The DMR Tech Net team is branching out with a monthly show on Zoom on the third Tuesday of each month from 8pm-9pm ET called DMR Tech Net TV!
On Tuesday, August 20, our special guest will be Robert Bretzman K4WZV, one of the founders of the TGIF network. He will discuss (and answer questions about) TGIF, the features available on his network, how to find a list of TGIF talk groups along with creating your own talk group, the items (hotspots & DMR radios) available for sale in the TGIF store, future improvements coming to TGIF, what TGIF talk group 31665 is for, as well as answer your questions.
If you want to watch Robert discuss the TGIF network on the first DMR Tech Net TV earlier this year in February, click this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XaJVsetcHsY&t=33s
Next month, September 17, we have scheduled 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!
DMR Tech Net TV is a monthly show broadcast on Zoom on the third Tuesday of each month. We’ll be live from 8pmET-9pm ET to explain and demystify DMR (Digital Mobile Radio).
To join the DMR Tech Net TV Zoom meeting, click the following link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84447664395?pwd=djZMbFZaWVRkRDRudkRFeWc2WWV4UT09
Another option is to go to https://zoom.us/, then select “Join” (in the top right-hand corner), and input the following details to connect to the DMR Tech Net TV Zoom meeting:
- Meeting ID: 844 4766 4395
- Passcode: 370040
To join with only your phones’ audio, dial (312) 626-6799 and input the following:
- Meeting ID: 844 4766 4395
- Passcode: 370040
To view previous DMR Tech Net TV shows, visit our YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/@DMRtechnetTV) or website (https://dmrtechnet.net/dmr-tech-net-tv/).
The TGIF DMR network is a popular digital mobile radio (DMR) network that offers a wide range of talk groups for amateur radio operators. It was initially created as a fun, experimental network (“TGIF” stands for “Thank God It’s Friday”) but has grown into a substantial and well-organized DMR community.
Key Features of the TGIF DMR Network:
- User-Friendly Access: TGIF is known for its simplicity and accessibility. It’s designed to be easy for both beginners and experienced users to connect and participate in.
- Wide Variety of Talk Groups: The network hosts hundreds of talk groups that cater to different interests, ranging from general chat to specific hobbies and technical discussions. Users can also request the creation of new talk groups if they have a particular area of interest.
- Dedicated Server: TGIF operates its own server, ensuring that users have a reliable and stable platform for communication. This server is independent of other large DMR networks like BrandMeister, giving users an alternative environment to explore.
- Community-Oriented: TGIF places a strong emphasis on community, with active forums, social media groups, and regular events that foster interaction among its users.
- Cross-Mode Capabilities: Similar to other DMR networks, TGIF supports cross-mode operation, allowing users with different digital modes to communicate with each other through the network.
How to Connect:
To connect to the TGIF DMR network, users typically need a DMR-capable radio and a compatible hotspot device. The network can be accessed by programming the appropriate settings into the radio, including the TGIF network’s specific talk group IDs.
The TGIF network has become popular for its friendly atmosphere, making it a go-to option for hams looking for a more laid-back and community-focused DMR experience.
To join the TGIF Discord server, click this link: https://discord.gg/EwQDnSgnhA
TGIF Network – Account Setup
The new server is temporarily being hosted at https://tgif.network. This will be replacing
the normal TGIF.network location once the beta period is over and the code has been polished.
Because it is on a different server this means you will need to configure your hotspot to connect
there. The method described in this document will temporarily connect your repeater or hotspot to
the TGIF network using the new security method (similar to BrandMeister’s hotspot security
feature).
In the new network implementation, there are two modes of joining the server with your hotspot.
The method which uses the default DMR password ‘passw0rd’ is called a ‘Legacy Connection’. In
addition to this, there is now an alternative type of connection which we call a ‘Secured
Connection’. The secure type connection involves a station creating an account on the TGIF website
(currently at TGIF. Network) and verifying their email and account which will then give the
ability to generate a secure DMR network connection password which is unique for that user and will
be configured into the hotspot along with their DMR ID. Both implementations will be supported,
which means you will always be able to connect the “legacy” way which is what everyone is used
to now, although during the beta period these types of connections have been disabled. This means
if you want to help beta test you will need to register for an account and get your secure login
credentials.
Firstly, head over to https://tgif.network and you should be presented with a page like this:
Now, either click the ‘Login or Register’ hyperlink in the center of the page, or click the
“Registration” dropdown menu and click Register.
If you already have an account, go ahead and just login with your CALLSIGN and account
password here. If you have issues verifying your email or have any other questions, please send
an email to support@tgif.network and we will get you fixed up quickly. If you do not have an
account click the green ‘Register’ button at the top left of the page.
Fill out the registration form on this page and submit it. You should receive an email containing a
link you can click to verify your account. Make sure to check your spam folders and trash and
wait at least 10 minutes if you do not see the email immediately. If you still do not receive the
email please send us an email at support@tgif.network and include your callsign and we will verify
your account for you.
After you click the verification URL in the email it should bring you back to the sign in page. You
may now login using your CALLSIGN (not your email) and account password then entering the
captcha text and clicking the ‘Login’ button. If you encounter any problems, email us at
support@tgif.network and remember to include your callsign in the email. If everything goes well,
you should be redirected to the main page and displayed will be one of two messages. For most
people your account will be verified almost immediately, but for some it may take up to 24 hours. If
it takes longer than that please send us an email.
Once your account becomes fully verified, you will receive a confirmation email and when you
visit the website you should see a different message and be able to navigate the full website.
Setting Up Your Hotspot
Now that you have completed registration and your account is verified let’s get your hotspot set up on
the network. Setup by step instructions and screenshots will be provided to make this process as simple
as possible. The two major types of hotspots will be covered. You can always email
support@tgif.network if you need assistance.
1) The Common Stuff
Step 1: open your web browser and navigate to TGIF.network from your address bar.
Step 2: once the page loads click or tap the Registration drop down menu and click Sign In
Step 3: once the Sign In page loads enter your callsign and password.
NOTE: Do NOT use your email address. ONLY use your callsign.
Enter the captcha and click or tap the “Login” button
Step 4: Click or tap your callsign followed by “User Security”
Step 5: once the User Security page loads click or tap the blue clipboard under your DMR ID. This will
copy the long password above to your system clipboard.
2) Pi-Star Specific (skip if using OpenSpot)
Step 1: load the pi-star dashboard by using its IP address
NOTE: in my case this is 10.0.0.15 but it will be different for you.
NOTE 2: I have changed my colors by default it is a white page with red banners at the top and bottom.
Step 2: Click or tap Configuration and if required to login, enter pi-star as the username and raspberry
as the password
NOTE: these are the defaults
Step 3: Click or tap Expert near the top right-hand corner of the page
Step 4: Click or tap MMDVMHost
Step 5: scroll down to the DMR Network section
Step 6: change the Address box from TGIF.network to TGIF.network
Step 7: right-click or tap and hold on the password box and past the password that was copied to
your clipboard earlier.
Step 8: once the password is pasted click Apply Changes and you are done.
NOTE: the configuration page shown in Step 2 above will now say DMRGateway under the DMR
Configuration section. That is normal.
NOTE2: if you make any changes on the configuration page you will need to follow this guide again.
3) Openspot Specific
Step 1: load the Openspot dashboard from its IP address or openspot#.local (example openspot2.local or openspot3.local)
NOTE: here I used the IP address 10.0.0.2. This will be different for you.
Step 2: click the Connectors page
Step 3: Check the Advanced checkbox near the bottom right of the page
Step 4: scroll to the DMR/Homebrew/MMDVM section
Step 5: change the Protocol radio button from Homebrew to MMDVM
Step 6: click the server box and scroll down the list to choose TGIF
Step 7: change the server address from tgif.network to tgif.network
Step 8: delete the password that is in the Server Password box and right-click and paste in the
password you copied in The Common Stuff: Step 5
Step 9: once the password has been pasted, click the Save button to the right of
DMR/Homebrew/MMDVM
Step 10: Click the Change button to change the list of talkgroups to the TGIF list
Hopefully, this guide has been helpful. If you have any questions or need help, feel free to send an
email to support@tgif.network and one of our staff will get back to you.
-TGIF Network Support Team
© 2020-2024 TGIF Network
So, I’ve heard of TGIF several times and am just now checking it out. Shame on me, I guess. I’ve been active on DMR for a couple years using Pi-Star hotspots on BrandMeister, which brings me to my question.
As I understand TGIF is a completely different network, are some of the TG’s “linked” for lack of a better term to BrandMeister’s? For example, is TGIF KY 3121 “the same” as “BM KY 3121”? Or in other words, if I have a hotspot that’s on TGIF, and I put out a call on KY 3121, will my transmission be heard on other hotspots and repeaters that are only on BrandMeister? Or is that not how this works?
Second, as I’m only familiar with BM and its structure (WW 91, NA 93, US 3100, etc., etc.) are these TG’s available on TGIF? For example, is there a TGIF TG that is again “the same” as say, BM WW 91? I guess this question is kind of the opposite of the one I just asked earlier, and may not warrant a response, ha.
Is there a method to set up my hotspot to use BOTH TGIF and BM? I’ve seen some talk about “DMR Gateway”, but haven’t read much into it. I’m not a very advanced hotspot user and know absolutely nothing about Linux, but I can navigate Pi-Star somewhat.
Lastly – what are some of the most active TG’s on TGIF?
Many thanks!
Re: New to TGIF, not new to DMR, some questions..
« Reply #1 on: August 04, 2021, 08:50:41 pm »
I’ll try to go through all your questions in order:
Quote from: KK4JW on August 04, 2021, 04:08:18 pm
Are some of the TG’s “linked” for lack of a better term to BrandMeister’s? For example, is TGIF KY 3121 “the same” as “BM KY 3121”?
Generally, no. Each network is separate, despite certain talkgroups having similar names and/or numbers. There are a FEW exceptions where bridges exists between the networks that link various talkgroups from each together, but they are VERY few and far between.
Quote from: KK4JW on August 04, 2021, 04:08:18 pm
Second, as I’m only familiar with BM and its structure (WW 91, NA 93, US 3100, etc., etc.) are these TG’s available on TGIF?
There are similar talkgroups to SOME of those found on Brandmeister and also many ones that you won’t find over on that network. Best thing to do is explore and compare. You can find a list of TGIF talkgroups right here: https://tgif.network/talkgroups.php
Quote from: KK4JW on August 04, 2021, 04:08:18 pm
Is there a method to set up my hotspot to use BOTH TGIF and BM? I’ve seen some talk about “DMR Gateway” but haven’t read much into it. I’m not a very advanced hotspot user and know absolutely nothing about Linux, but I can navigate Pi-Star somewhat.
Indeed, there is. In fact, there’s a lot of information to be found right here on the forums (as well as around the Internet). Try here: https://tgifnetwork.createaforum.com/new-board/
Quote from: KK4JW on August 04, 2021, 04:08:18 pm
Lastly – what are some of the most active TG’s on TGIF?
Well, 31665 is considered to be the “main” talkgroup of the network, so it’s usually pretty active. For a list of currently active talkgroups, try here: https://tgif.network/activetg.php
Welcome, and enjoy your stay!
Best Regards,
Joe, WB3IHY
Frequently Asked Questions
We will try to cover some of the basic questions you may have on this page.
If you cannot find it, let us know and we will try our best to answer it.
- How did the TGIF Network come about?
- What does TGIF Stand For?
- Do I need to do a 4000 disconnect to change talk groups?
- Can I use multiple hot spots on TGIF?
- Does TGIF have a parrot test
- Can I do private calls and SMS messaging on TGIF?
- Who are the Main Administrators of TGIF?
- What do I do to get a talk group on TGIF?
- How long should I pause in between my transmissions?
- Can I leave my hotspot connected to the network all the time?
- How can I donate?
- Can I have TGIF and other networks on my hot spot at the same time?
- Does TGIF have static talk groups?
- Is there a limit to how long I can talk on a talk group?
- Does talker alias work on TGIF?
- What is the proper way to break in when a conversation is going on a talk group?
- I cannot seem to upload an image to my Talkgroup Profile page
Click this link (https://tgif.network/faq.php) to see the FAQ answers.
https://tgif.network/helpvid.php
- Information
- Home
- Repeater List
- Active talkgroups
- TGIF. Network
- RadioID.net
TGIF Network Connected Repeaters List
Welcome to the RF gateway to the TGIF Network!
This site is dedicated to maintaining a growing list of repeaters connected to the TGIF Network. If you would like to get your repeater(s) listed, please use this add-repeater form or contact n6doz @ arrl.net and he will get back to you. Thanks 7-3!
How to get on TGIF. Network
First, get the repeater info from repeater list, then use your radio CPS and program your codeplug: the frequency and color-code of the repeater. Along with the talkgroup number, using time slot 2 and you should be set.
You can also connect your favorite hotspot on the TGIF. Network by using this guide.
The TGIF Network and it’s brief history.
The TGIF Network, also referred to as TGIF.Network, is an alternative and similar DMR network to FreeDMR and BrandMeister.
The TGIF Network was started in October, 2018 By Robert (K4WZV) and Mitch (EA7KDO). Ty (KG5RKI) came on board to help improve the hblink code, then Michael (K5MRE) and Andy (G7LRR) also joined the team and created many of the features we enjoy on the [TGIF.network] website and plenty more behind the scenes. Over the years, the network quickly grew from just a few hundred users to just under 5,500. The network now is home to around 776 active talkgroups available for all to use.
All Amateur Radio Operators are welcome to join and try out what the network offers.
- TGIFSPOT.COM was founded by K4WZV Robert Bretzman, a Navy Veteran. “I take pride in building the best hotspots available in today’s market. My promise to you is you will not find better before and after the sale support anywhere.”
- Reasons to buy from me.
I use only the best SD cards. ( SanDisk, UHS 32GB, class 10 ) others use cheap SD cards and can fail.
All units assembled, soldered, and tested by me on all modes. Units will be configured for you. Plug-and-play. I have an extensive electronics background and very knowledgeable about hot spots.
Help and technical assistance is always available on our DMR network (The TGIF Network TG 31665)
73
Robert
SETUP INFORMATION
PLEASE PROVIDE THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION WHEN YOU CHECK OUT
Callsign>> WiFi SSID>> 2.4G
DMR ID #>> WiFi password>>
Simplex Freq>> **** Avoid special Characters****
Register at https://prime.tgif.network/index.php To get your hotspot security password.
My contact information is admin@tgifspot.com
Best Sellers at TGIFSPOT.COM:
- TGIFSPOT 3.5 inch Nextion
- Back up 16 GB or 32 GB SD card
- TGIF Junior Spot
- Power supply
- OTG Ethernet Adapter
- TGIFSPOT 2.4 Nextion
- UHF SMA Male Antenna
- USB extension 3 feet
- USB to Micro USB Adapter
- 2-year extended parts and labor warranty with Anydesk support new purchases only.
- Complete plug and play package. TGIF 3.5 Nextion Hotspot With MD-UV380
- Junior complete package
- 1-year extended warranty
Latest Products at TGIFSPOT.COM:
Junior complete package
$309.00
Complete plug and play…
$489.00
1-year extended warranty
$39.00
2-year extended parts and…
$69.00
UHF SMA Male Antenna
$18.68
USB extension 3 feet
$12.89
USB to Micro USB Adapter
$12.89
OTG Ethernet Adapter
$18.89
Backup 16-GB or 32-GB SD card
$18.79
Power supply
$17.89
TGIF Junior Spot
$179.00
TGIFSPOT 2.4 Nextion
$288.00
TGIFSPOT 3.5 inch Nextion
$368.00