Join the DMR Tech Net tonight at 7:45pm as we discuss DMR Buzzwords

Posted on December 18, 2023

Monday, December 11, 2023 from 7:45pm ET – 8:30pm ET on Brandmeister’s DMR Talk Group 3126

  • DMR buzzwords, such as time slots, color codes, PTT, CPS, Code plugs, hotspots….
  • We’ll identify, explain, and discuss them

 

Let us know on the DMR Tech Net.

 

Tom N8TJ                       Stan WB8QJZ      Steve KC8WXM                           Dana KCØMYP  Brian KE8NJT

 

The DMR Tech Net starts at 7:45pm ET on Brandmeister Talk Group 3126 (statewide Michigan) and runs until 8:30pm ET.

Stay on TG-3126 to join the Michigan One DMR net (the longest running Michigan DMR net) at 8:30pm, hosted by Dustin N8RMA.

We are branching out to the TGIF network.  The DMR Tech Net team has our own TGIF talk group 31268 that you are welcome to use.  We’ll leave the lights on and best of all, there is no 10-minute limit!

https://tgif.network/talkgroups.php

  • We will discuss a YouTube show, “Digital Radio Roundtable Discussion” with the DMR Tech Net team, special guests, and Glen Bizeau VE9GLN of RadioID.net.  The broadcast will be the second Wednesday of each month, meaning this Wednesday, December 13 from 7:00pm ET – 8:00pm ET on the RadioID YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCToDhQ4qOTW_8m4Fa8mKKEg .  We do this on the second Wednesday every month.  Please tune in, add your comments, ask questions, and share this with your ham radio friends.

You’re welcome to join Jeremiah W9JAM for the DMR Rag Chew every Tuesday from 2pm ET – 2:45pm for news, stories, and your comments.

 

There is a new Michigan DMR Net every Saturday night at 7:30pm on BrandMeister talk group 3126.
It’s the DMR Trivia Net, hosted by Brad, KE8WNV.
Check out the leaderboard at https://ke8wnv.com/michigan-trivia-net

Upcoming DMR Tech Net topics

Monday, December 11, 2023 from 7:45pm ET – 8:30pm ET on Brandmeister’s DMR Talk Group 3126

  • DMR buzzwords, such as time slots, color codes, PTT, CPS, Code plugs, hotspots….
  • We’ll identify, explain, and discuss them

Monday, December 18, 2023 from 7:45pm ET – 8:30pm ET on Brandmeister’s DMR Talk Group 3126

  • There are lots of networks to use and utilize.  DMR, TGIF, YSF, D-Star, P25, M17, and NXDN.  Which ones do you listen to and make QSO’s on?  Which ones are you interested in using?  We’ll try again to get Chip Cuccio WØCHP to discuss the M17 network if he’s available.

Monday, December 25, 2023 from 7:45pm ET – 8:30pm ET on Brandmeister’s DMR Talk Group 3126

  • ???  We’re not sure if we’ll be doing the DMR Tech Net but stay tuned.

Monday, January 1, 2024 from 7:45pm ET – 8:30pm ET on Brandmeister’s DMR Talk Group 3126

  • ???  We’re not sure if we’ll be doing the DMR Tech Net but stay tuned.

*This is our tentative schedule and it can change*

We have created a 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 Brandmeister statewide Michigan DMR talk groups:

  • 3126              Statewide Michigan (10-minute limit except for nets)
  • 31260            Michigan WX ARES EmComm
  • 31261            Mi-5 Statewide 1
  • 31262            Mi-5 Statewide 2
  • 31263            Mi-5 Event 1
  • 31264            Michigan TAC
  • 31265            Mi-5 Event 3
  • 31267            West Michigan Talk Group
  • 31268            UP (Upper Peninsula) of Michigan
  • 31269            West Michigan Technical Group

Digital Mobile Radio (DMR) is a digital radio standard used for professional mobile radio (PMR) and public safety communications. Here are some buzzwords commonly associated with DMR:

  1. TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access):
    • DMR utilizes TDMA technology, allowing two time slots within a 12.5 kHz channel to support two voice or data communications simultaneously.
  2. Tier I, Tier II, Tier III:
    • DMR has different tiers that define the capabilities and features of the radios. Tier I is for unlicensed use, Tier II for conventional licensed systems, and Tier III for trunked systems.
  3. Digital Voice:
    • DMR uses digital modulation for voice communication, providing clearer audio quality compared to analog systems, especially in noisy environments.
  4. Roaming:
    • Roaming allows a DMR radio to automatically switch between different base stations as a user moves within a network, maintaining communication without manual intervention.
  5. GPS (Global Positioning System):
    • Some DMR radios come equipped with GPS functionality, enabling location tracking and sharing.
  6. Private Call and Group Call:
    • DMR radios support private calls between two users and group calls, allowing communication with multiple users simultaneously.
  7. Codeplug:
    • A codeplug is a configuration file that contains information about a DMR radio’s settings, channels, and other parameters. It can be programmed to customize the radio for specific use cases.
  8. Digital Encryption:
    • DMR supports digital encryption, providing a secure communication option by encoding voice or data transmissions.
  9. Color Display:
    • Many DMR radios feature color displays that facilitate easy navigation through menus, contacts, and settings.
  10. IP Site Connect:
    • IP Site Connect is a feature that allows DMR repeaters to be connected over the internet, extending the coverage and creating a wide-area network.
  11. Capacity Plus:
    • Capacity Plus is a DMR trunking solution that allows multiple repeaters to be linked, providing increased capacity and coverage for larger user groups.
  12. Brandmeister, DMR-MARC:
    • These are examples of DMR networks that connect DMR repeaters worldwide, enabling users to communicate across different systems.
  13. Hotspot:
    • A DMR hotspot is a device that connects to the internet and allows DMR radios to access the network without the need for a nearby repeater.
  14. Promiscuous Mode:
    • Promiscuous mode allows a DMR radio to monitor all transmissions on a channel, regardless of the user’s identity or talk group.
  15. Emergency Alarm:
    • DMR radios often feature an emergency alarm function, allowing users to send distress signals or alerts to a predefined contact or group.

Understanding these buzzwords can help users navigate the features and capabilities of DMR radios and networks. Keep in mind that the specific features may vary between different DMR radio models and manufacturers.

In Digital Mobile Radio (DMR), time slots and color codes are key elements used to organize and manage communications in a more efficient manner. Here’s an explanation of these terms:

1. Time Slots:

DMR utilizes Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) technology, which divides a radio frequency channel into multiple time slots. Each time slot represents a specific portion of time during which a radio transmission can occur. The two primary time slots in DMR are:

  • Time Slot 1 (TS1): Used for voice communication, data, or both. In a repeater setup, TS1 is often reserved for user-to-user communication or group calls.
  • Time Slot 2 (TS2): Similar to TS1, TS2 is used for voice, data, or both. It allows for additional simultaneous communication, providing flexibility for different types of calls.

By using TDMA, DMR effectively doubles the capacity of a radio frequency channel. In a 12.5 kHz channel, TS1 and TS2 each have a time slot of 30 milliseconds, and they alternate in transmitting information.

2. Color Codes:

Color codes are used to differentiate different groups or networks sharing the same frequency channel. A color code is a numerical value assigned to a specific group or network. It helps radios determine which transmissions are intended for them and filter out those from other groups.

  • Color Code 0-15: Color codes are typically numbered from 0 to 15. A specific color code is set for a group or network, and radios operating within that group must use the same color code to communicate effectively.

When a DMR radio is set to a specific frequency and color code, it will only listen to and transmit on that frequency during the assigned time slot. This system allows multiple groups or networks to share the same frequency without interfering with each other.

Example Scenario:

Consider a DMR repeater operating on a specific frequency with two time slots (TS1 and TS2) and a color code of 1. Radios programmed to use this repeater need to be configured with the correct frequency, color code, and time slot for communication. When a user initiates a call, the radio will transmit on the assigned time slot and use the designated color code to ensure the message is received by the intended recipients.

Understanding time slots and color codes is essential for configuring DMR radios, especially in repeater systems where multiple users or groups may share the same frequency. Proper programming ensures efficient and interference-free communication within the DMR network.

Here are some additional DMR slang and buzzwords:

  1. Codeplug:
    • A configuration file that contains settings, frequencies, talk groups, and other parameters for programming DMR radios.
  2. QSY (Change Frequency):
    • In DMR communication, users may use “QSY” to suggest changing to a different frequency or talk group.
  3. HT (Handheld Transceiver):
    • Refers to a handheld DMR radio, also known as a handheld transceiver.
  4. Mobile Rig:
    • A DMR mobile radio unit installed in a vehicle.
  5. Hotspot:
    • A device that connects to the internet and allows DMR radios to access the DMR network without a physical repeater.
  6. Parrot Talk Group:
    • A talk group specifically set up for testing and audio quality checks. Users transmit, and the system repeats their voice back.
  7. Scan List:
    • A predefined list of channels or talk groups that a DMR radio scans through, allowing users to monitor multiple frequencies.
  8. Talk Permit Tone:
    • An audible tone indicating that the channel is available for transmission. It helps prevent users from transmitting simultaneously.
  9. Rubber Duck Antenna:
    • A short, flexible antenna often included with handheld radios. Users may replace it with a longer or more efficient antenna for better range.
  10. Digital Monitor Mode:
    • A feature that allows users to monitor digital transmissions on a specific frequency, even if their radio is not programmed for that talk group.
  11. PAPA System:
    • A widely used DMR network, especially in Southern California. The name “PAPA” stands for “Pacificon Amateur Packet Radio Association.”
  12. Static Talk Group:
    • A talk group that is constantly monitored, meaning that users will always hear activity on that talk group.
  13. TGIF Network:
    • The TGIF (Talk Group 3100) network is a popular DMR network that allows users to connect and communicate globally.
  14. Color Code Clashing:
    • When two or more DMR systems on the same frequency use different color codes, resulting in interference and communication issues.
  15. DMR-MARC:
    • The DMR-MARC (Motorola Amateur Radio Club) network, a popular DMR network with repeaters worldwide.
  16. Monster, Mega, Super Slot:
    • Informal terms used by some users to refer to a DMR time slot with a longer duration, often used for special events or extended transmissions.
  17. Triple Time Slot (TTS):
    • A feature in some DMR repeaters that supports three simultaneous time slots, further increasing channel capacity.
  18. User Activated:
    • A talk group that becomes active only when a user keys up or transmits on it.

In Digital Mobile Radio (DMR) terminology, the “Disconnect Channel” typically refers to a specific talk group or channel that users can key up to disconnect or unlink from the currently connected talk group or reflector. This feature is commonly associated with DMR networks that support dynamic talk group linking and unlinking.

Here’s how it typically works:

  1. Dynamic Talk Group Linking:
    • DMR networks often allow users to dynamically link to different talk groups or reflectors to join conversations or communicate with specific user groups.
  2. Disconnect Channel:
    • To disconnect from the current talk group or reflector, users can key up on the “Disconnect Channel.” The Disconnect Channel is a specific talk group designated for unlinking or disconnecting purposes.
  3. Use of Special Codes:
    • In some networks, users may need to send a specific code or access certain predefined talk groups to unlink from the current conversation. This helps prevent accidental disconnections.
  4. Network-Specific Implementation:
    • The use of a Disconnect Channel may vary between different DMR networks. Some networks may have a dedicated Disconnect Channel, while others might have specific procedures or codes for unlinking.
  5. Preventing Unwanted Disconnects:
    • The inclusion of a dedicated Disconnect Channel helps prevent unintentional disconnects. Users need to deliberately key up on this channel, reducing the likelihood of accidental unlinking.

It’s important to note that the availability and usage of a Disconnect Channel depend on the specific DMR network you are using. Different DMR networks may have different procedures or methods for disconnecting from talk groups or reflectors.

If you are part of a specific DMR network or community, it’s advisable to refer to the network’s documentation or contact network administrators for accurate information on how to use the Disconnect Channel or perform talk group unlinking on that particular network.

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?

 

 

 

DMR Tech Net