You can build a DMR hotspot for as little as $50.00. This is a big deal as it means that commercial options cost $160 or more.
Building your own MMDVM hotspot makes sense for radio enthusiasts. The Multi-Mode Digital Voice Modem (MMDVM) technology lets you access digital voice modes of all types – DMR, DStar, and YSF through a simple setup. The whole process takes under 30 minutes. Even beginners with basic technical knowledge can handle this project easily.
Raspberry Pi works great as the foundation for these setups. Popular choices include the Raspberry Pi Zero 2W and Raspberry Pi 3. The Pi Zero 2W used to cost just $5 during sales. On top of that, you can use duplex MMDVM modems to monitor one talk group while transmitting on another. This gives you more flexibility in operations.
Beginners love this project because the MMDVM board snaps onto the Raspberry Pi without any soldering. Tools like the WPSD WPA/WIFI Configuration Generator make network setup a breeze.
This piece covers everything you need to build your affordable DMR hotspot. We’ll help you pick components, handle configuration, and get your custom digital gateway up and running.
Understanding What a DMR Hotspot Is
Digital voice communications have reshaped amateur radio operations with clear transmissions and global connectivity. DMR hotspot stands as a gateway device that connects traditional radio hardware with digital networks.
What is a digital voice hotspot?
A digital voice hotspot works as a personal, low-power gateway that links amateur radio operators to worldwide digital voice systems through an internet connection. Unlike traditional repeaters that rebroadcast radio signals for extended coverage, hotspots create a direct connection between your radio and digital networks.
A DMR hotspot is a small device that acts as an internet gateway to specific DMR networks. The device combines two main parts: a small computer (usually a Raspberry Pi) and a radio frequency board that handles signals between your digital radio and the internet. Most hotspots put out approximately 10mW of power, which works well for a home or small property.
These devices let operators use digital voice modes without local repeater infrastructure. Your radio transmission goes to the hotspot, changes to digital data, travels through the internet to the network you want, and comes back to your radio in milliseconds.
Why use a DMR hotspot?
DMR hotspots give you better flexibility and access. The device becomes crucial for operators living outside digital repeater range to access digital voice systems. This helps technician class licensees and people in HOA-restricted neighborhoods.
These devices beat traditional repeaters in several ways. They fit in your pocket and work great in vehicles when repeaters aren’t around. The cost makes sense too – complete setups range from $100-$200, much cheaper than repeater systems.
Hotspots make network access simple. Repeaters need separate channels with different frequencies, color codes, and contacts. Your hotspot needs just one channel to reach the entire Brandmeister network. This simple setup makes hotspots great for newcomers.
The devices let you watch multiple talk groups and access state talk groups without limits. DMR radios with GPS can send location data to tracking services like APRS.fi for up-to-the-minute position tracking.
These devices do have some drawbacks. Coverage reaches only the area near the device, and good internet matters a lot. Wi-Fi routers and other electronics nearby can cause interference.
Overview of MMDVM technology
MMDVM (Multi-Mode Digital Voice Modem) technology creates the foundation for modern hotspots. Jonathan G4KLX developed this open-source technology that grew into a resilient ecosystem supporting various digital voice modes.
The MMDVM board, known as a “HAT” (Hardware Attached on Top) in Raspberry Pi terms, plugs into the Pi and manages RF transmission and reception. This board moves signals between the internet and your digital radio.
MMDVM technology handles multiple digital voice protocols beyond DMR:
- D-STAR (Digital Smart Technologies for Amateur Radio)
- DMR (Digital Mobile Radio)
- YSF (Yaesu System Fusion)
- P25 (Project 25)
- NXDN (Next Generation Digital Narrowband)
- M17 (an open-source digital voice and data mode)
DVmega, Zumspot, and Jumbospot lead the popular MMDVM board options. DVmega offers dual-band capability in a compact design. Zumspot comes with an integrated Raspberry Pi Zero for easy setup. Jumbospot shines with its simple, tough construction.
Pi-Star or WPSD (a newer option gaining fans) runs these boards. Both give you web-based setup and control. WPSD now uses DMRGateway as default, letting you connect to multiple DMR networks at once.
You’ll need to register with networks like Brandmeister to get a DMR ID before setting up MMDVM hotspots. DMR’s commercial origins make this ID necessary instead of traditional amateur radio callsigns.
This guide to DMR hotspots and MMDVM technology sets you up to build your own digital gateway to worldwide communications – a topic we’ll explore next.
Choosing the Right Hardware Components
The right hardware components are the foundation of a successful DMR hotspot build. Your digital voice gateway needs the perfect mix of processing power, radio capabilities, and supporting accessories to work at its best.
Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W vs Raspberry Pi 3B+
Two Raspberry Pi options make great choices for your MMDVM hotspot’s computing core: the compact Pi Zero 2 W and the more powerful Pi 3B+.
The Pi Zero 2 W packs impressive power in a tiny package. Its quad-core device runs at 1 GHz with 512MB RAM, which makes it way more capable than the original Pi Zero. This model supports only 2.4 GHz WiFi with 802.11n protocol, and this might affect your connection stability depending on where you use it.
The Raspberry Pi 3B+ steps things up with a 1.4 GHz quad-core processor and 1GB RAM. You get both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz WiFi with 802.11b/g/n/ac protocols, and the WiFi signal is about 10 times stronger than what you’d get from Pi Zero models. The 3B+ comes with an ethernet port that gives you better connectivity than WiFi.
Both models can run a hotspot, but real-world testing shows clear differences. The Pi Zero 2 W loads configuration pages slower but handles actual hotspot duties just fine with low CPU usage. The Pi 3B+ feels snappier no matter what you’re doing.
The Pi 3B+ remains your best bet for reliability, but as experts say, “nobody needs to replace the Zero in their hotspot with a Zero 2” if that’s what they’re using now. They also advise that “If using a Raspberry Pi Zero form factor be sure to get a Pi Zero 2 W” instead of older models.
Simplex vs Duplex MMDVM boards
MMDVM boards come as either simplex or duplex, each with its own special features.
Simplex MMDVM boards work on one frequency at a time—they either send network traffic or receive radio signals, but can’t do both at once. Most hotspots use this straightforward setup.
Duplex MMDVM boards work like mini repeaters with two antennas. They use separate frequencies for sending and receiving with standard repeater offsets. These boards usually have two SMA antenna ports, with “AE2” for receiving and another one right next to it for transmitting.
Some users find duplex boards tricky and sometimes need to run them in simplex mode. Both types work well with DMR radios, including those with OpenGD77 firmware that can listen to both timeslots when TS filtering is off.
Recommended power supplies and SD cards
Good power makes your system stable. A 5V power supply that puts out 2.5A works best. Clean, steady power helps cut down RF interference.
Speed and size both matter for microSD cards. You need at least a Class 10 card, and 8GB is the sweet spot for size. Some people get by with 2GB or 4GB cards, but these limit future updates.
Pi-Star folks say “anything more than 4GB will be wasted”, but 16GB cards cost almost the same as 4GB ones these days. The system caps log space at 64MB no matter what size card you use, and full logs can cause issues.
A genuine card from SanDisk matters more than getting tons of storage. Buy from trusted sellers to avoid fake cards that could mess with your hotspot’s reliability.
Assembling the MMDVM Hotspot
Building your MMDVM hotspot needs attention to detail, but it’s available to everyone, even if you’re new to technical projects. You can turn these parts into a working digital gateway that amateur radio operators use to communicate.
Connecting the MMDVM hat to the Pi
Your hotspot’s core is the connection between the MMDVM board and Raspberry Pi. Most setups need a simple attachment of the MMDVM hat to the Raspberry Pi’s 40-pin GPIO connector. Make sure both devices are completely off before you start connecting them.
You’ll find that MMDVM boards usually come with pins already installed, but some might need you to solder header pins. The hat should connect to the Pi by matching pin 1 on both devices – look for the markings. This prevents damage from wrong connections. Your MMDVM hat should fit snugly on top of the Raspberry Pi with fully inserted pins.
Installing the antenna and optional screen
The MMDVM board comes with either a built-in ceramic antenna or an SMA connector for external antennas. Many users choose external antennas to get better range. You might need to install the SMA connector if it’s not there already.
Right-angle SMA adapters work great for external antennas in small cases. A builder points out, “Note the SMA right angle adapter I had to get to make it all fit in the box properly.”
A Nextion display makes your hotspot easier to use by showing what’s happening. Here’s how to connect a Nextion screen:
- Connect four wires from the display to either the MMDVM board or a USB-TTL converter
- Remember the cable order—”Red and Black are power, Blue and Yellow are DATA in and out”
- USB-TTL converter connections aren’t matched one-to-one
Direct MMDVM board connections run at 9600 baud. USB-TTL converters can go up to 115,200 baud for quicker screen updates. One user shares, “I was only ever able to get 9600 board working through the modem display connections.”
Powering up the device safely
Your hotspot needs the right power supply to work well. A 5V power supply rated at 2.5A or higher works best. After putting everything together, plug the power into the Raspberry Pi’s USB port, not the MMDVM board.
The first startup takes 2-3 minutes. An experienced builder suggests, “Connect the small antenna, Ethernet cable and USB cable and let the pi-star boot up. This might take 2 to 3 minutes.”
Ethernet works better than WiFi for the first setup. One source explains, “I recommend that you connect your pi-star using an Ethernet cable as I have had it disconnect from WiFi and need a power cycle to re-connect it.”
Software options, Pi-Star vs WPSD
Pi-Star and WPSD (Wireless Pi-Star Derivative) are the two main operating systems for MMDVM hotspots.
Andy MW0MWZ created Pi-Star, which has become the go-to platform for hotspot setup. Beginners love its accessible interface, and you can access detailed settings through a web dashboard.
WPSD is newer and started as “a progression of the Pi-Star and MMDVM projects.” It began as a tool for advanced users who wanted to test new updates, but now it works well for users at all levels.
DMR network handling is what sets these platforms apart. WPSD uses DMRGateway exclusively and supports “multiple, simultaneous DMR networks.” Pi-Star works differently by default, though you can still use DMRGateway if you want to.
Think about how you’ll use the hotspot when picking software. One source suggests, “It is recommended you start with a new MicroSD card, keep your Pi-Star card as is until you are comfortable with WPSD, just in case you need to switch back.”
Pi-Star might feel more familiar, while WPSD gives you more network options once you learn its interface. Your choice depends on what you need from your hotspot.
Installing and Configuring Pi-Star
Pi-Star software turns your assembled hardware into a working DMR hotspot that acts as the brain of your digital radio gateway. This operating system creates a bridge between your MMDVM hardware and digital voice networks.
Downloading and flashing the Pi-Star image
The official Pi-Star website (https://www.pistar.uk/downloads/) offers the right Pi-Star image for your hardware. Users with Raspberry Pi-based hotspots should pick the RPi image that matches their setup. The standard Pi-Star image works with most Raspberry Pi models. However, newer models like the Raspberry Pi 4B might need the beta version.
The downloaded file needs extraction to get the actual .img file. Several reliable SD card flashing tools can help you with this task:
- Balena Etcher: An open-source option available for Windows, Mac, and Linux with an accessible interface
- Raspberry Pi Imager: The official imaging tool that comes with extra features
- Command-line tools: Linux users can use the dd command for direct writing
Your microSD card should be Class 10 or better with at least 4GB capacity. The system might ask you to format the card after flashing. You can ignore this message since Pi-Star creates its own partitioning structure.
The system needs a file named “wpa_supplicant.conf” in the boot partition of your newly flashed SD card for WiFi connection. This file should contain your network credentials and will connect automatically on first boot:
ctrl_interface=DIR=/var/run/wpa_supplicant GROUP=netdev
update_config=1
ap_scan=1
fast_reauth=1
country=XX
network={
ssid="YOUR_WIFI_NAME"
psk="YOUR_WIFI_PASSWORD"
id_str="0"
priority=100
}
(Replace XX with your country code)
Initial boot and accessing the dashboard
The system takes 30-40 seconds to initialize after you insert the microSD card and power up your Raspberry Pi. The first boot needs 2-3 minutes because Pi-Star sets up essential services.
Pi-Star’s Auto AP feature creates its own access point named “Pi-Star Setup” if it cannot connect to your WiFi. This allows direct connection for configuration.
The dashboard becomes accessible through a web browser on any device connected to the same network:
- Windows: http://pi-star/
- macOS/Linux: http://pi-star.local/
- Direct IP address works if the hostname fails to resolve
You may see the above screen, if so, click Configuration over on the upper right side.
Log in with these default credentials:
- Username: pi-star
- Password: raspberry
A “No Mode Defined” screen appears on first login, which is expected before configuration.
Setting up general and DMR configuration
The Configuration menu contains all setup options. Choose MMDVMHost in the Control Software section for multi-mode operation. DStarRepeater works best for exclusive D-STAR use.
The MMDVMHost Configuration section lets you enable DMR Mode. Click “Apply Changes” after toggling the switch. This restart enables more configuration options.
General Configuration needs your personal details:
- Node Callsign: Your amateur radio callsign
- CCS7/DMR ID: Your 7-digit DMR ID from RadioID.net
- Radio Frequency: A suitable simplex frequency (usually 430-440MHz)
- Latitude/Longitude: Your location coordinates
- Radio/Modem Type: Your specific MMDVM board model
- Node Type: “Private” for personal use or “Public” for shared access
DMR Configuration requires these key settings:
- DMR Master: Pick a specific BrandMeister or DMR+ master for single-network operation. DMRGateway works best for multi-network access
- BrandMeister Master: Your country’s server (e.g., BM_2341_United_Kingdom)
- BM Hotspot Security: Your password from BrandMeister SelfCare
- DMR Color Code: Usually set to 1
- ESSID: Choose “01” or leave as “None” for your first hotspot. Multiple hotspots need unique ESSIDs
The Dashboard shows a green “DMR Net” indicator after successful network connection. Yellow or red indicators mean you need to check your configuration settings.
Connecting Pi-Star to the Network
A stable network connection forms the backbone of any DMR hotspot. Your Pi-Star software needs reliable connectivity to access digital networks worldwide.
Using Ethernet vs Wi-Fi
Network stability affects hotspot performance by a lot. Ethernet connections work better than WiFi to get maximum reliability. Users often say, “I recommend that you connect your pi-star using an Ethernet cable as I have had it disconnect from WiFi and need a power cycle to re-connect it”.
Raspberry Pi 3B+ supports both connection types. Pi Zero models only work with WiFi. Users facing connection problems with Pi Zero can try USB-to-Ethernet adapters as an alternative.
The system picks Ethernet first when both options exist. Pi-Star switches smoothly to WiFi networks once you unplug the cable. This helps switch between home and mobile operation easily.
Creating a Wi-Fi config file
Pi-Star gives you several ways to set up WiFi. The Pi-Star WiFi Builder tool (www.pistar.uk/wifi_builder.php) offers the quickest way to create a proper configuration file.
Setting up multiple networks needs:
- A text file named “wpa_supplicant.conf” with your network details
- The right country code (e.g., GB for United Kingdom, US for United States)
- Network blocks containing SSID (network name) and password for each connection
Hotspots used at different places need multiple networks with priority levels for automatic selection:
network={
ssid="home_network"
psk="password1"
priority=100
}
network={
ssid="mobile_hotspot"
psk="password2"
priority=90
}
Networks with higher priority (like 100) connect first, while lower values work as backups.
AutoAP fallback mode explained
Pi-Star comes with an automatic access point feature. The system creates its own WiFi network after 3-4 minutes if it can’t connect to known networks.
New users see this network as “Pi-Star-Setup” or your configured hostname (usually “pi-star”). You can access the configuration dashboard using password “raspberry”.
Mobile users sometimes face issues with AutoAP mode and need power cycles to reconnect. Some cases have led to SD card corruption. Turning off AutoAP might help if you switch networks often.
Configuring DMR, YSF, and other modes
Digital modes need proper network servers after establishing connectivity. A green “DMR Net” indicator shows successful DMR operation.
Yellow indicators usually point to password problems or wrong hotspot security settings. Make sure your BrandMeister hotspot security password matches your BrandMeister SelfCare settings exactly.
The Configuration dashboard lets you enable each mode for multi-mode operation. YSF (Yaesu System Fusion) needs YSF Mode enabled and proper hosts like “YSF23501 – GB-CQ-UK-YCS”.
Pi-Star’s RF Hangtime and Net Hangtime control how long each mode stays active before returning to scanning.
Installing and Configuring WPSD
WPSD (Western PA Pi-Star Dashboard) brings a fresh operating system for DMR hotspots that comes with improved features and regular updates compared to standard Pi-Star. This alternative version works just like the original but adds technical improvements that both new and experienced users will appreciate.
Downloading and flashing the WPSD image
Choose the right WPSD image for your hardware from the official website (https://w0chp.radio/wpsd/):
- For Raspberry Pi Zero 2W & Models 3-5:
WPSD_RPi-Bookworm.img.xz - For specific devices like DVMEGA Cast:
WPSD_DVMega_Cast-Bullseye.img.xz - For ZUMSpot devices: Select the corresponding ZUMSpot image
You can flash the image with Balena Etcher or Raspberry Pi Imager – both will automatically decompress the .xz file. Make sure you have an 8GB (minimum) microSD card ready. Important: The Raspberry Pi Imager’s “advanced options” should not be used to create users or change passwords because WPSD needs its pre-configured accounts to work properly.
Initial setup and dashboard access
The system needs about five minutes to complete its first boot after you insert the SD card and power up your device. This allows the filesystem to expand automatically. You can connect through three different ways:
- WiFi connection using a pre-configured setup file
- Direct Ethernet connection
- “WPSD-Setup” network that becomes available after 5+ minutes
Your dashboard will be accessible through your browser at:
- Standard installation:
http://wpsd.local - Vendor-specific URLs:
http://zumspot.local,http://skybridge.local, orhttp://dvmega-cast.local
The default login credentials are:
- Username:
pi-star - Password:
raspberry
Run an update through Admin > Update right after your first login before making any configuration changes.
Configuring DMR, YSF, and other modes
DMR configuration steps:
- Go to Admin > Configuration
- Pick your digital modes in “Radio/MMDVMHost Modem Configuration”
- Select your DMR Master server (FreeDMR, BrandMeister, etc.) under “DMR Configuration”
- Choose an appropriate ESSID for your hotspot
- Input network-specific options or use the Options Calculator for complex settings
The WPSD Calibration should be run to keep BER (Bit Error Rate) loss under 1% for best results. WPSD’s main difference from Pi-Star lies in its use of DMRGateway as default, which lets you connect to multiple DMR networks at once without manual changes.
Advanced WPSD Features and Maintenance
Advanced WPSD features lift your DMR hotspot from simple functionality to peak performance. These maintenance tasks become crucial as you gain more experience with your system.
Updating modem firmware
M17 protocol support requires updated MMDVM modem firmware version 1.6.1 or higher. You can check your current version in the “Modem Type” field on your dashboard. To update:
- Note your TCXO frequency (typically 14.7456 MHz for most boards)
- Go to Admin → Advanced Tools → Modem Firmware Upgrade
- Select your specific modem frequency from the dropdown menu
- Click “Upgrade Modem” and wait until completion
Your system downloads the right firmware, flashes your device, and restarts needed services automatically. Just refresh your dashboard to confirm the new version.
Tuning BER for better performance
Bit Error Rate (BER) shows how accurately signals travel between your radio and hotspot. Well-tuned MMDVM boards should get less than 0.1% BER with minimal packet loss.
To get the best performance:
- Go to the MMDVM Host Calibration tool through Admin → Advanced settings
- Select your operating mode (DMR, YSF, etc.)
- Check your current BER performance
- Make tiny adjustments to boost signal quality
You’ll see a warning when you access these settings. Be careful since wrong changes might force you to rebuild your configuration from scratch.
Using profiles and backups
Your configuration stays safe with regular backups that make recovery simple after testing changes. Once you have a stable setup:
- Go to Admin → Configuration → Backup/Restore
- Click “Download Configuration” to save your settings
- Keep the downloaded file somewhere safe
Make extra backups before big system changes or adding new modes. Each successful update should prompt you to create a fresh backup of your working configuration.
WPSD uses a “rolling release” update model that runs automatic updates overnight without disrupting your system. You can also update manually through Admin → Update whenever needed.
Optional Add-ons and Enhancements
A DMR hotspot with the right accessories can evolve from a simple communication device into a personalized tool. These add-ons make the functionality better and provide useful feedback during operation.
Adding a Nextion screen
Nextion displays show immediate visual feedback of hotspot activity. These touchscreens come in different sizes (2.4″, 3.5″, and 4″) to display callsigns, talk groups, and system status. The screen connection requires attention:
“Note the cable order, it is NOT 1 to 1, Red and Black are power, Blue and Yellow are DATA in and out”.
Users can connect the screen directly to the MMDVM board or use a USB-TTL converter. The Pi-Star configuration needs specific settings: MMDVM Display Type set to “Nextion,” Port to “/dev/ttyUSB0,” and Layout to “ON7LDS L3”.
Using a custom case
Custom enclosures protect your components and help with cooling. Available options include:
- Aluminum alloy cases with “reserved holes” that make installation of expansion boards easy
- 3D-printed designs ($30-45) with specialized ventilation
- Combination cases that blend both the hotspot and a Nextion screen ($44-90)
Most cases feature cooling fans that prevent overheating and ensure optimal performance during long operations.
Monitoring with the Pi-Star dashboard
Pi-Star’s dashboard lets you monitor operations immediately. The W0CHP overlay makes this experience better with:
- Dark mode interface that reads better
- Toggle options to show talk group names
- Extra caller details at the dashboard’s top
- High Decor filtering to remove “chunk” transmissions
- Live Caller view that shows current activity clearly
Monitoring with the WPSD dashboard
WPSD dashboard goes beyond simple monitoring and provides advanced features:
- Immediate statistics on signal quality and packet loss
- Live log viewer to troubleshoot and understand operations
- Dashboard layout you can customize to highlight important information
Your MMDVM hotspot becomes a precision instrument that matches your operational needs through smart screen integration, proper case selection, and optimized dashboard settings.
Conclusion
A personal DMR hotspot offers an available entry point into digital amateur radio. It combines affordability with powerful capabilities. This guide covered the complete process from picking hardware components to setting up software platforms. A Raspberry Pi (either the compact Zero 2W or reliable 3B+) paired with an MMDVM board revolutionizes how operators access worldwide digital networks.
Radio enthusiasts can improve their experience by learning about Pi-Star and WPSD configuration options. Pi-Star gives you a simple setup that works great for beginners. WPSD offers improved features like connecting to multiple DMR networks through its default DMRGateway implementation. Users can pick the platform that matches their needs and technical skills.
Your hardware choice shapes what your finished hotspot can do. Simplex boards handle simple communication needs well, while duplex models let you monitor and transmit on different talk groups at the same time. You can add Nextion displays and custom cases to build systems that match your priorities perfectly.
The DMR hotspot project costs nowhere near as much as commercial alternatives but delivers equal or better functionality. You get direct control over your digital voice gateway without needing deep technical knowledge. Regular firmware updates and configuration backups will give you reliable operation as digital modes grow.
Digital voice hotspots connect traditional radio hardware with modern networking capabilities. These compact devices create unprecedented connection options for amateur radio. They deliver great value through their mix of affordability, functionality, and customization options – whether you’re joining local talk groups or chatting worldwide.
FAQs
Q1. What are the essential components needed to build a DMR hotspot? To build a DMR hotspot, you’ll need a Raspberry Pi (such as the Zero 2W or 3B+), an MMDVM board, a power supply (5V, 2.5A recommended), a microSD card (at least 8GB, Class 10), and an antenna. You’ll also need to install Pi-Star or WPSD software on the microSD card.
Q2. Can I use a DMR hotspot without a DMR radio? No, a DMR radio is necessary to use a DMR hotspot. The hotspot acts as an internet gateway to DMR networks, allowing your DMR radio to communicate even when there’s no local DMR repeater available. It bridges your radio to the digital networks via the internet.
Q3. What frequency should I use for my MMDVM hotspot? MMDVM hotspots typically operate in the UHF amateur radio band, often between 430-440 MHz. However, it’s important to avoid the 435-438 MHz range, which is reserved for amateur satellite communications. Always check local regulations and band plans when selecting a frequency.
Q4. How do I set up Pi-Star software on my hotspot? To set up Pi-Star, download and flash the image to your microSD card, then insert it into your Raspberry Pi. Connect power and ethernet (if available), then access the configuration page at http://pi-star/ or http://pi-star.local/ in your web browser. Log in with the default credentials and follow the configuration steps to set up your callsign, DMR ID, and network settings.
Q5. What are the advantages of using WPSD over Pi-Star? WPSD (Western PA Pi-Star Dashboard) offers some advanced features compared to standard Pi-Star. It uses DMRGateway by default, allowing simultaneous connections to multiple DMR networks. WPSD also provides more frequent updates, enhanced dashboard customization options, and improved performance monitoring tools. However, Pi-Star may be more familiar and straightforward for beginners.
