Here’s a comparison of D-STAR vs. DMR
D-STAR vs. DMR: A Detailed Comparison
1. Origins & Purpose
- D-STAR: Designed exclusively for amateur radio by the Japan Amateur Radio League (JARL).
- DMR: Developed as a commercial two-way radio standard by ETSI (European Telecommunications Standards Institute) and later adapted for ham radio.
2. Hardware Availability & Cost
- D-STAR: Limited manufacturers (mainly Icom, some Kenwood), resulting in higher costs.
- DMR: Many manufacturers (Motorola, Hytera, AnyTone, TYT, Alinco, Radioddity, etc.) produce radios, leading to more affordable options.
💰 Winner: DMR – More radios available at lower prices.
3. Audio Quality
- D-STAR: Uses AMBE codec, with slightly robotic-sounding audio.
- DMR: Uses AMBE+2 codec, which offers better voice clarity and noise reduction.
🎤 Winner: DMR – Smoother and more natural-sounding audio.
4. Call Routing & Contact Methods
- D-STAR: Allows call sign routing, meaning you can call a specific user directly, regardless of location.
- DMR: Uses Radio ID numbers, requiring the user to know talk groups or specific contacts.
📞 Winner: D-STAR – More intuitive call sign-based routing.
5. Network Linking & Global Communication
- D-STAR: Uses reflectors (similar to DMR talkgroups), and you can dynamically link/unlink to repeaters.
- DMR: Uses a structured talkgroup system (e.g., BrandMeister, TGIF, DMR-MARC), often requiring knowledge of repeater and network settings.
🌍 Winner: Tie – D-STAR has easier linking, but DMR has a more structured approach.
6. Repeaters & Infrastructure
- D-STAR: Requires D-STAR-specific repeaters and gateways.
- DMR: Uses commercial DMR Tier II repeaters, making it easier for hams to repurpose commercial gear.
🏗️ Winner: DMR – More repeater options, often cheaper to set up.
7. Ease of Programming
- D-STAR: Requires knowledge of URCALL, RPT1, RPT2 settings, which can be confusing.
- DMR: Uses codeplugs that define talkgroups, channels, and zones; complex at first but scalable.
📖 Winner: DMR – Once you understand codeplugs, it’s easier to manage large networks.
8. Digital Data & GPS Features
- D-STAR: Has integrated GPS support, APRS-like features, and slow-speed digital data transmission.
- DMR: Also supports GPS tracking (on certain models) but lacks built-in digital data transfer.
📡 Winner: D-STAR – More built-in digital data and GPS capabilities.
9. Interoperability & Cross-Mode Operation
- D-STAR: Mostly confined to D-STAR repeaters and networks.
- DMR: More flexibility with hotspots, cross-mode bridging (e.g., DMR <-> YSF, DMR <-> NXDN).
🔀 Winner: DMR – More cross-mode compatibility.
Final Verdict: Which One is Better?
| Feature | Winner |
|---|---|
| Hardware Availability & Cost | DMR |
| Audio Quality | DMR |
| Call Routing | D-STAR |
| Network Linking | Tie |
| Repeaters & Infrastructure | DMR |
| Ease of Programming | DMR |
| Digital Data & GPS | D-STAR |
| Cross-Mode Compatibility | DMR |
🔹 If you’re looking for affordability, flexibility, and better repeater options → DMR is the way to go (which aligns with your DMR Tech Net focus).
🔹 If you prefer call sign-based routing, GPS integration, and data features → D-STAR may be a better choice for niche applications.