It turns out I had missed a step in my earlier attempts, and this time the update was successful. * After I had the openSPOT 3 up and running for a few days, I decided to attempt the ZUMSpot firmware upgrade again. Having learned the basics of DMR, D-STAR, and YSF with the ZUMSpot, I found configuration of the OPENSpot 3 to be fairly easy. The openSPOT 3 user manual is a web page that is updated frequently when there are firmware updates or features added to the device. The openSPOT 3 is also configured through a web interface, but the interface and steps for configuration are different than Pi-Star’s. The openSPOT3 is a battery powered, portable, standalone digital radio internet gateway (aka hotspot). After several attempts to update the firmware, the ZumSpot wasn’t operating properly*, so I decided to purchase an openSPOT 3, which is made by SharkRF in Estonia. There are also several videos on YouTube with instructions for configuring Pi-Star.Ī few days ago, I was attempting to update the Pi-Star software and the ZumSpot firmware, but kept seeing errors during the firmware update.

While the Pi-Star configuration appears daunting at first, it is easy to set up by following the tutorial. The Amateur Radio Notes website has an excellent tutorial on setting up and configuring Pi-Star. Pi-Star is a custom, pre-configured SD Card image for the Raspbperry Pi, with configuration and operation performed through a web browser. The ZUMSpot uses Pi-Star digital voice software. It incorporates a Multimode Digital Voice Modem (MMDVM) and a 10mW UHF transceiver that operates YSF, DMR, YSF2DMR, D-Star, P25 and NXDN modes.

The ZUMSpot is a small board that sits on a Raspberry Pi Zero W. I have been casually using DMR, D-STAR and YSF (Yaesu System Fusion) modes for a couple of years, using a ZUMSpot.

Raspberry pi ham radio