Review
 
In 2020 BridgeCom introduced the original SkyBridge Dual Band hotspot package, then in January 2021 the expanded version was introduced, the SkyBridge Plus. This review describes the Plus version and included accessories.
 
 
Okay, why do I need a Digital Hotspot?

The simple answer is Flexibility. If you are fortunate enough to have a digital repeater nearby, local activity can be achieved with a simple handheld or mobile radio. However, if there is no local repeater or you travel quite a bit, a hotspot might be just what the doctor ordered. 

The SkyBridge is a small standalone IP gateway that connects a digital transceiver to an internet router via an Ethernet connection or WiFi. This dual band hotspot that can be used with either a VHF or UHF handheld.
 
So, here's my take on the SkyBridge plus (SB+)
 
 
The SkyBridge Plus package includes:

-  SkyBridge Digital Hotspot
-  Dual Band Antenna
-  16GB Micro SD Card (pre-imaged)
-  3'  Ethernet cable
-  3'  USB to Micro USB cable
-  Wall adapter - 110v to USB
-  Mobile adapter - 12v plug to USB
-  3000 mAh External Power Bank
-  Reference Links to Training Videos
 
 

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General Description
 
-  Supports DMR, D-Star, YSF (Fusion/C4FM) and NXDN
-  Cross-Mode: (DMR<>NXDN), (DMR<>YSF), (YSF<>NXDN)
-  Wired and Wireless internet connection
-  Fully assembled and tested
-  Raspberry Pi 3B processor
-  Uses Pi-Star Operating system
-  Supports both 2m (144MHz) and 70cm(440MHz) operation
-  Onboard status LEDs (Tx, Rx, PTT, Mode)
-  10mW RF power
-  Dual-band VHF/UHF antenna included
-  Displays - Full 2.4" Color
 
 
Enclosure
 
The SkyBridge is housed in a C4Labs Jet Black enclosure, measures 1.5 x 3.0 x 3.75" and weighs in at 10oz.
   
The antenna jack is a standard SMA-F and there are four small rubber feet that assist in keeping the chassis stable.
 

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Ventilation - There is no heat build up in either unit which allows me to run mine 24/7. There is an exposed heatsink to ensure ventilation of the Pi3.
  The Manual 
 
The manual for the SB+ can never go out of date because it's a series of simple web based videos found on the BridgeCom website.
 
 
Setup and Interface
 
Setting up the SkyBridge was relatively simple. I connected the USB power source using the included 3000 mAh power bank, then connected the SkyBridge to my router using the provided Ethernet cable. It blinked for a few seconds, then 'MMDVM' appeared on the OLED display and It was ready to use.

I powered up the pre-programmed D878UV (part of the package), then set the Zone to SkyBridge and selected ‘SKY Parrot’. I gave my call with a quick ‘testing 1 2 3’ and after 3 seconds I heard my echo. The audio settings were right where they should be, and the entire process took less than 5 minutes. I then gave a callout on USA Nationwide (3100) and had a quick QSO with two other individuals. Coincidentally, one of them had just received his SkyBridge the day before.
 
I later decided to connect the unit to my home WiFi.  I followed the step by step videos on the BridgeCom website and the installation went perfectly on the first try. The nice thing about the package is everything is ready to use right out of the box with need for prior knowledge of Pi-Star or Codeplugs. Plenty time for that later.
 
 
Powered by the Pi-Star operating system
 
The heart of the SkyBridge is the Pi-Star operating system, which was specifically developed for low power hotspots. It can handle multiple modes and is fully upgradable, so as new features are made available, the SkyBridge can be upgraded in a matter of a few seconds, so it will never become obsolete.
 
 
Cross Mode Operation 
 
The SkyBridge has cross mode capability, allowing a DMR transceiver to access C4FM and NXDN networks. This allows you to communicate with multiple modes with one handheld.
 
 
Display 
 
The unit uses a large 2.4" full color display that displays the name, call sign and talk group of an active station by supporting Talker Alias database. This User DB is automatically updated on a regular basis with no action required by you..
 

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Transmitter
 
The power level is approximately 10mw. That may not sound like a lot of power, but 10mw is enough for me to hear the signal solidly throughout my entire house.  With the unit located in my 1st floor computer room, I can easily use is at a distance of 500 feet. When connected to an outside antenna, you should be able to use a digital radio throughout your entire neighborhood.   
 
 
But how about Mobile Installation 
 
Thanks to the developers of the Pi-Star software, the WiFi connection is now part of the main board and is self contained in the hotspot.

Now when traveling or on vacation, there's no longer a need to create a separate Codeplug entry for every repeater along the way. Once the Codeplug is synced to the SkyBridge, you now have access to the world of digital by connecting to your hotspot to your cell phone's WiFi.
 
The 3000 mAh power bank is nice plus, allowing you to power the unit for portable operation.
 
 
So, why a SkyBridge 
 
The SkyBridge is available as either a standalone unit or as part of the 'Plug 'n Play package which includes a pre-programmed Anytone D878 dual band DMR transceiver. After I opened the box and plugged it in, I was on the air within a matter of minutes. My D878 was pre-programmed with over 150 channels, 450 talk groups and 3 zones.
 
Down the road if you want to connect to other servers or WiFi networks, you will find the Pi-Star operating system very easy to follow.
 
 
Conclusion
 
I'm fortunate that I have several DMR repeaters within handheld range of my QTH, yet much of my OTA time is using a hotspot, especially when traveling. There's no need for me to program multiple talk groups for every repeater along the way.

What makes this package appealing is the completeness of the package and local US support. The cables, adapters, mobile power unit, and wall charger were all there. The Pi-Star software was preloaded with my User ID and WiFi information. It can't be made much simpler.

I was more than pleased with the performance and ease of setup of this unit.
 
  
 
Note: This equipment was received for the purpose of a fair and unbiased review. All findings are factual based on the equipment I received. Any issues found have been reported both here and back to the seller or manufacturer.