You dont have to have an expensive node if all you want to do is use DVSWITCH. You dont need a radio modem so the cost is under $50 depending on what cost the PI is running at the time. You will need a PI a case a fan and a power supply. Many times this will come in a kit or you can get a case kit with a power supply.
Just get yourself a raspberry pi3 doesn’t matter if its a A or a B
A PI 3 A has no lan port and only 1 usb port and is smaller it requires a smaller case. They make great nodes and cost less. Since they only have 1 usb port you need a USB hub to connect a keyboard and a sound card. However for a DVSWITCH node the USB port wont even be used.
A PI3B and 3B+ has 2 USB ports and a LAN jack.
And you need a good Memory card. WARNING the cheep cards are often fake memory, Be sure you use a name brand card in a clamshell not lose cards. https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/how-to-spot-fake-microsd-card/ You also need to scan the memory cards with the fake memory card scanner after you buy them to make sure they are real and you can return them under the return window. A fake memory card will lie about its size and overwrite old files to simulate a large card. They are designed to fail after the Amazon return window closes. This scam works for cameras as you still see your old photos you just cant load them. Its disaster for a pi because it erases the OS as it fills up. It will also corrupt if you reboot because the fake os in the card will crash. Most of the reported card crashes on nodes are due to fake cards.
You need to signup for node numbers and enter them into the pi
Download from GMRS LIve the image connect a monitor and a keyboard and boot up the PI enter your node numbers.
To setup for DV Switch install my node manager as follows.
Drop to a shell and type
cd /tmp/
wget https://raw.githubusercontent.com/tmastersmart/gmrs_live/main/install.php
php install.php
Using the above menu Install Supermon and DVswitch one click installs.
This software is subject to change and the newer version will include a GMRS version of supermon.
he software will give you your DV switch settings to enter in your phone. Remember you should not enter your IP address use the Dynamic dns service of gmrslive if your node is 123 enter 123.node.gmrslive.com
You will also need to open the port number on your router. All routers are different so you will have to looks this up for your router. The PI will also need a static IP that wont change you do this in you router by finding your PI and reserving the IP for it.
IF you have questions post them here. Or if you need help. If you live in Louisiana I will build you one for free if you provide the parts.
Update there is now a small DVSWITCH only installer. Here
cd /tmp
wget https://raw.githubusercontent.com/tmastersmart/gmrs_live/main/install_dvswitch.php
php install_dvswitch.php