The IC-80AD HT and the ID-880H are still pretty new. The DVAP is great for easily setting up an access point in your shack or hotel room while travelling.
I opted for a Hotspot -- two of the three major Node Adapter/Mini Hotspot boards can be purchased either as kits or built/tested. I got mine from http://www.gmskhotspot.com/ -- the Not Quite So Mini Hotspot or NQSMHS -- kit $80, built $110. Does not come with firmware. I also bought a cable prewired for my Kenwood D700 for $25. I bought the firmware from http://www.dutch-star.nl/ --for about US $14.50. I'm currently using Mark McGregor's DVAR Hot Spot software (free) from the Files section of the gmsk_dv_node Yahoo Group. I'm using this simplex with a spare Kenwood TM-D700 analog radio running at 5 watts. This gives my hotspot 1-2 miles range. DStar radio is a 91AD. The same stuff will operate in repeater mode (need a 2nd or a full duplex radio, of course, along with traditional duplexers etc). If you know anyone with an analog repeater that isn't seeing much use, you might suggest it be converted to a DStar-compatible repeater for less than $150. The current DVAR Hot Spot software supports DPlus linking, which is very popular and simpler than callsign routing. G4ULF is getting ready to release software that will also support callsign and G2 routing. So your repeater owner would have options down the line. Still, for yourself, the DVAP is an excellent way to create an instant access point. And when I'm in the market for a new radio like the 92AD, I usually wait until Dayton to get a good price there. Good luck whatever you decide on. Jim - K6JM ----- Original Message ----- From: ke9v To: [email protected] Sent: Wednesday, March 31, 2010 10:53 AM Subject: [DSTAR_DIGITAL] New at Dayton? The lack of any D-STAR repeaters in the vicinity of my QTH has kept me out of D-STAR, though I do Dongle. The advent of the DVAP-Dongle has me thinking it's time to buy a handheld, like the 92AD but with Dayton just around the corner I wonder if there is anything new expected that would cause me to regret making a purchase this weekend? Thanks. Jeff KE9V
