the new FTM-500D Series 50W C4FM/FM 144/430MHz Dual Band Digital Mobile Transceiver. The FTM-500DR shares the YAESU advanced core features, and utilizes the latest C4FM Digital technology. A few remarkable functions are listed below: Front Speaker with AESS* Dual Speaker System *(AESS: Acoustic Enhanced Speaker System) Total 9W Clear & Powerful High-fidelity Audio, delivered by the Front Panel 6W and the Main Unit Internal 3W speakers E2O(Easy to Operate)-IV Innovative, Smart Operating System with TOUCH＆GO / SEARCH＆GO / PMG** Functions. **(PMG: Primary Memory Group Monitor) – 144MHz, 430MHz C4FM Digital / FM / AM (Air Band Receive) – True Dual Band Operation, C4FM/C4FM Digital D-D Dual Receive – Advanced C4FM Digital Mode with AMS (Automatic Mode Select), DG-ID feature and Smart Navigation – 2.4-inch High-Resolution Full-Color Touch-panel Display and Demountable Front Panel Controller – Swing-Head adaptable Front Panel improves display visibility – Single-Touch Spectrum Scope function – High speed Band Scope function – Built-in 66ch High precision GPS receiver and External GPS device connectivity – Wireless Operation Capability with the Bluetooth® Headset Radio Features: – Front Speaker, with AESS Dual Speaker System, Delivers Clear and High-fidelity Audio (AESS: Acoustic Enhanced Speaker System) – Total 9W (3W: Internal / 6W: Front panel) of Powerful Audio Output – Innovative Smart Operating System “E2O-IV” with Touch & Go / Search & Go Functions (E2O: Easy to Operate-IV) – 144MHz/430MHz: C4FM Digital / FM / AM (Air Band Receive) – True Dual Band Operation, C4FM/C4FM Digital D-D Dual Receive – Advanced C4FM Digital Mode with AMS (Automatic Mode Select), DG-ID feature and Smart Navigation – 2.4-inch High-Resolution Full-Color Touch-panel Display and Demountable Front Panel Controller – Swing-Head construction of the Front Panel improves display visibility: 20 degree upwards panel angle is possible – Optional Swing-head Kit (SJMK-500) allows the Flexible angle adjustment of the Front Control Panel – Customized Function List (CFL) Display allows checking and immediately executing priority functions.(Up to 8 functions or settings from the set-up menu can be registered.) – MAG (Memory Auto Grouping) Function allows Memory channels to be automatically categorized in ALL, AIR band, VHF band, UHF band and OTHER. – VFO Band Skip Function – Memory Channel Data Transfer to the VFO Register – Single-Touch Spectrum scope function: Instantly switches the operating screen between “Scope display operation” and “Dual Receive operation” while in MAIN channel operation – High speed Band Scope function *up to 61 channels centered on the current frequency displayed in VFO mode and up to 21 channels of signal information in memory channel mode – 1104 Memory Channels including 5 “Home” channels, 50 sets of memories for programmable memory scan and 999 “Basic” memories. – Built-in 66ch High precision GPS receiver and External GPS device connectivity, – 1200/9600bps APRS® Data Communication – Wireless Operation Capability with a Bluetooth® Headset – WiRES-X Portable Digital Node or HRI-200 Fixed Node capability
– Voice Recording of the received and transmitted audio – 50W Stable High-Power with Heavy Duty Heat Sink and FACC (Funnel Air-Convection Conductor) *Selectable 50W / 25W / 5W – Micro SD Card Slot (up to 32GB) Supplied Accessories: – DTMF Microphone SSM-85D – Radio unit Mounting Bracket – Control Cable for operation with adjustable front panel mountings – DC Power Cable – Operating Manual Specifications: – Frequency Ranges: (Depends on the transceiver version) – RX: 108 – 137MHz (Air Band) – 137 – 174MHz (144MHz HAM / VHF Band) – 174 – 400MHz – 400 – 480MHz (430MHz HAM / UHF Band) – 480 – 999.995MHz (USA Cellular Blocked) – TX: 144 – 148MHz (FTM-500DR) or 144 – 146MHz (FTM-500DE) – 430 – 450MHz (FTM-500DR) or 430 – 440MHz (FTM-500DE) – Circuit Type: Double-Conversion Superheterodyne – Modulation Type: F1D, F2D, F3E : Variable Reactance Modulation – F7W : 4FSK (C4FM) – RF Power Output: 50W / 25W / 5W – Memory Channels: 1104 – Case Size (W x H x D): Radio Unit 5.47″ x 1.66″ x 5.2″ (139 x 42 x 132mm) w/o Fan – Controller 6.14″ x 2.52″ x 2.31″ (156 x 64 x 58.6mm) w/o Knobs – Weight: 3.09lbs (1.4kg) with Radio Unit, Controller, Control Cable
Paul L | MØFOX | Chesterfield UK | IO93HE | Icom IC-7800 | Yaesu FT-980 | FT-902DM | WAB SK46
The openSPOT4 is our latest battery powered, portable, standalone digital radio internet gateway (hotspot) designed mainly for amateur radio use. You can talk with others on digital radio networks by using an openSPOT4, Wi-Fi internet access, and your digital transceiver.
Our team has completely redesigned both the hardware and software, with a multicore CPU and a completely new Wi-Fi module, which means both the web interface and update downloads are blazing fast. The built-in battery has a larger capacity, and the device can work much longer than our previous battery-powered models thanks to the new hardware and optimized software.
The openSPOT4 Pro extends the feature set of the openSPOT4 with onboard transcoding hardware:
The openSPOT4 Pro has the best voice quality in cross mode operation
Supports D-STAR® cross modes: use your D-STAR® transceiver to access DMR, C4FM, NXDN® networks, or your DMR, C4FM, NXDN® transceiver to access D-STAR® networks
Supports call audio playback on the web interface
Supports 10 configuration profiles
Compatible digital radio protocols and networks
DMR (BrandMeister, DMRplus, DMR-MARC, Phoenix, XLX, TGIF and others)
D-STAR® (DCS, REF/DPlus, XRF/DExtra, XLX)
System Fusion®/C4FM (FCS, YSFReflector, XLX)
NXDN® (NXDNReflector)
P25 (P25Reflector)
POCSAG (DAPNET)
APRS® messaging and location data forwarding (APRS-IS)
Supports cross modes* (example: talk with your D-STAR® transceiver on DMR, and with your DMR transceiver on D-STAR® networks).
State of the art hardware and software design
The openSPOT4 and the openSPOT4 Pro are the only complete hotspot on the market which is:
customly designed as a fully dedicated device for standalone operation (no Raspberry Pi® or anything like that is used or needed)
has a built-in battery
has built-in transcoding hardware, and supports D-STAR® cross mode operation*
using fully embedded software written in pure C, running on a custom-tailored embedded real time operating system. This means no Linux, no bulky Windows software, no failing SD cards – but extreme durability, reliable operation and fast bootup.
No desktop PC software or drivers to install
Supports fast battery charging with USB charger detection
Extreme fast bootup: under 5 seconds**** from powerup to connected to a server and ready to use
Supports scheduling an automatic daily wakeup and powerdown
Built-in Wi-Fi access point mode for quick and easy connecting to Wi-Fi networks
Multiple Wi-Fi network support with automatic connect and reconnect
Fully automatic over the air firmware upgrades for new features
Bright multicolor LED with brightness control for easy real time state and battery LED for charge status monitoring
**** Depends on the speed of the Wi-Fi router, Wi-Fi network and internet connection conditions.
Very easy to use
Built-in voice announcements
BrandMeister Manager and Quick Call on the web interface for DMR TG/reflector linking/unlinking
DMR SMS chat
DMR ID database lookup
Controllable with calls from your radio to preconfigured IDs/callsigns
Built-in echo service for testing
Frequently asked questions
What are the openSPOT4 and openSPOT4 Pro good for?
Let’s say you live in Budapest, and talk to your friends on the local DMR repeater HG5RUC, which is linked to talkgroup ID 216 (TG216) on the BrandMeister network.
If you travel around the world, where you can’t reach the repeater HG5RUC directly, you can still talk with your friends by using an openSPOT4 or openSPOT4 Pro and a DMR (or cross mode compatible) transceiver by connecting it to the same network and talkgroup which HG5RUC uses (TG216, BM). If you speak with your transceiver on the openSPOT4 or openSPOT4 Pro’s frequency, it will route your call to TG216, and HG5RUC will transmit your signals all around Budapest, so your friends will be able to hear and talk to you.
If you don’t have local repeater coverage, the openSPOT4 and openSPOT4 Pro can link you to supported digital networks all around the world. You can talk to people living on the other side of the world very easily.
What if I already have local repeater coverage?
If you do have local repeater coverage, you can still make use of an openSPOT4 or openSPOT4 Pro to avoid interrupting local repeater traffic. You can reach any reflector or talkgroup with it, so you don’t have to disconnect the local repeater and disturb other local users.
What makes the openSPOT4 and the openSPOT4 Pro way better than any hotspot currently on the market?
Currently the openSPOT4 and the openSPOT4 Pro are the only hotspots on the market which are customly designed as a dedicated hardware unit for standalone operation. They do not need a computer, a Raspberry Pi®, an Arduino® board, SD card or any other hardware to operate. They don’t need slow desktop PC software or drivers to install. No Linux knowledge is needed at all. They have a built-in battery and the openSPOT4 Pro supports hardware audio transcoding for the best voice quality.
The openSPOT4 and the openSPOT4 Pro were designed by hardware and embedded software professionals, who are also amateur radio enthusiasts. Its PCB, hardware components and case are very high quality, meet industrial standards and were chosen with practicality and durability in mind. We offer 2 year warranty*** with official support in email and on our community forums.
The openSPOT4 and the openSPOT4 Pro are not MMDVM® clones, they have nothing to do with MMDVM® or Pi-Star, and they are not a Raspberry Pi® wired with a bunch of PCBs in a case (or without a case…).
Using the devices are extremely easy. You can change every setting by opening the built-in web interface with a web browser. You can also use the Quick Setup feature to easily connect the openSPOT4 and the openSPOT4 Pro to a digital network like BrandMeister. Opening the web interface is rarely needed, as you can switch talkgroups, reflectors, and even pre-saved configuration profiles by using your transceiver.
Even the first time setup is very easy. If no Wi-Fi networks are configured, then the openSPOT4 and the openSPOT4 Pro appear as a Wi-Fi network access point on your phone/tablet/PC called “openSPOT4 AP”. Connect to this network, and a connection wizard helps you to connect the openSPOT4 and the openSPOT4 Pro to the available Wi-Fi networks.
Is it available as a kit or does it come preassembled?
The openSPOT4 and the openSPOT4 Pro are ready to use products in a box with all the needed accessories like any other product you can buy from the store shelves in your local electronic department store.
What about warranty and support?
We offer 2 year warranty*** with official support in email and on our community forums. We respond to all emails very quickly. There is a detailed user manual available here. We also have a Facebook page, and a Twitter channel with the latest news.
*** The battery and the USB-C charger cable have only one year long warranty period (70% battery end of warranty capacity).
How do you ship the unit?
We ship with FedEx with tracking. Orders of products in stock are shipped with delivery times of usually 2-5 days even to the most remote parts of the world. You’ll receive your order’s tracking number in an automatic email when the courier service picks up the package.
What’s the shipping cost?
You’ll get the exact shipping cost after registering in our shop with the delivery address and do the checkout.
What happens if I move between multiple Wi-Fi networks?
The openSPOT4 and the openSPOT4 Pro automatically reconnect if the connection is dropped. You can set up multiple Wi-Fi networks to connect to, so it’s very easy to set it up for your home, vehicle, and work Wi-Fi networks. The device will automatically connect if one of the configured Wi-Fi networks become available.
Can two or more openSPOT4 or openSPOT4 Pros linked together?
Two openSPOT4 or openSPOT4 Pros can be linked together directly without any servers or network infrastructure. Interconnecting two digital radio sites can be easily done this way. You can also create your own private radio network by using our open source server application called SharkRF IP Connector Protocol Server. Multiple openSPOTs can connect to this server, it handles all radio modes, even supports cross mode operation. It also has a nice dashboard.
What is cross mode operation?
For example, the openSPOT4 can convert your DMR radio’s transmission to a System Fusion® network, and when someone talks on the System Fusion® network, you’ll be able to hear it on your DMR radio. This cross mode operation is extremely easy to set up. You can find the list of supported cross modes in the user manual here.
Are there any plans for a VHF version?
The openSPOT4 and the openSPOT4 Pro have a built-in antenna for the UHF band. Currently we don’t plan to ship a VHF (or dual band) version of the product.
The web interface has light and dark themes
Are there any plans for a DMR duplex (dual timeslot) version?
Currently we don’t plan to ship a DMR duplex version of the product.
Why doesn’t the openSPOT4 and the openSPOT4 Pro have a display?
You already have a display on your phone/tablet/computer and also probably on your transceiver which all can be used to interact with the openSPOT4 and the openSPOT4 Pro. You can change all settings using the web interface, and also using your transceiver with the help of a unique feature called configuration profiles.
Does cross mode work with D-STAR®?
In case you use the openSPOT4 Pro, then yes! D-STAR® uses an older codec which is incompatible with the newer one used by DMR/System Fusion®/etc., but the openSPOT4 Pro has built-in transcoding hardware, and it supports cross mode operation with D-STAR® radios/networks. The list of openSPOT4 and openSPOT4 Pro cross modes can be found here.
Will there be support for connecting to Ethernet networks?
You can connect the openSPOT4 and the openSPOT4 Pro to an Ethernet network using a Wi-Fi AP/router device.
Which Wi-Fi band is supported?
The openSPOT4 and the openSPOT4 Pro works on 2.4GHz Wi-Fi channels.
Can I use the openSPOT4 and the openSPOT4 continuously plugged into the USB power supply?
Yes! There’s even a setting which you can activate and then the openSPOT4 and the openSPOT4 Pro will turn on if there is external power available, and turn off if the external power supply is disconnected. This is very useful if you want the device to automatically turn on and off if you use it in a vehicle for example.
What’s the difference between the openSPOT4, the openSPOT4 Pro and previous versions?
The openSPOT4 is a whole new device with the latest technology improvements, built-in battery, beeper, Wi-Fi support, USB-C high tolerance power supply with fast charge support, built-in Wi-Fi and UHF antenna, a 0.5ppm TCXO with factory calibration for very low BER. The openSPOT4 Pro extends the feature set of the openSPOT4 with built-in voice transcoding hardware.
Most of the software components were redesigned to make the whole device extreme fast, future-proof, and use very little power. We’ve added new radio modes and network protocols since the openSPOT1. The web interface is redesigned and now use WebSockets technology which means extreme low latency and a whole lot of new realtime features.
Will there be an Android/iPhone app?
sharkrf.link is available as an application, but it is optional, as the openSPOT4 and the openSPOT4 Pro can be configured using its web interface. You can open it in any supported browser even on your phone.
Can I use multiple openSPOTs on the same network?
Yes! Make sure each device’s name is unique so you’ll be able to open each one’s web interface by their unique device names. You can change the device name at the Network Settings on the web interface.
D-STAR® is a registered trademark of Icom Inc. System Fusion® is a registered trademark of Yaesu Musen Co., Ltd. NXDN® is a registered trademark of JVC Kenwood Corp. and Icom Inc. APRS® is a registered trademark of Bob Bruninga, WB4APR Raspberry Pi® is a registered trademark of Raspberry Pi Foundation Arduino® is a registered trademark of Arduino AG MMDVM® is a registered trademark of Shenzhen HKCNMA Co., Ltd.
Paul L | MØFOX | Chesterfield UK | IO93HE | Icom IC-7800 | Yaesu FT-980 | FT-902DM | WAB SK46
On the 9 November 2020, the birth of a new way of working with DMR was born. A network name was devised and was called FreeDMR. FreeDMR is the freedom for Repeater, Gateway Keepers and some Hotspots to have full control, instead of being told what has to go where. We look forward to a great and bright future.
FreeDMR is a DMR Network for Amateur radio users around the world.
FreeDMR is currently looking for OpenBridge connections to connect to a rapidly growing system. Open Source is here! FreeDMR – Open networking – Reaching out to the World.
Some features include: Client configuration sent via Protocol Options line. Dial-a-TG. All talk groups shifting via Private Call on Slot 2. Voice idents. The repeater’s or hotspot call-sign is (spoken) every 15 mins. Enhanced OpenBridge via Improved bridge protocol. Loop detection & handling on the FreeDMR Network. More features to come.
The FreeDMR Server.
The new system is derived from HBlink and is fully-open source and available on GitHUB. The server software allows the implementation of features as we would like to see them, making the software completely customisable to your needs. This also allows the response to issues and bugs more effectively. This system is bridged to other Servers, providing a frontend system with enhanced functionality. It also enabled repeaters to be able to communicate even if a Server upstream is down. An overview of the added functionality is below. Note, all of this functionality is optional and configurable.
FreeDMR UK.
FreeDMR UK (The UK Network)
Enhanced Talk Groups (dial-a-tg)
Implementation of an enhanced version of a low level talks group, including all of the voice announcements, timeouts etc. The confusing numbering used for the old reflector system (TG9) is obsolete. Instead, you can simply manual-dial a private-call to any talk group number to have it routed to Talk Group 9 on Time Slot 2 on a FreeDMR repeater. This also works on Hotspots if you decide to use it. There is control of the timer and fallback to the default Talk Group (Reflector) as before. Another abbreviation of a Enhanced Talk Groups or Reflectors as they were known is “Dial-a-TG”.
Single mode.
Only allows a single Talk Group to be routed to a Time Slot on a repeater/hotspot at one time, whilst the Time Slot is active. Even if several static Talk Groups are set up on the slot. As soon as a Talk Group is keyed up, only that single Talk Group is routed to the Time Slot until either the timer expires or another Talk Group is keyed up, which then replaces the first one. This is similar to Hotspot behaviour on other networks. This works even between Dial-a-TG (TalkGroup 9) and other TalkGroups.
Voice idents.
Optionally, (set in Options) a 15 minute voice ident in DMR can be set on Time Slot 2. The repeater’s or hotspot call-sign is (spoken) “sent” via “All Call” for optional voice ident. “This is CALL-SIGN FreeDMR”
Things it doesn’t do.
Currently we have not implemented:
Private calls that transit the network (PC on the current repeater still works)
Accreditations.
FreeDMR Server Software by Simon Adlem G7RZU. Dashboard Monitor by Waldek SP2ONG. Options Calculator by Jim Nessen K6JWN. Some images and FreeDMR Network logo’s by José Melo.
Paul L | MØFOX | Chesterfield UK | IO93HE | Icom IC-7800 | Yaesu FT-980 | FT-902DM | WAB SK46
2.3″ Large Transflective Colour display that is easy to see outdoors Bluetooth Connectivity via Android™ devices: ST-4001I Picture Utility Software RS-MS1A Remote Control Software VS-3 Bluetooth Headset for Hands Free Operation Simultaneous reception in V/V, U/U, V/U and DV/DV Enriched D-STAR® features including the terminal mode/access point mode UHF（225～374.995MHz）air band reception Significantly increased audio output power to 750 mW (400 mW for ID-51 series) Accessories for the ID-51E such as battery packs and microphones can be used The ID-52E is equipped with a color display. The display size is increased to 2.3 inches (1.7 inches for the ID-51E), and a transflective display is used to achieve excellent visibility, even in bright sunlight. The transceiver also supports Bluetooth® communication as standard. Wirelessly connect to Android™ devices with ST-4001I Picture Utility Software and RS-MS1A Remote Control Software installed, the optional VS-3 Bluetooth® headset is also available, for hands-free operation. And the following features are enhanced from the previous ID-51E models. Simultaneous reception in V/V, U/U, V/U as well as DV/DV.
Air band reception is expanded from VHF to UHF (225 to 374.995 MHz). The new model can be charged via micro USB connector. Audio output is significantly increased from 400 mW to 750 mW. The latest function of D-STAR enables you to send, receive and view saved photos on an installed microSD card using only the ID-52E. In addition to the above, the ID-52E has a variety of attractive features such as the DR function with easy set-up, built-in GPS receiver, micro SD card slot, IPX7* waterproof construction, and Terminal/Access Point modes. The ID-52E is a product that leads the amateur radio digital communications with enriched features that satisfy any users, from beginners to even heavy users who want to fully enjoy D-STAR. * 1 m depth of water for 30 minutes.
Multi-Mode Digital Voice Modem fully assembled with 3.5″ color touch screen display with laser cut and powder coated aluminum case. This device is extremely durable and a great addition to your shack and mobile operation. Pi-Star operating system pre-loaded on SD card. The screen displays caller information including what is registered in the digital database along with displaying the caller’s country flag. Other useful features include user-defined profiles for setting your offset and frequency from the front display along with selecting DSTAR reflectors on the fly! Not to mention the device is constantly updated and all updates can be completed by the end-user directly from the DXMINI v2 display (internet connection required).
Paul L | MØFOX | Chesterfield UK | IO93HE | Icom IC-7800 | Yaesu FT-980 | FT-902DM | WAB SK46
