We Explain & Discuss “Talk Groups” On The February 3rd DMR Tech Net At 7:30pm ET

Posted on January 30, 2025

This Monday night will be a discussion of the different DMR Talk Groups available for you to use.  Your question on Monday will be letting the DMR Tech Net team know the talk groups you monitor.

 

Join us on Brandmeister Talk Group 31266 (Michigan Nets channel) for the DMR Tech Net on Monday, February 3rd starting at 7:30 PM ET.  The net will conclude at 8:25pm to allow time to QSY over to BrandMeister talk group 3126 for the Michigan One DMR Net (which begins at 8:30 PM ET).

 

Every Monday night, join the DMR Tech Net as we try to make Digital Mobile Radio (DMR) easier to understand and fun to use!  If you have a topic suggestion for a future DMR Tech Net, please let us know!  Send the email to Dana@dmrtechnet.net

 

The DMR Tech Net website has an Excel spreadsheet with a list of talk groups on different DMR networks and modes, including BrandMeister, TGIF, FreeDMR, YSF, D-Star Reflectors, D-Star Repeaters, M17, and Michigan talk groups on BM & TGIF.  https://dmrtechnet.net/home-2/talk-groups/

To read this week’s newsletter in depth, click the attached .pdf or click this link:

Understanding Talk Groups in DMR Networks & Modes

In Digital Mobile Radio (DMR), a talk group (TG) functions like a virtual chat room that allows multiple users to communicate without interrupting others. Unlike traditional analog repeaters, where everyone hears all transmissions, DMR talk groups organize communication by topic, geography, or purpose.

Different DMR networks and digital voice modes use various names for talk groups, but they all serve the same purpose: grouping users together for organized communication. Below is a breakdown of the alternative names for talk groups across different networks and modes.

  1. DMR Networks & Their Talk Group Names
DMR Network Alternative Names for Talk Groups Notes
BrandMeister Talk Groups (TGs) Most flexible system, allows dynamic and static TGs.
TGIF Network Talk Groups (TGs) User-created TGs available with admin approval.
FreeDMR Talk Groups (TGs) Repeater owners can create their own TGs.
DMR+ Reflectors Used for linking repeaters instead of traditional TGs.
DMR-MARC Talk Groups (TGs) Predefined and structured TGs only.
AmComm (formerly DCI) Talk Groups (TGs) Limited to specific emergency and community communications.
  1. Other Digital Voice Modes & Their Equivalent Terms
Digital Mode Alternative Name for Talk Groups Notes
D-STAR Reflectors Similar to TGs but must be linked manually.
System Fusion (YSF / Wires-X) Rooms (Reflectors) Called “Rooms” on Wires-X and YSF Reflectors on hotspots.
NXDN RAN Groups (Radio Access Number) Functions like TGs but based on RAN codes.
P25 Talk Groups (TGs) Directly uses the term “Talk Groups.”
M17 Talk Groups (TGs) Similar to DMR but open-source.
AllStarLink Nodes Each node is a separate connection like a TG.
EchoLink Conference Servers Used for multi-user connections.

Key Differences Across Modes

  • DMR & P25 use “Talk Groups” as the standard term.
  • D-STAR & YSF use “Reflectors” or “Rooms” instead.
  • NXDN relies on “RAN Groups,” which function similarly to TGs but use a different numbering system.
  • AllStarLink & EchoLink focus on “Nodes” and “Conference Servers,” which serve the same purpose as TGs.

Different DMR networks and modes implement talk groups in various ways, each with its own pros and cons. Let’s break it down by network and mode:

  1. BrandMeister (BM) Network

Overview:
BrandMeister is an open and dynamic DMR network where users can create, manage, and link talk groups freely.

Pros:
✅ Huge selection of talk groups (international, regional, special interests).
✅ Users can create their own dynamic talk groups.
✅ Supports cross-mode linking (YSF, NXDN, D-STAR, etc.).
✅ Real-time TG management via the BrandMeister dashboard.

Cons:
❌ Can be chaotic due to unrestricted user-generated TGs.
❌ Dynamic TGs require regular PTT activity to stay active.
❌ Less centralized control can lead to inconsistency in network policies.

  1. TGIF Network

Overview:
TGIF is a more community-driven DMR network that allows customized talk groups but with a slightly more structured approach than BrandMeister.

Pros:
✅ Easier for users to create and manage personal TGs.
✅ More community engagement with active discussions.
✅ Less congestion compared to BrandMeister.

Cons:
❌ Fewer users than BrandMeister, so some TGs may be inactive.
❌ Requires user registration for premium TG access.
❌ Can be harder to find active talk groups.

  1. DMR+ Network

Overview:
DMR+ is a structured network, mostly used in Europe and managed by regional administrators. It has static talk groups tied to repeaters.

Pros:
✅ More consistent and controlled environment.
✅ Reduces overuse of dynamic TGs.
✅ Strong network backbone with dedicated server management.

Cons:
❌ Less flexibility in talk group creation.
❌ Harder to experiment with dynamic TGs.
❌ Primarily focused on repeater-based access, limiting hotspot use.

  1. FreeDMR

Overview:
FreeDMR is a relatively new network that gives repeater owners full control over talk groups, similar to BrandMeister but with more administrative oversight.

Pros:
✅ Offers both static and dynamic TGs.
✅ Allows repeater owners to set custom TG rules.
✅ No network-wide restrictions, allowing tailored configurations.

Cons:
❌ Less popular than BrandMeister or TGIF, so activity is lower.
❌ Requires admin approval for some TGs.

  1. DMR-MARC & AmComm Networks

Overview:
DMR-MARC is one of the oldest DMR networks, known for its strict talk group structure. AmComm (formerly DCI) operates similarly.

Pros:
✅ Well-managed TG assignments.
✅ High reliability and solid infrastructure.
✅ Used by many commercial and emergency services.

Cons:
❌ Less flexibility—users can’t create TGs.
❌ Static TGs are often locked to specific regions.
❌ Harder to experiment or engage with non-traditional TGs.

  1. Cross-Mode Talk Groups (YSF, D-STAR, NXDN, P25, M17, etc.)

Some systems allow cross-mode talk groups, enabling users on different digital voice modes to communicate.

Pros:
✅ Expands the ability to communicate beyond just DMR.
✅ Bridges different radio technologies for a unified experience.
✅ Enables niche communities (e.g., YSF to DMR, NXDN to DMR).

Cons:
❌ Audio quality can degrade when transcoding between modes.
❌ Some features (like GPS or APRS) may not fully work cross-mode.
❌ Requires linking via special hotspots or network services.

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Talk Group System

  • If you want flexibility & many TGs: BrandMeister
  • For a more community-driven experience: TGIF
  • For a structured, repeater-based experience: DMR+ or DMR-MARC
  • For cross-mode communication: Use networks that support bridging (BrandMeister, FreeDMR, etc.)

Each DMR network has its own approach to talk groups, catering to different types of users. Understanding these differences helps operators maximize their experience and find the best fit for their needs.

How to Create a Talk Group in DMR Using a Repeater Digital ID or Your Own DMR ID

Creating a DMR talk group (TG) allows for structured communication between users on a network. Whether you’re using a repeater’s digital ID or your own DMR ID, the process varies depending on the DMR network you choose.

  1. Understanding DMR IDs and Talk Groups
  • DMR ID (Radio ID) – A unique number assigned to you by RadioID.net that identifies your radio in the network.
  • Repeater ID – A unique ID assigned to a repeater, typically used for repeater-based talk groups.
  • Talk Group (TG) – A virtual channel that allows users to communicate within a specific group.

There are two main ways to create a custom talk group:

  1. Using a repeater’s digital ID (Only if you manage or have admin permissions).
  2. Using your own personal DMR ID (For hotspots or custom TGs).
  1. Creating a Talk Group on Different DMR Networks
  2. BrandMeister Network (Dynamic & Static TGs)

Steps to Create a Talk Group Using Your Own DMR ID:

  1. Login to BrandMeister Dashboard – Go to BrandMeister and log in.
  2. Request a Private Talk Group – You can use your personal DMR ID as a private call TG for direct communication.
  3. Register a New Talk Group (if needed) – If you want a public talk group, you need to request one from BrandMeister’s support.
  4. Use a Hotspot to Activate the Talk Group –
    • Set the talk group number to your DMR ID.
    • Key up on your hotspot to establish the TG.
    • Others can use your DMR ID as a talk group to contact you.

Steps to Create a Talk Group Using a Repeater ID:

  • Repeater Owners Only: Contact your repeater administrator or register a TG request for the repeater with BrandMeister support.
  • Use Static Talk Groups: If a repeater admin assigns your TG as static, it will always be available on that repeater.

📌 Pros:
✔ Instant creation with your own DMR ID.
✔ No admin approval needed for personal/private TGs.
✔ Available on hotspots and repeaters (if static).

❌ Cons:

  • Limited control over repeater-based TGs unless you own the repeater.
  • Dynamic TGs require regular PTT activity to stay active.
  1. TGIF Network (Custom Talk Groups)

Steps to Create a TG on TGIF:

  1. Go to the TGIF Network Site – TGIF.Network
  2. Login and Click “Request Talk Group”
  3. Provide the Details:
    • Talk Group Number (You can use your own DMR ID).
    • Talk Group Name.
    • Description/Purpose.
  4. Wait for Approval – Admins will review and approve your request.
  5. Program Your Codeplug – Add the new TG to your radio’s configuration.

📌 Pros:
✔ Easy to get a new TG.
✔ Can be personal or public.
✔ Ideal for communities or special interests.

❌ Cons:

  • Not as widely used as BrandMeister.
  • Requires admin approval.
  1. FreeDMR Network (Repeater Owners Control TGs)
  1. Repeater Owners Can Assign TGs – If you manage a FreeDMR repeater, you can set custom TGs using the dashboard.
  2. Use Your DMR ID for Private TGs – Like BrandMeister, FreeDMR allows users to create private TGs by using their DMR ID.
  3. Program the Talk Group in Your Codeplug – Add it to your radio and key up to activate it.

📌 Pros:
✔ Full repeater owner control.
✔ No need to go through a central authority.

❌ Cons:

  • Requires a FreeDMR-compatible repeater.
  1. Using Your Talk Group on a Hotspot

If you’re not using a repeater, you can link your personal hotspot (Pi-Star, OpenSpot, etc.) to your new talk group.

  • Set the TG number in the Pi-Star dashboard or OpenSpot settings.
  • Key up your radio with the new TG programmed.
  • Communicate with others who have the same TG added.

Final Thoughts

DMR Network Can You Create Your Own TG? Approval Needed? Best For
BrandMeister Yes, with personal DMR ID (private call). Full TGs need admin approval. Only for public TGs. Individuals, large communities, cross-mode linking.
TGIF Network Yes, you can request a TG easily. Yes, requires admin approval. Small groups, social networks.
FreeDMR Yes, if you own a repeater. No, repeater owners have full control. Clubs, repeater owners.
DMR+ / MARC No, TGs are pre-defined. Not applicable. Strict repeater-based communication.

🔹 If you want a quick private talk group, use your own DMR ID as a private call on BrandMeister.
🔹 If you want a public TG, register on TGIF or BrandMeister.
🔹 If you manage a repeater, FreeDMR gives you the most flexibility.

 

DMR Networks & Digital Voice Modes: Talk Group Equivalents

Network/Mode Term for Talk Groups Notes
BrandMeister Talk Groups (TGs) Most flexible system, dynamic/static TGs.
TGIF Network Talk Groups (TGs) User-created, admin approval required.
FreeDMR Talk Groups (TGs) Repeater owners manage TGs.
DMR+ Reflectors Used to link repeaters, instead of standard TGs.
DMR-MARC Talk Groups (TGs) Predefined, structured TGs only.
AmComm (DCI) Talk Groups (TGs) Focuses on emergency/community use.
D-STAR Reflectors Must be manually linked for communication.
YSF/Wires-X Rooms (Reflectors) Wires-X calls them “Rooms,” hotspots use YSF Reflectors.
NXDN RAN Groups Uses RAN codes to define communication groups.
P25 Talk Groups (TGs) Similar concept to DMR talk groups.
M17 Talk Groups (TGs) Open-source digital mode with TGs.
AllStarLink Nodes Each node is an independent connection.
EchoLink Conference Servers Used for multi-user links.

 

 

Here are the web links to the talk group lists for various DMR networks and digital voice modes:

These links provide comprehensive lists of talk groups or their equivalents for each network or mode.

Join the DMR Tech Net team on Telegram.  Just search for “DMR Tech Net.”  To download Telegram, go to: https://web.telegram.org and/or https://desktop.telegram.org/

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To see previous newsletters, check out our website: https://dmrtechnet.net/

 

 

 

 

 

You can always chat with the DMR Tech Net team on TGIF talk group 31268, the DMR Tech Net channel or Brandmeister talk group 31266, the Michigan Nets channel.

The DMR Tech Net team is assisting Dustin N8RMA with NCS duties on the Michigan One DMR Net, Monday nights at 8:30 PM ET on BrandMeister Talk Group 3126, the statewide Michigan calling channel.  

Here is the list of the upcoming NCS (Net Control Stations) for the Michigan One DMR Net:

 

 

 

 

 

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