I normally do that too, but in this case i was also monitoring our local repeater while hiking so I went with a bit longer antenna. In fact, sometimes at home I'll just put a stubby antenna on it. Thanks for watching. 73
I use my OpenSpot 4 Pro in my car every day and I have one of my wireless profiles set up to attach to my iPhone. I added the UHF frequency of my OpenSpot to my list of local repeaters that I scan with my FTM-400XDR whenever I am in my car. When the local repeaters are active I talk with the regulars, but I’ve also had some great conversations with hams around the world on AmericaLink using my OpenSpot. Hotspots are just another tool that I use for my ham radio enjoyment. Thank you for sharing your video.
i just bought also a ft 70 d and planning in buying a openspot 4 my concern is to get a signal on my cell phone because i live in the country! thank you ! jacques
The Openspot4 looks like a practical solution to extend your range of the portable radio globally. Although, you have to get past the fact that most of the long distance link is just a voice over IP internet link, not a radio to radio connection. It seems that the new digital radios should be able to have the electronic equivalent of an OpenSpot4 built into the radio. The radio should be able to connect with WiFi to your cellular hot spot connection without the OpenSpot4, if that was built into the portable radio.
Yeah, I think VOIP augmentation of radio is here to stay. It's been around awhile with telephony and even LMRS for public safety/business radios. Some newer radios have limited "hot spot" functionality. The Icom IC-705 has built-in DSTAR that can talk directly on the internet, but it is limited to certain gateways. I think that type of integrated functionality is probably heading our way. In the meantime, the OS4 is probably the most portable way to get that type of connectivity.
Thanks for posting this. I didn't know the 4 was out. I'm still dreaming about getting the 3. I have the Yeasu FT 3D also but I've not used it to it's fullest potential. I better get cracking. Thanks again and 73
Having getting more involved in certain YSF nets, I’ve been eyeballing the OpenSpot 4 to take along to work so I don’t have to tie up our local fusion repeaters. The onboard battery would make it so much easier than dragging along my pi-star. Looks like a good piece of kit
Just the standard antenna that came with the radio. The distance from the radio to the OpenSPOT is so close, you could probably get away with having no antenna. I also had it set to the lowest power setting, which seems to have a range of about 1/4 mile line of sight.
Could you do a video on the step by step process of programming your radio and connecting it to your iPhone? I've tried for weeks and it does not work.
I'm not sure I understand your request. The radio isn't connected to the iPhone directly in this video. The iPhone is being used as a data connection and that's connected to the openSPOT 4 via Bluetooth data connection. The radio connects to the openSPOT via UHF radio. Which connection are you referring to - the phone & openspot -or- openspot and radio?
@@KI4ASK - I'm talking about using your phone as a portable hotspot so that you can go portable with the OpenSpot enabling you to use your radio on modes like Fusion, DMR and D Star while in the field.
@@sinatralala - okay, so you’re talking about the connection between the openSPOT 4 and your iPhone. The setup is simple, but…. There are several potential “gotchas” depending upon what version of iOS you’re running and how you have your iPhone setup to handle personal hotspot functionality. I can do a RUclips short showing my setup, but it may not answer the specific problems you’re encountering. You might find the following support guidance from SharkRF helpful - forum.sharkrf.com/d/6717-iphone-13-pro-will-not-connect-to-openspot4-pro
@@KI4ASK Hi Joe. Great news. I was able to get my iPhone's hotspot to work with my OpenSpot. All is good. In fact, my first portable contact today was a station from Tokyo, who said that my audio was fantastic. Thanks for listening and helping out. Have a very happy and healthy holiday.
Just how is that any different than using the iPhone to call anyone in the world? Why would you bother buying all that kit when the only part of the path that is radio is the few inches between mouth and backpack
You could but that depends on the service plan you have and which countries it covers. I bet you can't just listen at someone having a conversation in Italy or South Korea and just jump in and.have a conversation with them. That's what intrigues me about this set up. Add to that, you can talk UHF/VHF ether through a repeater or simplex/peer to peer direct communication and all that is at no extra cost , over the equipment and the phone bill
Thanks for your feedback. With an iPhone (or any other phone for that matter) you need to know the phone number of the person you're trying to reach and it's point-to-point. With the hotspot (or a repeater) you never know who's on the other end, you don't need their phone number, and multiple people can participate in the conversation. Modern radio systems (amateur, business, public safety) have embraced VOIP extensions to their services that allow remote repeaters to connect and extend their reach. The OpenSpot is a nice package to enable that in a simple, but powerful way. One of the things I like about this hobby is all of the ways one can enjoy it.
Hi Joe. Thank you for making and posting this video. Just took delivery of my 4PRO. Also have FT3D... so must give this a try in the car. Had sworn never to bother with an openspot but the black friday discount did the trick. Joe.. am normally a native C4FM (Wires-X) user. This is, as mentioned, my first foray into the openspot world. I've a few observations to share, but again, please note I am a RAW openspot novice. The voice quality seems to vary widely. At times, the Audio level is very loud, at other times Joe, it is barely audible. Sometimes the handover between stations is too fast.. no breaks are left so breaking in is not possible. I've had stations completely vannish, only to re-appesar a few mins later, talking to someone else. So... it's a mixed bag, as I see it, ... and problems could be well of my own making. Joe, thank you again for this video, the time and effort in putting it together and editing it is much appreciated! Albert. EI7II.
Albert, congratulations on your OS4 Pro - you'll enjoy it's functionality and versatility. Most of the issues you've mentioned tend to be due to the internet connection underlying the system and the varied equipment people are using, not the OpenSPOT device itself. Although I've had a few small problems with the OpenSPOT locking up overall it's been a great device. I've had the best luck with DSTAR mode, less so with DMR, and extremely varied results with YSF/C4FM. I think the instability with YSF/C4FM is due to the way people gateway true Wires-X into YSF reflectors. When it works properly C4FM has the best voice quality. I do have the Yaesu Wires-X software on my computer and the cable to connect it to my FT-3 for true Wires-X - but the convenience of the hotspot makes it my preferred way into YSF/C4FM. 73, KI4ASK
@@KI4ASK Joe... you must be trying to set a world record for fast replies. While I will remain a RAW novice on DSTAR and DMR, for me C4FM still has the best (most realistic) sound quality. But I am not the one to judge, given my total lack of experience. It's refreshing to see you being so honest about your own video, but as for me, it's excellent! Many complaints Joe come from the "Keyboard Warriors" who have NEVER produced a video in their life, but are very quick to critise others. Keep 'em coming Chief so I can keep watching. . Albert
I'd use the rubber duck when operating over OS4 and stow the nagoya, just my preference, great video
I normally do that too, but in this case i was also monitoring our local repeater while hiking so I went with a bit longer antenna. In fact, sometimes at home I'll just put a stubby antenna on it. Thanks for watching. 73
I use my OpenSpot 4 Pro in my car every day and I have one of my wireless profiles set up to attach to my iPhone. I added the UHF frequency of my OpenSpot to my list of local repeaters that I scan with my FTM-400XDR whenever I am in my car. When the local repeaters are active I talk with the regulars, but I’ve also had some great conversations with hams around the world on AmericaLink using my OpenSpot. Hotspots are just another tool that I use for my ham radio enjoyment. Thank you for sharing your video.
Agreed - talked to MM3TWA (Ian) in Scotland this morning via AmericaLink while walking my dog. Great stuff.
Interesting idea
I just bought the Openspot 4 pro. It arrives tomorrow. Can't wait to learn how to use it. I'm new to DMR stuff.
It's the perfect device for working DMR and all of the modes.
I just got my OpenSPOT4 Pro, and I use it with my Yaesu FT70DR. I love it so far! 73, W4AQX
i just bought also a ft 70 d and planning in buying a openspot 4 my concern is to get a signal on my cell phone because i live in the country!
thank you ! jacques
great i need to order one to use with my ft70 also , i’m new to ham radio .
The Openspot4 looks like a practical solution to extend your range of the portable radio globally. Although, you have to get past the fact that most of the long distance link is just a voice over IP internet link, not a radio to radio connection.
It seems that the new digital radios should be able to have the electronic equivalent of an OpenSpot4 built into the radio. The radio should be able to connect with WiFi to your cellular hot spot connection without the OpenSpot4, if that was built into the portable radio.
Yeah, I think VOIP augmentation of radio is here to stay. It's been around awhile with telephony and even LMRS for public safety/business radios. Some newer radios have limited "hot spot" functionality. The Icom IC-705 has built-in DSTAR that can talk directly on the internet, but it is limited to certain gateways. I think that type of integrated functionality is probably heading our way. In the meantime, the OS4 is probably the most portable way to get that type of connectivity.
very cool. I have the FT5DR. Gonna have to add the new OpenSpot 4 to my purchase list.
I love the fact you can use a DStar radio on DMR with the openspots
Indeed, it increases the usefulness of having a single HT that can now do all the modes via OpenSPOT instead of having a specific HT for each mode. 73
I just ordered me A openSPOT4 Pro
thank you for your great videos
73
Thanks for posting this. I didn't know the 4 was out. I'm still dreaming about getting the 3. I have the Yeasu FT 3D also but I've not used it to it's fullest potential. I better get cracking. Thanks again and 73
It's a nice hotspot that's portable and does cross-mode which is pretty cool
Having getting more involved in certain YSF nets, I’ve been eyeballing the OpenSpot 4 to take along to work so I don’t have to tie up our local fusion repeaters. The onboard battery would make it so much easier than dragging along my pi-star. Looks like a good piece of kit
I love mine. Another cool thing about the OS4 Pro is the ability to monitor a reflector/talk group/conference without a radio using the web interface!
Can you change rooms from your radio or do you have to program it from a computer each time?
Yes, you can change rooms from the radio and it depends on the mode you’re using - DSTAR C4FM DMR etc
Hello, 😊 what antenna are you using?
Diamond TH77CA
Hi Joe, which antenna are you using on your yaesu?
Diamond SRH77
What type of antenna are you using? I'm thinking of setting up a system like that but with android. Thanks
Just the standard antenna that came with the radio. The distance from the radio to the OpenSPOT is so close, you could probably get away with having no antenna. I also had it set to the lowest power setting, which seems to have a range of about 1/4 mile line of sight.
have you thought about changing the loudspeaker on the radio?
no, seems to work okay for me
Could you do a video on the step by step process of programming your radio and connecting it to your iPhone? I've tried for weeks and it does not work.
I'm not sure I understand your request. The radio isn't connected to the iPhone directly in this video. The iPhone is being used as a data connection and that's connected to the openSPOT 4 via Bluetooth data connection. The radio connects to the openSPOT via UHF radio. Which connection are you referring to - the phone & openspot -or- openspot and radio?
@@KI4ASK - I'm talking about using your phone as a portable hotspot so that you can go portable with the OpenSpot enabling you to use your radio on modes like Fusion, DMR and D Star while in the field.
@@sinatralala - okay, so you’re talking about the connection between the openSPOT 4 and your iPhone. The setup is simple, but…. There are several potential “gotchas” depending upon what version of iOS you’re running and how you have your iPhone setup to handle personal hotspot functionality. I can do a RUclips short showing my setup, but it may not answer the specific problems you’re encountering. You might find the following support guidance from SharkRF helpful - forum.sharkrf.com/d/6717-iphone-13-pro-will-not-connect-to-openspot4-pro
@@KI4ASK Hi Joe. Great news. I was able to get my iPhone's hotspot to work with my OpenSpot. All is good. In fact, my first portable contact today was a station from Tokyo, who said that my audio was fantastic. Thanks for listening and helping out. Have a very happy and healthy holiday.
Just how is that any different than using the iPhone to call anyone in the world?
Why would you bother buying all that kit when the only part of the path that is radio is the few inches between mouth and backpack
You could but that depends on the service plan you have and which countries it covers. I bet you can't just listen at someone having a conversation in Italy or South Korea and just jump in and.have a conversation with them. That's what intrigues me about this set up. Add to that, you can talk UHF/VHF ether through a repeater or simplex/peer to peer direct communication and all that is at no extra cost , over the equipment and the phone bill
Thanks for your feedback. With an iPhone (or any other phone for that matter) you need to know the phone number of the person you're trying to reach and it's point-to-point. With the hotspot (or a repeater) you never know who's on the other end, you don't need their phone number, and multiple people can participate in the conversation. Modern radio systems (amateur, business, public safety) have embraced VOIP extensions to their services that allow remote repeaters to connect and extend their reach. The OpenSpot is a nice package to enable that in a simple, but powerful way. One of the things I like about this hobby is all of the ways one can enjoy it.
How far was he from a cell tower to have wifi or internet
I was about 3 miles from a cell tower
@@KI4ASK IS IT WORTH IT TO BUY THE OPENSPOT 4 PRO
@@jacqueslapointe4663 I think it is, but ultimately that decision is up to you. It's a great device, lots of functionality, and very portable.
Hi Joe. Thank you for making and posting this video. Just took delivery of my 4PRO. Also have FT3D... so must give this a try in the car. Had sworn never to bother with an openspot but the black friday discount did the trick.
Joe.. am normally a native C4FM (Wires-X) user. This is, as mentioned, my first foray into the openspot world. I've a few observations to share, but again, please note I am a RAW openspot novice.
The voice quality seems to vary widely. At times, the Audio level is very loud, at other times Joe, it is barely audible. Sometimes the handover between stations is too fast.. no breaks are left so breaking in is not possible. I've had stations completely vannish, only to re-appesar a few mins later, talking to someone else.
So... it's a mixed bag, as I see it, ... and problems could be well of my own making.
Joe, thank you again for this video, the time and effort in putting it together and editing it is much appreciated!
Albert. EI7II.
Albert, congratulations on your OS4 Pro - you'll enjoy it's functionality and versatility. Most of the issues you've mentioned tend to be due to the internet connection underlying the system and the varied equipment people are using, not the OpenSPOT device itself. Although I've had a few small problems with the OpenSPOT locking up overall it's been a great device. I've had the best luck with DSTAR mode, less so with DMR, and extremely varied results with YSF/C4FM. I think the instability with YSF/C4FM is due to the way people gateway true Wires-X into YSF reflectors. When it works properly C4FM has the best voice quality. I do have the Yaesu Wires-X software on my computer and the cable to connect it to my FT-3 for true Wires-X - but the convenience of the hotspot makes it my preferred way into YSF/C4FM. 73, KI4ASK
@@KI4ASK Joe... you must be trying to set a world record for fast replies. While I will remain a RAW novice on DSTAR and DMR, for me C4FM still has the best (most realistic) sound quality. But I am not the one to judge, given my total lack of experience.
It's refreshing to see you being so honest about your own video, but as for me, it's excellent!
Many complaints Joe come from the "Keyboard Warriors" who have NEVER produced a video in their life, but are very quick to critise others.
Keep 'em coming Chief so I can keep watching. .
Albert