It's Radio Jim, but not as we know it!

I installed the new/beta DVPi on a Raspberry Pi2, added a 3.5" TFT touchscreen, cheap USB sound card, speakers and Microphone, linked it with DVSwitch and now have a functional DMR transceiver!
Yep, that's it, no radio required, it all runs on the R-Pi and software.
Total cost if bought new, probably less than £50, but I just happened to have all the required items anyway so gave it a shot.
It will run without the 3.5" screen and output is via HDMI and a large screen/TV.

I just need to make an adapter for a few simple controls rather than prodding the small screen with fat fingers (PTT, volume and channel control etc).

Comes courtesy of some very innovative work by Ian, KD8CEC

http://www.hamskey.com/

Fibreglass pole vertical

I've been playing about with a reasonably heavy duty 10 metre fibreglass pole (squid pole/roach pole).
A problem with these poles is their tendency to collapse, always at the wrong time!
I fully extended mine and drilled a hole near the top of each section and 3D printed some 'C clips' (or is that an E clip?) with a moulded pin to insert into the pole...
(as always, click the pics to go supersized)

Mk 2 clip with an external 'eye' to thread a wire through to stop it flapping about in the breeze!

Now, the pole stays extended and doesn't collapse.  It's a simple matter of prying off the C-clip and collapsing the pole.  Extending it and aligning the pin holes is a little fidgety, but still easy and makes for a snag free, quick to erect pole.
Bends quite a bit in 25+ MPH wind - guys are next on the agenda.  You can see each C-clip up the pole!

I also found a 3D printable 'DX Commander' style base plate allowing operation on/upto 4 bands with a single coax feed...

I'm awaiting delivery of some stainless hardware to finish it off.
To be continued....