DMRoIP

OpenSpot 4 Pro from SharkRF
Issue: B1+ not hearing announcements/transmits from the OpenSpot 4 Pro

RFinder.net/Customer Support Response/Info:
“I would like to acknowledge that the fact that the other radios are acknowledging when you transmit on your RFinder, simplex DMR does work. What simplex is, is the transmission and reception frequencies being the same. And this is working with the other radios.

The issue with the OpenSpot is that DMR spectrum is not at the typical 0 through (+) 1000 or so offset spectrum that most hotspots and radios use. In many circumstances, the OpenSpot hotspots actually use a (-)1000 offset, which can cause a misalignment in the DMR spectrum in some cases. Many radios have a broad DMR spectrum, whereas RFinder devices have a stronger, but more specific spectrum range that requires being within more direct range.

What I have been trying to do, is figure out where the range is for the OpenSpot hotspot for you. I was working with a user who had the OpenSpot 1 and 3, and said -1000 on the QRG offsets of his radio allowed it to connect, when he had the same issue as you. If you don’t mind, could you increment your radio’s QRG offsets back by -200 up until -3000? If your radio still does not work at that point, we will evaluate what the next steps will be.”

User Note:
Picked up a new B1+ at Ham Radio Outlet, and the unit works with the OpenSpot 4 Pro (hears announcements, tx, rx). It appears the issue was with the first unit itself; for some reason not compatible with the OS4 Pro. New unit - sideloaded current RFinder version without issue: rfinder_ham_rf1_1.6.apk

Hotspot vs DMRoIP
How is a hotspot relevant to being more reliable than DMROIP?

“I'm referring to DMRoIP as relates to the RFinder app. The audio stream using the app can be poor quality (garbled) at times and require refreshing the stream in the app options which sometimes causes the audio drop out completely for a short time.
Do you need a hotspot for BrandMeister? No, but transmitting/receiving using the RF module into a hotspot works much better than using DMRoIP in the RFinder app. I'm not bashing RFinder, it's just the way it is for now. The last update has improved the stability and the developers continue to improve the app and add features.
When using the stable version of the RFinder app it does not have the DMRoIP options so you will need a hotspot if you want to use BrandMeister without going through a repeater.”

Refresh DMR Database
Long press area under –Last Heard– to refresh/sync the DMR database

TX Drop Off
Issue: While in DMRoIP, radio will go red for tx and then drops off.
If you are not getting the double tone when pressing PTT, check volume on the right side of your RFinder B1 if the volume is mute. Lowest setting- you won't get the tone when pressing PTT, increase the volume on the right side and press PTT- you should get the double tone when pressing PTT when the TG is inactive.

Talk Group 9

• Most repeaters use TG 9 for the local Talk Group. TG 9 is not on Brandmeister and not accessible via Brandmeister.
• TG 9 is also used for local status announcements from an OpenSpot 4 Pro (cross-mode hotspot) from SharkRF.com

Brandmeister Talk Group 98

• BM TG 98 is a test Talk Group. Download the Brandmeister Hoseline app or use the web interface to listen to yourself for your adjustments.
• TG 9990 Parrot will only work on RF on a repeater.
• If you want to check your microphone's audio, go to the Brandmeister Hoseline, click on PLAYER (upper right corner), enter TG 98 in the PLAYER and on the RFinder, watch/listen to your audio and adjust RED to GREEN.

Color Code & Time Slot
Color Codes and Time Slots are used for repeaters. DMRoIP does not require a Color Code or Time Slot, though requires a Talk Group to be entered.

Private Call
Instead of putting in a TG number, enter in the DMR ID of the individual to make a private call using DMRoIP.

• You could try creating a Brandmeister temporary TG using your DMR ID number; not really private though.
• Unfortunately, you cannot private call to another brand of radio right now. You can call RFinder to RFinder but it works differently than traditional DMR private.