Bridgecom Skybridge Hotspot questions...

[NeedtoKnow2]

I'm considering getting into DMR and have been looking at Bridgecom options, both Anytone radios and their Skybridge Hotspot.

I note that their hotspot has only one antenna, which as I understand things, would be SIMPLEX only. Duplex operations in hotspots have two antennas, is that correct?

If it is just SIMPLEX, for over $400, that seems like a huge profit margin. If all the setup were included I could excuse the price for their labor, but setup is extra.

What are the pros and cons of duplex versus simplex hotspots when used with DMR? If the Skybridge is Simplex, perhaps I'm overlooking some advantage in that over Duplex for the purpose of DMR.

What might be some other recommended options if indeed Skybridge is Simplex and Duplex is preferable? I note that most hotspots on Amazon are in the $120 to $200 range, with several being duplex. Here is one on Ebay from China that has both Duplex and a built in 3,000mah rechargeable battery for $122 (plus whatever to get it to the US).

 

[jeepsandradios]

I dont know why you would use duplex 5' from a hotspot but that's just me. Mine was around $100, but the Pi has went nuts on cost. Still they are around resonably priced.

 

[NeedtoKnow2]

I confirmed with Bridgecom that their Hotspot is indeed Simplex. They claim the advantage of Simplex is there is less lag compared to Duplex Hotspots. What have been your experiences and understandings?

 

[tweiss3]

The only advantage a duplex hotspot has over a simplex is the ability to disconnect from a run-on conversation (like WorldWide and NorthAmerica) without having to time your disconnect kerchunk between other keyups.

 

[NeedtoKnow2]

The only advantage a duplex hotspot has over a simplex is the ability to disconnect from a run-on conversation (like WorldWide and NorthAmerica) without having to time your disconnect kerchunk between other keyups.

How often have you encountered "run-ons" and how much of a PITA is it to disconnect? Would a few bucks more for a duplex be worth it to you or does Bridgecom correctly state there is more "lag" with a duplex?

 

[tweiss3]

There isn't more lag, but you do have to set it up correctly (use a 5MHz+ split, I've even used a 90 degree SMA to put one of the antennas polarization perpendicular to the other, etc.). The run-on stuff happens often in the larger groups, but I stopped connecting to them ages ago. For local groups and nets, simplex works just fine.

For the skybridge, you are paying for the name and the "master codeplug" "plug-n-play" and "bridgecom university" stuff. There isn't really anything special about their hotspot other than they will in a way setup the hotspot for your callsign and include the frequency in your DMR codeplug.

Be careful about the ebay ones. I bought one cause Rasperry Pi's were hard to find, and some of them are not what you are expecting. Mine was similar to PiStar, but had a goofy software front end. Upon disassembly, it wasn't on a RPi and was not updatable, and didn't stay connected for anything.

 

[dcr_inc]

You can run BOTH networks on a Duplex spot.. BM on one slot and TGIF on the other, at the same time.