Imagine a USB Dongle with a 10 milliwatt FM transceiver built into it. It plugs into your PC that runs dongle software to allow connection into the D-Star network of repeaters and reflectors. D-Star radios, most likely HTs, that are nearby, can use this DV Access Point to connect in.
I see lots of utility in this. You can roam around your shack, in some cases, perhaps around your property, and stay connected. Or, check into a motel or hotel with internet access, set up the DVAP, and you and your travelling friends can connect into your favorite reflector with your D-Star HTs. This is similar to people who are building Satoshi's GMSK Node Adapter, or one of several clone boards, and running KB9KHM's HotSpot software. Those work with non-ICOM transceivers to create either a simplex Access Point, or a D-Star compatible repeater. But that appoach requires quite a bit more technical skill. The DVAP should be much simpler to set up and use. And the fact that the built-in transceiver is low power is a real plus -- as it gets popular, it won't clutter up crowded VHF bands. Rumors are that this DVAP is being developed by the same people who brought us the DV Dongle. I doubt it will officially appear on the website until it is generally available. Jim - K6JM ----- Original Message ----- From: Mike Murphy To: [email protected] Sent: Sunday, January 17, 2010 7:43 PM Subject: Re: [DSTAR_DIGITAL] Re: New guy "Pretty soon, there will be a new version of the dongle that will let you create a mini-pool of D-STAR RF coverage around your PC" This got my attention. Can you please elaborate on this? I didn't see this on the DV Dongle web site. Thanks!
