We’re on Brandmeister talk group 31266, the Michigan Nets channel, for the DMR Tech Net on Monday, July 22nd from 7:30pm ET – 8:25pm ET. We’re ending the show early to give you time to QSY over to BrandMeister 3126 for the Michigan One DMR Net that begins at 8:30pm.
Join us Monday night as we share the best operating practices & procedures of DMR. Digital Mobile Radio can be tricky and frustrating. We’ll share our hints and tips as we discuss the who, what, why, where, and how of DMR on Monday’s DMR Tech Net.
We’d like to hear your your best tips, comments, and questions about using Digital Mobile Radio (DMR).
Join us as we demystify and have fun with DMR (Digital Mobile Radio) every Monday night!
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.
If you want to subscribe to this newsletter, send an email to subscribe@dmrtechnet.net and we’ll get you added to the list. If you want to see previous newsletters, check out our website: https://dmrtechnet.net/
Using Digital Mobile Radio (DMR) efficiently and responsibly requires adhering to good practices to ensure clear communication, proper etiquette, and compliance with regulations. Here are some good practices for DMR use:
Communication Etiquette
- Identify Yourself: Always start your transmission by identifying yourself and network channel/talk group with your callsign, especially in amateur radio use, to comply with regulations.
- Clear and Concise Communication: Speak clearly, at a moderate pace, and avoid jargon unless it’s commonly understood within your group.
- Listen Before Transmitting: Ensure the channel is clear before you start transmitting to avoid interrupting ongoing conversations.
- Use Appropriate Talk Groups: Choose the right Talk Group for your conversation. This helps avoid congestion and ensures your message reaches the intended audience.
- Short Transmissions: Keep your transmissions brief and to the point to allow others to use the frequency and maintain efficient communication.
Technical Practices
- Programming Your Radio: Ensure your radio is correctly programmed with the necessary frequencies, Talk Groups, Color Codes, and Time Slots. Regularly update your code plug.
- Monitor Time Slots: Be aware of the two-time slots on DMR. Time Slot 1 is often for wide-area communication, while Time Slot 2 is for local use.
- Maintain Your Equipment: Regularly check and maintain your radio equipment, including firmware updates, battery health, and antenna condition.
- Use Appropriate Color Codes: Ensure your radio and the repeater use the same color code to avoid transmission issues.
- Frequency Accuracy: Ensure your radio is set to the correct frequency to avoid interference and ensure clear communication.
Operational Practices
- Respect Others: Be courteous and respect other users. Avoid monopolizing the frequency and allow others to communicate.
- Emergency Procedures: Be familiar with emergency procedures and how to use your DMR radio in emergency situations.
- Avoid Unnecessary Traffic: Keep the channel clear of unnecessary chatter, especially during peak times or emergency situations.
- Adhere to Network Guidelines: Follow the guidelines and rules set by the DMR network or repeater you are using.
- Log Your Activity: Maintain a log of your transmissions, especially for amateur radio use, to track your activity and ensure compliance with regulations.
Advanced Practices
- Use of Hotspots: Utilize DMR hotspots for extended range and connectivity. Ensure your hotspot is configured correctly and securely.
- Explore Data Features: If your radio supports data services like text messaging or GPS, explore these features for enhanced communication.
- Participate in Nets: Join scheduled nets (network meetings) to practice using your DMR radio and connect with other users.
- Training and Continuous Learning: Continuously educate yourself on DMR technology, features, and best practices through training courses, manuals, and online resources.
- Community Involvement: Engage with the DMR community through online forums, local clubs, and events to stay informed and share knowledge.
By following these good practices, you can ensure effective, efficient, and respectful use of Digital Mobile Radio, enhancing your communication experience and contributing positively to the DMR community.
While Digital Mobile Radio (DMR) offers numerous advantages, there are several common issues that users might encounter. Here are some of the more problematic aspects:
Technical Issues
- Interference and Signal Issues: Interference from other electronic devices, buildings, and natural obstacles can degrade signal quality, causing dropouts or poor audio quality.
- Poor Programming: Incorrect or outdated code plugs (the configuration file for a DMR radio) can lead to communication failures, such as being unable to access certain Talk Groups or repeaters.
- Time Slot Conflicts: DMR uses two time slots for communication, and conflicts can arise if multiple users try to use the same time slot on the same frequency.
- Firmware Bugs: Firmware issues in DMR radios can cause unpredictable behavior, crashes, or loss of functionality.
- Battery Life: Intensive use, especially on high power settings or with features like GPS enabled, can drain batteries quickly.
Operational Challenges
- Complexity: DMR can be more complex to set up and use compared to analog radios, requiring users to understand programming software, color codes, and Talk Group management.
- Compatibility Issues: Different brands of DMR radios might have compatibility issues, making it difficult to communicate across different devices or networks.
- Encryption Problems: If encryption settings are mismatched, it can prevent communication or cause unintelligible transmissions.
- Network Dependence: Many DMR systems rely on networks of repeaters and internet connections, which can be vulnerable to outages or disruptions.
User Errors
- Incorrect Frequency Use: Using the wrong frequencies can cause interference with other users or services and can be a regulatory violation.
- Talk Group Misuse: Transmitting on the wrong Talk Group can cause confusion, missed communications, or disrupt other users’ conversations.
- Improper Identification: Failing to properly identify oneself, especially in amateur radio, can lead to misunderstandings or violations of radio regulations.
- Inadequate Training: Lack of training or experience can lead to improper use of the radio, inefficient communication, and frustration.
Network and Infrastructure Issues
- Repeater Overload: High traffic can overload repeaters, causing delays or dropped connections.
- Infrastructure Failures: Failures in the network infrastructure, such as repeater malfunctions or internet outages, can disrupt communication.
- Limited Coverage: Coverage gaps in the repeater network can result in dead zones where communication is not possible.
Legal and Regulatory Issues
- Non-Compliance: Using DMR radios without proper licensing or violating frequency allocations can lead to legal consequences and fines.
- Interference with Critical Services: Incorrectly programmed radios can interfere with critical services, leading to potentially dangerous situations.
Addressing Problems
- Regular Updates: Keep firmware, software, and code plugs up to date.
- Training: Participate in training sessions and stay informed about best practices.
- Network Monitoring: Regularly monitor network health and infrastructure.
- Community Involvement: Engage with the DMR community for support, troubleshooting, and knowledge sharing.
- Regulatory Compliance: Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and obtain necessary licenses.
By being aware of these potential problems and taking proactive measures, users can mitigate many of the issues associated with DMR and ensure more reliable and effective communication.
Improving the audio quality of your Digital Mobile Radio (DMR) involves several steps:
- Adjust Mic Gain: Ensure your microphone gain is set correctly. Too high or too low can distort your audio. You can use tools like Brandmeister’s Hoseline to listen to your audio and adjust accordingly1.
- Use Forward Error Correction (FEC): DMR radios use FEC to detect and correct errors in transmission, which helps maintain clear audio even in poor signal conditions2.
- Check Antenna and Connections: Ensure your antenna is properly connected and in good condition. Poor connections can lead to signal loss and degraded audio quality.
- Update Firmware: Make sure your radio’s firmware is up to date. Manufacturers often release updates that improve performance and audio quality.
- Proper Programming: Ensure your radio is programmed correctly with the right frequencies and settings. Incorrect programming can lead to poor audio performance.
- Environmental Factors: Minimize background noise and use noise-canceling accessories if available. This can significantly improve the clarity of your transmissions.
By following these steps, you can enhance the audio quality of your DMR radio and ensure clear, reliable communication.
Improving the audio quality of your Pi-Star digital mobile radio hotspot involves several best practices:
- Proper Configuration:
- Set Correct Frequencies: Ensure your hotspot is set to the correct frequencies and modes for your region and network.
- Adjust TX and RX Offsets: Fine-tune the transmit (TX) and receive (RX) offsets to match your radio’s specifications. This can help reduce audio distortion.
- Update Software:
- Keep Pi-Star Updated: Regularly update your Pi-Star software to the latest version. Updates often include performance improvements and bug fixes.
- Firmware Updates: Ensure your MMDVM board and radio firmware are up to date.
- Optimize Network Settings:
- Stable Internet Connection: Use a stable and reliable internet connection to avoid packet loss and jitter, which can affect audio quality.
- Bandwidth Management: Ensure your network has sufficient bandwidth and prioritize your hotspot traffic if possible.
- Audio Settings:
- Adjust Audio Levels: Use the Pi-Star dashboard to adjust the audio levels. Ensure the mic gain and speaker volume are set correctly to avoid clipping or low audio.
- Use Quality Microphones: If possible, use high-quality microphones and speakers for better audio clarity.
- Environmental Factors:
- Minimize Interference: Place your hotspot in an area with minimal electronic interference. Avoid placing it near other electronic devices that might cause RF interference.
- Proper Ventilation: Ensure your hotspot has proper ventilation to avoid overheating, which can affect performance.
- Regular Maintenance:
- Check Connections: Regularly check all connections, including antennas and power supplies, to ensure they are secure and functioning properly.
- Monitor Performance: Use tools like the Pi-Star dashboard to monitor the performance and make adjustments as needed.
By following these best practices, you can significantly improve the audio quality of your Pi-Star hotspot and enjoy clearer communications.
Optimizing your Customer Programming Software (CPS) settings for Digital Mobile Radio (DMR) can significantly enhance your radio’s performance. Here are some key settings to focus on:
- Transmit and Receive Frequencies:
- Color Code:
- DMR uses color codes similar to CTCSS tones in analog systems. Make sure the color code matches the repeater or network you are using2.
- Time Slots:
- DMR repeaters have two time slots. Assign your channels to the correct time slot as specified by the repeater or network2.
- Talk Groups:
- Program the appropriate talk groups for your channels. This includes both local and global talk groups you wish to access2.
- Contact List:
- Update your contact list with the latest DMR IDs. This helps in identifying other users on the network2.
- Audio Settings:
- Power Settings:
- Scan Lists:
- Create scan lists for channels you frequently monitor. This allows you to quickly switch between channels and talk groups3.
- Encryption:
- Firmware Updates:
- Regularly check for and apply firmware updates to your radio to benefit from the latest features and improvements3.
By optimizing these settings, you can enhance the performance and reliability of your DMR radio.
Setting up talk group zones for Digital Mobile Radio (DMR) can greatly enhance your communication efficiency and organization. Here are some best practices to follow:
- Organize by Location:
- Local Repeaters: Create zones for local DMR repeaters you frequently use. This makes it easy to switch between them based on your location1.
- Travel Zones: If you travel often, set up zones for repeaters in different cities or regions you visit1.
- Group by Function:
- Hotspots: Have a dedicated zone for your personal hotspots. This can include different talk groups you use via your hotspot1.
- Emergency Channels: Create a zone specifically for emergency and priority channels. This ensures quick access when needed1.
- Separate Digital and Analog:
- Digital Zones: Keep your DMR channels in separate zones from your analog channels. This helps avoid confusion and makes it easier to navigate1.
- Analog Zones: Similarly, have zones for analog repeaters and simplex channels1.
- Use Descriptive Names:
- Clear Naming Conventions: Use clear and descriptive names for your zones and channels. This makes it easier to identify and select the correct one quickly1.
- Prioritize Frequently Used Channels:
- Top of the List: Place the most frequently used channels at the top of each zone. This reduces the time spent scrolling through channels1.
- Regular Updates:
- Bottom-Up Approach:
- Talkgroup -> Channel -> Zone: Follow a bottom-up approach when programming your radio. Start by setting up your talk groups, then assign them to channels, and finally organize these channels into zones1.
By following these tips, you can create a well-organized and efficient setup for your DMR radio, making it easier to navigate and use.
If you have a comment or a DMR topic idea for the DMR Tech Net, please share it with any of us. Send an email to: steve@dmrtechnet.net, stan@dmrtechnet.net, tom@dmrtechnet.net, dana@dmrtechnet.net, or brad@dmrtechnet.net.
Here are the Michigan DMR nets we know about. Please join in & participate with them.
Saturday:
- 7:00pm Arrow DMR Net on BrandMeister talk group 3126
- 7:30pm DMR Trivia Net on TGIF talk group 31268
Sunday:
- 6:30pm UP (Upper Peninsula) Net on BrandMeister talk group 31268
Monday:
- 7:30pm DMR Tech Net on BrandMeister talk group 31266, the Michigan Nets channel
- 8:30pm Michigan One DMR Net on BrandMeister talk group 3126
The DMR Tech Net team is branching out with a monthly show called DMR Tech Net TV on Zoom the third Tuesday of each month from 8pm-9pm ET. The next broadcast will be this Tuesday, August 20.
- We’re working to schedule Corey Dean N3FE to go over the BrandMeister USA network, how to get the most out of using it, and best practices.
- We’re also working to reschedule Steve Miller KC1AWV and Ed Wilson N2XDD to discuss the M17 Network Project.
- Stay tuned as we work on finding a time and date convenient for them.
- If you missed previous DMR Tech Net TV broadcasts, you can watch them on our YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq4TAnA-_yE7kdcuaKzw8rQ - If you have a topic or issue you would like to discuss, let us know.
Join the DMR Tech Net team on Telegram. Just search for “DMR Tech Net.” To download, go to: https://web.telegram.org and/or https://desktop.telegram.org/
Join the DMR Tech Net team on Discord: To join the DMR Tech Net team, click this link: https://discord.gg/EV82GNuCaS . To download Discord, go to https://discord.com
The DMR Tech Net team is helping Dustin N8RMA with NCS duties on the Michigan One DMR net, heard of BrandMeister talk group 3126 on Monday nights. If you would like to help as a Net Control Station operator, send an email to dana@dmrtechnet.net as we need NCS help every month through the end of 2024.
Here’s the upcoming list of upcoming NCS’:
- July 22 Rick AD8KN
- July 29 Bob KB8DQQ
- Aug 5 Steve KC8WXM
- Aug 12 Dustin N8RMA
https://www.michiganonedmr.net/
Here is an Excel spreadsheet list of talk groups on BrandMeister, TGIF, FreeDMR, YSF, D-Star Reflectors, D-Star Repeaters, M17, and Michigan talk groups on BM & TGIF that you can download.
DMR Different Networks Talk Groups updated 6-2-2024
If you want to donate to BrandMeister to help them run their DMR network, Corey Dean N3FE shared the following links:
3102 and 3104 donations https://www.nfoservers.com/donate.pl?force_recipient=1&recipient=n3fe%40repeater.net
3103 donations https://www.nfoservers.com/donate.pl?force_recipient=1&recipient=w7xm%40w7xm.com
Robert Bretzman K4WZV of the TGIF network mentioned this if you want to donate to their network:
The servers that run the TGIF Network draw money from a coffer fund. We pay for much of it out of our own pockets, so we very much appreciate any donations. If you wish to donate, you may do so by clicking the donation link: https://www.paypal.com/donate/
If you want to donate to RadioID.net, Glen Bizeau VE9GLN said you can subscribe to his website for additional features: https://radioid.net/account/membership.
You can also purchase RadioID.net merchandise at https://store.radioid.net/.
Garrett Down KD6KPC of Repeaterbook.com shared this if you want to donate to his website:
To run a website like Repeaterbook.com, revenue is needed to keep it active on the web. There are bills to be paid, hosting companies to be paid, SSL certificates to be purchased, and other expenses that go along with the research and development of the data. The costs add up.
Repeaterbook has committed to keeping access to its data completely free. Since we don’t charge for the data or access to the site, we decided to incorporate ads into the site. The ads generate revenue that has been sufficient to pay the bills (most months). With the advent of ad-blocking technology, we began to see ad revenue slip. We get it. Many people don’t want to see ads and our stats indicate that up to 30% of our site visitors are using an ad blocker. Some say the performance on the site has even suffered waiting for ads to load. And come are concerned about Internet tracking through the ads (yes, Google does it).
We think we have found a solution to meet in the middle.
You can now subscribe to Repeaterbook and obtain a membership that will silence the ads on Repeaterbook. This form of obtaining revenue while quieting ads is used on qrz.com.
So now we have two option to fit your preference:
- Enjoy Repeaterbook completely free, while enduring the ads that appear.
- Sign up for a Repeaterbook subscription and silence the ads.
To take advantage of this offer, you must be a registered user in good standing. Look at our Subscription Plans:
https://www.repeaterbook.com/index.php/en-us/ad-free
Finally, join and become a member of your local amateur radio club. They can use your dues to help defray the costs of running the club and repeater. And you’ll be a member of like-minded people who can help you with amateur radio and equipment.
Check out (and share our website) to learn more about Digital Mobile Radio!