Join us Monday Night at 7:30pm ET on BM talk group 31266 as we discuss DMR Audio Levels

Posted on September 5, 2024

We’re on Brandmeister talk group 31266, the Michigan Nets channel, for the DMR Tech Net on Monday, September 9th from 7:30pm ET – 8:25pm ET.  We end the show early to give you time to QSY to the Michigan One DMR Net that follows us at 8:30pm, but it is on BrandMeister talk group 3126.

Join us Monday night as the DMR Tech Net team members discuss DMR audio levels, how to test and tweak them so you’re not constantly turning the volume up and down.  We’d love to hear your thoughts and comments about audio levels so check in!

Join us as we demystify and have fun with DMR (Digital Mobile Radio) every Monday night!  And don’t forget to join us Tuesday night for DMR Tech Net TV on Zoom.  Log in details are listed later in this newsletter.

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 or unsubscribe to this newsletter, send an email to subscribe@dmrtechnet.net with your instructions and we’ll take care of it.  If you want to see previous newsletters, check out our website: https://dmrtechnet.net/

First, an update about BrandMeister talk group 3126, the statewide Michigan calling channel.  It seems now that people from other states, countries, and continents CAN use this talk group.  Keep in mind that BrandMeister statewide (4-digit) talk groups are calling channels and have a 10-minute QSO limit.  Move to another talk group like BM 31264 Michigan TAC, or BM 31266, Michigan Nets channel so you don’t go over the 10-minute limit and get talk group banned.

Using Parrot Talkgroup to Test Your Radio

This next post on my Digital Mobile Radio (DMR) tips series, we’ll look at an easy way to test our radio and also check that the repeater is working properly.  To do this, use the Parrot talk group.  By using this talkgroup, everything you transmit is recorded and played back to your radio.

[ This article assumes you have a DMR radio and can program it to use a repeater and talkgroup. ]

Using the parrot talk group, every transmission is repeated back to the radio. This allows the operator to test multiple things.

  • Verify that the radio is working and getting into the repeater.
  • Because the parrot repeater is on the internet, when you hear yourself, this verifies that the repeater is working and it’s connected to the Brandmeister network.
  • This test allows you to test audio quality and levels.

 Using Parrot

  1. Setup a channel that uses the repeater of choice and the Parrot talkgroup (9990) as a “Private Call”  If the group is setup on your Anytone 868/878 you can use an existing channel that you setup for the repeater and use the Parrot talk group by following my instructions “Using a talk group on the fly”.

    [   Note:  When setting up a channel or using an existing channel, I suggest using timeslot 1 (TS1) since the default for dynamic groups is typically TS1.  I think it would also be acceptable to use TS2 because this is a “private call”, and therefore doesn’t cause the repeater to be subscribed to any talkgroup.  It’s always good operating practice to monitor the current group before transmitting to avoid collisions.  ]

  2. Transmit and say anything you want after you get the connect tone.
    A second or two after your transmission, the Parrot server will make a private call back to you and you should hear the Parrot server echo back whatever you said in your transmission.

If you don’t hear the parrot server repeat back what you sent, check your volume and try it again.  If it still isn’t working, it may indicate one of the following possibilities.

  1. Your radio is set-up incorrectly for the repeater or talk group.
  2. Your radio isn’t getting into the repeater.
  3. The repeater isn’t connected to the internet.
  4. The parrot server is not working.
  5. You are sending a private call, and the parrot server sends a private call back to your radio.  It may be possible for repeater owners to block private calls but I’m not sure about this.

https://www.n1clc.com/2019/03/dmr-tip-1-using-parrot-talkgroup-to.html

Tweaking the audio levels on a Digital Mobile Radio (DMR) handheld typically involves adjusting settings like volume, mic gain, and sometimes even equalization if the radio supports it. Here are the general steps to adjust audio levels on most DMR handheld radios:

  1. Adjust Volume:
  • Volume Knob/Button: Most DMR handhelds have a physical knob or buttons to control the speaker volume. Adjust this to your preferred level.
  • On-Screen Settings: Some advanced radios have additional options for fine-tuning volume levels for different modes (e.g., digital vs. analog) in the menu settings.
  1. Microphone Gain Adjustment:

  • Access the Menu: Navigate to the menu options on your DMR radio.
  • Find Audio or Mic Settings: Look for “Mic Gain,” “Audio Settings,” or a similar submenu.
  • Adjust Mic Gain: Increase or decrease the microphone gain depending on whether your transmitted audio is too loud, too soft, or distorted.
  1. Digital Audio Processing (DAP) Settings:
  • Some DMR radios allow users to adjust digital audio processing features like compression, noise suppression, or equalization. These settings can impact both incoming and outgoing audio clarity.
  • Access the DAP settings via the radio menu or software programming interface, if available.
  1. Use Programming Software:
  • For advanced settings and finer control, use the manufacturer-provided programming software (e.g., CPS – Customer Programming Software). This often allows more granular control over audio levels, mic gain, and other digital processing features.
  • Connect your radio to a computer using a programming cable, open the software, and navigate to the audio settings section.
  1. Check Firmware Updates:
  • Ensure your DMR radio is running the latest firmware, as updates sometimes improve audio processing and quality.
  1. Test with Contacts:
  • After making adjustments, test the audio with a contact to ensure your settings are optimized. Adjust further if necessary, based on feedback.
  1. Factory Reset:
  • If you’ve made several changes and the audio quality is still poor, consider performing a factory reset to revert to default settings and start from scratch.

Adjusting the mic gain on a DMR handheld typically involves navigating through the radio’s settings menu or using the radio’s programming software (CPS – Customer Programming Software) to fine-tune the gain levels for optimal audio transmission. The exact steps may vary depending on the make and model of the DMR radio. Here is a general guide on how to adjust the mic gain:

Steps to Adjust Mic Gain on a DMR Handheld:

  1. Access the Radio Menu:
    • Turn on your DMR handheld radio.
    • Press the Menu button to access the main menu.
  2. Navigate to Audio Settings:
    • Look for a menu option labeled “Settings,” “Audio,” “Mic Gain,” or similar.
    • Some radios may have the option under “Utilities” or “Radio Settings.”
  3. Select Mic Gain Settings:
    • Find the setting for “Mic Gain” or “Microphone Sensitivity.”
    • Some radios have separate settings for analog and digital modes, so ensure you’re adjusting the correct mode.
  4. Adjust the Mic Gain Level:
    • Use the navigation buttons or knob to increase or decrease the mic gain level.
    • Start with a moderate setting, as too high a gain may cause distortion, while too low may make your audio too quiet.
  5. Save and Exit:
    • After setting the desired mic gain level, save the settings.
    • Exit the menu and test the microphone with a contact to check if the audio level is appropriate.

Adjusting Mic Gain Using Programming Software (CPS):

  1. Connect the Radio to a Computer:
    • Use the appropriate programming cable to connect the DMR handheld to your computer.
  2. Open the Programming Software:
    • Launch the CPS software provided by the radio manufacturer (e.g., Motorola, TYT, Anytone).
  3. Load or Read Radio Settings:
    • Read the current configuration from the radio by clicking the “Read” button in the CPS software.
  4. Find Audio or Mic Settings:
    • Navigate to the “Audio” or “Mic Gain” section within the software.
  5. Adjust Mic Gain:
    • Adjust the mic gain levels to your desired setting. Most CPS software allows you to set different gain levels for digital and analog modes.
  6. Write the Settings Back to the Radio:
    • After making adjustments, click the “Write” button to upload the new settings back to the radio.
  7. Test the Audio:
    • Conduct a test transmission to ensure the mic gain is set correctly.

Tips:

  • Test with Other Users: After adjusting the mic gain, ask for feedback from other users on your network to ensure your audio is clear and at an appropriate level.
  • Avoid Over-Adjustment: Over-adjusting the mic gain can cause audio distortion or clipping. Start with small adjustments and test frequently.

Testing the audio levels on your DMR (Digital Mobile Radio) equipment is crucial to ensure that both transmitted and received audio is clear and at appropriate levels. Here’s how to effectively test the audio levels on your DMR handheld or mobile radio:

  1. Initial Setup:
  • Ensure your DMR radio is properly configured with the necessary channels, contacts, and talk groups.
  • Make sure your radio battery is fully charged or that the equipment is properly powered if it’s a mobile unit.
  • Set your volume to a comfortable listening level, and position the microphone correctly when testing.
  1. Use a Local Repeater or Talkgroup:
  • Choose a local repeater or talkgroup where you can perform a test without interfering with ongoing communications.
  • Some networks have dedicated talk groups or channels specifically for testing purposes. Use these whenever possible.
  1. Transmit and Test Audio Quality:
  • Make a test call by keying the microphone and saying something like: “This is [your call sign], conducting an audio test. How do I sound?”
  • Ensure your microphone is positioned correctly—typically, 1-2 inches from your mouth and slightly to the side to avoid plosive sounds.
  1. Get Feedback from Other Operators:
  • Ask for feedback on your audio quality from another station or operator. They can provide valuable insight into whether your transmitted audio is clear, too loud, too quiet, or distorted.
  • Ask specifically about clarity, volume, and any background noise or distortion.
  1. Self-Monitor with an Echo Test Server (if available):
  • Some DMR networks or repeaters have an “Echo Test” function or talk group. When you transmit on this channel, it will repeat your audio back to you so you can hear exactly how you sound.
  • This is an excellent way to self-assess without needing another operator.
  1. Use DMR Gateway or Hotspot Diagnostics:
  • If you are using a DMR hotspot (e.g., Pi-Star, OpenSpot), these often have diagnostic tools that allow you to check audio quality, BER (Bit Error Rate), and more.
  • You can use the hotspot’s dashboard to monitor the performance of your transmission, including any potential audio clipping or distortion.
  1. Test Both Analog and Digital Modes:
  • If your DMR radio supports both analog and digital modes, test your audio levels in both. Digital and analog modes may handle audio differently, and mic gain settings may need adjustment accordingly.
  1. Monitor with Another Radio:
  • If you have a second DMR radio or another receiver capable of monitoring the same frequency or talk group, use it to listen to your own transmissions. This allows you to hear how you sound from the perspective of other operators.
  1. Check Received Audio Quality:
  • To test how well your radio receives audio, ask another operator to perform a test transmission and provide feedback on how they sound. Adjust your volume and any relevant settings (like squelch or equalization) as needed.
  1. Repeat and Adjust:
  • Based on feedback, adjust your mic gain, compression settings, or other audio parameters.
  • Repeat the tests until you achieve a balanced audio quality that is clear and consistent for both transmitting and receiving.
  1. Perform Field Tests:
  • Conduct tests in different environments—indoors, outdoors, noisy, quiet, and from varying distances. This will help ensure that your audio settings work well in all scenarios.
  1. Log Your Settings:
  • Once you are satisfied with the audio levels, note the settings (e.g., mic gain, volume levels, squelch settings) for future reference or troubleshooting.

Following these steps should ensure your DMR equipment has optimal audio settings for clear communication.

The Parrot channel (or Echo Test channel) is a great tool for setting and testing your audio levels on a DMR handheld. This channel allows you to hear back your own transmission, which helps in assessing the clarity, volume, and quality of your audio settings. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use the Parrot channel to set your audio levels:

What is the Parrot Channel?

The Parrot channel is a special DMR talk group or private call ID that records your transmitted audio and plays it back to you after you release the push-to-talk (PTT) button. This immediate feedback loop is ideal for checking audio levels, mic gain, background noise, and clarity without needing another person to give you feedback.

Steps to Use the Parrot Channel:

  1. Find the Parrot Channel Information:
    • Check with your local DMR repeater or network for the specific talk group ID or private call ID used for the Parrot channel. Common IDs include 9990 or similar, but this can vary by network (e.g., BrandMeister, TGIF, DMR-MARC).
    • You can usually find this information on the repeater or network’s website or documentation.
  2. Program the Parrot Channel into Your Radio:
    • If you have not already done so, program the Parrot channel into your DMR radio using the Customer Programming Software (CPS).
    • Create a new channel in the software and set the Contact Name to “Parrot” or something similar.
    • Set the Contact Type to Private Call and enter the appropriate Contact ID (e.g., 9990).
    • Assign the channel to a zone if necessary and set up any additional settings like time slot and color code that match your repeater’s configuration.
  3. Select the Parrot Channel on Your Radio:
    • On your DMR handheld, select the zone that contains the Parrot channel.
    • Use the navigation buttons to scroll to the Parrot channel and select it.
  4. Perform a Test Transmission:
    • Hold the PTT (Push-To-Talk) button and speak clearly into the microphone.
    • Say something like: “This is [your call sign] performing an audio test on the Parrot channel. How do I sound?”
    • Release the PTT button after your message.
  5. Listen to the Playback:
    • After a few seconds, you will hear your own audio played back to you. This is exactly how you sound to others on the network.
    • Listen carefully to assess if the audio is clear, at an appropriate volume, and free from distortion or excessive background noise.
  6. Adjust Audio Levels as Needed:
    • Based on the playback, adjust your mic gain, compression, or other audio settings if needed. Refer to your DMR radio’s manual for details on adjusting these settings.
    • If the audio is too low, increase the mic gain. If it sounds distorted or too loud, lower the mic gain.
  7. Repeat the Test:
    • Repeat steps 4-6 until you are satisfied with the audio quality.
  8. Confirm with a Live Contact:
    • While the Parrot channel is a fantastic tool, it’s always a good idea to confirm with a live contact or operator to get human feedback on your audio quality.

Additional Tips:

  • Avoid Over-Adjustment: Be careful not to set the mic gain too high, as it can cause distortion and clipping.
  • Use Different Environments: Test in different settings (e.g., noisy vs. quiet environments) to ensure your settings work well in various conditions.
  • Check for Firmware Updates: Some audio issues can be resolved by updating your radio’s firmware, which might have improved audio processing or new settings.

When using a DMR radio, it is common to experience varying audio levels where some transmissions are too loud, and others are too soft. This issue often arises from differences in microphone gain settings, equipment quality, or user habits among different operators. While you can’t control the audio levels transmitted by other users, you can adjust your own DMR radio settings to better handle these variations.

Steps to Adjust Your DMR Radio for Consistent Audio Levels:

  1. Enable Automatic Gain Control (AGC) or Digital AGC:
    • Automatic Gain Control (AGC) helps to normalize incoming audio levels by automatically adjusting the gain to make quiet signals louder and loud signals softer. If your DMR radio supports AGC or Digital AGC, enable this feature.
    • Access the Audio Settings or Advanced Settings menu on your radio, and look for options like “AGC” or “Digital AGC.”
    • Set AGC to “On” or select a level (e.g., low, medium, high) depending on what your radio supports.
  2. Adjust RX Audio Level:
    • Some DMR radios allow you to set the receive (RX) audio level for individual channels or contacts. By fine-tuning the RX audio level, you can make quiet transmissions more audible and louder ones less overwhelming.
    • Access the Channel Settings in the menu or programming software and look for the RX Audio Level or similar setting.
    • Set it to a moderate level and test with multiple transmissions to find a balance.
  3. Use an External Speaker with Built-In Audio Control:
    • An external speaker with a built-in volume control can give you better manual control over varying audio levels.
    • If your DMR radio supports external accessories, consider using one that allows for more precise adjustments.
  4. Adjust Equalizer or Audio Filter Settings:
    • Some advanced DMR radios come with equalizer settings or audio filters that can help balance audio frequencies, making softer voices clearer without amplifying loud voices excessively.
    • Look for options like “Audio Equalizer,” “High-Pass Filter,” or “Low-Pass Filter” in the settings. Experiment with these to find settings that work best for your listening environment.
  5. Adjust Squelch Settings:
    • Proper squelch settings can help with background noise and make transmissions more consistent. Lowering the squelch setting can help with receiving weaker signals, while a higher setting can filter out weaker, noisier signals.
    • Access the Squelch Settings in the menu and adjust to a level where it balances between noise suppression and receiving weak signals.
  6. Use Firmware Updates to Improve Audio Handling:
    • Ensure your DMR radio is running the latest firmware. Manufacturers often release firmware updates that can improve audio processing and handling.
    • Visit the manufacturer’s website and download the latest firmware updates if available.
  7. Test with Different Operators and Networks:
    • Test your adjustments with transmissions from different operators, repeaters, and networks. This helps ensure your settings are optimal for a wide range of audio levels.
  8. Adjust Volume Dynamically During Use:
    • Unfortunately, you may still need to adjust the volume manually during use. Keep your hand on the volume control to increase or decrease the audio level quickly as needed for different operators.
  9. Communicate and Provide Feedback to Other Operators:
    • If you consistently experience audio level problems from specific users, provide friendly feedback. Sometimes, operators may not be aware their microphone gain is too high or too low, and they can adjust accordingly.

Summary

  • Enable AGC/Digital AGC to normalize incoming audio.
  • Adjust RX Audio Levels per channel or contact if possible.
  • Use an External Speaker with volume control.
  • Adjust Equalizer and Filter Settings for balanced audio.
  • Update Firmware to improve overall audio handling.

By using these techniques, you can achieve more consistent audio levels and improve your overall experience on DMR networks.

 

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.

  • On Tuesday, September 17, our special guest will be Scott Yonally, N8SY, ARRL Director, Great Lakes Division, to go over what ARRL does for amateur radio, what is available for members, a wrap-up of the Dayton Hamvention, membership changes, along with media & magazines available on the ARRL site.  Plus, he will answer your questions!
  • To join the DMR Tech Net TV Zoom meeting, click the following link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84447664395?pwd=djZMbFZaWVRkRDRudkRFeWc2WWV4UT09
  • 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 on BrandMeister talk group 3126 on Monday nights starting at 8:30pm ET.  If you would like to help as a Net Control Station operator, send an email to dana@dmrtechnet.net as we need NCS help through the end of 2024.

Here’s the upcoming list of upcoming NCS’:

  • Sept 9                 Dustin N8RMA
  • Sep 16                Bob KB8DQQ (Donald Quack Quack)
  • Sep 23                Brad KE8WNV
  • Sep 30                Rick AD8KN

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/

https://tgif.network/faq.php

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:

  1. Enjoy Repeaterbook completely free, while enduring the ads that appear.
  2. 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!

https://dmrtechnet.net/

DMR Tech Net