¶ IPSC3 POC Radio User Guide
IPSC3 POC turns a supported handheld Android radio into a dedicated push-to-talk radio for the IPSC3 network. It starts automatically with the radio, stays connected in the background, and is operated using the radio's physical buttons.
¶ Day and Night Display
| Day mode | Night mode |
|---|---|
 |
 |
Day mode provides a high-contrast light panel, while Night mode reduces brightness for low-light operation. Automatic mode selects between them using local time and location information.
¶ Supported Radios
| Radio | Platform | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Retevis L71 | Android API 27+ | Physical PTT, menu, function and volume/channel controls. |
| Udo 8900 | Android 8.1 | Physical PTT, P2 function key and dedicated person buttons. |
The installer checks the connected radio model and installs the correct software. IPSC3 POC is intended for these supported radios and will not run as a general phone application.
¶ Installing or Updating a Radio
- Download the current IPSC3 POC installer for Windows or macOS.
- Extract the downloaded ZIP file before opening the installer.
- Select the initial IPSC3 server. The installer selects the radio model automatically after detection.
- Enter the operator callsign and add each required Radio ID from the lookup results. The first preset is used initially.
- Connect the powered-on radio by USB when prompted.
- Select Detect connected radio, then select Install.
- Wait for the success message before disconnecting the USB cable.
- Open the installer's Wi-Fi tab to scan for and configure the radio's network when required.
Running the installer again updates an existing radio. The installer can also load and edit its address book and preset SMS messages without a full reinstall. The Talkgroup Filters tab configures scan-only include/exclude lists and complete-radio talkgroup include/exclude lists. Leave a list blank for unrestricted operation; exclude lists take priority. The Wi-Fi tab can show connection status, scan nearby networks, configure open or WPA2 Wi-Fi, and forget networks previously managed by IPSC3. Wi-Fi passwords are handled as one-time requests and are not printed in the installer log.
¶ Basic Operation
| Control | Operation |
|---|---|
| PTT | Press and hold to request the channel. Begin speaking after the permit tone or TX indication, then release when finished. |
| Menu | Open the main menu or select the highlighted item. |
| Red key | Go back one menu level. On the normal radio screen it does not close the app. |
| Up and down | Change volume or talkgroup according to the radio model and selected control mode. |
The main screen shows the selected talkgroup and connection state. During a call it shows the caller's callsign and name when that information is available. The audio meter indicates receive or transmit level.
¶ Retevis L71
- Up and down normally adjust the radio's master volume.
- The volume/channel key changes up and down between volume and talkgroup selection.
- The Function Button performs the action selected in Settings.
¶ Udo 8900
- Up and down always select the previous or next talkgroup.
- The radio's hardware volume control adjusts speaker volume.
- The one-person button opens the Direct Call contacts.
- The two-person button cancels a direct call and returns to talkgroup 505.
- The P2 key performs the action selected in Settings and defaults to Day/Night mode.
- In games, the single-person key moves left, the red key moves right, and P1 exits.
¶ Calls and Messages
Direct Call calls a saved contact by Radio ID. Selecting a talkgroup or returning to the call channel cancels direct-call mode. An incoming direct call is shown on the display and remains selected briefly so it can be answered.
SMS can send a preset message to a saved contact or reply to a received message. An envelope icon indicates unread messages. Messages can be read or deleted from the SMS menu. Contacts and preset messages are managed with the Windows or macOS installer.
¶ BT01 Bluetooth Microphone
A paired BT01 Bluetooth speaker microphone can operate IPSC3 POC on either supported radio. Pair the microphone in Android Bluetooth settings before use.
- Press and hold the BT01 PTT button to transmit using the Bluetooth microphone. Release it to stop transmitting.
- The app allows a short Bluetooth audio-routing delay before requesting transmit. Wait for the normal permit indication before speaking.
- Holding the BT01 SOS button runs the action assigned to the radio's programmable Function Key or P2 Key.
- If the microphone disconnects during transmit, the app releases PTT automatically.
¶ Settings
- Location enables or disables position reporting.
- Screen saver controls screen sleep and its timeout.
- Display mode selects Day, Night or automatic mode.
- Rotation selects 0, 90 or 270 degree screen orientation on the Udo 8900.
- Permit Tone enables the indication heard when PTT is granted.
- Tone Volume adjusts indication tones from 0 to 5.
- Mic Gain applies 0, -3 or -6 dB attenuation from the calibrated microphone level.
- Function Key or P2 Key selects the shortcut assigned to that radio button.
- Anti Kerchunk suppresses very short received transmissions and can be set to Off, 400 ms or 600 ms.
- Vol/Chan Fallback controls automatic return to volume mode on the L71.
- Loudness controls the Udo 8900 receive-audio pad.
- Web server enables the local status and SMS browser interface and shows its IP address and port.
- About shows the installed version, release, release date, current LAN IP address, copyright and project website.
- Radio ID selects one of the identities provisioned by the installer. Arbitrary Radio IDs cannot be entered on the radio.
¶ Local Web Interface
Enable Settings > Web server, then open the displayed IP
address on port 8080 from a browser on the same local network.
The page shows live radio status and provides access to an automatically refreshed SMS inbox,
installed contacts, preset messages, replies, message deletion, operator
settings, talkgroup filters and an ordered address book editor. It follows the radio's current
Day or Night display mode.
The Settings page accepts comma-separated talkgroup IDs for Scan include, Scan exclude, TG include and TG exclude. Scan filters apply only in scan mode. TG include is a complete allowlist and TG exclude is a complete denylist for normal group operation; exclude lists take priority. Leave fields blank for unrestricted operation. The radio reconnects automatically after these filters are saved.
The web interface has no PIN and is disabled by default. Any device that can reach the enabled radio can read its messages, send SMS as that radio, edit contacts and change operator settings. Switch it off when remote access is not required. Voice PTT, Radio ID and server changes, credentials, and radio administration are not available through the web interface.
¶ Status Lights
- Green patterns indicate online idle or receive activity.
- Solid red indicates transmit.
- Repeated red patterns indicate the radio is offline.
- A message alert pattern indicates an unread SMS.
Some radios also have a manufacturer-controlled light. This may continue to show its normal hardware indication independently of IPSC3 POC.
¶ Network Alerts and Administration
A network administrator can send a call alert to the radio. The display wakes, an alert tone sounds, and a full-screen call alert is shown briefly.
An administratively disabled radio shows a red DISABLED screen with instructions to contact the network administrators. Transmit, receive, messaging and radio controls remain unavailable until a network administrator re-enables the radio. Presence and enabled location reporting continue so the radio remains visible and manageable on the roaming dashboard. The disabled state is retained if the radio or app is restarted.
¶ Troubleshooting
¶ The radio shows Offline or Error
- Check that WiFi or mobile data is connected.
- Confirm that the selected IPSC3 server is available.
- Open the server menu and reconnect or select another available server.
¶ The radio asks for a firmware upgrade
Download the current installer and run the installation again. The installer selects the correct software for the connected radio.
¶ No location is shown
Confirm that Location is enabled. The first satellite position may require taking the radio outdoors with a clear view of the sky. A previously learned indoor location may be used later when the radio recognises the same local network.
¶ No audio is heard
- Increase the radio's master media volume.
- Confirm the radio is online and on the intended talkgroup.
- Use the IPSC3 parrot service to check transmit and receive audio.
IPSC3 POC is intended for authorised amateur-radio operation. Follow the licence conditions and operating requirements that apply in your location.