Trials & Errors #63 (8/10/25): A Digital Radio Plug 'n Play Experience

You're very welcome Dave, my pleasure!

This is the article from CQ magazine that first exposed me to Peanut:
https://www.qsl.net/kb9mwr/projects/dv/multi/Ham Radio Peanut.pdf

I'm happy that Mac is an option. As for as I know, it's NOT in the iOS app store. Something about the software being categorized as experimental, which isn't allowed in the store.

When you're up/running on P'nut, feel free to contact me via email (QRZ info is current) and I'd be happy to provide you your first contact! Alternately, I'd suggest the P'nut dashboard ( https://peanut.pa7lim.nl/ ). Under "Online Stations", enter "english" to see who is logged into the English and English1 'rooms'. Simply go to those rooms and make a call! Additionally, the program (at least Windows version) has an "Online" tab to see who is logged into the current room selected. Calling CQ is totally appropriate, and/or just call for who is online.

The SSTV 'room' is under PSK-SSTV if looking. The Last Heard window on the dashboard shows who is currently 'transmitting' and active. Configuring a virtual audio cable makes sending/receiving SSTV images easy.

Side note- Peanut has 'Peanut-only' rooms, 100% VOIP (at least that's my understanding).
They also have a number of Fusion rooms- those begin with YSF.
XRF, REF, XLS rooms to D-Star (I've chatted with ZL 2m guys on XRF-299 [B?]).
Also DMR, TGF, FRE, and HBL rooms, beginning with DMR.
A list of 'rooms': https://peanut.pa7lim.nl/rooms.html

Good luck and 73!
Rob
VA3RTG

 

Well... I had a quite different experience than most, because I wrote my first DMR "code plug" before I had a license. DMR is legal to use in Europe on the PMR 446 band and I bought two Radioddity GD-73E handhelds to be able to use encryption (also legal on the PMR band). Then I was quite a bit confused by the manual until I realized they only made sense when one wanted to use Brandmeister. Eventually, I wrote a code plug for my handhelds by also found out that the Chinese took some liberties with the limits of PMR and that the GD-73E I had could receive the local amateur relays. This motivated me to pass the licence.

With the licence, I bought another handheld and wrote another code plug to be able to use the local relays and have contacts with the local OMs. This is still what I mostly do with DMR: use it on the local relays. I have a hotspot to keep contact with my local club for when I am on holidays, but I am not interested in QSOs via the Internet. I can use HF for transcontinental QSOs.

I also tried DMR simplex and found it quite useful. Unfortunately, very few people use that mode, so I had few direct DMR QSOs besides a few tests arranged with local OMs.

I also use C4FM or D-Star in a similar manner.

 

Hi Dave,

I would have commented sooner, life got in the way. Another excellent thread. So, my take on digital...

I operate on HF using various digital modes (FT4/8, Olivia, PSK and RTTY are my favourites), I find it enjoyable at times and it is pretty easy. Sometimes it punches through when phone is more difficult. Is it radio? Well, some would say no as it requires a computer, but I believe it is just an alternative is all.

For FM, I do like D-Star and YSF in addition to analogue. Pretty easy, though in a region like mine, mountains kind of kill digital FM in some instances. I literally hate DMR. Unnecessarily complicated and all that. I do have my own IRLP node (7551), so I am not against using signal over internet. Just, you know, sometimes a certain mode is not your thing, and DMR certainly falls in that category for me as you probably noted from what I said above. But is it ham radio? Yes, it is.

Because, in the end, despite having to use the internet as a go between for the most part unless you are talking locally, you are using your skills that you tested for and the licence that you earned. Just because I dislike a certain mode does not mean it is not "real radio". Everybody had their likes and dislikes in AR regarding modes/brands, etc. That is how it always has been. I will not disparage any operator because they use a mode I really dislike as long as they are operating legally. It would be petty to do so otherwise.

Isn't that the spirit of AR? To try new things and experiment? You may like it or not, but at least you tried it or researched it. That's what we do if we want to learn, not just in AR but in life.

Thanks for another great topic, Dave. 73
Tony AA7FR

 

Thanks Tony -- appreciate you jumping in. I'd like to define the "spirit of A.R." someday more formally, so we don't lose sight of it. Dave, W7DGJ

 

Nice take of on the "Vibroplex Bug" ...

 

The McElroy is also a bug with a great feel. Fun and comfortable to use. I probably should find another weight. As is, she's at 28 - 30 wpm with the single weight all the way to the end. Not many takers outside contests...and yet...and yet... I cannot bring myself to hobble this racehorse.