Today I did some testing on the 4500 reflector, via the dutch  master  2042. That does not really sound to weird, as I am a Dutch HAM. However today I was able to use this configuration on an internetlink of 100k up, 256k down, in the city of Neiva, Colombia! I had some nice conversations with PD0VOS, and PD3EEF, also Tom, PA2TSL came in the group, and we exchanged some nice info on what we were using. Anyway, I can tell we had flawless communication, on a very weak internet connection, had low BER, and all of that on the same link where Skype could not achieve a reliable connection!!

Compliments to David, PA7LIM, and Guus, PE1PLM, for making such reliable and good software!!!More info on the app: http://www.pa7lim.nl

Hardware for use with this great software can be found on http://www.combitronics.nl

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

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!

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

Boards are availlable at: www.combitronics.nl

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

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

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

BlueSpot/BlueStack at a glance, Photo by Wim Buchly (c)2016

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

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.

• BlueStack Micro, a board that fits the PI-radio (dvmega.auria.nl), bringing a Bluetooth connection to use your phone to connect to the global network on D-star DMR and later Fusion!
• BlueStack1, a board you can ‘stack’ between your arduino and the dual-band-radio (dvmega.auria.nl), and use it via Bluetooth to your phone / tab.
• BlueStack2, a board that has similar features as above, but also has an integrated amplifier and dtmf-unit. Just put the AMBE3000 in place, and use it as a HAM-radio!

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.