Summary of Homebrew Multimode Digital Voice Modem adapter
This article details a DIY project to build a Multimode Digital Voice Modem (MMDVM) for ham radio digital modes like D-Star and DMR. The author constructed the device using an Arduino Due, a custom PCB designed with Blackboard software, and various electronic components. By sourcing parts from a German supplier and purchasing a clone Arduino on eBay, the total cost was approximately 30 €, offering an affordable alternative to pre-built units while utilizing open-source hardware and software.
Parts used in the Homebrew Multimode Digital Voice Modem:
- Arduino Due (clone)
- PCB (double layer breadboard)
- SMD parts
- Cable
- Blackboard software
During experiments with digital voice mode in hamradio I discovered a nice project describing an adapter for D-Star, DMR and other digital modes based on an Arduino Due and a little PCB to be put on top. This unit is called the Multimode Digital Voice Modem or MMDVM (see [1]). It seems that this is getting quite popular because hard- and software is Open Source.
The units can be ordered from Bruce, VE2GZI for a very reasonable price. As of writing this the time for delivery was about 3 to 4 weeks. Because this unit was really of interest I decided to build one myself besides having ordered a set of the nice PCBs with SMD parts.
The schematics and some documentation can be found in the correspronding Yahoo Group under [2]. I built the version 1 circuit which currently also delivered if you order one of the PCBs. Alexander, DC5AJ was so kind as to provide me with a prefilled shopping cart from a Germany electronics supplier which I modified slightly. If you want to order the parts, see [3]. All together with a PCB and a cable this is around 18 €. The additionally needed Arduino Due was clicked on eBay for some 15 € – of course a clone and not the original one :).
So that makes just around 30 € for a neat digital voice adapter that runs with ircDDBGateway and DStarRepeater for D-Star for example. As the circuit is a little more complicated than a simple transistor circuit I decided to look for some software that allows for designing the circuit on a breadboard PCB. I decided to go for blackboard as a first try. This software is available as Open Source from [4] and is written in Java and should run on all major operating systems.
The software allows for basic design of the circuit with basic components without regard to values. I put the parts together on a PCB that is slightly longer than the Arduino. It fits on top as the original MMDVM does. As I had a double layer breadboard I used top and bottom side for wiring. The circuit paths on top are outlined in red and the bottoms ones in blue. There are some areas where the bottom paths are overlayed by the top ones. So for reproducing this circuit I recommand to use blackboard because that allows for blanking one of the layers. The file for blackboard can be downloaded here:
Read more: Homebrew Multimode Digital Voice Modem adapter
- What is the MMDVM?
The MMDVM is a Multimode Digital Voice Modem adapter for D-Star, DMR, and other digital modes based on an Arduino Due. - How much does it cost to build this unit yourself?
The total cost is around 30 € including the PCB, cable, parts, and a clone Arduino Due. - Can I use original or clone Arduino boards?
You can use a clone Arduino Due, which the author purchased for about 15 €. - Where can I find the schematics and documentation?
Schematics and documentation are available in the corresponding Yahoo Group. - Does the circuit require specific values for components?
No, the Blackboard software allows basic design without regard to component values initially. - How did the author wire the double-layer PCB?
The author used the top side for red paths and the bottom side for blue paths. - What software is recommended for designing this circuit?
Blackboard is recommended because it allows blanking one of the layers to avoid path overlay issues. - Is the hardware and software for this project open source?
Yes, both the hard- and software for the MMDVM are Open Source.
