Every Monday night, join us on the MichiganOne DMR Tech Net as we try to make Digital Mobile Radio (DMR) fun to use and easier to understand!

 

Monday night, June 2nd, MichiganOne DMR Tech Net team member, Brad KE8WNV, will discuss HamShack Hotline and Hams Over IP — The VoIP Tools for Modern Hams.  We’d love to hear your comments and questions if you use either of them or something else.

 

The MichiganOne DMR Tech Net is on Brandmeister Talk Group 31266 (Michigan Nets channel) every Monday night, starting with check-ins and comments at 7:30 PM ET, followed by the DMR Tech Net portion after that.

Benoit Sylvestre VE2VB, the main admin of BrandMeister Canada, will be our guest for the Tuesday, June 17 “DMR Tech Net TV on Zoom” broadcast from 8pm-9pm ET.  He’ll explain BrandMeister Canada, his role with them, and answer your questions about the BrandMeister Network.


To join the DMR Tech Net TV Zoom meeting on June 17th, click the following link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84447664395?pwd=djZMbFZaWVRkRDRudkRFeWc2WWV4UT09

Another option is to go to https://zoom.us/, then select “Join” (in the top right-hand corner), and input the following details to connect to the DMR Tech Net TV Zoom meeting:

  • Meeting ID: 844 4766 4395 
  • Passcode: 370040

To join with only your phones’ audio, dial (312) 626-6799 and input the following:

  • Meeting ID: 844 4766 4395
  • Passcode: 370040

To watch the previous 17 DMR Tech Net TV episodes, visit https://www.youtube.com/@DMRtechnetTV

MichiganOne DMR Tech Net upcoming topics:

  • June 2            HamShack Hotline & Hams Over IP by Brad KE8WNV
  • June 9            Stan WB8QJZ explains AllStarLink (https://www.allstarlink.org/)
  • June 16          Using a Bluetooth headset with DMR
  • Tuesday, June 17   DMR Tech Net TV on Zoom with Benoit Sylvestre VE2VB from BrandMeister
  • June 23         The M1KE radio reviewed by Stan WB8QJZ and Steve KC8WXM
  • June 30         DMR mobile radio hints and tips
  • Jul 7               DMR apps to use on your cellular phone
  • Jul 14             Handheld & mobile Antennas for DMR radios
  • Tuesday Jul 15      DMR Tech Net TV on Zoom going over the Open GD-77 firmware
  • Jul 21             Using your radio’s side/hot keys
  • Jul 28            Simplex vs Duplex Hotspots
  • Aug 4             TOT, the Time-Out Timer feature
  • Aug 11           Brad KE8WNV goes over the Open GD-77 firmware for your DMR radio
  • Aug 18          Tom N8TJ will discuss and go over Q-codes
  • Tuesday Aug 19    DMR Tech Net TV on Zoom about Maidenhead Grid Squares
  • Aug 25         Using your Digital ID to make a Private Call or create a talkgroup
  • Sep 1            How to use the Parrot, Disconnect, and Hotspot Power-Off features
  • Sep 8           Front-panel programming on your DMR radio
  • Sep 15         Using DMR in disaster response scenarios
  • Tuesday Sep 16   DMR Tech Net TV on Zoom about Hotspots
  • Sep 22        How to update your DMR Digital Contacts
  • Sep 29        Encouraging newcomers and more women to participate in DMR
  • Oct 6          Organizing on-air contests and trivia nights to increase engagement

If you have a topic suggestion for a future DMR Tech Net, please let us know!  Send an email to dana@dmrtechnet.net

To read the whole newsletter, open the attached .pdf or visit our website: https://MichiganOnedmrtech.net/

Tonight we’re diving deeper into two powerful VoIP systems tailored for amateur radio: HamShack Hotline (HH) and Hams Over IP (HOIP). These are internet phone networks designed by and for hams—and they’re great tools to add to your shack, your go-kit, or your club’s communications setup.

Table of Contents

📞 What Are These Systems?. 3

🧰 What is HamShack Hotline (HH)?. 3

🌐 What is Hams Over IP (HOIP)?. 4

🧠 What’s a SIP Phone?. 4

📱 Using a Cell Phone or Tablet (Softphones) 4

🔗 AllStarLink Integration. 5

🟢 Getting Started. 5

✅ HamShack Hotline: 5

✅ Hams Over IP: 5

🎯 Why Use These Tools?. 6

🧭 Final Thoughts. 6

📞 What Are These Systems?

Both HH and HOIP use SIP technology—that stands for Session Initiation Protocol. It’s the same tech behind many business phones and VoIP services. You can use either a hardware SIP phone (like the Cisco SPA525G) or a softphone app on your mobile device or computer.

🧰 What is HamShack Hotline (HH)?

HamShack Hotline is a free, private VoIP phone network reserved for licensed hams. You get a real extension number to call other hams, check into nets, or even link repeaters. It runs on three networks:

  • HHAP: The main production network (requires approved devices)
  • HHUX: The experimental BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) network
  • HHIO: For inter-office and EMCOMM use
  • HHUS: A newer U.S.-focused network similar to HHAP but with its own provisioning system

✅ Use cases:

  • Club-to-club communications
  • EMCOMM readiness
  • Linking to repeaters or AllStar nodes
  • Private ham-to-ham chats

🌐 What is Hams Over IP (HOIP)?

HOIP is a newer, more open alternative. It also provides free extensions to licensed hams, but it’s more flexible, easier to set up, and supports a broader range of hardware and softphones.

✅ Why it’s catching on:

  • Fast provisioning
  • Active Discord support community
  • Broad device support
  • Direct bridges to AllStarLink and other services

🧠 What’s a SIP Phone?

SIP phones are internet-based phones that connect to a VoIP server instead of a traditional landline. There are two kinds:

  1. Hardware SIP phones – like the Cisco SPA525G, a great color-screen phone with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and speakerphone options.
  2. Softphones – apps you run on smartphones, tablets, or PCs.

🔧 With SIP phones, you manually program in your extension info and server details—similar to how you might set up a DMR hotspot or AllStar node.

📱 Using a Cell Phone or Tablet (Softphones)

You don’t need to buy a desk phone! You can install a SIP softphone app and start using HH or HOIP with just your callsign and internet connection.

Popular softphone apps:

  • Groundwire (iOS/Android – paid, most full-featured)
  • Zoiper (free or paid)
  • Linphone (free and open-source)

These apps let you:

  • Place and receive calls just like on a desk phone
  • Customize ringtones, push-to-talk, and auto-answer
  • Run in the background for quick response

🔗 AllStar Link Integration

Both networks offer options to bridge VoIP audio to AllStar nodes, allowing you to key up repeaters or link nets right from your SIP phone.

On Hams Over IP:

  • You can request your own custom bridge to AllStarLink.
  • Bridges can be configured for PTT control, audio routing, and even DTMF pass-through.
  • Great for remote control, net participation, or EMCOMM use.

On HamShack Hotline:

  • Linking to AllStar is more controlled—usually via an RF-linked gateway or an Asterisk-based system.
  • Some users build their own AllStar nodes that also register with HH or HHUX for private access.

You could even:

  • Call into a linked AllStar node from your phone
  • Set up a DMR-to-HOIP-to-AllStar bridge for a full digital voice ecosystem

🟢 Getting Started

✅ HamShack Hotline:

  1. Choose your network: HHAP (approved phones), HHUX (BYOD), HHUS (alternative US provisioning).
  2. Request an extension at: https://hamshackhotline.com
  3. Configure your device or app using the settings they send.
  4. Test call someone or join one of the open HH conference bridges.

✅ Hams Over IP:

  1. Visit: https://hamsoverip.com
  2. Fill out the application with your callsign.
  3. Get your credentials and set them up in your device or softphone.
  4. Join their Discord server for setup help and community support.

🎯 Why Use These Tools?

  • Adds another way to stay connected—even when RF is down.
  • Easy way to check in on other hams during disasters or power outages.
  • Great teaching tool for clubs and newer hams.
  • Enables hybrid nets across DMR, AllStar, SIP, and analog.

🧭 Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a tinkerer, a club leader, or just want a new way to stay connected with your ham buddies, HamShack Hotline and Hams Over IP are both worth exploring.

HamShack Hotline gives you a structured, reliable network; Hams Over IP offers flexibility, innovation, and rapid support. There’s nothing stopping you from using both—they can run side-by-side, even on the same phone or app!

If you can’t join us live for the MichiganOne DMR Tech Net, you can always listen to us via BrandMeister’s mobile Hoseline app or their Hose desktop software: (https://hose.brandmeister.network/).

We do record the show, so if you miss it and want to listen, or re-listen, to it, you can.  The audio link is on our website, located at the very bottom of this post (after the show ends). We also have the AI interpretation/transcription of the audio and NetLogger check-ins, so you can read along.


You can always chat with the MichiganOne Tech Net team on TGIF talk group 31268, the MichiganOne DMR Tech Net channel or Brandmeister talk group 31266, the Michigan Nets channel.

Join the MichiganOne DMR Tech Net team on Telegram.  Just search for “DMR Tech Net.”  To download Telegram, go to: https://web.telegram.org and/or https://desktop.telegram.org/

Join the MichiganOne DMR Tech Net team on Discord:  To join the MichiganOne DMR Tech Net team, click this link: https://discord.gg/EV82GNuCaS .  To download Discord, go to https://discord.com

If someone else forwarded this newsletter to you, why not get rid of the middle-man and subscribe yourself?!?  It’s easy to join the MichiganOne DMR Tech Net email distribution list.  Just send an email to: subscribe@dmrtechnet.net with your name and callsign.   If you need to unsubscribe, follow the previous procedure but put “unsubscribe” in the subject line.  We’ll miss you!   To see previous newsletters, check out our website: https://michiganonedmrtech.net/

We start the MichiganOne DMR Tech Net with a check-in portion for your comments at 7:30pm.  After all check-ins, re-checks, and comments are completed, we switch over to the DMR Tech Net segment (we estimate 8:00pm-8:15pm ET).  The NCS schedule is:

  • Jun 2 Steve KC8WXM
  • Jun 9 Allan N4ALK
  • Jun 16 Brad KE8WNV
  • Jun 23 Rick AD8KN
  • Jun 30 James N8TMP

We’re looking for backup net control operators to help us with the MichiganOne DMR Tech Net.  If you are interested and would like to volunteer, notify any member of the MichiganOne DMR Tech Net team and/or send an email to dana@dmrtechnet.net.  Stay tuned as more changes are coming.

To hear the audio recording of this net, please click (HERE).

Meeting summary for the MichiganOne DMR Tech Net (06/02/2025)

Quick recap

The Michigan DMR Technet net, hosted by Steve KC8WXM, merged the MichiganOne DMR Net and DMR Tech Net into a single combined net that meets weekly at 7:30 PM Eastern on Brandmeister Talk Group 31226. The meeting covered technical discussions about HamShack Hotline and Hams Over IP systems, including their VoIP capabilities and various phone equipment setups, with participants sharing their experiences and technical insights. The session concluded with announcements about upcoming topics and future meetings, including discussions about All Star Link and DMR mobile radio features.

Next steps

Summary

MichiganOne DMR Tech Net Meeting

Steve KC8WXM hosted the MichiganOne DMR Tech Net, which meets every Monday at 7:30 PM Eastern on Brandmeister Talk Group 31266. The net controller conducted check-ins for in-and-out, mobile, short-time, and general stations, with several participants reporting in. Allan N4ALK provided an update about recent rain in his area, and Bob KB8DQQ joined the net after a brief absence. The conversation ended with plans to conduct the Tech Net portion later, though the specific topic was not mentioned in the transcript.

MichiganOne DMR Tech Net Merge Update

The meeting focused on the MichiganOne DMR Tech Net, discussing the recent merger of the two nets into one. Steve KC8WXM  provided updates on the format change, explaining that check-ins for the combined net now start at 7:30, followed by a transition into the Tech Net portion. Participants shared their experiences with various radio equipment, including a new Shark M1KE device, and discussed the upcoming topics for the night’s meeting.

MichiganOne DMR Tech Net Update Meeting

The meeting focused on the upcoming MichiganOne DMR Tech Net discussion, which covered HamShack Hotline and Hams Over IP technologies. Dana KCØMYP announced that the next meeting about the M1KE radio will take place on June 23, and encouraged participants to join the Brandmeister talk group 31266 for updates. Several participants, including Ron AC2UL and Herb KD5PQJ, attempted to make comments but experienced technical difficulties due to internet issues, with Dana noting that some members were unable to connect due to high data loss rates.

VoIP for Ham Radio Communications

The MichiganOne DMR Tech Net meeting focused on explaining HamShack Hotline and Hams Over IP, which use SIP technology for ham radio communications. Dana KCØMYP, the net control operator, introduced the topic and explained the basics of both systems, highlighting their use of VoIP and their benefits for ham radio enthusiasts. Ben VE2VB from Quebec shared his experience using Hams Over IP for coordinating with Canadian talk group coordinators, emphasizing its flexibility and ease of setup. The meeting also touched on the GroundWire Android app, which allows users to make and receive calls on their cellular phone.

HamShack Hotline System Setup

Dana KCØMYP discussed the setup and features of HamShack Hotline and Hams Over IP systems, including the use of Cisco SP525G2 phones with sidecars and various radio networks. Steve KC8WXM shared his experience in setting up and distributing sidecars for the system, while Tom N8TJ and Ben VE2VB provided additional insights and questions about VoIP services and system configurations. The discussion highlighted the benefits of HamShack Hotline, such as disaster preparedness, teaching tools for clubs, and enabling hybrid nets across different communication platforms.

VoIP Phone System Configuration Discussion

The discussion focused on VoIP systems, specifically HamShack Hotline and Ham over IP, with Brad KE8WNV explaining how multiple VoIP services can be provisioned on the same phone. Brad KE8WNV and Ben VE2VB discussed the Cisco SPA525G phone’s features, including automatic provisioning, recording capabilities, and access to repeaters through All Star Link. Ben mentioned that the phone’s PBX lines were fully utilized, leading him to consider additional phones or alternative solutions.

Michigan DMR Technet Meeting Schedule

Dana KCØMYP announced the upcoming schedule for the MichiganOne DMR Tech Net meetings, including discussions on All Star Link, Bluetooth headsets with DMR, Brandmeister Canada, the M1KE radio, and DMR mobile radio hints and tips. Dana demonstrated the quality of sound using his Cisco phone connected to a mobile radio and encouraged participants to join future meetings. The group discussed HamShack Hotline and Hams Over IP, with Bob KB8DQQ and Paul KC2GKP sharing their thoughts on the topic.

VoIP System Provisioning and Security

The meeting focused on provisioning and setting up HamShack Hotline and Hands Over IP (HOIP) systems, with Stan WB8QJZ and Brad KE8WNV providing guidance on documentation and pricing for Cisco SPA525G phones, which typically cost around $25-$50 on eBay. Dave N8SBE from Ann Arbor shared his experience with setting up Cisco Grand Stream GXP2130 phones, which required reflashing firmware and configuring them with HamShack Hotline, HOIP, and Amateur Wire. Ron AC2UL from Niagara Falls raised concerns about security in university-wide VoIP implementations, questioning whether the system included automatic encryption for conversations.

HamShack Hotline and IP Systems

The group discussed HamShack Hotline and Ham over IP systems, with Stan WB8QJZ sharing his experience using Cisco SPA525G phones and recommending them as a cost-effective option. Steve KC8WXM provided guidance on connecting sidecar devices to main phones, suggesting Amazon as a source for cables and parts. The discussion also covered identification requirements, with Stan explaining that while HamShack Hotline users typically identify with their call signs during calls, it’s not always strictly enforced, especially in linked systems that allow phone connections to repeater networks.

DMR Network Security and Operations

The MichiganOne DMR Tech Net meeting focused on the topics of HamShack Hotline and Hams Over IP. Kurt KFØCQN shared a caution about Cisco phone security certificates, noting that some older models may no longer connect to systems due to expired certificates. The group discussed whether it would be possible to switch to the HamShack Hotline using Brandmeister’s talk group 31266, but Stan and others were unsure about the feasibility of this. The conversation ended with an announcement that Stan would present on All Star Link in the next session, and the net would return to normal usage on the Brandmeister network.