HAM Radio the Explosion of Digital and why the Growth in CANADA

This subject of digital as in DMR is an Exploding system compared to anything in HAM Radio, bar none, and has been for many years as a dynamic mode that is often changing.   A mode that is challenging the HAM radio community's user base as it evolves. This compared to the stagnant water of any "anything" or mode in Amateur HAM Radio.

A network from it's inception that offered a single manufacture and commercial (M0torola public service) grade devices is now offering numerous hardware manufactures, important to note that no other HAM Radio mode offers as many hardware devices to select from when purchasing. The on "fire" prices are beneficial to the consumer as value for money and the wise understand this when choosing from one of many digital modes, as found in the many affordable devices that are offered in Digital Mobile Radio DMR market. The cost of DMR device almost comparing and rival inferior FM analog transceivers.

Benefits include:  device firmware exploits from known operators like Travis to Ty many new features, for the benefits of the end user or ham radio operator.  With dismal advances in any other aspect of the radio hobby this is welcome change and may stimulate old bones in other areas of the hobby HAM radio.

To the surprise and joy of many in the DMR community the introduction of Hotspots and its popularity continue to evolve and explode the digital user base, with the ability to shift users moving to self empowered devices and also have the option to use the many repeaters as backup if available for communication tools.

Canada 150: Special Event Prefixes for Canada’s Sesquicentennial

As previously announced at the Dayton Hamvention, Radio Amateurs of Canada has secured permission for all Canadian Radio Amateurs to use special call sign prefixes to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Canada's Confederation.
National, regional and local events will take place throughout 2017 to celebrate the anniversary and Canadian Amateurs will let their counterparts around the world know of our celebration by using the following special prefixes:

• Amateurs and clubs whose regular call signs start with VA will be able to use the CF prefix instead of VA (for example, VA3RAC will be authorized to use the CF3RAC call sign).
• Amateurs and clubs whose regular call signs start with VE will be able to use the CG prefix instead of VE (e.g., VE4RAC will be authorized to use CG4RAC).
• Amateurs and clubs whose regular call signs start with VO will be able to use the CH prefix instead of VO (e.g., VO1RAC will be authorized to use CH1RAC).
• Amateurs and clubs whose regular call signs start with VY will be able to use the CI prefix instead of VY (e.g., VY2RAC will be authorized to use CI2RAC).

These special prefixes are optional and Amateurs can choose if and when to use the special prefix vs their normal prefix at any time during the year. Stay tuned to the RAC website for additional information
For more information on Canada150 visit http://canada.pch.gc.ca/eng/1342792785740

 https://wp.rac.ca/special-event-canada150/

Complete Brandmeister Reflectors List / Complete Brandmeister Talkgroups List

Brandmeister Reflectors / Talkgroups List
Canadian examples

BrandMaster/BrandMeister is an operating software for master servers participating in a worldwide infrastructure network of amateur radio digital voice systems.

Brandmeister/Brandmaster - Brandmeister is German and Brandmaster is English.

Reflector vs Talkgroups

One of the big things I hear on Brandmeister is … What are the talkgroups? Well here they are. One thing you have to remember is reflectors and talkgroups are two different things.

Reflectors range from 4000-4999 and are a link to a talkgroup. If you are on a DMR repeater and on timeslot 2 talkgroup 9 you can access a reflector as a private call to that reflector. Do a private call to that number, key up for a few seconds and then unkey. You will get a british female voice come back to you letting you know the number you are connected to.

Doing a private call to 5000 will tell you what you are connected to,  and a manual dial to 4000 will disconnect you.

Mobile Radio (No Keypad) BrandMeister ::
Using Un-programmed Codeplug - To make things easy, just program your radio for the "talkgroups".
For example
1. reflector 4639 and talkgroup 3100 are the same thing.
2. Create a Private Call and Talkgroup each for the REF4639/talkgroup.
3. Just program your radio for TimeSlot 2 talkgroup 3100 and you are there. No manual dial needed.
4. When you are finished with your conversation, you can either disconnect using a created Contact and group “REF4000” keyup or the reflector will timeout after five (5) minutes of inactivity.

***** comment below or share information something that outlines setup for mobile and Brandmeister/Brandmaster

Handheld Keypad BrandMeister ::
Using Preprogrammed Codeplug
1. Dial your radio to the “VE3YYZ Local” channel.
2. Select the reflector name (e.g. REF4326) from the Contacts list in your radio.
3. With the reflector name highlighted, key your PTT. This will initiate a Private Call to that reflector and establishing your connection.
4. Exit from the Contacts menu in your radio. You can now make your call on that reflector using the VE3YYZ Local channel.
5. When you are finished with your conversation, you can either disconnect using the Contact “REF4000” or the reflector will timeout after five (5) minutes of inactivity.


Complete Brandmeister Reflectors List / Complete Brandmeister Talkgroups
http://brandmeisternetwork.blogspot.com/


"250" : Russia
"2501" : Russia Global
"2502" : XRF250 Bridge
"2505" : bridge to Radiocult
"9504" : *RUSSIA* (EchoLink)
"9" : DMR Reflector
"255" : Ukraine
"655" : South Africa
"1" : Local
"2" : Local
"91" : World-wide
"92" : Europe
"93" : North America
"95" : Australia, New Zeland
"910" : German
"911" : French
"913" : English
"914" : Spanish
"915" : Portuguese

MORE

Top 10 DMR Users Most Active Repeater and for Canada

The chart below show the top 10 active DMR users for the last 24 hours. This taken from the LastHeard logging website ve2tax_com Stats values daily.

Last 24 hours stats

The below stats show the top 10 active DMR users most used for the week. This taken from the LastHeard logging website ve2tax_com Stats values 7 days or weekly.

Last 7 days stats

The Wouxun KG-D901

Last year we broke the news about a new portable DMR radio, the KG-D901. We announced it on our blog, covered it in Episode 99 of the Two Way Radio Show Podcast, and gave the world a first look at it in our Wouxun KG-D901 preview video.

Yes, it was certainly news, but it wasn't just about the radio itself. What made this newsworthy was the fact it was the first DMR from Wouxun, and it was an announcement of their plan to enter the digital radio market. Now their entrance is official. The Wouxun KG-D901 DMR Digital Two Way Radio has arrived!

Since we've told you about the radio already, we won't repeat it all here. The info and specs on the Wouxun KG-D901 are available at Buy Two Way Radios, and now, so is the radio!

There is just one thing to note. At the time of this publication, the Wouxun KG-D901 is currently available in a very limited quantity, so if you want to be one of the first to have it, you may want to get it now.

 

Multi Mode dual band mobile transceiver 2m / 70cm FM D-STAR C4FM and DMR

This article introduces a new multi mode radio from the Netherlands, An all-in-one;  2m / 70cm dual band mobile transceiver (see picture) with FM, D-STAR, C4FM and DMR

The absolute highlight of the day was the presentation of the first NEWRADIO Funkgeräts which Funkamateuren of amateur radio was developed.  A 2m / 70cm dual band mobile transceiver (see picture) with FM, D-STAR, C4FM and DMR. As Herzstueck "working" a 1.8 GHz processor with Linux Betriebssystem and 2 pcs. AMBE + chips, which the simultaneous listening or Send / listening of two digital Betriebsarten permit. 

An LTE Phone modem with SIM card works connect to the Internet, and thus will relay lists (with frequency, storage, etc.) and user list (call ID) automatically loaded. The code plug program necklaces belongs to the Past and awareness.

For more information and pictures in the next QSP and especially after hamvention in DAYTON USA where this NEWRADIO mobile transceiver will have the official presentation.

DMR membership by country - Mototrbo DMR Growth Trend

Mototrbo DMR Growth Trend :

An interesting breakdown of DMR membership by country

8,821 DMR Contacts UNITED-STATES
9,458 DMR Contacts USA-CANADA
20,263 DMR Contacts WORLD-WIDE

Summary of files containing DMR IDs and Callsigns grouped by Country

Brought to you by VA3AGV, Last updated: 2015-09-21

The Full list: REPORT :

• DMR-MARC Network - http://dmrnetwork.blogspot.com/

------ -------------------------------------------------
IDs Country
------ -------------------------------------------------

37 DMR Contacts CANADA ALBERTA
61 DMR Contacts CANADA BRITISH-COLUMBIA
17 DMR Contacts CANADA MANITOBA
24 DMR Contacts CANADA NEW-BRUNSWICK
1 DMR Contacts CANADA NEWFOUNDLAND
3 DMR Contacts CANADA NOVA-SCOTIA
373 DMR Contacts CANADA ONTARIO
1 DMR Contacts CANADA PRINCE-EDWARD-ISLAND
120 DMR Contacts CANADA QUEBEC

637 DMR Contacts CANADA
101 DMR Contacts CHILE
230 DMR Contacts FRANCE
2,844 DMR Contacts GERMANY
5 DMR Contacts GREECE
2 DMR Contacts NAMIBIA
780 DMR Contacts NETHERLANDS
146 DMR Contacts NEW-ZEALAND
1 DMR Contacts NORTHERN-IRELAND
183 DMR Contacts NORWAY
1,775 DMR Contacts UNITED-KINGDOM
35 DMR Contacts UNITED-STATES ALABAMA

DMR NET Canada

DMR NET Canada 

Starting :  January 2016
Date :  Sunday Nights at 9:00 p.m EST

Notification to be sent out to all Repeater Owner to share with local users two weeks before the Start :  2016

DMR UHF Net Canada
http://dmrnet.blogspot.ca/  ...please vote.

Hytera repeater network is NOT part of DMR-MARC

The Hytera repeater network is NOT part of DMR-MARC, nor will it ever be. That is an independent DMR network with an incompatible IPSC platform. MotoTRBO repeaters are required for all DMR-MARC affiliates.

Read from :  DMR-Marc.net  
http://www.dmr-marc.net/repeaters.html

Digital Voice Standards - MicroHAMS Digital Conference 2015

John Hays from Northwest Digital Radio, does a great job of comparing the major digital voice options we have for Amateur Radio. He covers D-Star, DMR, System Fusion from Yaesu and the only Open Source option: FreeDV. The first three all use the same AMBE vocoder so these systems have a lot in common. Even so, they are not too compatible.

But John has a treat for us. He has developed a controller board that will all the Yaesu DR-1X System Fusion Repeater to upgrade from Dual-Mode to Tri-Mode and run D-Star, System Fusion and traditional Analog FM all in one box. Scrub ahead to 42:16 if you want to dive right into this part of his talk.

DV4mini news (D-STAR and DMR HotSpot)

DV4mini news (D-STAR and DMR HotSpot):

Advance Notice

NEW! Production has started, price and lead time will be announced after

HAM RADIO fair. NEW!

One of the first (or even the first?) D-Star and DMR Hotspots worldwide!

Reservations: If you want to be part of the first production run you can reserve a DV4mini (not binding).
Just send us a note using the contact form of the shop.
We will then reserve the quantity and you will be notified at your email address as soon as an official order can be made.

DV4mini is a tiny but powerful USB stick that can change any PC into a HOTSPOT for the modes D-Star and DMR (C4FM Fusion is being prepared).
It contains a powerful 32-bit micro controller as well as a complete 70cm transceiver and modulator/demodulator for GMSK and 4FSK (including raised cosine) as well as a USB interface.
It does not require its own power supply as it is powered through the USB interface.
Thanks to a power saving voltage transformer even older USB interfaces will suffice.
It will be shipped with a comprehensive but simple to use software package which allows for the linking with DCS reflectors for both D-Star and DMR reflectors.

For Digital Voice enthusiasts: your handheld radio is no longer gathering dust.
This hotspot brings the D-Star or DMR reflector directly into your shack.

For DV Power Users: It is possible to plug several of these sticks into a PC, thus allowing simultaneous operation with several reflectors (even D-Star and DMR mixed).
Well if you so desire you can fully use all your USB sockets with DV4minis and create a DV Center that way.

For home brewers: the DV4mini runs well on single board computers e.g. Raspberry, BananaPi, Odroid etc.
The minimum requirement is a Dual-Core. Such a hotspot would only need a few Watts and be useable in continuous service.

Multiple DMR ID's and Talkgroups

Some people have a different DMR ID for their mobile and portable. I have one ID, since I'm not going to be using my rigs at the same time. I personally think it's a best practice to have only 1 or 2 IDs. So, the answer to your questions no, it is definitely NOT necessary to take out an ID for each radio. You can use one for all of them.

You can listen to all the talk groups on a repeater, just simply program a channel for each talk group. With DMR, you pretty much treat each talk group as a separate channel, which is a bit different than analog, obviously.

Audio Quality: Dstar vs. P25 vs. DMR

I have no experience with D-STAR but I've heard complaints from other hams about D* audio quality. You are not alone. I do have experience with Kenwood NEXEDGE, iCom iDAS, P25 (phase 1), and DMR/MOTOTRBO.

From my experiences, Kenwood's NEXEDGE (NXDN) and Icom's iDAS (also NXDN) sound very much like P25. The differences are subtle and it's hard to tell which sounds better or more natural sounding compared to the other. OTOH, DMR totally blows away P25 and NXDN, still sounding a little nasily but much more natural and less robotic than P25 or NXDN. It follows that DMR would also blow away D* in overall audio quality.

My vote for best digital 2-way communications audio is DMR.

Lately I've been selling off my Kenwood NEXEDGE (NXDN) digital radios and going with DMR all the way.

http://forums.radioreference.com/digital-voice-amateur-use/259366-audio-quality-dstar-vs-p25-vs-dmr.html

From what I have experienced with D-Star you'll have to be next to the repeater if you have a handheld or if you have a mobile d star capable radio you'll have a better chance accessing the system. The audio is some what garble or R2/D2 robot voice when someone isn't close enough.

NXDN is popular in my area but when I try to talk to the locals on NXDN it's like talking to the dead silent but when someone else is talking everyone responds. Audio is nice.

Now for MotoTRBO aka DMR as it better known as for the past 5 months now I am happy that I made the switch to this digital mode. I currently own MotorolaXPR 5550 mobile & XPR 655o both 440mhz radios. I like the sound of DMR sounds good.

Haven't tried p25 as of yet.

Making Private Calls

There are actually four types of calls on DMR: "Private", group, All-Call, and Data calls (Text Messaging).

The general feeling of most network operators in the Amateur networks is to discourage "Private" calls because they tie up time slots and other users will not know why.  If you really feel you want a "Private" call use your cellphone. The use of All-CALL is also discouraged except for emergency type use. Data calls (Text messaging) uses very little bandwidth and works fine locally but may not work across the bridges unless they are configured for it.

A repeater operator can also implement RAS (Restricted Access to System) with Key Authentication and keep all the Non-Mototrbo radios from using the system (as they do not support this technology), this will also keep non-authenicated radios from listening to group calls on the RAS enabled repeaters. RAS also allows the repeater operator to lock out individual user IDs, or only allow access to authorized user IDs.

In Canada, encryption is allowed in amateur radio unlike the US.

"Private" calls are not really private, my radio has the option of allowing me to hear ALL calls on a time-slot.

Dstar vs Dmr rx only

You can make your own minds up from this, my icom 5100 is rx via raspi the dp3600 is rx via gb7mb both work great , I would have done fusion also but not a sausage on it up here ..a dead mode

Toronto on the DMR network of 130+ repeaters

It's great to have Toronto on the network of 130+ repeaters now. Our growth has been very strong over the last 3 years. We are in 11 countries now with over 2200 users. We expect Italy to be online very soon. We're offering something that is very new and innovative at http://dmr-marc.net. If you want to join us, we're a tech savvy crew and we have some real neat tools to make sure our network is very reliable and efficient. We only require the MOTOTRBO repeaters since we want to commonize the architecture to a compatible top level and achieve the highest reliability so that our volunteer staff doesn't have to spend hours troubleshooting issues. However, Since DMR is an international standard, you can use several mobiles and portables from Motorola, Vertex Standard, Tait, Kirisun, Hytera, Simoco, the Harris radios that are made by Hytera, and other smaller Chinese startup DMR manufacturers. Do some digging as Dave suggested and you will find the radios are sold by tiers. Some radios lack features and are dirt cheap. Some have all the bells and whistles and cost more. I've seen DMR radios go for as low as $200 new and as high as $625 new, depending on what features you get and from what distributor. XPR8400 Repeaters are less than $2000 USD and contain all you need to get on the network aside from a duplexer and antenna Do your homework and talk to someone who has a TRBO system on the air and ask them what they think. Don't just take our word for it. 73.