!!
How to Assemble it: Watch now!
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From left to right: Little-RED, BlueStackMicro+ and BlueStack-Micro (Basic)
All fit in the BlueBox01, and use the BlueBox01 included lightguides!
Boards are availlable at: www.combitronics.nl
[Top]Little-RED, also known as MicroProg 1.1 is another unit in the BlueStack-Micro-range.
What is Little-RED?
This unit is the program-adaptor that fits to your pi-radio, and gives you the opportunity to do firmware-update’s, but also MMDVM!
How does it work?
If you connect the USB-port to your PC, it will find a comport. In the first 60 seconds this units is connected it is a programming-adaptor (same like Micro+), after the 60 seconds, the programming-options are disabled, and the unit is now capable of interfacing your pi-radio to MMDVM-host, or G4KLX.
Does it have Bluetooth?
No, this module is basically a PC-interface for PC or Raspberry-pi. For Bluetooth communications, choose either BlueStack-Micro or BlueStack-Micro+.
Buy the boards at: www.combitronics.nl
[Top]Lately I discovered that the board did reset during operation of MMDVM-host. It seems the same line that resets the radio-board for uploading new firmware is toggled sometimes. Several solutions to solve this are available, and one of them I removing the wire after firmware-update. In some cases it could be handy to put a small switch inline with this wire, but still, it is some extra thing to do when a new update of firmware comes out.
While the production of the new pcb’s has gone to high, I decided to have a small modification in the processor on the BlueStack-Micro+. This does not mean you have a bad board, but it saves connecting/disconnecting the wire after firmware-update. Please note, this processor-update is only useful when the USB
is used as MMDVM-interface, Bluetooth has no issues with this!
Processor
The new boards that are sent will have a timer inside, which allows the board to run as firmware-updater for approximately 1 minute. After the time expires, the reset to the radio-board will be disabled.
Buy the boards here: http://www.combitronics.nl
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Guess most of you heard HAM’s working with Blue-Spot (written by David, PA7LIM), and talk about the nice options it has. Lately a HAM from the Netherlands created a great set of photo’s that do explain how things are connected up. Difficult? No not really, there is minor settings to be done in the app and on your phone, and you can be online in 5 minutes after unpacking the device. Instruction video here! By Pa3PM
What do you need to do?
1: power the BlueStack-Micro(+)
2: Pair the unit with your phone. It shows up as BlueStack, pin 1234.
3: make sure the switch is out (+ model only)
4: Start the App BlueSpotDV, and verify the settings.
Buy the boards here: http://www.combitronics.nl
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Hi All,
Finally the first boards are in production. BlueStack-Micro is its name.
David, PA7LIM is writing new software, an app to support multiple platforms on android OS. To have compatible hardware, this little board will be the first to be released in a series of 3.
What is the difference between BlueStack-Micro and BlueStack-Micro+?
BlueStack-Micro is a board, which is ONLY Bluetooth capable, and can be used for the BlueSpotDV-App, connecting to both dual- and single- band raspberry-pi radio-module.
BlueStack-Micro+ is equal to BlueStack-Micro, however has an onboard USB-UART, usable for upgrading firmware, MMDVM, and G4KLX software.
new processor code now disables programming-mode after 60 seconds, to fix MMDVM-coms via USB. If you do see issues, remove the wire after radio-firmware upgrade.
Connecting Bluetooth, select device BlueStack, and use pin: 1234
Working demo of BlueStack-Micro + here
Order your BlueStack-Micro or BlueStack-Micro+ here!
User and installation-manual for BlueStack-Micro Here!
User and installation-manual for BlueStack-Micro+ Here!
Buy the boards here: http://www.combitronics.nl
Ruud, PE1MSZ.
[Top]As we are releasing BlueSpotDV soon, the boards to make the magic happen is available now. Just like it’s small brother (blueStack-Micro and BlueStack-micro+), it makes your cellphone the mobile hotspot you have been waitinh for!!
Just take the UNO or Megaboard, and place this board on top. Then just place the dual-bandradio (dvmega.auria.nl) on top. Once you loaded the latest firmware for this BlueSpotDV, you will be able to pair your smartphone with it, and do nice QSO’s on DMR and D-Star.
The board has a few connections available:
Connecting Bluetooth, select device BlueStack, and use pin: 1234
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