RF Guru
Analog HotSpot - Transceiver 70cm UHF 500mW CE - 4th gen
Analog HotSpot - Transceiver 70cm UHF 500mW CE - 4th gen
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Download CE Certificate (PDF)
Analog Hotspot Repository
Free Bluetooth Companion App
The SVXLink Hotspot Companion App is available as a free download for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iPhone, and iPad. It allows convenient Bluetooth control of your RF.Guru Analog HotSpot / Transceiver from your computer, phone, or tablet.
Download the Free Companion App
The companion app is optional. The hotspot can also be used directly with the supplied SVXLink image and standard configuration tools.Analog HotSpot - Transceiver - 4th Generation
The Analog Transceiver/Hotspot is now in its 4th generation, featuring a redesigned power stage, improved filtering, and a more robust enclosure. We added additional DC-line filtering to eliminate noise sources, improved the thermal design with a precision-machined aluminium enclosure and increased the output power to 28 dBm (~500 mW). The included NoTenna2 attenuates the output to an EIRP of roughly 50 mW by absorbing most of the RF energy. If you need more range, you can simply connect an external antenna.
It is a compact and robust analog communications hotspot built around a Raspberry Pi. Choose the UHF 70 cm version (400–480 MHz). Thanks to its Wolfson WM8960 DAC/ADC, it runs flawlessly as an EchoLink / SVXLink analog hotspot.
* Currently only an SVXLink Bookworm image is available for SVXLink and EchoLink.
What’s New in the 4th Generation
- Improved DC filtering — additional LC filtering stages drastically reduce noise and ripple on the power line.
- Enhanced thermal design — precision aluminium top enclosure for superior heat dissipation during continuous-duty operation.
- Reinforced RF chain — cleaner TX signal, improved stability, and excellent spurious suppression.
- Higher output power — increased to 28 dBm (~500 mW) for improved range and more reliable linking.
- Mechanically stronger housing — the aluminium enclosure includes a dedicated antenna aperture to allow Wi-Fi operation while maintaining overall shielding effectiveness.
- Free Bluetooth companion app — control and manage the hotspot from Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iPhone, or iPad using the optional SVXLink Hotspot Companion App.
- Included NoTenna2 attenuates the output to an EIRP of roughly 50 mW by absorbing most of the RF energy. If you need more range, you can simply connect an external antenna.
SA818S or SA818PRO: Your Choice
This product can be supplied with either the SA818S or the newer SA818PRO module, depending on your preferred use case.
| Module | Advantages | Limitations |
|---|---|---|
| SA818S | The internal audio filters and pre/de-emphasis can be disabled. This is useful when you want to detect CTCSS in software or experiment with a less processed audio path. | No firmware upgrade capability. |
| SA818PRO | Newer platform, firmware-upgradable over UART, and our preferred choice for normal hotspot, EchoLink, SVXLink, APRS, Winlink/packet, and general analog transceiver use. Hardware CTCSS/CDCSS generation and detection on the module itself works flawlessly. | The internal audio filters and pre/de-emphasis cannot be disabled, so software CTCSS detection from the audio output is less suitable. |
Our recommendation: For most users we prefer the SA818PRO, because it is the newer and firmware-upgradable platform. Hardware CTCSS/CDCSS works flawlessly on this chip. However, users who specifically need software CTCSS detection or audio-filter bypass can choose the SA818S version instead.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Frequency Range | UHF: 400–480 MHz VHF: 134–174 MHz |
| Output Power | 28 dBm (~500 mW) |
| RX Sensitivity | UHF: −124 dBm @ 12 dB SINAD |
| Bandwidth | 12.5 kHz / 25 kHz |
| Clock Stability | 1 ppm KDS TCXO |
| Audio Codec | Wolfson WM8960 ADC / 1 W DAC (48 kHz) |
| Bluetooth Companion App | Free download for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iPhone, and iPad https://svxlink-hotspot.app/ |
| Compliance | CE Certified (UHF worst-case spurious −86.23 dBc) |
| Power with Pi Zero W | ~400 mA RX / ~600 mA TX |
Included with the Product
- Complete tested device in a precision aluminium enclosure
- Preloaded SD card with our latest image
- A 2 W terminated indoor antenna (50 Ω)
- Free Bluetooth companion app for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iPhone, and iPad
Key Features
- ENIG-finished PCB (Electroless Nickel Immersion Gold)
- Independent TX/RX frequencies, CTCSS, CDCSS
- Adjustable RX/TX gain levels
- Status LEDs: Signal/Tone, TX/PTT
- Ultra-stable 1 ppm TCXO
- Bluetooth companion app support for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iPhone, and iPad
Power Consumption with Pi Zero W
- Receive: ~400 mA
- Transmit: ~600 mA
UHF Version Measurements
All measurements in this section apply to the UHF version. VHF measurements follow in the section below.
Sensitivity Measurements
The 12 dB SINAD sensitivity was determined using a 1 kHz tone FM-modulated at a 2.5 kHz deviation and injected into the receiver. This provides an accurate representation of real-world listening performance, fully aligned with industry-standard SINAD measurement procedures.
Compliance Measurements
All tests conducted with a calibrated Vector Network Analyzer (VNA) and 36 dB attenuator. Worst-case harmonic: −63.56 dBc (3rd), far surpassing ETSI EN 300 220 (≥43 dB below carrier for ≤30 dBm TX). This offers an extra safety margin of >20 dB. Spectrum confirms excellent spurious suppression and clean transmission inside the 12.5 kHz channel.
Compared with top brands like Kenwood, Icom, and Yaesu, our module demonstrates superior spectral purity, placing it on par with commercial-grade equipment.
Spectrum
Harmonics
Channel Power
Mini-FAQ
- Is it CE certified? — Yes. The hardware meets CE RED requirements and the certificate is available above.
- Which bands are supported? — UHF 70 cm (400–480 MHz).
- Can it act as a hotspot? — Yes. Fully compatible with EchoLink and SVXLink.
- Is there a companion app? — Yes. The free SVXLink Hotspot Companion App is available for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iPhone, and iPad at https://svxlink-hotspot.app/.
- Digital networks? — Via AnalogBridge (DVSwitch): BrandMeister, OpenDMR, Fusion, etc.
- Output power? — ~28 dBm (~500 mW).
- Sensitivity? — UHF: −124 dBm.
- What antenna is included? — A terminated 50 Ω indoor miniature antenna. Complementary antennas are available below for extended coverage.
- Which module should I choose? — We recommend the SA818PRO for most users because it is the newer and firmware-upgradable platform with flawless hardware CTCSS/CDCSS support. Choose the SA818S if you specifically need audio-filter bypass or software CTCSS detection.
