Monday night, the DMR Tech Net team will have Garrett Dow KD6KPC to discuss using RepeaterBook.com to program your DMR radio. Garrett will answer your questions about RepeaterBook.
Join us on Brandmeister Talk Group 31266 (Michigan Nets channel) for the DMR Tech Net on Monday, March 3rd starting at 7:30 PM ET. The net will conclude at 8:25pm to allow time for you to QSY over to BrandMeister talk group 3126 for the Michigan One DMR Net (which begins at 8:30 PM ET).
Every Monday night, join the DMR Tech Net as we try to make Digital Mobile Radio (DMR) easier to understand and fun to use! If you have a topic suggestion for a future DMR Tech Net, please let us know! Send the email to Dana@dmrtechnet.net
March’s tentative DMR Tech Net topics
- March 3 How to use Repeaterbook.com & its new features with Garrett Dow KD6KPC
- March 10 Explanation of, & differences between Dynamic, static, and auto-static talkgroups
- March 17 International Contacts via DMR. Best practices for making worldwide QSOs
- Tuesday, March 18 DMR Tech Net TV on Zoom with Garrett Dow going over Repeaterbook.com
- March 24 How to find Active DMR Talkgroups
- March 31 Codeplug Best Practices – Organizing channels, zones, and talkgroups
RepeaterBook: A Powerful Tool for DMR Operators
For anyone involved in Digital Mobile Radio (DMR), RepeaterBook is an essential tool that helps locate and program repeaters into your radio. It’s a free, community-driven directory of amateur radio repeaters worldwide, including analog, digital, and DMR-specific systems. Accessible via the RepeaterBook website (www.repeaterbook.com) or the RepeaterBook mobile app (available for iOS and Android), this resource makes it easy to find and program repeaters into your AnyTone D878-UVII+ or any other DMR-capable radio.
https://www.repeaterbook.com/index.php/en/
Key Features of RepeaterBook
- Search by Location – Find repeaters based on your city, state, or GPS location.
- Filter by Mode – Select DMR, P25, NXDN, Fusion, or Analog repeaters.
- Detailed Repeater Information – Includes frequency, color code, time slots, and talkgroups (if listed).
- GPS Integration – The mobile app can auto-detect your location and list nearby repeaters.
How to Use RepeaterBook for DMR
- Visit RepeaterBook.com or Open the App – Use the website or mobile app to search for DMR repeaters near your location.
- Set Your Filters – Select “DMR” under the Mode filter to view only digital repeaters.
- Find a Repeater – Review the repeater listing, paying attention to:
- Output/Input Frequency – The repeater’s TX/RX frequencies.
- Color Code (CC) – Essential for DMR operation, similar to a PL tone in analog.
- Time Slots (TS1/TS2) – Determines which slot talkgroups are assigned to.
- Talkgroups (TG) – Some repeaters list their active talkgroups for local, statewide, or worldwide communication.
- Program Your Radio – Manually enter the repeater details into your radio or use CPS (Computer Programming Software) to create a new channel.
- Save & Test – After programming, test by keying up with a registered DMR ID and monitoring activity.
Why RepeaterBook is Valuable for DMR Operators
- Up-to-Date Information – Since it’s user-submitted, repeater data is frequently updated.
- Global Coverage – Whether traveling or setting up your local codeplug, you can find repeaters anywhere.
- Free & Community-Driven – No cost to use, and amateur operators contribute updates.
By leveraging RepeaterBook, DMR operators can quickly locate and access repeaters, making it a must-have tool for setting up your handheld or mobile radio.
RepeaterBook in 2025 will introduce several significant enhancements to improve user experience and functionality for the amateur radio community:
- RepeaterBook Connect: This innovative feature allows users to seamlessly interface their radios with the RepeaterBook platform. By selecting a repeater within the app, users can instantly configure their radios with the correct frequency, offset, and CTCSS tones, eliminating manual programming errors. Currently, RepeaterBook Connect is available exclusively for Android devices, with plans to expand support to other platforms in the future.
- Partnership with ARRL: At Hamcation 2025, RepeaterBook announced a strategic partnership with the American Radio Relay League (ARRL). This collaboration aims to integrate ARRL’s extensive repeater directory with RepeaterBook’s dynamic database, providing users with the most comprehensive and up-to-date repeater information available.
- Enhanced API for Developers: Recognizing the importance of third-party applications in the amateur radio ecosystem, RepeaterBook has upgraded its API. The new JSON-based API offers developers streamlined access to repeater data, facilitating the creation of innovative tools and applications that leverage RepeaterBook’s extensive database.
- CHIRP Integration with GMRS Support: RepeaterBook continues its collaboration with CHIRP, the popular free radio programming software. In 2025, CHIRP added support for General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS), allowing users to download GMRS repeater data directly from RepeaterBook. This enhancement simplifies the programming process for GMRS operators, ensuring accurate and efficient data transfer.
These developments underscore RepeaterBook’s commitment to providing the amateur radio community with cutting-edge tools and comprehensive data, enhancing both accessibility and usability for operators worldwide.
How to Search for Digital Mobile Radio (DMR) Data in Your Local Area Using RepeaterBook.com
RepeaterBook.com is a free and user-driven directory of amateur radio repeaters, including DMR, P25, NXDN, and other digital systems. Follow these steps to find digital repeaters near you:
Step 1: Access RepeaterBook
- Open a web browser and go to www.repeaterbook.com.
- Alternatively, download and install the RepeaterBook mobile app for iOS or Android.
Step 2: Select Your Location
- On the homepage, look for the “Repeater Directory” menu.
- Click “Search for Repeaters” or use the quick search box.
- Choose your location by selecting your country, state, or province.
Step 3: Filter for Digital Repeaters (DMR)
- Once on the search page, scroll down to the “Mode” section.
- Check the box for DMR (or other digital modes like P25, NXDN, or Fusion if needed).
- You can also filter by:
- Repeater Features (Linked, Echolink, AllStar, etc.)
- Band (2m, 70cm, 33cm, etc.)
- Distance from your location (GPS-based on mobile apps)
Step 4: View DMR Repeater Details
- Click on a repeater listing to view important information, including:
- Output and Input Frequencies (TX/RX)
- Color Code (CC) – Required for DMR programming
- Time Slots (TS1/TS2) – Used to manage talkgroup assignments
- Available Talkgroups (TG) – Local, regional, state, or worldwide talkgroups
- Repeater Network – BrandMeister, DMR-MARC, TGIF, etc.
- Callsign and Location of the repeater
Step 5: Program Your Radio
- Use the information from RepeaterBook to program your DMR radio manually or through CPS (Computer Programming Software).
- Ensure your DMR ID is registered at RadioID.net.
- Test your connection by transmitting on a talkgroup and checking for confirmation signals.
Bonus: Using GPS for Nearby Repeaters
- If using the RepeaterBook mobile app, enable location services to automatically find repeaters closest to you.
- This is helpful when traveling or operating portable/mobile setups.
By following these steps, you can quickly find, program, and access DMR repeaters in your local area using RepeaterBook.
In 2025, RepeaterBook introduced several enhancements significantly benefiting Digital Mobile Radio (DMR) users:
- Integration with RadioID.net for Real-Time Talkgroup Data: RepeaterBook has partnered with RadioID.net to aggregate DMR repeater talkgroup information, particularly for repeaters operating on a cBridge. Repeater owners can now input their talkgroup data into RadioID.net, which is then automatically propagated to RepeaterBook in real-time. This integration ensures that users have access to the most current talkgroup information without manual updates on multiple platforms.
- Enhanced API for Developers: Recognizing the importance of third-party applications in the amateur radio ecosystem, RepeaterBook has upgraded its API. The new JSON-based API offers developers streamlined access to repeater data, facilitating the creation of innovative tools and applications that leverage RepeaterBook’s extensive database.
These developments underscore RepeaterBook’s commitment to providing the amateur radio community with cutting-edge tools and comprehensive data, enhancing both accessibility and usability for DMR operators worldwide.
How to Find Digital Voice Repeaters on RepeaterBook
- Go to www.repeaterbook.com
- Select “Search for Repeaters”
- Filter by Mode: Choose from DMR, D-STAR, System Fusion, NXDN, P25, or M17
- View Details: See frequency, talkgroups, network affiliation, and connection options
RepeaterBook is an excellent resource for finding digital voice repeaters and their network affiliations, helping you connect with other operators worldwide! 🚀
RepeaterBook.com provides information on a variety of digital voice modes used in amateur radio. These include popular systems for DMR, D-Star, Fusion, NXDN, and P25 networks. Below is a list of digital voice modes you can search for on RepeaterBook, along with some examples of associated networks:
- DMR (Digital Mobile Radio)
- Networks:
- BrandMeister – Most flexible and widely used global DMR network
- TGIF Network – Independent DMR network with custom talkgroups
- DMR-MARC – Motorola-based worldwide network
- FreeDMR – Open-source alternative with user-controlled talkgroups
- Phoenix UK – Popular DMR network in the UK
- Repeater Features:
- Uses Color Codes (CC), Time Slots (TS1 & TS2), and Talkgroups (TG)
- Works on VHF (2m) and UHF (70cm) bands
- D-STAR (Digital Smart Technologies for Amateur Radio)
- Networks:
- REF Reflectors (DPlus) – Used for linking repeaters
- XRF Reflectors – Third-party reflectors for more flexibility
- XLX Reflectors – Multi-protocol reflectors supporting D-STAR, DMR, and Fusion
- Repeater Features:
- Uses Callsign Routing and Reflectors
- Common on Icom and Kenwood radios
- System Fusion (Yaesu C4FM)
- Networks:
- WIRES-X – Yaesu’s proprietary linking system
- YSF Reflectors – Alternative network supporting cross-mode linking
- FCS Reflectors – Digital linking system for Fusion
- Repeater Features:
- Supports both Digital Narrow (DN) and Voice Wide (VW) modes
- Can be bridged to DMR or D-STAR networks
- NXDN (Next Generation Digital Narrowband)
- Networks:
- NXCore – Main linking system for NXDN repeaters
- Kenwood NEXEDGE – Manufacturer-specific network
- Repeater Features:
- Used in commercial and amateur applications
- Mostly operates on VHF and UHF bands
- P25 (Project 25)
- Networks:
- P25NX – Amateur network for linking P25 repeaters
- Repeater Features:
- Common in public safety and amateur radio cross-use
- Supports Phase 1 and Phase 2 P25 digital modes
- M17 (New Open-Source Digital Mode)
- Networks:
- M17 Reflectors – Decentralized linking system for M17 users
- Repeater Features:
- Fully open-source digital voice mode
- No proprietary vocoder, unlike DMR or D-STAR
When you click on a repeater that carries Digital Voice (DV) or Digital Mobile Radio (DMR) details on RepeaterBook.com, you’ll typically find the following key information:
- General Repeater Information
- Callsign – The FCC-assigned or operator-assigned callsign of the repeater.
- Location – City, state, and sometimes GPS coordinates of the repeater site.
- County and Grid Locator – Useful for mapping repeater coverage.
- Operational Status – Indicates if the repeater is active, offline, or under maintenance.
- Frequency and Offset
- Output Frequency – The frequency you listen to on your radio.
- Input Frequency – The frequency you transmit on to access the repeater.
- Offset – The shift in MHz between the input and output frequencies.
- Digital Mode Information (DMR, D-STAR, Fusion, NXDN, P25, etc.)
- Mode Type – Specifies if the repeater supports DMR, D-STAR, System Fusion, NXDN, P25, or M17.
- DMR Network Affiliation – Indicates if the repeater is linked to:
- BrandMeister
- TGIF Network
- DMR-MARC
- FreeDMR
- Phoenix UK
- Other cBridge-based systems
- DMR-Specific Details
- Color Code (CC) – Required to program your radio (like a CTCSS tone for analog repeaters).
- Time Slots (TS1 & TS2) – Determines how talkgroups are assigned on the repeater.
- Talkgroups (TG) – Lists active talkgroups, such as:
- Local (TG9)
- Statewide (e.g., TG3100 for USA)
- Regional or Worldwide talkgroups
- Special groups (Skywarn, Emergency, TAC talkgroups)
- D-STAR, System Fusion, NXDN, and P25 Details
- D-STAR Reflector / Module – Shows which reflector or module (e.g., REF001C) is linked.
- YSF Room / WIRES-X Node – If a System Fusion repeater, shows linked YSF rooms or WIRES-X nodes.
- NXDN/P25 Network – Identifies linked NXDN or P25 talkgroups and NAC codes.
- Additional Features & Notes
- Linked Repeaters – Shows if the repeater is linked to other systems.
- Coverage Area – Some listings include estimated coverage maps.
- Access Restrictions – Notes if membership, a code, or prior approval is needed.
- Repeater Trustee Contact Info – If provided, allows you to reach the repeater owner or admin.
How to Use This Information?
- Program your radio correctly – Ensuring the right frequencies, Color Code, and talkgroups.
- Find active repeaters in your area – Helps in both local and emergency communications.
- Identify network connectivity – Know if the repeater is standalone or linked to a larger system.
RepeaterBook provides real-time and user-submitted data, making it one of the most comprehensive repeater directories available for digital voice modes! 🚀
If you find a repeater listed on RepeaterBook.com that is not working, has incorrect information, or needs an update, you can report the issue to help keep the database accurate. Here’s how:
Method 1: Using the Website
- Go to RepeaterBook.com
- Search for the Repeater
- Use the search bar or the Repeater Directory to locate the repeater in question.
- Open the Repeater’s Page
- Click on the repeater name to view its details.
- Report an Issue
- Scroll down to find the “Report an Issue” or “Submit Update” button.
- Fill out the form with details about the issue (e.g., repeater offline, incorrect frequency, changed talkgroups).
- Provide any additional comments or corrections.
- Submit the Report
- Click Submit, and the report will be sent to the RepeaterBook database admins for review.
Method 2: Using the Mobile App
- Open the RepeaterBook App (iOS or Android)
- Find the Repeater
- Use the search function or Nearby Repeaters if location services are enabled.
- Report an Issue
- Tap on the repeater entry and look for the “Report” or “Submit Update” option.
- Enter details about the problem.
- Submit the Report
- Send the report, and an admin will review the changes.
Method 3: Contact a Local Admin
- If you know the local RepeaterBook admin for your state or country, you can send them a direct message via the RepeaterBook forums or contact page.
Keeping repeater listings up to date helps the amateur radio community rely on accurate information when programming radios. 🚀
If you can’t join us live for the DMR Tech Net, you can always listen to us via BrandMeister’s mobile Hoseline app or their Hoseline desktop software: (https://hose.brandmeister.network/).
We do record the show, so if you miss out and want to listen, or re-listen, to it, you can. The audio link is located at the very bottom of this post (after the show ends) on our website, along with the AI interpretation of the audio so you can read along.
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.
Join the DMR Tech Net team on Telegram. Just search for “DMR Tech Net.” To download Telegram, go to: https://web.telegram.org and/or https://desktop.telegram.org/
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To subscribe (or unsubscribe) to this newsletter, send an email to subscribe@dmrtechnet.net.
To see previous newsletters, check out our website: https://dmrtechnet.net/
The DMR Tech Net team is assisting Dustin N8RMA with NCS duties on the Michigan One DMR Net, Monday nights at 8:30 PM ET on BrandMeister Talk Group 3126, the statewide Michigan calling channel. Here is the list of the upcoming NCS (Net Control Stations) for the Michigan One DMR Net:
- Mar 3 Steve KC8WXM
- Mar 10 Dustin N8RMA (with Al N4ALK as backup)
- Mar 17 Brad KE8WNV
- Mar 24 Rick AD8KN
https://www.michiganonedmr.net/
To hear the audio from tonight’s DMR Tech Net, click (HERE):
Here’s the audio transcription from that net:
|
||
| Quick recap | ||
| The DMR Technet meeting covered various aspects of digital mobile radio technology and featured a discussion with Garrett Dow, creator of RepeaterBook.com. Participants shared experiences using RepeaterBook and discussed its features, recent improvements, and future plans, including a new partnership with ARRL. The conversation ended with announcements about upcoming events and trends in digital repeater usage. | ||
| Next steps | ||
| • Garrett to launch new features for Repeater Book Plus by Dayton Hamvention, including route searching and favorites list. | ||
| • Garrett to integrate route searching feature with RT Systems software. | ||
| • Garrett to introduce new hardware for tracking repeater operational status at Dayton Hamvention. | ||
| • Garrett to participate in the March 18th edition of DMR Tech Net TV on Zoom to demonstrate more features of Repeater Book. | ||
| • Repeater Book users to provide feedback on new beta features to help improve the service. | ||
| • Garrett to discuss trends in digital repeaters and share statistics at the next DMR Tech Net TV on Zoom meeting. | ||
| Summary | ||
| DMR Technet Weekly Update and Assistance | ||
| Dana initiated the Digital Mobile Radio (DMR) Technet on Brandmeister Talk Group 31266. He emphasized that the net was for explaining and using DMR and was a directed net, requiring acknowledgment before proceeding. The DMR Technet is one of two back-to-back nets on Monday nights, with the Michigan One DMR Net following at 8:30 PM. Dana announced the assistance of Tom N8TJ, Stan WB8QJZ, Steve KC8WXM, Brad, KE8WNV, and Rick AD8KN. He encouraged attendees to visit the DMR Technet website (dmrtechnet.net) and to subscribe to the weekly email list by sending an email to subscribe@dmrtechnet.net. Dana opened the floor for any DMR announcements before proceeding with the topic for the night. | ||
| RepeaterBook.com for Amateur Radio Enthusiasts | ||
| The discussion focuses on RepeaterBook.com, a website and app for finding amateur radio repeater information. Dana introduces Garrett Dow (KD6KPC), the creator of RepeaterBook, who was scheduled to join the DMR Technet but is experiencing technical difficulties. Various participants share their experiences using RepeaterBook, highlighting its features such as searching by location, filtering by mode, and accessing detailed repeater information. They emphasized its usefulness for traveling hams and programming radios. The conversation also touches on the growth of DMR usage and the upcoming ARRL Repeater Directory 2025 Edition, which RepeaterBook is involved with. | ||
| Technical Issues and Repeater Book | ||
| Garrett, who was having issues with his radio, was asked to explain more about Repeater Book and its features. However, due to technical difficulties, Garrett’s explanation was delayed. The team also discussed the founding of Repeater Book. Towards the end, Garrett attempted to explain more about Repeater Book, but his efforts were hindered by his ongoing technical issues. | ||
| Repeater Book Improvements and ARRL Partnership | ||
| Garrett discussed recent improvements to RepeaterBook, including a new premium feature called RepeaterBook Plus. This feature offers route searching using Google’s routing API, allowing users to find repeaters along their travel route. Another new feature in beta is “My Favorites,” which lets users curate custom lists of repeaters. Garrett also mentioned a new partnership with ARRL, where RepeaterBook data will be used in the ARRL Repeater Directory. Additionally, Garrett explains the RepeaterBook Connect feature, which allows users to transfer repeater information from the app to their radio via Bluetooth, currently available for Android with iOS support coming later this year. | ||
| Repeater Book Operations and Future Plans | ||
| Dana and Garrett discussed the ongoing operations and future plans of RepeaterBook, a database for radio repeaters. Garrett clarified that Repeater Book is a data company, not a hardware one, and its business model is different from that of its predecessor, ArtFinder. He also outlined his plans to make Repeater Book a full-time endeavor following his retirement from law enforcement. The team also addressed a technical issue related to repeaters being marked as ‘on air’ when they are not functioning correctly. They agreed to allow users to report when a repeater is ‘heard’ or ‘not heard’, which would trigger further investigation. Dana expressed interest in learning more about Repeater Book’s origins, to which Garrett responded that he would be at Dayton in May. | ||
| Garrett’s Ham Radio Hobbies | ||
| Garrett shared his passion for ham radios, starting at age 17, and how it evolved from a hobby to a career. He began with a local club, got licensed, and developed a love for understanding repeaters. As his interest deepened, he learned to program radios and Excel spreadsheets. Garrett eventually transitioned to online platforms, incorporating Wi-Fi and internet access. His website, NWHam.com, expanded nationwide with the help of other contributors, and in 2013, he collaborated with Nicholas Pike to make the data accessible worldwide. This journey has been fueled by his love for computers, programming, and learning new skills. | ||
| Garrett’s Return and DMR Usage Trends | ||
| Dana announces that Garrett will return on March 18th for another DMR Tech Net TV session on Zoom, where he will showcase more of his website and answer questions live. Garrett mentions that he would discuss the trends in digital repeaters, noting a 5% increase in DMR usage over analog in the past year, and offers to share more statistics and heat maps at the next meeting. The DMR Tech Net concludes, with Dana thanking participants and reminding listeners about the upcoming Michigan One DMR Net, on BrandMeister talk group 3126, at 8:30pm ET. | ||
| AI-generated content may be inaccurate or misleading. Always check for accuracy. | ||