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PISTAR NOTES

These are some notes and cheatsheet elements from my time setting up a ZumSpot Mini.

  • SSH works, and well. Use your admin credentials setup in the dashboard

    ssh pi-star@hotspot-ip

  • Some SSH tools of note:

    sudo pistar-update
sudo pistar-upgrade
top
ping schotty.com

  • May need to expand your SD card. Execute via an ssh session a:

    sudo rpi-rw
sudo pistar-expand
sudo systemctl reboot

  • On my SD card preload, as sold via HRO, the migration from Raspbian to Ubuntu did not work out. To fix, ssh in and execute:

    sudo rpi-rw
sudo apt-key adv --keyserver hkp://keyserver.ubuntu.com:80 --recv-keys 0E98404D386FA1D9
sudo apt-key adv --keyserver hkp://keyserver.ubuntu.com:80 --recv-keys 6ED0E7B82643E131
sudo apt upgrade

  • If any oddities occur, you may run into a situation where you get a dashboard error along the lines of Unable to read source configuration file(s). The fix unfortunately turned out somewhat starting over via a Factory Reset from the dashboard's Configuration screen. I then stepped thru each section, one at a time, hitting Apply. This worked. I did not work this diligently my first go at this. Perhaps this is why drama crept up.

  • PiStar cannot setup a bridge to a mode that you are looking to work natively already. So if you are setting up a DSTAR node, you cannot bridge YSF via YSF2DSTAR. Pick one method or another as PiStar cannot do both.

SETTING UP DMR

Enable DMR and disable any bridges to DMR in the MMDVMHost Config section. Apply Changes.

In the General Configuration ensure that your CCS7/DMR ID is set to have your DMR ID (no node number). Apply Changes.

In the DMR Configuration, select your DMR Master. Ignore the other options for now, as its going to change after we Apply Changes. Check for a master server here (global list) or here (US centric list). Apply Changes.

Go back to DMR Configuration, and enter your Hotspot Security password for Brandmeister if enabled, and choose your DMR ESSID node number for the hotspot. Apply Changes.

One method that worked for me to troubleshoot things down a bit faster, was to check the Brandmeister log page. It alerted me to an incorrect password. Once fixed, I had a fully function DMR connection to them.

SETTING UP DSTAR

Enable DSTAR and disable any bridges to DSTAR in the MMDVMHost Configuration. Apply Changes.

In the DSTAR section choose your default reflector. Apply Changes.

SETTING UP YSF

Enable YSF and disable any bridges to YSF in the MMDVMHost Configuration section. Apply Changes.

Next section to work on now is General Configuration. If you enabled any bridging, check here for anything you may need to enter, such as your CCS7/DMR ID field.

Lastly, you will need to work the Yaesu System Fusion Configuration section. Choose your startup TG for YSF. If you are bridging, you will need to choose settings according to the bridge, such as your DMR ID for the node, the Brandmeister login password needs to go into Hotspot Security, your DMR TG, etc. Apply Changes.

Once the page finishes refreshing you can head over to your admin dashboard. Check that your YSF mode(s) are lit up green. If they are yellow or red, recheck the settings, as something is wrong. For example a wrong password will generally yield a yellow box, as it connects, but is not validated.

PISTAR

DIGITAL RADIO ACCOUNTS

YSF does not require an account, as your ID is similar to an EMEI, as it is baked into a chip on each radio. This is a unique ID. DMR and DSTAR require accounts. Brandmeister and TGIF DMR talkgroups require an account. Verification depends on device. In this case the hotspot will need your password to log in and connect onto the network(s).

TALKGROUP RESOURCES

HOWTOS