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Reviews For: TGIF Hotspot

Category: Interfaces, Radio to computer, amp, rotor, coax switch, internet

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Review Summary For : TGIF Hotspot
Reviews: 21MSRP: $279.00
Description:
Rasperry Pi 3 based hotspot with 3.5" Nextion Touch display. Built and installed in a C4 labs case. $279.00. Built and sold by K4WZV.
Product is in production
More Info: http://tgifspot.com/index.php?rt=product/product&product_id=125
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
00214.9
K4EJW Rating: 2021-07-04
After 3 Years The Best Help and BEST HotSpot. Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Robert, the owner of TGIF Hotspots helped me get on the air. I've had other spots but nothing comes close to the TGIF HotSpot. I learned more from him than I learned from my local Ham Club. TGIF Hotspots are simply the best! Customer Service is the Best!
AB4O Rating: 2020-11-26
Absolutely Awesome Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Robert's customer service is great! Could not ask for better hotspot . Hotspot is high quality c4labs case. Highly recommended!
KB9MVW Rating: 2020-08-23
The Cadillac of spots. Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
I got the spot with the touch screen. This device has been flawless since the first day used.You can change many settings this way without going into the pi-star dashboard.
Also when I first got it, customer support was incredible. This in itself makes life nice and easy in digital land. Oh also got a TGIF JR for my truck driver friend. He has been useing that daily with no problems what so ever. Thank you TGIF for not just a good product but a great dmr network as well.
VE3RD Rating: 2020-08-04
Best Screen Set on The Market Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
I have a TGIF Spot and have had nothing but great experiences with it.

The display driver is publicly available to every Nextion Screen owner, regardless of who built it, on github.

The TGIF Spot screen package is available to every TGIF Spot owner and/or anyone that wants to convert a 3.5" or 2.4 " Nextion Screen into a TGIF Spot.
All the information to rebuld the a TGIF Hotspot IS Commonly Available on github.

The only part that is NOT commonly available is the source code for the screens that make up the TGIF Hotspot.
How many software packages do YOU have where you have the source code?

The TGIF Spot Instructions for Installation are also commonly available on Mitch EA7KDO' web site.

Technical Support is Available from Several sources including the TGIF Forum.
KD6QFO Rating: 2020-08-03
High Cost, Proprietary display driver, No Refunds! Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I purchased this TGIF Hotspot a few days ago. When received, I looked for supporting software, manual, etc on sellers website. None of which to be found. My goal with any device like this is to take a backup at the very start and be able to build a new software setup from scratch in the event I need one. I should have seen the red flags with lack of documentation and poor website.

I asked the seller for the software components, locations so I can build a fresh install to learn and have as a backup. The seller pretty much said, the display driver is not available, not posted for download, etc. He recommended I clone the original card, which I would do anyways. But, the issue is that he will not provide the display files if you need to rebuild.

Looking at the device, its okay, it should be, its a Pi, but you can save a lot of money and learn more by building your own and sticking with a commonly available display drivers. Also strong focus on the TGIF network puts me off.

The included instructions are all in caps. No manual available to view or download. Constant referals the the TGIF network.

I contacted the seller and requested a refund (Hotspot still in box). He said "No Refunds". Buyer beware, pay by credit card to get protection.

My recommendation is to avoid this product and stick with a well supported Zumspot or Openspot.

Thanks for reading and stay safe.
AD0LR Rating: 2020-07-29
Good design, easy setup, it just works! Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
This is another hotspot in my collection. I purchased this because I did not have time to build my own and work out the bugs. I chose this over the OpenSpot 3 because of the built in touch screen. I use these while driving (i drive over 60 thousand miles per year). Having the touch screen allows me to make adjustments if needed without getting my phone or computer spun up to pi-star. I really like the display and the volume of information that is at your finger tips.

Having a power off button is also a selling point for me.

It could use a little better documentation but honestly google pi-star or call (on radio or phone) the maker and you will get your answers.

Good build, sturdy case and awesome customer service!
W5WWA Rating: 2020-07-29
Rock Solid Build. Super Quick Support. Owned 2-years. Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I bought this TGIF Hotspot after owning a Rugged Spot, which cost way more and took over 3 months to receive. As a Professional Graphic Designer and Web Site Builder, I have created designs for over 46 years and web pages and supporting code for such pages by going to school and learning the trade. I have a large amount of capitol invested in my degrees and education. What does this have to do with TGIF's Hotspot? EVERY THING. This spot was created by a group of folks and turned into a small company to help ham radio operators get into Digital Voice Communications. They have built one of the finest spots out there.

TGIF is a Good, Well Built, Hotspot. Great Support - Actually the best ever in my experience. I would give it 5 stars for sure.

KB7BYI Rating: 2020-07-28
An Excellent HotSpot made by a fantastic Ham! Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
I have owned my 3.5 TGIFSPOT from K4WZV for going on 5 months. I can't say enough about the quality of the build. And the level of support that I have received from Robert K4WZV. Whenever I have questions about the HotSpot itself, or about the excellent Nextion screen developed by EA7KDO, Mitch. Robert is right there to help me. Robert is the epitome of what a Ham should be. For anyone in the market to purchase a HotSpot, I highly recommend you check out the selection that Robert has on is website. You won't regret it. And don't forget to join all of us on the TGIF network!
K9SAH Rating: 2020-07-27
Best hot-spot out there Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
I have used these hot-spots for a while now. They are great and the customer service is second to none. I highly recommend this product.
KJ4BTC Rating: 2020-07-26
Great Product Works Perfectly Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I have just purchased my third hot spot from TGIF Hotspot. I have 2 JR spots ,one for mobile and the other for a second radio. My main purchase is the 3.5 in Nexeon Screen worked perfectly right out of the box. Robert provides excellent service after purchase. Robert calls back all ways.