Re-introduction of the DVRPTR_V1 Boards as a Low Cost Solution for Building Hotspots, Repeaters and Stand-alone Repeaters

Increased demand for a low-cost solution for building hotspots and repeaters,

encouraged the re-introduction of the proven DVRPTR_V1 boards as a viable alternative to the existing offering.

These robust and low-cost boards are a great incentive for many hams to start experimenting with the digital modes.

The "new" DVRPTR_V1 boards are being assembled, individually tested and shipped worldwide from Montreal, Canada.

“As creator of the original DV-RPTR V1 project (name, hardware and firmware) I’m happy that this project will continue. This board is not perfect - I know, but it is a reliable, low-price solution for building hotspots, repeaters and stand-alone repeaters. I will resume my firmware development and I hope to find more dedicated specialists that can help improve the board’s open source firmware.”

— Jan Alte, DO1FJN

Bruce Given, VE2GZI, hardware engineer with over 20 years of experience in (the

electronic components business from design to logistics .), will coordinate the production and logistics efforts of this project.

"My top priority is to promote this great product in the amateur community and to offer it bundled with timely delivery, excellent service and technical support" said Bruce Given, VE2GZI.

Project website -  WWW.DVRPTR.Net

Yahoo support group - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DVRPTR_V1/

WSPR on the Raspberry Pi

Essex radio amateur George Smart M1GEO has managed to get the ham radio weak-signal software WSPR running on his Raspberry Pi.

WSPR stands for Weak Signal Propagation Reporter and is designed for sending and receiving low-power transmissions to test propagation paths on the MF and HF bands.

Details of how George M1GEO managed to get WSPR working on the Raspberry Pi computer board are on his website - http://www.george-smart.co.uk/wiki/RaspberryPi_WSPR

Echolink Node on a Raspberry

The GB3LV IRLP/Echolink node, located in Enfield, north London, is now powered by a tiny Raspberry Pi computer running a reduced version of Linux Debian and a version 3 IRLP interface.

This reduces the energy and physical footprint of the node dramatically.

This development over the past 3 months, has only been possible because of a great deal of work done by Dave Cameron, VE7LTD.

The link transmitter is a Yaesu FT-7100.

The Raspberry Pi computer cost about £25 and needs a PSU (just a phone charger), cables and SD card operating system. The node requires no screen, mouse or keyboard when running.