Ottawa DSTAR Symposium
DV-Dongle, DVAP and DV-Hotspot
Andrew Webb
M0GRU
by
Ottawa D-STAR Symposium
November 27, 2010
Overview

Terminology
DV-Dongle
DVAP-Dongle
Hotspot

Summary
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Terminology

DV-Dongle: USB device which allows user to use their personal
computer and internet connection to access the DSTAR network
(headset mic recommended)

DVAP Dongle: USB device similar to DV Dongle to connect to DSTAR network over the internet but uses a built-in 10mW transmitter
for users to access D-STAR. Access Point can be set to a particular 2m
frequency and user can then use HT/mobile around the house or the near
vicinity

Hotspot: USB or standalone device gives D-STAR users access to
remote D-STAR systems using OTA interface. Can be simplex or
repeater. (Interface is connected to a 9.6k ready or modified radio)
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Accessing the D-STAR Network

Accessing the gateway multi-trust D-STAR network requires
registration of your callsign with your local D-STAR Gateway
repeater administrator
– Without your callsign being registered, access will be limited to local RF
repeater/simplex use only and your data stream will not be passed along
through the Gateway onto the internet. This includes the use of DVDongles,
DVAPs and Hotspots.
– You only need to register once; your registered callsign can be used to access
any Gateway on the multi-trust system. If you move away and are still using the
same callsign, registration is not required a second time – the SAME callsign
cannot be registered on two DSTAR gateway systems.
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DV-Dongle
– The DV Dongle connects to your PC or Apple Mac via a USB port and provides
encoding and decoding of compressed audio using the DVSI AMBE2000 full duplex
vocoder DSP chip. AMBE technology is used in all D-Star radios to provide efficient
voice transmissions. It is also used in some HF digital protocols by vendors like
AOR. The DVTool application used with the DV Dongle may be installed and run on
Microsoft Windows XP/Vista, Mac OS X Leopard, or many flavors of Linux.
– When installing and driver is not found, download the driver from
http://www.ftdichip.com/Drivers/VCP.htm
– by clicking on the “setup executable” link on that web page. Run the downloaded
executable and the drivers will be automatically installed
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DV-Dongle


DV-Dongle Software available at:
http://opendstar.org/tools
– Contains some additional features not available
using software provided by DVDONGLE.COM
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DV-Dongle

Hints and tips:
– Use headset microphone
– Use the audio test feature prior to TX to adjust your audio levels
– Relatively fast computer if possible
– Edit hosts file to allow for connections to NA-Trust registered
hotspots.
 The trick is to add the following lines to your C:\WINDOWS\System32\Drivers\ETC\hosts file:
 188.203.83.181
dstarns.opendstar.org
opendstar.org
dstarns
188.203.83.181
dstarns.opengateway.org
dvtool.opengateway.org
opengateway.org
188.203.83.181
dstarns.dstargateway.org dvtool.dstargateway.org
 The two lines are sometimes needed, the third line is always needed.After adding, reboot the PC, and
Dvtool should now be connecting to DPNS, and, with that, it should "see" the hotspots! Please note
that this tip is courtesy of www.dutch-star.eu/network/index.aspx
 -NOTE modifications to HOSTS file done so at YOUR OWN RISK, not responsible for any
damages
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DV-DONGLE
Hotspots are listed at the end of
the drop down menu and not in
alphabetical order!
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DVAP Dongle

The DV Access Point Dongle connects to your PC or Intel based Mac via a USB port and
provides a 2 meter Access Point for use with a D-STAR radio. Using an Internet connection,
a user may connect to and communicate with D-STAR gateways and reflectors around the
world. The DVAPTool application used with the DV Access Point Dongle may be installed
and run on Microsoft Windows XP/Vista/7, Mac OS X Leopard/Snow Leopard, or many
flavors of Linux.

When installing and driver is not found, download the driver from
http://www.ftdichip.com/Drivers/VCP.htm by clicking on the “setup executable” link on that
web page. Run the downloaded executable and the drivers will be automatically installed
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DVAP Dongle

IMPORTANT*
– Although DVAP connects to USB port of computer –requires use
of an external DSTAR capable radio to access
– RF output is 10mW on 2m ONLY
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DV-Hotspot




Available as kits or built and tested from various sources
E.g. www.dutch-star.nl
Most kits have detailed installation instructions with little to no fine
tuning required
Load appropriate software and drivers and run any config software –
follow all instructions carefully
– Txdelay settings, COS polarity to name a few


Connect USB to computer
Connect to 9K6 ready or modified radio
– COS adjustments may be required depending on radio – follow instructions provided
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DV-Hotspot
•445.850MHz Almonte Hot Spot VE3XZT B
Run by DALE VE3XZT, commonly linked to VA3ODG B or
REF016B; is open to all to use and link/unlink
•445.850MHz Cumberland Hot Spot VA3RCB H
Run by RICK VE3CVG, commonly linked to VA3ODG C
•445.860MHz Kanata Hot Spot VE3FSR
Run by Greg VA3OMP FreeStar
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Establishing a QSO
Using a HOTSPOT/DVAP

Linking to a REFLECTOR
– Using VE3XZT B linking to REF016 B:
– UR: REF016BL
– RPT1:
– RPT2:NOT USE*
– MY:VE3UIY
– Press the PPT for ~2 seconds, the data header will be sent and the Hotspot/DVAP will return with a
voice message “Link Established” or text “Connected…….”

Once a link has been established you will need to change your settings to the following:
– UR: CQCQCQ
– RPT1:
– RPT2:NOT USE*
– MY:VE3UIY
Unlinking
– UR: (I use a generic setting such that I have a memory channel for VE3XZT B with UR:-------U as
IMPORTANT!!!!!

long as the eighth character is U it will unlink

The repeater will return “Link disconnected”
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Comparison
Feature
DV-Dongle
DVAP-Dongle
DV Hotspot
DSTAR Capable radio
required
NO
YES
YES
Computer Required
YES
YES
YES
Computer Headset required
YES
NO
NO
External Radio with 9k6
data port of modified radio
required
NO
NO
YES
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DSTAR in OTTAWA
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Summary



Only touched the surface with what you can do with D-STAR.
Combination of DVAPS, Hotspot can really extend the coverage area
providing access to areas where coverage by local d-star repeater
coverage may otherwise be limited
Possibilities are endless!! Experiment and have fun!
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