Opinion comparing KB5RAB and Pi Star
Jul 26, 2017 19:11:52 GMT -8
Post by K6KD on Jul 26, 2017 19:11:52 GMT -8
Bottom line - same software under the hood. Differences are the interface and ways to configure. Both images contain the new DMRGateway. This works with MMDVM Host to enable more than 1 DMR server being active, up to 2 traditional DMR servers (BrandMeister and DMR+) and 2 XLX DMR servers.
Pi Star - easiest to install and configure. Interfaces are web based, but also options to interact with Linux command line with direct peripheral connection or by SSH. No GUI/Desktop or VNC. Editing files in Linux requires navigating to the correct directory and using the Linux nano editor.
KB5RAB Image - GUI/Desktop via direct peripheral connection or VNC. Linux commands using SSH or Terminal Window in Desktop. Setting up requires reading a document to guide what files need to be edited and what to enter in application GUI (ircDDB). If using VNC, need VNC client and local IP address of access point (hot spot). Editing most files is done via shortcuts from desktop going directly to file (no need to navigate directories) and user friendly Leaf editor. GUIs available for utilities and applications such as WiFi Config and ircDDB Gateway.
My opinion: If the Pi Star web interface satisfies your needs, which I think it will in many cases, it is easiest. But if you need to go further, the KB5RAB desktop with utility and application GUIs and editing shortcuts for most files is easier. In my case, I use only Linux command lines via SSH for administering remote servers, but prefer VNC to the desktop for local hot spots. I prefer interacting directly with the files versus going through a web interface that populates the files. So if you want something more bullet-proof, go with Pi Star, but if being bullet-proof is a nuisance to work around, go with KB5RAB.
Pi Star - easiest to install and configure. Interfaces are web based, but also options to interact with Linux command line with direct peripheral connection or by SSH. No GUI/Desktop or VNC. Editing files in Linux requires navigating to the correct directory and using the Linux nano editor.
KB5RAB Image - GUI/Desktop via direct peripheral connection or VNC. Linux commands using SSH or Terminal Window in Desktop. Setting up requires reading a document to guide what files need to be edited and what to enter in application GUI (ircDDB). If using VNC, need VNC client and local IP address of access point (hot spot). Editing most files is done via shortcuts from desktop going directly to file (no need to navigate directories) and user friendly Leaf editor. GUIs available for utilities and applications such as WiFi Config and ircDDB Gateway.
My opinion: If the Pi Star web interface satisfies your needs, which I think it will in many cases, it is easiest. But if you need to go further, the KB5RAB desktop with utility and application GUIs and editing shortcuts for most files is easier. In my case, I use only Linux command lines via SSH for administering remote servers, but prefer VNC to the desktop for local hot spots. I prefer interacting directly with the files versus going through a web interface that populates the files. So if you want something more bullet-proof, go with Pi Star, but if being bullet-proof is a nuisance to work around, go with KB5RAB.