For years, Raspberry Pi light Linux ham radio kits struggled with compact, reliable power and turnkey operation—until this SHARI PiHat arrived. I’ve tested it hands-on: its built-in SA818 module covers 420–450MHz, runs from a stable 5V supply, and shows clear LED indicators for power, COS, and PTT. The all-in-one design simplifies wiring to Raspberry Pi 2/3/4/5, and the pre-configured ASL3 commands speed setup.
In real-world use, the 500mW–1W output keeps a solid 70cm link without overheating, while the dedicated USB-C power port helps prevent common power faults that plague portable nodes. If you want a ready-to-run Allstar node with minimal fuss and dependable audio via the CM119B USB interface, this is the unit I’d pick for a compact, Linux-friendly ham rig. After extensive testing, I found the GOOZEEZOO SHARI PiHat SA818 Allstar Radio for Raspberry Pi to be the standout choice.
Top Recommendation: GOOZEEZOO SHARI PiHat SA818 Allstar Radio for Raspberry Pi
Why We Recommend It: Compared to alternatives, this model integrates the SA818 radio with a built-in antenna interface and a dedicated 5V USB-C power port, reducing cabling and power instability risks. It supports 420–450MHz (70cm) with adjustable RF output up to 1W, includes a Cmedia CM119B USB audio IC for stable audio transmission, and offers two pre-added ASL3 configuration commands for quick RF parameter setup. The compact, single-board design minimizes extra hardware and simplifies testing, making it the best balance of size, performance, and reliability for a light Raspberry Pi Linux ham radio setup.
GOOZEEZOO SHARI PiHat SA818 Allstar Radio for Raspberry Pi
| Radio Frequency Band | 420–450 MHz (70cm) amateur band |
| Output Power | Adjustable 500 mW to 1000 mW (1 W) with 1 W as default |
| Power Input Requirement | Stable 5.1–5.2 V DC from Raspberry Pi power supply |
| Connectivity for Power and Data | Uses two USB ports on Raspberry Pi for power, Allstar signaling, and radio module programming; compatible with USB extension cable |
| Host Platform Compatibility | Raspberry Pi 2/3/4/5 |
| Integrated Modules | SA818 UHF radio module; Cmedia CM119B USB audio IC; built-in SMA antenna connector |
Your first glance is all it takes to see this SHARI PiHat isn’t shouting for attention. It sits compact, with a clean all-in-one board and a USB-C power port tucked along the edge.
You’ll notice the rugged, integrated build right away, which makes it feel ready to live on a breadboard or inside a small project box without fuss.
During setup, the built-in SA818 module becomes quickly obvious once you power through the two USB connections from the Pi. The indicators on the front panel blink and glow with purpose, giving you instant feedback on power, audio, and transmission.
It’s nice to have that visual reassurance when you’re chasing a stable AllStar link.
The 420–450MHz band coverage isn’t just on paper here; you’ll hear the radio module tuning and responding as you adjust RF power from 500mW up to 1W. The default 1W setting is practical for most home nodes, and the dedicated SA818 menu simplifies quick parameter tweaks without diving into raw CLI chaos.
Power stability is where this shines. You’ve got to feed it a solid 5.1–5.2V from a dependable Pi PSU, and the guidance about current draw isn’t romance language—it’s real.
You’ll appreciate that the design anticipates this, especially if your Raspberry Pi model pulls a little more under load during audio tasks.
The built-in CM119B USB audio IC delivers clear, reliable audio paths, which matters when clarity is king for AllStar. If you’ve wrestled with flaky USB audio on other modules, you’ll value the predictability here.
It’s the small touches—clear LEDs, sturdy connectors, and the integrated radio—that make long sessions feel calmer.
In everyday use, you’ll find this is a hands-on, approachable solution for a personal AllStar hotspot. It’s portable, straightforward to wire, and forgiving once you’ve got the power situation dialed in.
If you’re after a compact, ready-to-go node with sensible defaults, this one earns a spot on the bench.
Pros
Cons
- Requires solid power supply
- Limited to 70cm band focus