Those involved with Digital Communications often gravitate to one or more digital modes. DMR is relatively easy to get into with a large number of reasonably priced handhelds available. For some reason, the programming of the radio seems to be a stumbling block to operators who don't read the manual before trying to use it. Yaesu Fusion is another alternative and is possible to go straight on the air with very little effort - The callsign must be entered before the radio can boot up. D-Star has always been expensive and the set up is a little more complex.
Enter Peanut, a new program produced by David, PA7LIM. Peanut is a project allowing a first impression of the world of Digital Ham radio. Peanut allows access to some D-Star Reflectors and specific rooms via an Android device 4.X or higher or a Windows System using O.S. 7 or higher. If the experience is good on Peanut then it may trigger an interest in the purchase of an ICOM D-Star radio. If there is no Repeater or Gateway nearby, then it is possible to access D-Star via a personal Hotspot such as a DVMega, MMDVM, or SharkRF Openspot.
On the Peanut, it is possible to talk with HAM amateurs around the world via an Android device or network radio. Some of the ROOMS are connected to DSTAR reflectors ( XRF076B, XRF076F, XRF71L, XRF070C etc.. ). You only need an Android device to use DSTAR and gain access to an output on a Repeater or Gateway. Perhaps some way down the line it will be possible to add DMR to the interface.
D-Star Registration is also required and available from here Click >> D-Star Registration
A code is required for entry to the Peanut Network available from here Click >> Peanut Access Code
Inrico Internet radios, such as the TM-7 which employ the Android operating system, can be loaded with the Peanut App as seen below
Excellent results have been obtained with the Inrico systems and, indeed, any other brand or Internet Radio. There are two handheld internet radios working from the data over cellular system in the form of the Radio Tone RT-320 and the Radio Tone RT-4. A review of the Inrico TM-7 and the Radio Tone RT-4 may be found in a previous posting on this Blog. Internet Radios will, of course, operate from the home WiFi system without the need for a SIM card. Those who have difficulty setting up antennas at home due to restrictions or setting up in a mobile environment will find this system a splendid alternative. As previously mentioned, the Peanut app will work on an Android Tablet and a Windows computer.
A Peanut Dashboard may be found at >> Click Peanut Dashboard
A typical screenshot from the dashboard is shown below
Always plenty of activity most hours of the day. Whilst this program was only an experimental system, it gained momentum prior to the Christmas 2018 period. There were huge demands to keep it going and work will continue. The current stable version is V1.55 but newer versions are currently under beta test prior to release.
Where to Start
Obviously, the two English Reflectors "English" and English 1" will produce good results but do try Reflector "HBL2351" which connects into the CQ-UK Yaesu Fusion network. The CQ-UK Wires-X room has 37 or more Nodes connected all across the UK and there will always be some activity present. Sometimes the Australian Nodes connect to CQ-UK in the evening resulting in even more choice.
Where to Start
Obviously, the two English Reflectors "English" and English 1" will produce good results but do try Reflector "HBL2351" which connects into the CQ-UK Yaesu Fusion network. The CQ-UK Wires-X room has 37 or more Nodes connected all across the UK and there will always be some activity present. Sometimes the Australian Nodes connect to CQ-UK in the evening resulting in even more choice.
Peanut for Android is available from Google PlayStore.
The Offical Peanut Facebook Group may be found >> Click Here
The Offical Peanut Facebook Group may be found >> Click Here
