Getting Started: your digital voice gateway
Setting up a new, unconfigured digital voice gateway? Power it on and CommCommand can guide you through its first connection, including getting it onto your home network. If your gateway is already configured, keep it connected to your existing network and use CommCommand to discover and manage it.
1. Install and open CommCommand
Install CommCommand on your Windows computer and launch the application. Choose the first-time hotspot setup / onboarding option.
2. Power on your hotspot
Insert a prepared Pi-Star SD card and connect power. Allow the hotspot to boot. Keep your Windows computer nearby.
3. Choose how to make the initial connection
Option A — Hotspot's temporary Wi-Fi network
If the hotspot is broadcasting its initial Wi-Fi access point, follow CommCommand's instructions to connect your Windows computer to that network. This is a temporary direct connection; your hotspot does not need to be on your home network yet.
Option B — Ethernet
If your hotspot has an Ethernet port, connect it to your router or network. CommCommand can discover the hotspot and guide you through setup. Ethernet is an alternative, not a requirement.
4. Sign in when prompted
CommCommand will guide you through connecting to the hotspot using its SSH login details. Use the credentials for your Pi-Star installation. You can change the hotspot login password during setup.
5. Configure your hotspot
Follow the onboarding screens to set up Wi-Fi (if needed), your callsign, DMR ID and other relevant hotspot settings. CommCommand can help with DMR ID lookup, display settings and connection checks. Review the settings before applying changes.
6. Let CommCommand guide your connection
After you choose your home Wi-Fi, your gateway may briefly disconnect while joining that network. Give CommCommand time to reconnect and confirm the connection. Keep your gateway powered on during this step.
7. Check the result
Once setup completes, review the hotspot dashboard and DMR connection status. A BrandMeister connection also depends on correct DMR credentials and network access.
Need more detail? See Wi-Fi and Ethernet setup or Troubleshooting.
CommCommand works alongside Pi-Star; the usual Pi-Star web interface remains available.