With so much information to go over and allow DMR check-ins & comments, the DMR Tech Net start time is now 7:45pm ET on Brandmeister Talk Group 3126, statewide Michigan.

After the DMR Tech Net is over, stay on TG-3126 and join the Michigan One DMR net at 8:30pm, hosted by Dustin N8RMA and Riley KE8VBU.

After the Michigan One DMR net is done, switch to TAC-310 and join the DMR Tech Net team for an informal after-net chat.

Upcoming DMR Tech Net topics

Monday, April 24, 2023 from 7:45pm ET – 8:30pm ET on Brandmeister’s DMR Talk Group 3126:

We will have an open forum to discuss whatever DMR issue is on the minds of our NCS’ and check-ins.

Monday, May 1, 2023 from 7:45pm ET – 8:30pm ET on Brandmeister’s DMR Talk Group 3126:

Tom N8TJ & Steve KC8WXM will discuss text messaging with your DMR radio.

Monday, May 8,2023 from 7:45pm ET – 8:30pm ET on Brandmeister’s DMR Talk Group 3126:

We will discuss the different DMR networks (Brandmeister, DMR+, TGIF, & YSF) with their own talk groups & audiences before delving into each network.

https://dmrtechnet.net/upcoming-tech-nets/ *This is our tentative schedule and it can change*

Topics for future DMR Tech Nets:

Go back over the Digimon feature to explain what it is, how and why to use it.
Hot Keys. What are they, why use them, and how to set them up.
DMR tips. Like what Steve KC8WXM mentioned to better (and faster) utilize DMR features.
Adding or changing DMR channels via keypad programming.
How to update your DMR contacts via RadioID.net.
Asking check-ins what they know now that they didn’t know when they started with DMR that would be helpful to other beginners (Elmering)
A timeline to get started of essential things to do with DMR and why.
Which DMR radio do you use the most & why?
Proper DMR practices & procedures to use on-air
DMR text messaging
Advanced features of the Anytone 878 handheld and 578 mobile radio
Going over the different DMR networks (Brandmeister, TGIF, DMR+, YSF, etc)
Useful radio accessories to use with your DMR equipment
Unique names used instead of the amateur radio alpha codes
Antennas for handheld, mobile, and home radios
Logging software
QSL cards Do you send them out?

We have created a new website at https://dmrtechnet.net/ for you to keep up with our DMR Tech Net topics.
If you want to join our email list, send an email to Subscribe@DMRTechNet.net with “subscribe” in the subject line.
We will send out information about our weekly DMR Tech Net topics no more than once or twice a week.

Please check out our website, https://dmrtechnet.net/, and share this newsletter with other DMR users.

Michigan statewide Brandmeister DMR talk groups:

3126 Statewide Michigan
31260 Michigan WX ARES EmComm
31261 Mi-5 Statewide 1
31262 Mi-5 Statewide 2
31263 Mi-5 Event 1
31265 Mi-5 Event 3
31267 West Michigan
31268 UP (Upper Peninsula) of Michigan
31269 West Michigan Technical Group

3 Simple Steps to Getting on Digital Radio

Getting on Digital radio may seem like a tough task, but the good news is, you’re already in touch with the people that will make your first steps a breeze.

Our award-winning support team is second-to-none in the Amateur Radio space and will help you simply a complicated process so you can hop on the Digital bands in no time.

If You’re Still Waiting to Get on Digital – Here’s the next steps you need to take!

1. Get a DMR ID: register for a DMR ID
2. Get Brandmeister Account: create an account
3. Place Your Order: Order My Plug and Play Package!

You could be the next Ham on DMR..

Amateur radio use

DMR is used on the amateur radio VHF and UHF bands, started by DMR-MARC around 2010^. The FCC officially approved the use of DMR by amateurs in 2014. In amateur spaces, Coordinated DMR Identification Numbers are assigned and managed by RadioID Inc. Their coordinated database can be uploaded to DMR radios in order to display the name, call sign, and location of other operators.^[8] Internet-linked systems such as DMR-MARC, FreeSTAR (an experimental multi mode network which has connections with numerous digital & analogue systems), BrandMeister network, TGIF, DV Scotland – Phoenix UK (the two networks merged in late 2022), FreeDMR and several others (including several previously closed clusters which now connect to larger networks to wide area accessibility), allow users to communicate with other users around the world via connected repeaters, or DMR “hotspots” often based on the Raspberry Pi single-board computer. There are currently more than 5,500 repeaters and 16,000 “hotspots” linked to the BrandMeister system worldwide.^[9] The low-cost and increasing availability of internet-linked systems have led to a rise in DMR use on the amateur radio bands. The development of Raspberry Pi-based hotspots, often those using the Pi-Star software, has allowed users to connect their radios to one or more internet-linked systems at the same time. DMR hotspots are often based on the open source Multimode Digital Voice Modem, or MMDVM, hardware with firmware developed by Jonathan Naylor.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_mobile_radio

What is Digital Mobile Radio (DMR)? A Quick Introduction to DMR

When you’re first getting into digital mobile radio, you often won’t understand the technology’s details or how it even works. This confusion can create an uncertain feeling of whether digital radio is even the right way to go. I’m sure many of you who are just beginning with DMR share this feeling.

Today we’d like to discuss how digital technology has created a new form of radio communication: DMR. Specifically, we’ll discuss what exactly DMR is, the key terms you need to know, and specific radios we offer in the world of DMR.

https://www.bridgecomsystems.com/blogs/bridgecom-tx-rx-blog/what-is-digital-mobile-radio-dmr-a-quick-introduction-to-dmr

How to use DMR Radio?

Although designed as an uncomplicated radio system, there are a few steps to note before getting started with Digital Mobile Radio.

Before getting DMR equipment, you must verify if you are within the DMR coveragearea. Use a DMR repeater map to verify.
In addition to this, you will need to learn DMR jargon to avoid confusion.
Several radio systems require obtaining a license. Digital mobile radio, on the other hand, does not require a permit. However, you will need a Radio ID, which may be obtained from https://register.ham-digital.org/.
Log on to the website and fill in the required information. You will need official FCC documents with your callsign. Post the registration process; you will receive an email within 24 hours with your unique radio ID.
Once you receive your Radio ID, you will need to program it into your radio, preferably through computer software.
Next, you will need DMR-capable equipment. There are many manufacturers who provide DMR radios.
You will also require a programming cable and PC software compatible with your DMR transceiver. You can also look into external antenna whips and earsets.
Once you have purchased all the equipment, you’re free to programyour radio to benefit from an extensive range of frequencies.

DMR language

Code plug: This file includes all of your radio’s settings, talk groups, contacts, and repeater information. You can generate code plugs from CSV (Microsoft Excel) files.
Color code: Like the amateur CTCSS codes, DMR uses color codes ranging from 0 to 15. In that case, a radio configured with color code one cannot transmit on a repeater programmed with color code 2. DMR radios can be programmed with multiple color codes.
Contacts: This holds user data against their DMR ID, including information like your name, call sign, and location. This information can be obtained to add to your code plug. Doing so will display user information instead of the standard DMR ID.
Time slots: A repeater can operate as two using time slots. It reduces the bandwidth requirement on digital mobile radio.
Talk groups: Talk groups are stored in the contact section of the code plug. They cover national and international links, which direct your QSO to a different location. You can find several talk groups on the Brandmeister network.
DMR ID: As mentioned above, all-digital mobile radio users must obtain a DMR ID number that holds all user details.
Promiscuous mode: This unique feature may not be available on all radio models. It enables DMR radios to pick up activity on active talk groups having the same frequency and configured color codes.

How to Program a DMR Radio?

Programming is a vital part of DMR radios, especially if one wants to connect with a DMR repeater. Updating and configuring your radio transceiver requires a programming cable and software that is compatible with your radio. While some devices include these two accessories, others need to be purchased separately.

Setting up the code plug for the first time may appear like a daunting task, but we’ve made sure to simplify it for you. Here’s how to set up code plugs on your transceiver using the four parameters of DMR programming:

Firstly, you need to identify the talk groupsdesired using their name and group ID. You can arrange these as local repeaters, those from surrounding states, National Talk Group, and so on.
Perform an Echo Test (TG 9998) to check the audio quality and distortion.
Next, enter channel information, including frequency, color code, time slot, and power. Make sure to enter the time slot correctly.
Lastly, you will need to arrange the channels in ‘zones.’ You can set these in any order you like. Some radios allow users to store up to 16 radio channels in a zone.

What are DMR repeaters and hotspots?

When it comes to DMR, the two ways to access the worldwide network are via a repeater or a hotspot. The network associated with repeater operation is DMR-MARC. On the other hand, the Brandmeister network is the one popularly associated with hotspot operations.

Although DMR units can communicate with one another directly, this isn’t always an ideal situation. Obstructions like terrain conditions, trees, and buildings can hamper the signal quality. By adding in a DMR repeater, radios can send their messages through a central point.

The repeater acts as that central point, which forwards the message to the rest of the system.

A hotspot, on the contrary, is your internet gateway to a DMR network. When you don’t have access to a nearby DMR repeater, you can use a hotspot instead.

In terms of connection, Hotspot operation requires a stable internet connection.
On the other hand, for repeaters, you can direct connection to repeater networks. Similarly, for repeaters, you can TX/RXfrom local radio to radio compared to network connection for hotspots.
Speaking of handheld coverage, the repeater should ideally be within the range of another.
Contrastingly, hotspot handheld coverage is dependent on a Wi-Fi connection. When using a Wi-Fi connection, the handheld should be in the cellular signal range.

Whether you should opt for repeaters or hotspots is entirely dependent on your needs. For individuals not in the digital voice repeater range, DMR hotspots are essential for accessing digital voice systems. They’re also able to access all-state talk groups.

Another key benefit of using a hotspot is that it takes a single channel to tune into the Brandmeister network. On the contrary, repeater networks require separate channels, frequencies, color codes, and contacts for every repeater.

Conclusion

With DMR being a public, open standard, several businesses are replacing analog systems with digital radios. By switching to DMR, users enjoy double capacity, superior audio quality, supply security, and many other benefits. This latest technology also incorporates data services like GPS and SMS.

Compared to traditional analog systems, the DMR standard is certainly a better choice for utility organizations looking to upgrade! Given the comprehensive and advanced services offered by DMR, we highly recommend users to opt for Digital Mobile Radio.

https://xroadgps.com/what-is-dmr-radio/

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT DIGITAL MOBILE RADIO

Digital Mobile Radio or DMR is an open communication standard developed by the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) which helps to standardize all types of communication using mobile radio. The main aim of digital mobile radio is to provide a simple and affordable digital standard which completes standards for data services, conformance testing, and voice.

Ever since its inception, many companies have developed DMR products which help having robust communication services for all kinds of radio users and also to analogue radio users who are looking to upgrade their old and existing systems. Analogue radios have been the major means of communication for a long time now and the latest addition to this has been the invention of digital mobile radio.

What is Digital Mobile Radio?

Mobile radio or mobiles refer to wireless communications and devices which are used to transmit messages and signal using the radio frequencies. Digital mobile radio is a standard developed by ETSI to have a common standard for communication. The invention of DMR has revolutionized the method of two-way communication and has enabled individuals within an organization to communicate effectively and efficiently.

Even in the most basic version of digital mobile radio, there are features such as consistent audio performance, better coverage, advanced functionality and improved security. Access to a sea of applications allows the users to have an enhanced user experience of using this kind of radio.

Business Benefits of DMR vs Analogue

The invention of digital mobile radio has been a boon for everyone and has simplified the entire process in a considerable manner. The two-way radio system has revolutionized the communication methods in various industries. Some of the key business benefits of digital mobile radio over analogue systems are listed here:

· Better Coverage

Digital mobile radio provides better coverage as compared to analogue radio. Digital mobile radios have better ranges and the audio quality is maintained till the edge of the coverage area.

· Doubled Capacity

Digital mobile radio has double the capacity as compared to the existing technology by using TDMA technology. Analogue systems use the entire bandwidth for a single talk path whereas DMR uses the same bandwidth for two simultaneous calls.

· Clearer and Louder Audio

Digital mobile radio provides clearer and better sound quality as compared to analogue system. It reduces the static, background noise, and any kind of distortion as it converts the voice signals into digital data.

· Data Capabilities

One of the major benefits of DMR is its data capabilities. The use of various apps such as GPS, text messaging, SCADA, radio programming and other improved safety features make the DMR much better than just voice communications.

· Longer Battery Life

Digital Mobile Radio is much more efficient compared to the old analogue system. The transmitter in the DMR system is used only one half of the time as compared to the analogue system and hence less power is used which increases the battery life significantly.

· Enhanced Security

With digital mobile radio it is easier to protect your privacy as compared to analogue radio systems. With the help of encryption and authentication by using a unique key it becomes easier to communicate with other people while preventing anyone from listening to your conversation.

· Lighter and Discreet Devices

The size and discreetness of the radio devices is very important, especially in industries such as hospitality and security. Ultra-light radio devices provide all the benefits of digital mobile radios with lighter designs while helping people to provide their customers with the best customer service.

https://www.flatworldsolutions.com/IT-services/articles/all-you-need-to-know-about-mobile-radio.php

https://www.amazon.com/Work-world-DMR-Digital-Explained/dp/B09SL5YWG2

https://www.amazon.com/DMR-Digital-Mobile-Radio-Explained/dp/B0BF35JG1H/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

What Is A Talkgroup?

A DMR talkgroup is simply a way of grouping many Radio IDs into a single digital contact. Or put another way, a talkgroup is a method of organizing radio traffic specific to the DMR users that all want to hear the same thing and not be bothered by other radio traffic on a DMR network that they are not interested in hearing.

Talkgroups can exist for many purposes. You can have talkgroups for countries, states, counties, regions, cities, special interest groups etc. Just about any group of DMR users could have a talkgroup assigned to them if they wished to organize traffic that they can all monitor and take part in, without having to talk to each other one by one.

Talkgroups are also specific to individual DMR networks, BUT they all generally follow the same numbering scheme. So you need to make sure that you know what the various talkgroups are for each of the DMR networks that you may use.

For example, Talkgroup 3129 on the MARC network might not be the same as Talkgroup 3129 on the Brandmeister network.

Be sure to manage your Talkgroups separately if you use more that one DMR network!

DMR-MARC Talkgroups

You can find an updated list of DMR-MARC talkgroups by clicking the button below. There is a link on the right side of the MARC page with an updated Excel spreadsheet.

Keep in mind that talkgroups are created by network administrators and can be updated from time to time.

Also, do not just create your own talkgroup without coordinating with individual network administrators.

DMR-MARC TALKGROUPS

Brandmeister Talkgroups

You can find an updated list of Brandmeister talkgroups by clicking the button below. You can search on this page and also export the talkgroups in various formats specific to your needs.

Keep in mind that talkgroups are created by network administrators and can be updated from time to time.

Also, do not just create your own talkgroup without coordinating with individual network administrators.

BRANDMEISTER TALKGROUPS

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Static Talkgroup?

A static talkgroup is one that is permanently activated on a particular timeslot by the repeater sysop. This type of static assignment passes ALL traffic from the DMR network over the air on the timeslot it is assigned to.

For example, if a statewide talkgroup is assigned to the local repeater on timeslot 1, anytime someone keys that talkgroup on the network, regardless of where they are, the audio will be retransmitted locally.

In simple terms, this networks many repeaters together full-time for that particular talkgroup.

What is a Dynamic Talkgroup?

Dynamic talkgroups assignments are used for temporary activation on a timeslot on a particular repeater. This type of talkgroup functions for a set amount of time AFTER a local repeater user activates it by transmitting on a repeater using that talkgroup in their radio. When the timer expires and no local user has keyed up again for a set amount of time… the timeslot and the talkgroup and release and the repeater is again open only to the talkgroups that remain static.

For example, if you are traveling in Colorado and wish to talk to a friend back home in Missouri, you could key up the Missouri talkgroup on a Colorado repeater that allows dynamic talkgroups and make a call on repeaters at home that have the Missouri talkgroup set as static. When you are done with your conversation, the dynamic timer will expire and the Colorado repeater will go back to normal.

https://www.dmrfordummies.com/talkgroups/