Peter | Dec. 20, 2018

A brilliant Dual MMDVM board that is very compact

For MMDVM DUPLEX in Pi Zero Form Factor (Duplex )

Originally the MMDVM Duplex in Pi Zero form Factor board was not available in Australia. Many thanks to David Dennis his board is now available down under..
The board arrived well packed and included the 2 antenna's and right angled connectors. The build quality far better than the Chinese Jumbo Spot Board. The available PDF made programming the unit easy. I have fitted the board onto a Pi-zero to make it a compact unit.
On air test: all on air tests were conducted with Adrian VK5TUX in Queensland on the Australia Repeater Net which is now Multi Mode: Equipment used was Yaesu Ft2Dr, Ft70dr, Ft400Xdr, TYT 390, TYT960, Motorola P25 Unit, Icom ID5100: Not sure on the NXDN unit Kenwood Hand held?
1) Yaesu Fusion excellent audio quality on DN both ways (Ft2Dr, Ft70 Dr and FT400XDR)
2) Yaesu Fusion to DMR again the quality was superb, this was also the other way DMR to Fusion.. (Ft70dr, Ft2Dr, TYT390 & TYT9600)
3) Yaesu Fusion VW (Voice Wide) to P25, P25 to Yaesu Fusion yielded excellent audio results both ways . (Ft70dr, Ft2Dr and Motorola)
4 Yaesu Fusion DN to NXDN. This was a dark horse; I hadn't realized that Adrian had swapped modes and radios. I believe he was using one of the new Kenwood handhelds to do the test, this by far seemed to have the best audio quality of any of the other modes.surprisingly clear well rounded audio quality...the report back from Adrian was same (Ft2Dr Ft70Dr and Kenwood?)
5) Yaesu fusion DN to "D" Star; "D" Star to Yaesu fusion DN. I have heard some bad transitions from "D" Star to Fusion but this was quite a surprise. The audio from "D" Star was clear and not as Nasally as I expected.... (Ft2Dr Ft70Dr, Ft400Xdr & Icom ID5100)
6) On air local tests simplex and through Local Fusion Dr1 repeater, other operators did not realize I was using the N5BOC Dual MMDVM board until I had advised them ..... switching between the board and to the radio direct the operators could not pick the difference, however they did not some difference in the audio when I used the Jumbo spot dual MMDVM....
Summary: A well designed board that works very well across all modes. This board is worth the price...

Response from N5BOC Store ( LoneStar Semiconductor Designs ) | Feb. 22, 2019

Peter,

Thanks so very much for the detailed summary. I'm so happy that you guys down under are enjoying my boards. It makes me happy to see them being used all over the world!

Best Regards,
David

Steve | Dec. 18, 2018

Great product and pricing

For MMDVM DUPLEX in Pi Zero Form Factor (Duplex )

This is a well designed product that has met all my expectations. It was easy to setup once I got my code plug on the radio setup correctly. Since I am operating on the PNW DMR network there is a locally produced script to pick up the missing connections for the MMDVM servers in use here. Shipping was quick and David was very responsive to my queries. Thankfully it was not a product issue, just an operator error!

Response from N5BOC Store ( LoneStar Semiconductor Designs ) | Feb. 22, 2019

Steve,
I"m happy to hear how well it is working for you.

Best Regards,
David

Andrew | Dec. 17, 2018

MMDVM DUPLEX in Pi Zero Form Factor

For MMDVM DUPLEX in Pi Zero Form Factor (Duplex )

Works as advertised. the best feature that i find useful is the full duplex. personally, i use it with P25. I always get a good signal report. more importantly... the product is compatible with the current pi-star image. doesn't require any special programming outside of the pi-star environment, requires no special licensing, requires no special initialization and no soldering (unless the Pi doesn't come with a header already soldered). Plug and Play on the Raspberry Pi Zero W with the Pi-Star image running.

Thanks for a superb product.

Drew
KC5EQX

Response from N5BOC Store ( LoneStar Semiconductor Designs ) | Feb. 22, 2019

Thanks so much for your supportive words Drew.

Regards,
David

Mark | Dec. 15, 2018

Very fine product

For MMDVM DUPLEX in Pi Zero Form Factor (Duplex )

The first hurdle was to make the purchase within about 15 minutes of getting the availability notice - these sell out really fast! The board was as advertised - follow the directions about being careful attaching the antennas. I was careful and I didn't break anything!!
I did have to do some Googling to come up with the information to download the correct image (links on the web site would help). Once imaged I did have to hook up a monitor (needs mini-HDMI adapter) and a keyboard because it didn't connect to my wifi automatically. That was corrected quickly and then it was just down to software configuration.

Once done, it's working great. I'm not seeing any issues with it.

Mark, AB7MP

Response from N5BOC Store ( LoneStar Semiconductor Designs ) | Feb. 22, 2019

Thanks so much for the support Mark and thanks for taking the time to leave a review. I always find the reviews helpful when I'm making a purchase.

Best Regards,
David

Duane | Dec. 2, 2018

MMDVM Duplex Hotspot by N5BOC

For MMDVM DUPLEX in Pi Zero Form Factor (Duplex )

I have been building MMDVM hotspots for over a year, have tried all the different units available. David's Duplex hotspt is heads above all other Duplex units.
Excellent design, high quality product and phenomenal support.

If you miss picking up one of the N5BOC units, you will be missing the best of the best!!

Duane
N6DMR

Response from N5BOC Store ( LoneStar Semiconductor Designs ) | Feb. 22, 2019

Thanks so very much for your kind words Duane!

Regards,
David

James | Nov. 29, 2018

Excellent!

For MMDVM DUPLEX in Pi Zero Form Factor (Duplex )

The N5BOC Duplex MMDVM is an interesting hot spot that works like a repeater. Quality components used and excellent build quality. Good layout - I liked that the antennas were at opposite ends of the board. Very stable and did not require an offset. Well worth the extra money. – Jim WA2UMP

Response from N5BOC Store ( LoneStar Semiconductor Designs ) | Feb. 22, 2019

Thanks so very much for your supportive words Jim.

Regards,
David

Michael | Nov. 18, 2018

Great buy and quality product

For MMDVM_HS_HAT Rev 1.5 (SIMPLEX )

I purchased two of these. They look like a real quality product. Both worked first off and so far had no issues with them.

Response from N5BOC Store ( LoneStar Semiconductor Designs ) | Nov. 20, 2018

Michael,
I'm glad to hear it is working well for you.
Thanks for your support!

Robert | Oct. 12, 2018

Excellent Product

For MMDVM DUPLEX in Pi Zero Form Factor (Duplex )

Unlike Other Products Out there this is Truly a Quality Build.

Form Factor is Exactly the Size of the Smaller Zumspot Boards and with the C4Labs Case makes a Very Professional Setup.

Build quality is Excellent requiring no Offset on my System here making setup a Breeze.

Unlike Inferior foreign products that are purchased with really no way of returning them in the event of a failure this is built to last and has the backing of the builder to make sure that it works first time every time..

American Construction at it's best..

Used for DMR and DMR2YSF..

The matching Simplex board gives you piece of mind and an after sales service that is second to none..

Buy these Boards over any other..

Response from N5BOC Store ( LoneStar Semiconductor Designs ) | Oct. 13, 2018

Thank you so much Robert for your very kind words. I am so glad you are enjoying your board.
As you mention I hope what I bring to the table beyond a quality build is the after purchase support. These can be a bit intimidating for someone just getting into digital communications. I think it helps when people feel they are not just left to fin for themselves but instead have support from the seller.

Thanks again.
David

Brad | July 23, 2018

Very Happy

For MMDVM_HS_HAT Rev 1.5 (SIMPLEX )

I bought this board back in May. It has been running along side several other hotspots 24/7 for three months with no problems, first on a Pi Zero and now a Pi 3. I was a little concerned about the possible distance issue with a ceramic antenna but have had no problems. Several firmware upgrades have been done via Pi-Star and all were smooth. I use it with DMR, D-STAR, and Fusion rigs, and occasionally P25 via Pi-Star cross mode.

Response from N5BOC Store ( LoneStar Semiconductor Designs ) | Aug. 10, 2018

Sounds like with you operating all of these modes this item is well used.
So happy it is working well for you.

Regards,
David

Brett | June 30, 2018

Nice

For MMDVM_HS_HAT Rev 1.5 (SIMPLEX )

Product arrived and I was using it in minutes. I added a oled screen and made a case for it and it's good to go. Seller was responsive to emails when I had questions. I'm enjoying it thanks.

Response from N5BOC Store ( LoneStar Semiconductor Designs ) | July 11, 2018

I'm glad I was able to answer your questions Brett. I'm glad to know you are enjoying it.

Philip | June 24, 2018

So far meeting my expectations

For MMDVM_HS_HAT Rev 1.5 (SIMPLEX )

The top hat is Working well with my Fusion Radio. Many more modes to try out. I am looking forward to getting my DMR Radio working.

Response from N5BOC Store ( LoneStar Semiconductor Designs ) | July 11, 2018

I'm glad to hear it is working well for you Philip! I look forward to seeing you on DMR.

Bernard | May 26, 2018

Excellent quality product

For MMDVM_HS_HAT Rev 1.5 (SIMPLEX )

After setting up the raspberry pi with Pistar, all I did was mount the board on the gpio pins and turn it on! That's it, super easy to set up and it works great. It's made in the USA by a Ham, support our hobby and get a great product.

Response from N5BOC Store ( LoneStar Semiconductor Designs ) | June 9, 2018

Thanks so very much for your support Bernard!
Glad to hear you are enjoying the HotSpot.

Samuel | May 13, 2018

Wait list is not really a wait list!

For MMDVM_HS_HAT Rev 1.5 (SIMPLEX )

Your wait list process is really just an invitation to try and purchase a limited availability item. In order to be successful you’d need to monitor your email 24/7 and who has time for that? I’d much rather pay for an item that I know I’m going to buy anyway and get on a waiting list to receive the item. It’s further frustration when you missed the item and then have to re-enroll on the wait list. I didn’t do that and the only reason I got my order completed was a friend texted me and told me item was available. There has to be a better way than what you’re doing. It’s not a true waitlist since you truly are not in line for anything but a notice that item is available and good luck with that!!!!!!

Response from N5BOC Store ( LoneStar Semiconductor Designs ) | May 22, 2018

First I want to say Thanks for your Order. I understand your frustration with the wait list. Please understand this is put in place and managed by Tindie. This is not something put in place or managed by me. I've contacted Tindie and notified them that that most people take the term "wait list" as they are in line to receive the product. It should be re-labeled to "notify me when back in stock". Sorry this was a point of frustration for you.

73's and Regards,
Dave

William | May 12, 2018

Great MMDVM Hotspot for DMR/C4FM/D-Star

For MMDVM_HS_HAT Rev 1.5 (SIMPLEX )

Have a genuine ZUMspot and needed a 2nd one. Chose this one from N5BOC and it works just fine. He provided the receiver offset which made it easier to get on the air quickly. Great product, recommended! Dave, K6WDE

Response from N5BOC Store ( LoneStar Semiconductor Designs ) | May 22, 2018

Dave,
I'm really happy to hear this made it easy for you to get on the air. And I'm glad you're enjoying the board.

73's
David

Steven | May 10, 2018

Works great!

For MMDVM_HS_HAT Rev 1.5 (SIMPLEX )

A great alternative to the zumspot. I've had no issues connecting on DMR. I wish the sma antenna connection was the same as the zumspot.

Response from N5BOC Store ( LoneStar Semiconductor Designs ) | May 22, 2018

Steven,
I'm happy that that the board it working well for you.

When you say you wish the SMA connection was the same, do you mean centered on the board?

Thanks again,
David