We’re on Brandmeister talk group 3126 statewide Michigan for the DMR Tech Net on Monday, May 6th from 7:30pm ET – 8:30pm ET.

Code Plugs are one of the hardest items to figure out.

We have some ideas to make it easier for you.

Join us Monday as we discuss Code Plug Hints & Tips and we’d like to hear from you with your comments.

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 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, brian@dmrtechnet.net, or brad@dmrtechnet.net.

If you want to subscribe to this newsletter, send an email to subscribe@dmrtechnet.net and we’ll get you added to the list.

Here are the Michigan DMR nets we know about. Please join in & participate on 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 3126
8:30pm Michigan One DMR Net on BrandMeister talk group 3126

The DMR Tech Net team is helping Dustin N8RMA with NCS duties on the Michigan One DMR net on Monday nights. If you would like to help out with our schedule of Net Control Station operators, send an email to dana@dmrtechnet.net. Here’s the upcoming list of substitute NCS’:

May 6 Steve KC8WXM
May 13 Dustin N8RMA
May 20 Brad KE8WNV
May 27 Dana KCØMYP (Yes, it’s Memorial Day and we will have both the DMR Tech Net & Michigan One DMR Net)

https://www.michiganonedmr.net/

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

We’re working to schedule Corey Dean N3FE of BrandMeister USA this month to explain his network, how to get the most out of using it, and best practices.
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 discussed, let us know.

A DMR Code Plug is essentially a configuration file that programs your DMR radio with all the settings it needs to function on the Digital Mobile Radio (DMR) network. It’s like a digital instruction manual for your radio.

Here’s a breakdown of what a DMR Code Plug does:

Sets Frequencies: It tells your radio the specific frequencies to use for transmitting and receiving on DMR repeaters.
Defines Talk Groups: DMR uses virtual groups for communication. The code plug defines which Talk Group IDs your radio will listen to and transmit on.
Time Slot Allocation: DMR utilizes a technique called Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) where two conversations can happen on the same frequency at once. The code plug assigns your radio a specific time slot (TS1 or TS2) to avoid collisions.
Additional Settings: Code plugs can also manage other functionalities like user IDs, color codes, and radio behavior.

In simpler terms, the code plug tells your DMR radio what language to speak (frequencies) and who to talk to (Talk Groups) on the DMR network.

Setting up a DMR (Digital Mobile Radio) code plug for amateur radio can seem daunting at first, but with some guidance, you’ll be up and running smoothly. Here are some hints and tips to help you:

Understand Your Radio: Before diving into the code plug, thoroughly understand your DMR radio’s features, menus, and functionalities. This will make configuring the code plug much easier.
Backup: Always create a backup of your radio’s current configuration before making any changes. This ensures you can revert to your previous settings if something goes wrong.
Research: Familiarize yourself with the terminology and concepts of DMR. Understand talk groups, time slots, color codes, and other important settings.
Programming Software: Use the official programming software provided by the manufacturer of your radio. This software is specifically designed for your radio model and will make programming much easier.
Channel Information: Enter channel information such as frequency, color code, time slot, and talk group. Make sure these settings match the repeater or hotspot you plan to use.
Zone Management: Organize your channels into zones based on location, use case, or preference. This makes it easier to switch between different sets of channels quickly.
Contact List: Populate your radio’s contact list with the necessary information, including call signs and talk group IDs. This ensures your radio can display relevant information when receiving transmissions.
Firmware Updates: Regularly check for firmware updates for your radio. Updated firmware may introduce new features or improve performance.
Testing: After programming your code plug, test it out to ensure everything is working as expected. Verify that you can transmit and receive on the programmed channels and that the audio quality is good.
Community Resources: Don’t hesitate to seek help from online forums, user groups, or local ham radio clubs. Fellow hams are often willing to provide guidance and assistance with programming DMR radios.
Documentation: Keep detailed documentation of your code plug settings, including frequencies, talk groups, and contact IDs. This makes it easier to troubleshoot issues or make changes in the future.
Be Patient: Programming a DMR code plug can be time-consuming, especially if you’re new to DMR or programming radios in general. Take your time, double-check your settings, and don’t get discouraged if you encounter challenges along the way.

By following these tips and taking the time to familiarize yourself with your radio and DMR programming concepts, you’ll be well on your way to setting up a functional and personalized DMR code plug for amateur radio use.

Programming a DMR code plug involves two main steps: using DMR programming software and configuring the settings for your radio. Here’s a general outline to get you started, but remember the specifics might differ slightly depending on your radio model and software.

Tools you’ll need:

DMR Programming Software (CPS): This software is specific to your radio model and allows you to create and edit the code plug file. It can usually be downloaded from the radio manufacturer’s website.
DMR repeater information: You’ll need details like frequencies, Color Codes, and Talk Group IDs for the DMR repeaters you want to connect to. Resources like websites of local ham radio clubs or online DMR databases can provide this information.

Steps to Program a DMR Code Plug:

Install and launch the CPS software for your radio model.
Connect your radio to your computer using the appropriate cable (usually USB). The software might prompt you to establish a connection.
Read from Radio (Optional): It’s a good practice to first “read” the existing code plug from your radio (if any) into the software. This creates a baseline and avoids conflicts.
Configure Settings: Here’s where you build your code plug:
- Channels: Define the frequencies, Color Codes, and Time Slots for the DMR repeaters you want to access.
- Talk Groups: Assign Talk Group IDs for each channel, specifying which group you want to listen to and transmit on.
- Radio Settings (Optional): You might be able to configure additional options like user ID, PTT behavior, and more depending on the software.
Write to Radio: Once you’ve configured the settings, transfer the code plug from the software to your radio.
Verify: Turn on your radio and check if the programmed channels and Talk Groups are listed correctly.

Additional Tips:

Start simple: Begin by programming just a few essential channels or talk groups. You can always add more later.
Consult resources: Numerous online tutorials and guides explain DMR code plug programming for specific radio models. Search for “[Your Radio Model] DMR Code Plug Programming” to find relevant resources.
Backup your code plug: Always keep a backup copy of your working code plug on your computer in case something goes wrong during programming.

Remember, programming a DMR radio can have a learning curve, but it’s a rewarding process. By following these steps, consulting resources, and practicing, you’ll be able to configure your DMR radio and connect to the network effectively.

How To Make A DMR CodePlug

When I first started out in DMR I found things awfully confusing especially the minefield of the CodePlug. I made an introduction to DMR page here, which I recommend you read first. Since writing that I have still been asked by people for code plugs because they don’t know how to make their own.

Below I will go through, step by step, making a code plug for a repeater near to me and talk about the different ways in which it can be done. As per the title this will be TYT based as this is the radio that I own.

Terms and Re-Cap

So first we will re-cap my previous post regarding the basic terms used in a CodePlug.

First though, I would like to clarify the name CodePlug to me this is just a name given to the programming file of a DMR / Digital radio. If you’ve ever programmed a radio using your PC and have saved the file from the programming software then that is the same as a CodePlug, its just a programming file.

Most people when they first encounter a code plug or get told about them believe they are confusing and complicated. To the uneducated eye this may be what it looks like. But following a simple set of rules should make them easy to understand, create and modify.

CodePlugs are usually created within the manufacturers CPS (Customer Programming Software). There are other 3rd party programs available with most software adding additional features such as being able to reorder channels and having the ability to import and export .csv files. This allows for easier editing within a program such as excel.

Re-capping The Terms

CodePlugs consist of the following main elements:

Colour Code
Contacts
Channels
Zones

Colour Code

Colour codes are the DMR version of CTCSS. It is not a colour as such as it is just a number from 1-15 that you set in the programming.

Contacts

These are a list of ID’s for talk groups, reflectors and individual users. Each contact can be set as either a group or or private. This set whether it would be a group call or a private call as mentioned in the Talk groups and Reflectors section.

Channels

These are what you would more associate with programming an FM radio. Channels contain the RX and TX frequencies, the colour code and the contact that you wish to communicate with.
You would need to create a separate contact for each talk group you wished to use on a repeater. So all the contacts would be the same except for the Contact. This leads nicely onto Zones.

Zones

These are basically a group of contacts. These are created entirely at the users discretion. You could group contacts for a particular repeater or region for example.

These elements come together to form the programming file or CodePlug for a radio.

Making a CodePlug

before starting you need to download the programming software from your radios manufacturer. Sometimes this is referred to as the CPS (Consumer Programming Software). For me this is from TYT and when you first load it up it looks like this.

You will also need to make sure you have a programming cable specific for your radio. Cables can work with multiple radios but not all. For example, a programming cable for a Baofeng uv5r will not work with my radio, a TYT MD-UV380, even though it has exactly the same connections.

Pre-Setup

Before we go programming anything into the CodePlug we need to do some setup tasks.

First I would recommend reading the data from your radio and then saving this as a ‘blank’ backup.

Secondly you need to go into the general settings and make sure you have your DMR ID set correctly

From this screen you can also set some of the other settings for your radio.

Step 1

The first step is to do your research. In this example I will start by making my CodePlug for my local repeater GB7LN. Yours may be your local repeater or your Hotspot.

Now this repeater is on the Brandmeister Network so you can look it up on the Brandmeister dashboard to get all the information you need. Here you will see its input and output frequencies, its colour code and also any static talk groups it may have set.

Step 2

Now you know what network the repeater will be using you can get a list of the talk groups available. There are loads to choose from but for starters I would choose the ones that are set as static groups on your repeater. For example, GB7LN has 91 & 240 on Time slot 1 and 23530 & 23590 on Slot 2.

You should add these talkgroups to your digital contacts.

Once you have the basics setup you can add further contacts for additional talkgroups for dynamic talkgroups on repeaters or users DMR ID’s for simplex operation.

For using Dynamic Talkgroups you way want to add TG4000 to disconnect from them. And Also TG9 as this is the local Talkgroup for use on simplex channels and also when you want to speak locally on a repeater.

Step 3

This next step is where you have a choice. And depending on your radio one may work better then the other.

You now need to move down to the Channels section of your CPS.

Here you will create a channel for each repeater or frequency you want to use.

You need to give each channel a name, Input and Output frequencies, Time slot and Colour Code.

Now some radios when you select the channel it will then allow what can be referred to as manual dial where you type in the Talkgroup that you want, or select it from a menu, and then just hit the PTT button.

The second option, which is the one I use, is to create multiple channels for the same repeater and then set the digital contact of each channel to each of the talk groups in your digital contacts list.

Now when you select a channel then your radio will be pre-set to work with the talk group that you want.

Once you have created your channels they are all listed in the menu on the left.

Step 4

This is the final Step of creating your CodePlug. Now that you have your channels setup you need to add then to a ZONE. This basically groups your channels however you like. For example you can add all your channels for a particular repeater or you could expand this to all channels for repeaters in your county. Channels can be part of multiple Zones depending on your needs.

You can have a mix of Digital and Analogue channels in the zones so you can include all the repeaters in an area.

Advanced options

RX Lists

There are a number of advanced options you can use to enhance the options available to your setup. The first of which is RX Lists. This allows you to set a channel to listen to multiple talkgroups.

This is Very useful when using Dynamic Talk groups on a hotspot. This is because when using TG4000 to disconnect from a talk group the voice acknowledgement is transmitted back out on TG9. So you would set up your channel to transmit on TG4000 but set your RX list to Listen on TG4000 & TG9.

Scan Lists

You can also set Scan Lists so you can have the radio scan through a list of digital and analogue channels. These are created very similar to the RX Lists and are selected from the Scan list menu on the channel configuration screen.

Here you set the Scan List and Set it to auto scan when you select the channel. You need to also set the Contact Name and Group List to None so there’s no chance of it only picking up the one talk group.

Conclusion

So above you have seen the basic process I use to create a CodePlug. Once you get used to this process then it makes editing and modifying your CodePlug easy.

https://mcbainsite.co.uk/how-to-make-a-dmr-codeplug-tyt/

Here’s the breakdown of the key differences for programming a DMR Code Plug for local repeaters versus a hotspot:

Local Repeaters:

Focus on Specific Repeaters: You’ll program the code plug with details (frequencies, Color Codes, Time Slots) for the local DMR repeaters you want to connect to.
Limited Talk Group Selection: You’ll likely focus on Talk Groups relevant to your area or commonly used by your local ham radio club.
Static Configuration: Local repeater configurations typically remain stable, so you might not need to update the code plug frequently.

Hotspots:

Wider Talk Group Options: Hotspots often connect to DMR networks with a broader range of Talk Groups, allowing you to connect to regional or even worldwide communication.
Dynamic Network Selection: You might program the hotspot code plug to connect to multiple DMR networks, giving you more flexibility in choosing who to communicate with.
Potential for Updates: DMR network configurations can change, so you might need to periodically update your hotspot code plug to reflect these changes.

Here’s a table summarizing the key points:

Feature	Local Repeaters	Hotspot
Focus	Specific local repeaters	Broader range of DMR networks
Talk Group Selection	Limited to local or commonly used groups	Wider selection, regional or even worldwide
Configuration	Static, less frequent updates needed	Dynamic, may require periodic updates

Additional Considerations:

Hotspots might require additional settings: Some hotspots allow you to configure connection options like DMR network name, server address, and login credentials. These settings might not be needed for local repeaters.
Local repeaters might have access restrictions: Some DMR repeaters require a Color Code or specific user ID for access. You’ll need to ensure your code plug has these details programmed correctly.

Overall, programming for local repeaters is generally simpler as you’re focusing on a specific set of repeaters and Talk Groups. Hotspots offer more flexibility in connecting to various networks but might require more configuration and potential updates.

For downloading DMR code plugs, use reputable sources where you can find them. Here are some options:

Radio Manufacturer Websites: Many radio manufacturers offer pre-built code plugs for their DMR radios on their websites. These might be a good starting point, especially for popular radio models.
Local Ham Radio Clubs: Local ham radio clubs are a great resource for DMR information. Their websites or forums might have downloadable code plugs specific to your area’s DMR repeaters and Talk Groups.
Online DMR Databases: Several online databases compile DMR repeater information, including frequencies, Color Codes, and Talk Group IDs. Some databases might also offer downloadable code plugs pre-configured for these repeaters. Search for “[DMR Database]” to find these resources.

Important Considerations When Downloading Code Plugs:

Reputable Source: Ensure you’re downloading the code plug from a trusted source like a manufacturer, ham radio club, or a well-established DMR website.
Compatibility: Make sure the code plug is compatible with your specific radio model and DMR programming software.
Accuracy: Double-check the programmed frequencies, Color Codes, and Talk Group IDs for accuracy before uploading the code plug to your radio.

It’s important to be cautious when downloading code plugs from unknown sources, as they might contain errors or even malicious settings. By following these recommendations, you can find reliable DMR code plugs and ensure your radio is programmed correctly for your needs.

Adding a channel to your DMR radio via front panel programming is possible on some models, but it can be complex and limited compared to using DMR programming software. Here’s a breakdown:

Feasibility:

Check your manual: The first step is to consult your radio’s user manual. Look for sections on “channel programming,” “code plug,” or similar terms. If the manual mentions front panel programming for channels, it will outline the specific steps.
Limited functionality: Even if your radio supports front panel programming, it might only allow adding basic channel information like frequencies. You might not be able to configure advanced settings like Color Codes, Time Slots, or Talk Group IDs through the menus.

General Steps (if supported by your radio):

Access Programming Menu: The exact method will vary depending on your radio model. Typically, there’s a dedicated “Menu” button or a combination of button presses to enter the programming mode.
Channel Selection: Look for options to “Add Channel” or “New Channel.” This will allow you to create a new channel entry.
Frequency Input: You’ll likely be able to enter the receive and transmit frequencies for the DMR repeater you want to connect to.
Limited Settings: Depending on your radio, you might be able to configure additional settings like:
- Power Output: Choose transmit power level (High/Low).
- Offset: Set the frequency offset if needed (rare for DMR).
- Channel Name: Assign a name for easy identification (optional).

Important Considerations:

Incomplete Configuration: While you can add basic channel information, you might still need DMR programming software to define crucial settings like Color Codes, Time Slots, and Talk Groups for proper DMR communication.
Error Prone: Entering data through the small front panel interface can be error-prone. Double-check your entries before saving the channel.
Software Recommended: For full control and accurate configuration, using DMR programming software is still the recommended approach.

In Conclusion:

Front panel programming for channels can be a convenient option in a pinch, especially on models that support it. However, it often lacks the flexibility and functionality offered by DMR programming software. For full control over your DMR radio’s channels and settings, using software is the preferred method.

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:

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.

Topics for future DMR Tech Nets:

Go over the Digimon feature to explain what it is, how and why to use it.
Private calling on your DMR radio. How to set it up on your equipment.
What’s involved with being a NCS (Net Control Station)?
Do you contribute to the DMR networks/modes you utilize? Why or why not?
Firmware and software radio updates.
Hot Keys. What are they, why use them, and how to set them up.
DMR tips. Like what Steve KC8WXM mentioned to better (and faster) utilize DMR features.
Adding or changing DMR channels via keypad programming.
How to update your DMR digital contacts via https://radioid.net/
Asking check-ins what they know now that they didn’t know when they started with DMR that would be helpful to other beginners (Elmering).
A timeline to get started of essential things to do with DMR and why.
Which DMR radio do you use the most & why?
Proper DMR practices & procedures to use on-air.
DMR text messaging
Advanced features of the Anytone 878 handheld and 578 mobile radio.
Going over the different DMR networks (Brandmeister, TGIF, M17, DMR+, YSF, etc).
Useful radio accessories to use with your DMR equipment.
Unique names used instead of the amateur radio alpha codes.
Antennas for handheld, mobile, and home radios.
Logging software.
QSL cards Do you send them out?
Repeaters, hotspots, or both? Which do you use and why?
WPSD hotspot dashboard.
APRS & GPS setup and usage.
Custom call signs.
What are your predictions for the DMR world in 2024?
What networks and talk groups do you use, and why?
What features do you wish your DMR radio had?

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