Pi-Star v4.0 available

[w2xq]

Pi-Star 4.0 RC2 (Release Candidate 2) dated January 11 is now available in the beta downloads section of the website. It requires a new installation. An update from the Configuration tab of the Dashboard will not upgrade from the current v3.4.xx. See Amateur radio: Pi-Star notes for the easy how--to directions.

I used a new card, keeping 3.4.16 in hand. (A v3.4.17 was released in late December.) I am only running DMR, no cross-mode or anything out of the norm.

The most difficult task was to download the ZIPped image file. Pi-Star servers apparently are busy and it took me about 20 minutes to get the file. The preparation of the SD card took about 5 minutes, including dropping the backup configuration ZIP onto the card's root directory. The Chinese Jumbospot took about 3 minutes to come alive with all configuration settings, including 3 WiFi entries, intact and in place.

T'was simple stupid. If I could do it... YMMV.

 

[KE5MC]

Good information! I'm holding off until it goes public out of the RC# version phase. 3.4.17 seems to be getting the job done for now. Especially when I turn all the stuff on.

 

[n9mxq]

RC3 dropped today.
sudo-pistar update then sudo pistar-upgrade.

I've had no issues on all three of my spots (2 simplex 1 duplex) with the RC versions.

 

[w2xq]

Andy wrote a brief message Request for Comprehensive 4.0 New Features List - forum.pistar.uk about the differences between v3.x and v.4.

After installing RC 3, click on Configuration>Update to get the latest updates (20190124 as I write this).

IMHO RC 3, now available, seems quite stable.

 

[w2xq]

Pi-Star 4.0 RC3 has the code within to automatically check abd retrieve updates overnight. Good to go.

 

[K5MPH]

Thanks for the info Tom,so what we are getting is a added ircDDBGateway and OS upgrade thanks for the qso on DMR the other day.....

 

[K5MPH]

It also sounds like Pi-Star 5 might be around the corner......

 

[KB8KOJ]

are the conf files still the same format? Anyone else just move those over to v4 post install? ircddb is probably still the same. But how about the others?

Guess I can find out myself.. have to do this X3.

 

[w2xq]

are the conf files still the same format?

Yes. The changeover is straightforward as described by Toshen.

(1) Backup your settings; it is a ZIP file. (2) Download Pi-Star 4.0 from the pistar.uk website and unZIP it. (3) Use Etcher or equivalent to put the image on the SD card. (4) Copy the backed-up configuration ZIP file to the SD root directory. (5) Put the SD card in the hotspot and power up the hotspot. (6) Wait 2-3:minutes while everything wakes up.

I didn't bother backing up each hotspot's configuration, so I had to adjust the TX/RX offset on the second hotspot. Quick to do.

HTH.

 

[w2xq]

A minor update: a February 4 update freezes the Dashboard. If the date isn't 20190205, a Configuration>Update retrieves the binaries that correct the problem.

 

[JDrisc3480]

That is great info as I am probably going to have to set up a hot spot. I only have an ht with no repeaters close enough for it to reach.

 

[N4VKF]

I am still using 3.16 on a zumspot. with a Pi zero. Is there any benefit to upgrade to 3.17 or to 4?

 

[w2xq]

In my opinion v4 is a worthwhile upgrade for the speed, if nothing else. There are more cross-modes. But if your hotspot is working well...

 

[AA6IO]

Thanks for update Tom about Pi Star 4. I have three Zumspots and will update them. BTW, note the QSO between K5MPH and W2XQ. Is there a DMR TG you hang out on? One that scanner enthusiasts been using? Thanks.

 

[K5MPH]

Thanks for update Tom about Pi Star 4. I have three Zumspots and will update them. BTW, note the QSO between K5MPH and W2XQ. Is there a DMR TG you hang out on? One that scanner enthusiasts been using? Thanks.

we had our QSO on 31482 South Texas.......

 

[CQ]

Anyone using 4 with a Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ and ZUMspot?

 

[w2xq]

CQ, I have read numerous posts on the pistar.uk forum from persons using the 3B+ with v4. It seems the main complaint is that the board runs a bit warmer. HTH.

 

[KE5MC]

(1) Backup your settings; it is a ZIP file.
(2) Download Pi-Star 4.0 from the pistar.uk website and unZIP it.
(3) Use Etcher or equivalent to put the image on the SD card.
(4) Copy the backed-up configuration ZIP file to the SD root directory.
(5) Put the SD card in the hotspot and power up the hotspot.
(6) Wait 2-3:minutes while everything wakes up.

HTH.

Tom,
Thanks for the punch list. I was holding off until public release, but after the second glass of wine... Well you know how it ended.

 

[w2xq]

There you go, Mike. Some good wine, I hope.

 

[CQ]

CQ, I have read numerous posts on the pistar.uk forum from persons using the 3B+ with v4. It seems the main complaint is that the board runs a bit warmer. HTH.

Wondering if doing a combo heat sink and fan would do the trick.