RFinder HCP1 Hotspot - Hot Chili Peppa! Quad Band Pi-star Hotspot

New from RFinder is the HCP1 - Hot Chili Peppa! Hotspot. Let's take a look at the setup of the pi-star and some of the unique features of this device
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Thanks for watching!
#Hamradio

[@MarkHilliard]

I had one of these in storage and dug it out today. There is VERY LITTLE info on the net about setup so finding you video is a GREAT help! Thanks for being out there!

[@HamRadio2]

Glad it was helpful!

[@anastasiaelliott3716]

Thank you for the education... I enjoy watching!

[@HamRadio2]

Thanks for watching!

[@Cassiesmit1]

Excellent tabletop, look nice and clear

[@HamRadio2]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@davidedger3935]

Interesting and looks good for travel. The easier I can switch it from my home network to my phone hot spot the better. I need to see one in person given the price. Thanks for your review of this and the TGIF spot. 73

[@bobofthedeep]

I set the wifi SSID and password the same in my car as at home so it just "roams" as I carry it in and out...

[@MarkHilliard]

Thanks for taking the time to make this great video! Do you happen to know the receive/xmit offsett data for this hotspot?

[@vincentcimino1963]

Table top looks good!!

[@HamRadio2]

Thanks!

[@dangeloelliot960]

you probably dont give a shit but if you are bored like me during the covid times you can stream all of the latest series on InstaFlixxer. Been watching with my brother for the last months xD

[@gradymax9109]

@Dangelo Elliot definitely, have been using instaflixxer for since december myself :D

[@leonardojake9153]

@Dangelo Elliot Yea, have been using InstaFlixxer for years myself =)

[@bryceeden6237]

@Dangelo Elliot Yup, I've been using InstaFlixxer for since december myself :)

[@butch3715]

Interesting unit, although I'd much rather see a much smaller unit, and a WiFi Cell Phone interface for the display. Why not? Most everyone carries a cell phone now-a-days, eh? I opt'ed for a OpenSpot3 mainly because of its internal battery and because it works with either a DStar or Fusion, or DMR radio.

[@HamRadio2]

All Pi-star devices work with DSTAR, Fusion and DMR. Maybe you were referring to the transcoding - Anyway, this is the only Pi-star hotspot with a battery, to my knowledge. The Openspot3 is also a very good choice. I have both, and depending on where I am going, I might choose one or the other.

[@albing1397]

I ordered one from Gigaparts. After I received it, within 1 week, the cheap slide power switch broke off even though I only cycled it less than a dozen times. I sent it back to Gigaparts who was going to send a replacement, but to their credit they checked the replacement and it had the same problem. They contacted RFinder who said they had other failures and now have a more robust switch. As in other Pi-Star implementations, it is very finicky connecting to a wi-fi network. It would have been nice to have an external sma rf connector as well as a hardwired ethernet connection. I am using it for DMR only at this point. I don't like the fact that removing USB power causes it to reboot. The Pi-star ZUMspot from HRO is cheaper although it doesn't have an internal battery. The quad band feature is not useful to me.

[@lp1133]

I just purchased one and it should be here for the next few days. Do you know if they addressed the switch and upgraded it? I read a few people have had issues with the switch breaking off.

[@dannythomas6194]

Liking the table top.

[@HamRadio2]

Thanks

[@mikepasquale71]

Another note, and Bob has confirmed this...if you have the HCP1 connected to power , removing the usb power connection does not switch seamlessly to battery. The HCP1 reboots.

[@HamRadio2]

Yes I noticed that also. I didn't like that part, but I didn't notice it until after I recorded the video.

[@jbyronh]

@@HamRadio2 This is true with most hotspots, changing power source reboots hotspot.

[@anthonyw4fwc812]

So what is the proper method when shutting the HS down? Through the dashboard under the power tab?

[@MidFiMan]

Table a great!

[@peterve3wyd949]

I have the HPC1 hotspot Did a factory reset… Only after I seen your video not to do that… Had to put away for a month…. I finally got it running again 14May22 Perhaps you could post a video how to fix it… Made first contact to New Mexico D Star today… Or How do you update to a newer version???? Is there a removable SD card???? Enjoy all your videos up here in Canada (Toronto) VE3WYD…….

[@wr1u]

I just got the HCP-1 and I can hear other stations but it’s not hearing my radio. I’ve tried DSTAR and fusion and 3 different radios. What radio modem should I be using? Any idea what I’m doing wrong? Thanks.

[@wassman27]

Table top look better... Given the price point vs features this one is way better than the skybridge and solid competitor to the Openspot3. 220 digital!!!very interesting.

[@HamRadio2]

Agreed. Thanks for commenting

[@BeaglerBassFishingOutdoors]

Looks like of the original iPods!

[@BrianMackey2010]

Like the blue matt so much better

[@gordonclaridge1626]

Will this unit do cross mode from DMR to D-Star? I know the OpenSpot 3 does.

[@HamRadio2]

No. No Pi-star device will transcode those modes yet

[@MidFiMan]

I’d be very interested to see how to get the hotspot in the D 74 working together on 220

[@HamRadio2]

I'm looking forward to trying it. Video will come soon.

[@bobofthedeep]

It's set the frequency and turn on DStar...that simple...

[@billfleming3258]

Ordered one today..

[@HamRadio2]

You'll love it

[@AnthonyDigi1205]

How far away can u be from the hotspot to maintain connection with an HT 5watts

[@pgrundle]

Looks great but I must admit I like having the option of attaching my TGIF Spot to my wired network.

[@HamRadio2]

Yeah I enjoy that also

[@Yugo-CA]

would love to see a video for dummies on how to setup this hotspot step by step including what every single value does. Also with a good closeup of the monitor to see what you're selecting.

[@HamRadio2]

Check this playlist Pi-Star: kzbin.info/aero/PLs_Ab58w9LI8H5flu84ySzWlcp3elCSvJ

[@Yugo-CA]

@@HamRadio2 will give it a watch.. Thanks!

[@Yugo-CA]

@@HamRadio2 So im watching the videos thank you, question; is the HCP1 same setup perameters/settings in the other hotspots as it is in the HCP1 or does each unit have their own settings?

[@larrynathanson9892]

Got the HCP-1 I love this hotspot EXCEPT 1 BIG Flaw the on/off switch is horrible. It fell off into the hotspot after 2 days of use. The side button that looks like an on/off switch is NOT a on/off switch. It is buried in the top of the spot. It must be used since it's powered by an internal battery. The switch is weak. Buyer beware. Too bad this is a great product but the switch will fail.

[@HamRadio2]

I've heard some others say the same thing. Mine is still fine, so fingers crossed...

[@stevebarber7100]

Jason please let folks know that the PWR BUTTON works now and DO NOT ATTEMPT to REMOVE RUBBER PLUG. It will break switch and ability to power on.

[@HamRadio2]

I would need to see the new version first

[@stevebarber7100]

@@HamRadio2 unfortunately for me at this time I don't need to see as I broke the switch, he uses some silicone on the inside with a little rubber cover so it was sealed took a little bit to get it to open and in doing so it breaks the switch so the power switch that's on the left side of it the power button you can double press that and it turns on

[@jbyronh]

Go to the "Configure" page and view the "General Configuration" part of the page. The first item “Hostname" can be changed so you can find and connect to this hotspot more easily. Do not use any spaces or grammatical markings like quote marks. Use letters or numbers or a combination of them, like "RFinder1".

[@HamRadio2]

In theory this works, but in practice I have found that is it intermittent at best, and is just easier to find the IP rather than wait for the hostname to start working.

[@nz0z134]

I wonder why they stopped selling these. Lots of Chinese versions out there, but the actual RFinder units aren't even referenced any more on the RFinder site

[@BrianMackey2010]

Yes like the blue desk pad better

[@HamRadio2]

Thanks, me too

[@mylesl2890]

says it works on 800mhz cool, are there any us /ham 800freq's?

[@HamRadio2]

I believe it is 900MHz for ham

[@hansenm2864]

I like the tabletop choice (blue graph/grid). Looks good to me! KC1NVA

[@HamRadio2]

Thanks!

[@MisterAngel3]

I Have had 2 of these in a month and both have broken, I love the HCP1 but the power switch has broken off twice!!!! and fallen inside the casing, after 1 day of receiving the second unit. Ham Radio 2.0 have you had any problems with your HCP1 Power switch? The Power switch is too small and delicate for a mobile unit.

[@lp1133]

Thanks for the information with the switch. I just purchased one and it should be here this week. I was told by the manufacturer that if you unplug the USB instead of using the switch, It will reboot it. I am not sure if this will help you in your endeavor, but it was worth mentioning.

[@MisterAngel3]

@@lp1133 Hey, Unfortunately, once the on/off switch has broken there is no way for the unit to operate/switch on. The on/off switch is on the top of the unit next to the USB charge point, the button on the side of the unit which has a power symbol on it only resets the unit????

[@lp1133]

@@MisterAngel3 I believe you are correct with the side button. It only puts it to sleep, and doesn't reboot it. I would call the distributor you purchased it from and have them send you a new one. I read somewhere they have addressed the issue now. You shouldn't be stuck with a broken piece of equipment you paid hard earned money for.

[@MisterAngel3]

@@lp1133 Thank you for your reply, The distributor said they would not send me out a replacement, and accused me of deliberately breaking the unit, they said they would call me back once they spoke to the maker in the USA? But I'm still waiting.....

[@lp1133]

@@MisterAngel3 That really sucks, Rick. I would keep on them or if you have Facebook, look up the manufacturer's page and messenger them. Bob is a nice guy and will address you I'm sure!!

[@brucekempf4648]

I just purchased a knockoff version of this from China. It does not have a Pi in it but instead used a router processor and instead of Pi-star it uses Ostar which sucks compared to Pi-Star. I can't figure out how to get TGIF on it as it only lists Brandmeister servers. In YSF mode, it is not accepting Wires-X to change talk groups so its stuck on one (America-link). Does anyone know how to get THIF onto OSTAR?

[@MisterAngel3]

How do you know when the battery is low/charged? there is no indicator or battery icon?

[@HamRadio2]

No it doesn't have an indicator, but I think it has a spot for expansion later

[@MisterAngel3]

@@HamRadio2 Thanks Jason, hope thats the correct spelling? (I got my HCP yesterday) its a great portable hotspot but I think they should of addressed this problem before release! I hope it can be done through firmware/software update. Not sure if you know? but when you hold the side button it reboots the HCP. Thanks Rick,M6EXT

[@ik04]

What are the four bands? Is the fourth one 10m or 6m?

[@HamRadio2]

220 and 900

[@CanadianMakerProject]

You may want to make a zip back up and use it for each time you need to set up a pi star

[@bobofthedeep]

LOL It's what we do ;) They are pre-configured for the screen and Pi-Hat

[@ertonyrn]

Curious why it shows dual usb output levels on the face. It looks like they originally designed it to be an emergency powerbank, changed their mind... and put other shit (a switch and the sd card) in the usb output ports...

[@bobofthedeep]

unfortunately we had to re-purpouse the holes after the plastic was printed...its capable of it but we had to remove the ports....future units will be corrected....

[@robertk4vl412]

So after reviewing the HCP-1 and the Skybridge which do you prefer? You can email me if you don't want to answer here. I'm good on QRZ. de K4VL

[@AmazingSteelers1933]

Bought one. It arrived and did not work. No power etc. And no switch to turn on. Called Gigaparts, was referred to Rfinder. Sent pictures of device showing no power switch etc... to rfinder support... called 🤷🏼‍♂️. No response. It will be 3 weeks tomorrow and I am sending it back. It’s very cheap feeling.... bought a sky bridge. You get many accessories with that and a portable battery. Not impressed with the lack of response / support from Rfinder. It happens. Wanted 220 for my D74 but maybe Bridgecom will have one down the road.

[@dckenner385]

I wish they would make them more portable friendly with the wifi connections. I hate having to go in and add a wifi connection when going between home and a wifi hotspot. Why can't they just allow multiple wifi profiles and have it auto-switch like our smart phones? I have the openspot3 and will gladly switch to whichever manufacture does this first.

[@HamRadio2]

Pi-star has had multiple WiFi profiles for a long time. You just have to go in and add a new WiFi network without deleting the old one.

[@dckenner385]

@@HamRadio2 Awesome, I might be making that switch. I thought about going that way initially, but I liked the portability of the openspot3 and internal battery. Does the HCP1 allow multiple wifi profiles?

[@HamRadio2]

Yes, all Pi-star hotspots allow you to setup multiple WiFi profiles

[@bobofthedeep]

Yes; what I do is I make my portable SSID/passwords the same as my home and office...so it just roams...I did that with my original OpenSpot and it worked like a charm...just roamed from place to place (and believe me I roam the world LOL)

[@bobofthedeep]

How can I make this more portable?

[@josebrivera1716]

Thanks for the video. I will look into this product. You are too forgiving of Pi-Star. I don’t think the software is very polished. It’s not ready for prime time. I hate having to use it. But we are stuck with it. You get what you paid for. Wish there was a better paid version.

[@HamRadio2]

Yeah... I don't disagree. Pi-star could use some improvements, but each time they update it, it gets better.

[@bobofthedeep]

Like I always say.....software is never done!

[@richpaul6806]

I was interested until I clicked the link and saw the price

[@MidFiMan]

Paul Richardson It is certainly a stupid price

[@ronjohnson1800]

I’m trying to figure out how one can get a DMR ht for less than $50 but hotspot go for 2-$300

[@HamRadio2]

No DMR HT for less than $50 is going to be worth a crap, these days. The best ones are around $230. And the hotspot isn't DMR only like the radio is. It will do many more modes than just DMR, and it will allow your cheap HT to talk on multiple networks, which the HT can't do alone. Thinking of the hotspot as "DMR only" is missing the entire point.

[@richpaul6806]

@@HamRadio2 you said it was pi zero based. Those cost $20 plus maybe 50 for the board and $10 for the memory card. Then a bit for the screen. No software development, its open source. Am I paying $200 for the case and battery? I just don't see the price being justified.

[@HamRadio2]

It is a Pi0. The TXver boards are closer to $120 though. If the price doesn't work for you, then move on. This is 1 option among many, and the reason so many exist is because people choose to use them. This one has more features than others do, but if it still isn't worth the price, you have other choices.

[@daleneace8609]

i have built a raspberry pie 4 they work fine! N4XLD

[@HamRadio2]

I've got a few of them, they are great.

[@Ldieter]

Why does it have 800 mhz? That’s not an amateur band, Right? DE, W6GOX

[@peterclifford8305]

The tabletop is much better!!

[@ronaldjohnston8728]

Got one from Gigaparts and it developed an error message within a couple of days. Sent it back and received another one. This one was dead on arrival. No wifi and display. Really disappointed in the quality control. It's heading back to the store for a return refund not a third replacement!

[@JohnFT3414]

I also received one, never got it working yet after dozens of attempts! Inconsistent when booting up. Seems like the microcontroller oscillator stalls? Only saw the IP Link Is Up once, and when I tried to update, it just stood there and did nothing.

[@shaungilmartin1505]

all that to have a 1 min qso about the wx

[@HamRadio2]

If that's the type of conversation you enjoy, then sure.

[@greg5929]

that graphical background is very hectic -- especially when I watch on my tv. josh does the same and it's very "stressing" - plain color 1000x easier on the eye's focus.

[@mikepasquale71]

Actually the power button on the side DOES work , one tap to turn it on. Tap the button twice to power off.

[@HamRadio2]

Yeah but it does the same thing that the switch does, nothing else.

[@ertonyrn]

Ham Radio 2.0 but you literally had to use something other than your finger to stick it in that hole to get to the “switch”. Why not use a convenient button lol. I dont believe that “switch” was supposed to be accessible in the original design.

[@HamRadio2]

I can reach it with my thumbnail. Upon further research, the internal switch disconnects the battery so that it doesn't get run down. The power button on the side doesn't.

[@kevin_m_carman]

Jason, try hcp1/ without the dot local. the dot local is more intuitive with apple stuff PCs don't like the dot local. I have mine at dualstar/ and no problems. de Kevin-W1KMC, Bangor Maine

[@mikepasquale71]

I get 7-8 hours battery life from an Openspot3

[@HamRadio2]

Depends on how much traffic there is, but that is a good amount of time

[@bobofthedeep]

yes; J was talking about the worst case scenario...we always like to under-commit and over-deliver ;)

[@HamRadio2]

@@bobofthedeep That would be a fun test

[@MrScotchpie]

Way too expensive in the UK. Its just a pi-star yet costs the same as an Openspot 3 here! I can buy a pi-star hotspot for £60 in the UK. Too expensive in my opinion.

[@seanrikard3163]

What is this business with companies charging $300 for a Pi Zero and an MMDVM board? $60 worth of hardware. So you add a cheap battery and screen to it, still not even $150 worth. Furthermore, I know absolutely no one who has a 220 or 1.2ghz digital radio. No here near worth the money!!

[@HamRadio2]

You've never heard of the Kenwood D74 HT? Look it up, it is a good one, and their top of the line right now. Also the DVmega transceiver boards cost about $150/ea for the dual band model

[@seanrikard3163]

@@HamRadio2 Yes but it also does 2m/440. What would be the point of severely overpaying for a Pi Zero and MMDVM board just to make it work on 220?

[@bobofthedeep]

@@seanrikard3163 This one fits in your pocket...if you don't need the self contained portability, quad band and dual slot its an easy solution...Guus, Zum, Bob and the other spot makers make beautiful units...around the same range in price I think...you are not paying for a Pi Zero...you are paying for the whole shebang...R&D, production, support, service, distribution, putting food on the tables of the HAMS that are developing this stuff, power, internet, taxes, duty, etc. that it takes to run a company ;)...this was not a take a bunch of pieces parts off the shelf there are custom PCB's in there, wiring harnesses, battery etc....and its battery powered...the first in an MMDVM dual slot quad band production unit I think...I could be wrong..but..

[@HamRadio2]

So you HAVE heard of the D74? Your original comment said you didn't know anyone who had a 220 or 1.2GHz digital radio. You aren't overpaying for this device, since there are multiple hotspots on the market today around this same price point. Unlike most of those others, this one is quad band and has an internal battery, plus a screen that let's you see where you are connected and who you are talking to.

[@ve3xyd]

No way RFinder came up with this device. I have seen these devices all over Chinese market for over 2 years now. They just put there LOGO on it...

[@HamRadio2]

Incorrect. Just because the case looks the same as other devices doesn't mean they are the same. Those cheapy devices on ebay don't even run Pi-star.

[@ve3xyd]

You really believe that? Let's take compare pictures of the inside. Email me pictures of the interior motherboard and I will email you pictures of the one i got form Chinese market under different name two years ago about.

[@HamRadio2]

I do believe that, yes. I used to have one of those cheap ones - it didn't work, and it didn't run pi-star. I no longer have it, or I could compare them myself. But I am not going to crack the case on this one I own. If you want to compare, purchase one yourself and crack the case. Or just move on and don't buy one - griping about it online doesn't accomplish anything.

[@bobofthedeep]

@@HamRadio2 LOL or Slavko can hit me up...trust me its all different...and sorry to disappoint but we did it...and J is right...it was not a RPi...it was one of the clone-ish units...and was very unreliable. We just used the same case as they were readily available during the Coof...I think the TFT is the same though...(think not sure as I do not have one of the cheap crap units in my hand...they are out of production due to poor quality)...ours is really nice though! So far my favorite (After DXMini which was my previous favorite...Jason did a nice job and the truth is I woudln't have done this if he didn't close up shop)...we have more stuff coming! Stay tuned! It's going to be fun!

[@larrynathanson9892]

@@bobofthedeep Bob this is a good product BUT I had trouble with the on off switch which fell off in less than 2 days. Please, I spent my hard earned $ on this and you need to admit the truth. Take this off market until you improve the switch.

[@Hamradio54730]

No good as far as first impression. I have os3. Yes no screen. But this chilli Pappa, is very beta at this point. No needed, not interested right now. Thanks for review.

[@HamRadio2]

Being uninterested is fine but I don't see how you can say it is in beta. It is the same level as other Pi-star hotspots, but with added features

[@Hamradio54730]

@@HamRadio2 guess I consider it less interesting to me because I really am not a code programmer as many. I have a SHARI and Dinah and they give me exposure to the digital steps that I enjoy withe my ftm 400 and pi3.

[@Hamradio54730]

Thanks

[@zoeyfarrell4360]

Broke within 10 minutes. Slider switch fell off. Only hope the b1 is better

[@HamRadio2]

No issues with the B1 at all but yes, I've heard some people complain about the power switch on this device

[@HamRadio2]

Bob said to find him on FB Messenger. Tell him I sent you.

[@temporarilyoffline]

First