PI-STAR

Pi-Star is a software image that can be installed on a Raspberry Pi to turn it into a digital voice hotspot for amateur radio. It was developed by Andy Taylor (MW0MWZ) and is based on the Linux operating system.

Pi-Star supports a range of digital voice modes used by amateur radio, including D-STAR, DMR, P25, and Yaesu Fusion. It also includes a web-based dashboard that allows users to configure and monitor their hotspot remotely, as well as tools for managing network settings and updating the software.

Pi-Star has become a popular choice for amateur radio operators who want to set up their own digital voice hotspot. It offers a cost-effective and easy-to-use solution that can be used with a range of hardware options, including the Raspberry Pi 3B and 4B.

To install Pi-Star, users can download the software image from the Pi-Star website and write it to an SD card using software like Etcher. Once the SD card is inserted into the Raspberry Pi, users can configure their hotspot using the web-based dashboard.

Overall, Pi-Star provides a flexible and customizable solution for amateur radio operators who want to connect to digital voice networks using a hotspot. It offers a range of features and options that make it a popular choice for both beginners and experienced users alike.

Chirp Radio Programming Software

CHIRP is a free and open-source programming tool that is used to program and configure amateur radios. It was developed by Dan Smith (KK7DS) and is available for Windows, Linux, and macOS.

CHIRP supports a wide range of radios from different manufacturers, including Baofeng, Kenwood, Yaesu, ICOM, and many more. It allows users to program and configure their radios using a simple and intuitive interface that can be customized to suit their needs.

With CHIRP, users can manage their radio's memory channels, set frequencies, tones, and other settings. It also allows users to save and share radio programming files with others.

One of the main benefits of CHIRP is its ability to support a wide range of radios from different manufacturers. This makes it a popular choice for amateur radio operators who own multiple radios from different brands. Additionally, CHIRP is constantly being updated with new features and bug fixes, ensuring that it remains a reliable and up-to-date programming tool for amateur radio operators.

To use CHIRP, users can download the software from the CHIRP website and install it on their computer. Once installed, they can connect their radio to their computer using a programming cable and begin programming and configuring their radio using the CHIRP interface.

Overall, CHIRP is a powerful and versatile programming tool that is widely used by amateur radio operators. Its support for a wide range of radios and its ease of use make it a popular choice for beginners and experienced users alike.