HotSPOT vs Transceiver – What’s the Difference?
Both the Analog HotSPOT2 and the Analog Transceiver2 from RF.Guru are powerful SVXLink-based systems, designed for modern analog and digital ham radio integration. They share a lot under the hood: same Pi Zero 2 W, same high-quality DAC/ADC, same full CE compliance, and the ability to tap into SVXLink, or even BrandMeister networks using AnalogBridge.
But they’re not the same tool—and knowing which one to choose depends on how you want to use it.
SVXLink Analog HotSPOT2 – The Personal Gateway
- Output Power: 20 dBm (100 mW)
- Target Use: Personal or portable access point
- Enclosure: Plastic
- TX/RX Sensitivity: -104 dBm (UHF), -92 dBm (VHF)
- Available Bands: UHF (70cm, 400–480 MHz) and VHF (2m, 134–174 MHz)
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Applications:
- Ideal for single-user setups
- Designed to run in full-duplex mode (hotspot mode)
- Connects directly to SVXLink or remote nodes
- Safe for indoor use – minimal RF exposure
- Compatible with AnalogBridge for DMR/D-Star/Fusion over analog voice
Use it when you want a low-power node to access networks from home, your car, or portable operations—without worrying about licensing higher power or QRM to neighbors.
SVXLink Analog Transceiver2 – The Backbone Node
- Output Power: 27 dBm (500 mW)
- Target Use: Club node, shared access point, or simplex repeater
- Enclosure: Rugged anodized aluminium (black/red/green) with 701SP antenna
- TX/RX Sensitivity: -109 dBm (UHF), -104 dBm (VHF)
- Available Bands: UHF (70cm, 400–480 MHz) and VHF (2m, 134–174 MHz)
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Applications:
- Designed for shared node environments
- Can act as a simplex analog repeater
- Can also operate as a high-power hotspot
- Enough power to drive an external antenna, or even a power amplifier (PA)
- Superior RFI/EMI shielding thanks to full aluminium enclosure
Use it when you want a more robust and flexible platform that can serve multiple users, interface with outdoor antennas, or act as the RF backbone of a hybrid analog/digital gateway.
Technical and Regulatory Distinctions
| Feature | HotSPOT2 | Transceiver2 |
|---|---|---|
| Power Output | 100 mW (20 dBm) | 500 mW (27 dBm) |
| Sensitivity | UHF: –104 dBm / VHF: –92 dBm | UHF: –109 dBm / VHF: –104 dBm |
| Third Harmonic | UHF: –86.23 dBc / VHF: –42.33 dBc | UHF: –63.56 dBc / VHF: –53.07 dBc |
| Use Case | Private, portable | Shared, flexible |
| Audio Codec | WM8960 (both) | WM8960 (both) |
| Frequency Range | UHF: 400–480 MHz / VHF: 134–174 MHz | UHF: 400–480 MHz / VHF: 134–174 MHz |
| Form Factor | Compact plastic case | Rugged aluminium |
Both devices fully comply with CE RED, and both exceed spurious emission standards, with the HotSPOT2 even delivering over 40 dB of margin (UHF). The Transceiver2, while slightly less clean, still maintains over 20 dB of compliance headroom—on par with high-end commercial transceivers.
Choosing the Right Tool for the Job
- Want something ultra-compact, low-power, and easy to deploy indoors?
HotSPOT2 - Need more range, shared access, or the ability to drive an outdoor antenna or PA?
Transceiver2
Not all nodes are created equal. One is your personal gateway; the other is your mini base station.
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Written by Joeri Van Dooren, ON6URE – RF, electronics and software engineer, complex platform and antenna designer. Founder of RF.Guru. An expert in active and passive antennas, high-power RF transformers, and custom RF solutions, he has also engineered telecom and broadcast hardware, including set-top boxes, transcoders, and E1/T1 switchboards. His expertise spans high-power RF, embedded systems, digital signal processing, and complex software platforms, driving innovation in both amateur and professional communications industries.