Device For Zello And Other Radio Over IP Protocols

[Jim1348]

I am starting to get a bit more interested in getting a device for Zello and other ROIP protocols. So far, it seems like my choices are either one extreme or the other. Either it is Motorola price and quality or BaoFeng crap for $29.

Is there a middle of the road device that device that is better than BaoFeng, but more affordable than Motorola?

 

[EM36]

New or Used? Your looking for a gateway? Or gateway and a radio?

 

[Jim1348]

I am still wide open. Give me your thoughts on all.

 

[sarguy1941]

What gateway do you plan to use ? That would put a direction on radio. Our SAR team looked to do a gateway but couldn't find a reasonable gateway that Zello would approve. We had planned a M1225 on our main SAR repeater as we had it on the shelf.

 

[tuckerm]

What gateway do you plan to use ? That would put a direction on radio. Our SAR team looked to do a gateway but couldn't find a reasonable gateway that Zello would approve. We had planned a M1225 on our main SAR repeater as we had it on the shelf.

Zello doesn't have to approve the gateway? I have a gateway going with a hammy solution and Zello hasn't once asked me what I was doing.

 

[sarguy1941]

When we signed up for Zello Work they sent me a list of approved gateways. I guess I'll have to email the sales woman back and clarify. The ones they listed were out of the budget for SAR so we stopped there. If I can do something a bit more reasonable I will. I dont know if there is a difference in Zello Work vs Zello ?

 

[crazyboy]

Here is a gateway that was just posted here the other day by @EM36.

ROXITEK GATEWAY

https://roxitek.com/ THREE THUMBS UP for this little box. FINALLY someone has done a gateway right. Audio is STUPENDOUS. Very close to my 96k Behringer box I used to stream out. Transmits well, really easy setup. The box is $300 and the apx cable is $125, he will give you a first responder...

communications.support

 

[Wodie]

What about Radio-tone RT-roip3 gateway, once I tested RT-roip2 and worked fine.
Other option I been considering is to make a windows app that can interface thru a serial port (or Arduino) to allow the use of PTT and COR GPIO, but I do not know if there is any interest on such app. As you will need to have a PC dedicated only for that as my code will need Zello in the foreground and control the mouse pointer.

 

[EM36]

Zello absolutely doesnt need to approve a gateway.

The Roxitek box listed above is the guy who makes these for Critical RF which is on the Zello site.

Zellowork is not the same as Zello free. A gateway on free is not able to be accessed via Zellowork and vice versa.

Radio-Tone stuff (Joe Chung) is ok. The audio isn't necessarily the best but he offers lots of plug and play cables for many radios. You will wait about a month to receive a package from him but I've bought lots of stuff from him in the last few years.

After seeing what the Roxi gateway does I would highly recommend his box and cables. Great system from all that I've seen, made in USA and supported in USA also...

 

[Astro Spectra]

What gateway do you plan to use ? That would put a direction on radio. Our SAR team looked to do a gateway but couldn't find a reasonable gateway that Zello would approve. We had planned a M1225 on our main SAR repeater as we had it on the shelf.

Our SAR group often gets sizeable donations from the people we rescue. We don't solicit the donations but they often turn up nevertheless!

If you really need to use Zello for the mission then this would seem like a painless way to fundraise, maybe talk to your treasurer or fundraising committee? We use group text for callout and only use radios when deployed.

 

[phonebuff]

If you need quality cables for an Interop. Telex, JPS, Zello, what ever try https://northcommtechnologies.com/.

Had really good luck at reasonable prices.

 

[sarguy1941]

We have no need for it on SAR mission's. More for situational awareness for members who are not in the area to listen. We get donations but most get used for general operating as we are not funded at all by anyone. We already patch our VHF to the regional trunking radio system so we have a large coverage footprint.