In the ever-evolving world of amateur radio, digital voice modes have revolutionized how we communicate. Among the various software options available, DroidStar stands out as a versatile and powerful solution for digital voice communication. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about DroidStar, from its features to installation and configuration.

What is DroidStar?

DroidStar is an open-source application that connects to various digital voice systems including:

• M17 (with open-source Codec2 vocoder)
• Fusion (YSF/FCS, supporting both DN and VW modes)
• DMR (Digital Mobile Radio)
• P25 (Project 25)
• NXDN (Next Generation Digital Narrowband)
• D-STAR (REF/XRF/DCS reflectors)
• AllStar nodes (as an IAX2 client or using Web Transceiver mode)

Originally developed as two separate projects (DudeStar using Qt Widgets UI and DroidStar using Qt Quick UI), they have now been merged into a single entity under the DroidStar name.

Key Features

Cross-Platform Compatibility

Built with the Qt C++ library, DroidStar runs on multiple platforms:

• Linux
• Windows
• macOS
• Android
• iOS (without USB device support)
• Other POSIX platforms with Qt availability

Hardware Support

DroidStar is compatible with:

• AMBE USB devices (ThumbDV, DVstick 30, DVSI, etc.)
• MMDVM modems for hotspot functionality
• MMDVM_HS (hotspot) modems

MMDVM Support

DroidStar can function as:

• A hotspot/repeater when connecting to a digital mode reflector/DMR server with an MMDVM device
• A stand-alone transceiver when using ‘MMDVM Direct’ mode (currently M17 only)

Optional Features

• Flite Text-to-Speech: For testing without speaking (requires building with Flite TTS support)
• Software vocoder plugin API: For loading vocoder software (proper licensing required)

Installing DroidStar on Linux Using Flatpak

Flatpak makes it easy to install DroidStar on any Linux distribution. Here’s how:

Step 1: Install Flatpak (If Not Already Installed)

For Debian/Ubuntu-based distributions:

sudo apt update && sudo apt install flatpak -y

For Fedora:

sudo dnf install flatpak -y

For Arch Linux:

sudo pacman -S flatpak

Enable Flathub repository:

flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo

Step 2: Install DroidStar

Search for DroidStar:

flatpak search droidstar

You should see something like:

Name             Description                   Application ID                    Version          Branch        Remotes
DroidStar        A digital voice client        io.github.nostar.DroidStar        1.0.1-git        stable        flathub

Install DroidStar using:

flatpak install droidstar

When prompted with “Use this ref?”, type Y and press Enter.

Launch DroidStar with:

flatpak run io.github.nostar.DroidStar

Step 3: USB Device Permissions (Linux Users)

Linux users with USB AMBE and/or MMDVM dongles need to:

1. Add your user to the ‘dialout’ group
2. Disable the ModemManager service: sudo systemctl disable ModemManager.service
3. Reboot your system

Configuration Guide

Basic Setup

1. Enter Your Callsign: A valid amateur radio license is required
2. Choose Digital Mode: Select from DMR, D-STAR, YSF, NXDN, P25, or M17
3. Select Host/Module: Choose the desired reflector or server
4. Configure Mode-Specific Settings:
   • For DMR: Enter your DMR ID, latitude/longitude, location, and description
   • For D-STAR: Configure MYCALL, URCALL, RPTR1, and RPTR2 fields
   • For AllStar: Set up IAX client parameters or Web Transceiver details

Installing the Vocoder Plugin

DroidStar supports software vocoder plugins through its API. To install a vocoder:

Method 1: URL Download (Works on All Platforms)

1. Go to Settings tab
2. Enter the vocoder URL in the “Vocoder URL” field
3. Click “Download vocoder”

Method 2: Manual Installation (Linux/macOS/Windows)

1. Download the appropriate vocoder plugin matching your platform and architecture
2. Place the plugin in the system settings file location:
   • Linux: ~/.config/dudetronics/
   • Name format: vocoder_plugin.platform.arch
   • Example: vocoder_plugin.linux.x86_64

Note: The platform and architecture for your device are shown on the About tab. Remember that any vocoder plugin should be properly licensed by you if copyright patents apply.

Using DroidStar

For DMR Mode

1. Enter your DMR ID
2. Input the talkgroup ID number (e.g., 91 for Brandmeister Worldwide)
3. For DMR+ hosts, create your options string and check “Send DMR+ options on connect”

For D-STAR Mode

Enter the correct values for MYCALL, URCALL, RPTR1, and RPTR2 before transmitting.

For AllStar

DroidStar supports two methods for AllStar connectivity:

IAX Client Mode

1. Define IAX nodes on the Hosts tab
2. Select the node when IAX mode is chosen from the Main tab
3. Send DTMF commands like *3node, *1node, *70 in the IAX DTMF box

Web Transceiver Mode

1. Add a line in the Host tab with format: IAX 12345 wt 4569 allstar-public allstar
2. Add your ASL web portal password to “ASL password” under settings

Final Thoughts

DroidStar is a powerful tool for amateur radio enthusiasts looking to explore digital voice modes. Its cross-platform compatibility and support for various digital protocols make it a versatile option for both beginners and experienced operators.

While this software is provided as-is without official support, it benefits from the work of many open-source projects including MMDVMHost, MMDVM_CM, mvoice, and others. The vibrant amateur radio community continues to improve and expand DroidStar’s capabilities.

Whether you’re experimenting with digital modes or using it for emergency communications, DroidStar offers a flexible and accessible platform for digital voice communication.

Visit:

https://github.com/nostar/DroidStar

https://github.com/rohithzmoi/Droidstar-DMR

http://kapihan.net/connect/resources/files/droidstar-vocoders.php

The post DroidStar: The Ultimate Digital Voice Communication Tool for Amateur Radio appeared on Hamradio.my - Amateur Radio, Tech Insights and Product Reviews by 9M2PJU.

What’s New in NA7Q’s APRSdroid Mod?

NA7Q’s APRSdroid mod is a work in progress, so expect regular updates with new features and bug fixes. Some features may still be in development, but here’s an overview of what you can expect in the current build.

Key Features of the NA7Q Modded APRSdroid

1. Offline Maps and Map Viewer

The mod supports offline maps using mbtiles or MapsforgeV3 map formats. Unlike the official version, this version gives you full control over offline maps, allowing you to download and store maps on your device for use in remote areas where you might not have an internet connection.

• Offline Maps: Use OpenStreetMap.org as the map viewer and download maps in the mbtiles format (not Vector or PBF). The mod also adds compatibility for MapsforgeV3.
• Note: Google Maps functionality is not included by default. However, you can build the app from source and add your own Google Maps API key if you need it.
• Map Maker Program: NA7Q provides a handy tool, the OSM Map Maker, to download OSM maps with customizable zoom levels. Whether you’re looking for city-specific maps or larger areas like states or regions, this tool has you covered.

You can get these maps from various sources, including GaiaGPS, BBBike, and others, and store them locally for quick access.

2. Mobile HUD App (Beta)

The Mobile HUD app, though still in early development, is a powerful companion to APRSdroid. It’s optimized for Landscape mode and provides an enhanced visual display of APRS data. It’s a work-in-progress, and results may vary based on your device, but it adds a unique touch to your APRS experience.

• Mobile HUD APK: Download the latest version of the Mobile HUD app from the provided link (use at your own risk, as it’s still a beta product).

3. Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) Support

One of the standout features of this mod is Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) support. This feature is stable and almost complete, allowing you to connect to compatible Bluetooth devices like radios and TNCs, enhancing your APRS setup.

• DigiRig Support: The mod also includes support for DigiRig interfaces, which makes connecting your APRS setup even easier.

4. Advanced Messaging Options

This mod offers advanced messaging capabilities for experienced users:

• Mic-E Compression and Mic-E Statuses: Including EMERGENCY status, which could be crucial during critical communications.
• Standard Compression: Optimizes your APRS messages for smaller packet sizes, reducing network congestion.
• Messaging Tweaks: Includes tweaks for customizing how APRS messages behave, which could be useful in high-traffic areas or during emergency situations.

5. Radio Control for Various Devices

If you’re using radios like Vero, BTech, Radioddity, or others, this mod adds Radio Control capabilities, which let you manage your radio’s functions directly from within APRSdroid.

6. Digipeater and IGating Features

The mod also adds additional support for digipeating and IGating, allowing for two-way communication across RF and APRS-IS networks. You can send packets either via RF or APRS-IS, or even use both simultaneously when gating messages.

7. Hub Log Sorting

In the Hub Log, you can now sort stations by either Distance or Newest stations, making it easier to track active stations in your area.

8. More Customization Options

• Unit Preference: Choose between Metric or Imperial units.
• Speed and Course Display: This new feature shows the speed and course of stations in the station viewer.
• Disabling Hardware Acceleration: Some users may prefer to disable hardware acceleration to improve performance or fix bugs.
• Custom Beacon Types: You can now select from different beacon types, including mice, compressed, and uncompressed.

9. Other Under-the-Hood Changes

This mod also comes with numerous bug fixes and optimizations that improve the overall stability and usability of APRSdroid.

How to Install APRSdroid Mod by NA7Q

1. Uninstall any official version of APRSdroid from your device.
2. Download the latest APK version of the modded APRSdroid build.
3. If you want to use the Mobile HUD, download the latest APK from the provided link. (Remember, this app is still a work in progress, so results may vary.)
4. Grant Storage Permissions: For Android 11+ users, make sure to manually grant storage permissions for offline map files in the APRSdroid settings.
5. Download and Set Up Offline Maps: Follow the instructions in the modded app to download your offline maps, either using mbtiles or MapsforgeV3.

Future Improvements and To-Do List

NA7Q is actively working on improving this mod, with several new features planned for future updates:

• Improved APRS Parser
• Weather Readability Enhancements
• Altitude Display in Hub Log
• Full-Screen Mode
• Mobile HUD Menu Integration
• Mic-E Emergency Status Alerts
• Improved Beacon Type Options

Support the Development

If you appreciate the work that NA7Q has put into this project, consider supporting him on Patreon. Your support helps him continue working on this mod and adding new features.

Support NA7Q on Patreon

This modded version of APRSdroid offers many exciting features that enhance the functionality and usability of the app. Whether you’re a seasoned APRS user or just getting started, these additions could make your experience much smoother and more efficient.

Visit https://na7q.com/aprsdroid-osm/

The post APRSdroid Mod by NA7Q: Enhanced Features and Mobile HUD App appeared on Hamradio.my - Amateur Radio, Tech Insights and Product Reviews by 9M2PJU.