DV Development Group DV4mini D-STAR User manual

DV4mini
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DV4mini:DStar/DMR/C4FM/P25HotspotUSBStick
UserGuide

Version 1.2016
DV Development GroupVersion 1.61 Author German Version: DH5RAE (English translation:
N1DL, Update: DG1SW and AG0X)
1

Table of Content:
Capabilities: 3
DigitalModes: 3
DStar: 4
DMR: 4
C4FMFusion: 5
P25: 5
Systemrequirements: 5
Reflectors: 6
DCS(DigitalCallServer): 6
FCS: 7
PCS: 7
Xreflectors: 7
XReflectorIPAdresse: 7
DPlusreflectors: 7
DMRreflectors: 8
Netorganization(CCS7): 8
Operatingmodes: 8
Hardware: 9
TechnicalData: 9
Antenna: 10
Softwareinstallation: 11
Windows: 11
Driverinstallation: 11
LinuxPC: 11
LinuxARM: 12
ControlPanelDVControl: 12
Bootloader/Firmwareupdate: 15
Screenexpertsettings 17
DV4minilistandautoconnect: 17
Acceptonlyowncallsign: 17
Language: 18
Selectnextlocation: 18
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GatewayforC4FMRepeater,Call: 18
HamnetIP 18
Onlyowncall: 18
FrequencyCorrection: 18
TXbuffersize: 19
RemoteControl: 19
Operatingwithoutauserinterface: 20
Copyright: 20
ImportantLinks: 20
Operatingconditions: 20
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Capabilities:
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The DV4mini is a very small but also very capable USB Stick that can turn any
PC into a Hotspot for the digital modes D-STAR, DMR, C4FM and APCO P25.
It consists of a powerful 32 bit micro controller, a complete 70 cm/2 m
transceiver and a modulator/demodulator for GMSK and 4FSK and a USB
interface.
The DV4mini does not require an external power supply. It is powered
through the USB interface. Even older USB interfaces are sufficient. The
DV4mini is supplied together with a simple to use and comprehensive
software package. This allows linking with DCS, XRF and REF reflectors for
D-STAR as well as DMR, P25 and Fusion reflectors.
Many hams have a DV (digital voice) capable transceiver but cannot reach the
closest DV repeater. With the DV4mini it has become possible to create a
hotspot with minimal resources and thus get access to a DV network. It is
also possible to link C4FM repeaters with the reflector network.
The new DV4mini AMBE allows to talk to D-Star Reflectors or DMR Talkgroups
without a radio, just using a headset with microphone and speaker
connected to the PC. Fusion works with an external radio, the AMBE based
direct connection will be updated via software update later.
The UHF DV4mini can be set to any frequency between 420 MHz and 450
MHz. The VHF versions work on any frequency between 144 MHz and 148
MHz. However they also cover the 70cm band at a lower output power, so
they are dual band capable, but the output power on 70cm is lower than in
the UHF version.
4

DigitalModes:
The DV4mini can handle five digital modes:
DStar:
D-Star was developed in Japan 1999/2000 especially for ham radio and it
became the leading system worldwide due to its clear and relative simple
user interface. Voice is being transformed by the AMBE Vocoder into a
compressed digital data stream of 3600 bits/s.
In addition there is a data channel with 1200 bits/s for a total data rate of
4800 bits/s. This data signal modulates a carrier, so that a logical 0 is one
frequency and a logical 1 a second frequency. This is called 2FSK (two
frequency shift keying) or GMSK (which is the same, however the signal is
modulated using a bell curve). This signal can be used to modulate most FM
transceivers (via the packet radio socket).
This is the reason why there are many home made D-Star solutions.
Three reflector systems are used for communication. DCS (most common),
D-Plus, REF reflectors (mostly in English speaking countries), and the
x-Reflector system which plays a minor role. DV4mini enables
communication on all these systems.
DMR:
DMR was originally designed by ETSI for commercial applications. This is
evident in the user interface where numbers are used in lieu of call signs.
DMR modulates with 4FSK, indicating that it uses 4 frequencies (compared to
D-Star with 2 frequencies). This allows to double the data rate to 9600 bit/s.
The higher rate allows the transmission of 2 channels at the same time (2
time slots). The DV4mini always works in simplex mode in DMR.
If you use time slot one (TS1) you have to set your radio to color code 1 (CC1)
and the talkgroup you want to use, i.e TG311 or TG262 etc. Be aware that you
have to enter the talkgroup number into the receive group list of your radio
too, or your squelch will not open. This is a common error made by first time
users and it is very frustrating.
5

When you use TS2, you always transmit and receive on TG9 (local) This is
then routed by the DV4mini and the DMR Plus system into the selected
rooms.
So on TS2 you use CC1, TG9. Again, you need to program your radio
accordingly, and again do not forget to put TG9 into you receive group list!
There are multiple DMR networks available:
The DMR Plus network is developed and operated by the DV4 team, the
Brandmeister network by a team of Russian developers and the DMR-MARC
network by the Motorola Amateur Radio Club.
The DMR Plus network reflectors and the Brandmeister reflectors can be
selected in the expert settings.
DMR reflectors have numbers in the range of 4000 to 5000. Each region has
its own reflector, which can be selected in the DV4mini menu.
The DMR-MARC network can be selected by using the IPSC2 version of the
control center. Select the appropriate IPSC2 server as your DMR server and
you can connect to the Motorola TG on TS1 and to the DMR Plus TG on
timeslot 2.
C4FMFusion:
C4FM-FUsion is a system developed by YAESU. It is based like DMR on 4FSK,
and also transmits 4 frequencies with a total data rate of 9600 bits/s. It uses
the same AMBE+ Codec as DMR, but needs only 3600 bits/s. The extra bits
are used in D4FM-Fusion in a different way. They can be used for data
transfer (e.g. GPS) but also for additional error correction to make the speech
more stable during interference. There is also a mode for high speech quality
which uses all bits for speech only.
C4FM -Fusion reflectors are named FCS001 (Europe), FCS002 (USA), FCS003
(Canada)etc. All DV4minis connected to a reflector can hear each other. It is
very easy to connect a C4FM/Fusion repeater to the FCS reflector system.
Just put a computer with a DV4mini next to the repeater and enter the
reverse RX/TX frequencies. We have seen remote feed operations of up to 2
miles line of sight.
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P25:
P25 is a digital system that is mostly used by public and private emergency
services world wide.
Currently the DV4minis have 2 reflector systems available:
●PCS001 for Europe, located in Switzerland
●PCS002 for the Americas, located in Florida
dPMR:
dPMR is a DMR system from China which uses a several chinese Codecs
instead of the DVSI AMBE codecs commonly used by other digital systems.
These radios are cheaper as they do not need to pay license fees for the
Codecs. Practically you have to use radios from the same manufacturer on
both ends of the communication, as they are not much standardized. This is
why we call the mode experimental.
Systemrequirements:
The following components are necessary:
1. DV4mini USB stick
2. PC Software: DV4mini Control Panel
3. A digital radio (D-Star, DMR, C4FM, P25). If you use the DV4voice (AMBE)
you can just use a PC headset instead.
4. A PC with Windows 7, 8.1, 10; Linux on a PC or an ARM computer like a
Raspberry, BananaPi or Odroid.
5. Internet access
The DV4mini is connected through the USB interface with a PC or a single
board computer. The DV4mini control panel software has to be installed.
You can download it in the download section of our web site at
www.wirelesshold.com
Then start the control panel software and enter the settings you want to use.
If you get a message about a missing DLL download the microsoft VC
redistributable from our website (download section as well) and install this as
well.
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Make sure to have entered your CCS7 ID. The DV4mini will not be found
without it.
If you do not have a CCS7 number go to http://dmr-marc.net/andclickon
RegisterID.Itcantakeupto72hoursuntilyougetyournumberbyemail.

After starting and setting up the software one now has a Hotspot for the 70
cm/2 m band and it can be used with any digital radios in the supported
modes. You need a D-Star radio to operate in D-Star or you need a DMR radio
to operate in DMR etc. (unless you have the DV4voice (AMBE)
The picture shows a DV4mini connected to a Raspberry PI 2 Mod. B:

The dongle on the top is a WiFi stick to connect to the internet. Below you can
see the DV4mini. The board also has connectors for a keyboard, a mouse and
a HDMI display. This configuration allows for a low power operation.
Reflectors:
A reflector is a server connected to the Internet or HamNET and is linked to a
number of digital Ham Radio repeaters. If one of these repeaters is active it
will send the voice data stream to the reflector. The reflector sends a copy of
these voice data to all connected repeaters. This means that a QSO can be
heard on all those repeaters simultaneously.
8

This increases the chance to find a QSO partner - which is one of the reasons
why reflectors are quite popular.
The following systems are operational:
DCS(DigitalCallServer):
DCS is the most modern D-STAR reflector system and used worldwide. Many
countries use their own reflectors which differ from each other by their 3
digit number. (DCS001, DCS002 etc).
Each DCS reflector has 26 rooms which are allocated to various regions of a
country or continent. These rooms (A to Z) have been given names to make
their identification easier and are shown in the control panel of the DV4mini.
FCS:
FCS reflectors are similar to DCS reflectors but planned for the Yaesu C4FM
system. FCS001and FCS002 have 100 rooms each (numbered 0-99).
PCS:
PCS reflectors are also similar to DCS reflectors but used by the P25 system.
Both PCS001 and PCS002 have rooms 0-99.
Xreflectors:
Xreflectors are the second generation of D-STAR reflectors and no longer
used as much. However, in some countries like Italy they are still being used
as the hams have not yet agreed on a common concept.
Xreflectors have less ports over which simultaneous QSOs can be run.
Xreflectors are named XRF001, XRF002 etc.
XReflectorIPAddress:
Unfortunately XReflectors are not centrally organized thus it is not possible to
come up with a reliable list of all Xreflectors. The file xref.ip contains the
Xreflector name and the matching IP address or URL. This list can be
modified or updated by the user. The file is located in the same directory as
DV4mini.exe
9

DPlusreflectors:
They were the first generation D-STAR reflector system. Although it is getting
old it is still used intensively in a number of countries (mostly english
speaking ones like USA, UK and Canada but even in Germany there are a few
operational). D-Plus reflectors are named REF001, REF002 etc. Simultaneous
QSOs are possible.
DMRreflectors:
DMR reflectors consist of several regional servers that are connected with
each other via a superordinate network. Several nets exist, see earlier in this
text . In the meantime there are also some cross connections existing that
allow communication beyond one’s net limits.
Netorganization(CCS7):
The big number of reflectors, repeaters and also Dongle users (the DV4mini
is a Dongle too) require a structured organization to make the network
technology work properly.
D-Star works with call signs to identify a station. DMR however uses
numbers. That is why it is necessary that an amateur radio station gets a
number assigned in addition to its call sign and that this
call sign/number combination is known to the network.
Every ham can go to the website xreflector.net or dmr-marc.net and request
a 7 digit number to be assigned. This number is then entered into the specific
field on the DV4mini software. The call sign is pulled and a report is sent to
the network to establish worldwide contacts in D-Star or DMR and the use of
D-Star/DMR bridges.
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Operatingmodes:
Digital ham radio repeaters are connected via reflectors. This allows for
worldwide connections from one repeater to another.
The DV4mini makes its own connection to this reflector network and gets
access to all connected ham radio repeaters.
The hotspot includes a low power 70 cm/2 m transceiver. All voice
communications on the connected reflector will be transmitted by the
hotspot on 70 cm/2 m and one can listen and transmit with a digital radio.
A hotspot is an ideal solution if there is no good access to a digital repeater
because you are inside a building, you are too far away or you are on
vacation.
You use your own call sign for the hotspot. Reduce your transmit power to a
point where you still able to cover your living area for a reliable
communication.
Hardware:
Use the hotspot mode to enter the frequency to be utilized for DV operation.
(check your band plan).
Your transceiver will be set up for Simplex use - RX and TX on the same
frequency.
The DV4mini gets the 5 Volt operating power from the USB interface. On
some computers the voltage could be too low (we measured below 4.5 V on
some). In this case you can’t operate. Then the best solution would be to use
a USB adapter with its own power supply.


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TechnicalData:
Frequency Range UHF/VHF
420-450 MHz/144-148 MHz
Resolution
250 Hz
RX/TX D-Star:
Duplex +/0/- any shift
RX/TX DMR:
Simplex (TX=RX QRG)
Modulation D-Star:
GMSK (Gaussian 2FSK)
Modulation DMRPLUS:
4FSK Raised Cosine
Antenna connector:
SMA female 50 Ohm
USB interface:
USB type A
Operating Voltage:
5 Volt
Current max RX
15 mA
TX (with 12 mW
188 mA
S-Meter
1 dBm resolution
accuracy +- 1dBm (> -100 dBm - <50 dBm)
DV4mini output power steps:
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10 steps in mW
0.03
0.4
1.2
2.4
3.9
5.5
7.1
8.8
10.5
12.0
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Antenna:
Comply with your country’s regulations regarding automatic operation!
The DV4mini requires an antenna. It must not be used without an antenna.
You can use the commonly available ‘rubber ducks’ with a SMA connector.
The DV4mini must be used only when you are nearby. Unmanned operation
requires separate licenses or permits in almost all countries.
ATTENTION: Do not overload the SMA connector when handling the
antenna. Always hold on to the base and not the stick. Damaged SMA
connectors are not covered by warranty.
The DV4mini covers a large range of frequencies from 420 to 450 MHz in the
UHF version and it covers 144 to 148 MHz in the VHF version. It is the
operator’s responsibility to use only the frequencies which comply with his
country’s laws.
Softwareinstallation:
The software for the DV4mini includes the following files:
dv4mini.exe
dv-serial (.exe)
PCMtrx (AMBE version only)
Windows:
For Windows 7 and higher the driver will be installed automatically as soon
as you plug in the DV4mini into the USB interface.
Windows XP is no longer supported.
See: wirelesshold.com and click on the download tab.
That is where you also find the setup program for Windows. Download it
from the site and start it. It will install all program segments and the needed
13

additional programs by Microsoft. This will create a DV4mini icon to let you
start the program.
Additionally you need to install the Microsoft Package: “Visual Studio 2013
Redistributable” in the 32 bit Version. Attention: Even if you use 64 bit
Windows you still need to install the 32 bit Visual Studio 2013
Redistributable, or install both 32 and 64 bit.
Driverinstallation:
A standard driver by Microsoft is used. After plugging in the DV4mini
Windows will search for the driver in the internet.
This search can sometimes take a long time - up to 20 minutes. Wait until this
driver is installed. If you are lucky it happens in seconds. Do not interrupt the
process - have a cup of coffee and wait it out.
Should Windows not look for a driver you can go to the device manager, find
the DV4mini and click on update driver.
LinuxPC:
The program requires the complete installation of Mono. You install for
example with apt-get the packet mono-complete.
Until an installation packet is available at a later time the installation has to
be done manually. Download the proper zip file to your PC.
(http://dv4m.ham-dmr.ch) and unpack it into a directory of your choice
below the home directory.
In order to gain access to the USB/serial interface the user account must
become a member of the group “dialout”. Open the Console and enter sudo
gpasswd —add myusername dialout
The DV4mini program gets started by entering mono dv4mini.exe in the
console or you can create a desktop icon.
LinuxARM:
The same info as in PC-Linux is valid. However you has to assemble the
required mono version yourself.
You can use the example given for the WSPR program on the website
14

http://dj0abr.de/german/technik/dds/wsprbanana_install.htm
An alternative approach was found by DL3MX which is described in detail in a
separate document
(http://dv4m.ham-dmr.ch) and works on nearly all Debian based computers
and is simple and quick.
We realize that this may overwhelm some hams, so we created complete
images for the important computers which are also downloadable from
http://dv4m.ham-dmr.ch

ControlPanelDVControl:
After starting the program the following window appears on the screen:
If you have an AMBE version, go to the program list on your PC and look for
the DV4mini folder. You will find a program called DV4miniAudio. Click on it
and this window will come up:
15

Select the microphone and speaker you want to use (We suggest a USB
headset)
Then click on the MIC is Off button to turn the microphone ON:
Now you can use your DV4mini without an external radio. Use the SHIFT keys
on your keyboard as PTT.
Otherwise, the user surface is pretty simple and should not create problems.
DMR/CCS7 ID: the 7 digit ID. If you don’t have one yet or have forgotten yours,
go to xreflector.net and query under USER Register or apply for one. The
DV4mini will not be found without this number and the input field will stay red.
Hotspot call sign: After you have entered your CCS7 ID your own callsign will
be pulled from the database and automatically inserted and the letter D is
pre-entered. It cannot be entered manually. If several hotspots are used then
different letters behind your callsign must be used. 
16

Location and QTH locator: They will be shown on the Xreflector page
If you do not have your QTH (grid) locator, go to
http://qthlocator.free.fr/index.php to find out.
D-STAR, DMR, C4FM and P25: select the mode you want to use
Power: Adjust the power output - see technical data
RX-QRG:  this is the frequency the DV4mini receives on. When using DMR it is
also the transmit frequency.
TX-QRG: in D-Star mode you can operate in duplex mode (not in DMR) and you
can enter the transmit frequency here
After inputting these the DV4mini will store them.
Reflector selection: select a reflector of your choice (in D-Star also specify the
port) and click “CONNECT” to create a connection or “DISCONNECT” to end an
existing connection.
You can select D-Star and Fusion reflectors by using the touch tone (DTMF)
feature. For example to change to reflector DCS024C type D2403. In C4FM it
would be A and the room number = A10.
“#” disconnects from the room. In DMR you cannot use DTMF.
Info field: the information which is displayed here will be transmitted. For
example the picture, which is stored in www.qrz.com for a received callsign, is
shown. You can choose what you want to be shown by using the buttons below
the info field.
Below that you see the S-meter. The RSSI value will be stored over a 24 hour
period and shown in the RSSI window. The noise levels may be different from
PC to PC. Values of -90 to -120 dBm are possible.
17

In the monitor window you may find diagnostic information which are created
by various program segments. They are for experts but may be of interest for
regular users as well.
On the lower screen segment you find status reports. CPU usage is shown as a
bar on the upper right.
Bootloader/Firmwareupdate:
In order to update the firmware a boot loader is installed in the DV4mini:
First you save the new firmware file to your computer. You will find it at
http://dv4m.ham-dmr.ch or at http://wirelesshold.com/manuals.aspx
The AMBE and 2m versions are on the wirelesshold page only (July2016)
In the expert settings tab click on “Flash Firmware”.
A file selection window opens and you select the new firmware file. This
makes the LEDs on the DV4mini blink in different colors and when it is
finished the blue light is on solid.
18

Now the firmware will be updated. When it is done end the program and
restart. It may take a little while until the DV4mini is found again. Be patient.
The boot loader is protected. Even with a power outage or interruption of the
USB interface the update procedure can be repeated.

If the boot loader does not start you can start it manually (this is usually
NEVER required).
19


You need to connect the red marked points for example with tweezers while
inserting the DV4mini into the USB interface. The boot loader will start with
LEDs in color. Now you can start the user interface dv4mini. Go to expert
settings load the new firmware by clicking on “Flash Firmware”.
20