Every Monday night, join us on the DMR Tech Net as we try to make Digital Mobile Radio (DMR) fun to use and easier to understand!
Monday night, April 7th, the DMR Tech Net team will have Benoit Sylvestre VE2VB discussing the BrandMeister Canada DMR network along with your comments and questions.
We’re on Brandmeister Talk Group 31266 (Michigan Nets channel) for the DMR Tech Net on Monday, 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 at 8:30 PM ET.
And CONGRATULATIONS! to DMR Tech Net team member, Brad KE8WNV, for passing his FCC General Class license test on Wednesday, April 2.
Upcoming DMR Tech Net topics:
- April 7 Benoit Sylvestre VE2VB discusses the BrandMeister Canada network
- April 14 Troubleshooting common DMR issues & how to resolve them
- April 18 World Amateur Radio Day (WARD)
- April 21 Steve White N2RWE discusses APRS & how you can set up an APRS digipeater
- Tuesday, April 22 DMR Tech Net TV on Zoom with Steve White N2RWE explaining APRS.to
- April 28 DMR etiquette and best practices
- May 5 Using Software-Based Radios (like DroidStar or BlueDV) to connect to DMR
- May 12 Robert Bretzman K4WZV and Steve Smith KWØZ answer your questions about the TGIF Network & TGIF Products Store
- May 16-18 Dayton Hamvention
- May 19 Dayton Hamvention 2025 recap
- Tuesday, May 20 DMR Tech Net TV on Zoom with Steve Smith KWØZ about the TGIF Network
- May 26 How to learn more about DMR
- June 2 What is HamShack Hotline & Hams Over IP?
- June 9 Stan WB8QJZ explains AllStarLink (https://www.allstarlink.org/)
- June 16 Handheld & mobile Antennas for DMR radios
- Tuesday, June 17 DMR Tech Net TV on Zoom with Benoit Sylvestre VE2VB from BrandMeister
- June 23 Using a Bluetooth headset with DMR
- June 30 DMR mobile radios hints and tips
- Jul 7 DMR apps to use on your cellular phone
- Jul 14 Maidenhead Grid Square location system
- Tuesday Jul 15 DMR Tech Net TV on Zoom going over the Open GD-77 firmware
- Jul 21 Using your radio’s side/hot keys
- Jul 28 Simplex vs Duplex Hotspots
- Aug 4 TOT, the Time-Out Timer
- Aug 11 Brad KE8WNV goes over the Open GD-77 firmware for your radio
If you have a topic suggestion for a future DMR Tech Net, please let us know! Send the email to Dana@dmrtechnet.net
To read this complete newsletter, open the attached .pdf or go to our website: https://michiganonedmrtech.net/
Benoît Sylvestre, known by his amateur radio call sign VE2VB, is a Canadian amateur radio operator and administrator for BrandMeister Canada. As of February 2025, he has been actively involved in organizing and promoting the Canadian Tech Net, a 7pm ET biweekly Wednesday night net, held on BrandMeister Talk Group 30227. This net, conducted in both French and English, covers a variety of topics aimed at educating and engaging the amateur radio community in Canada.
Professionally, Benoît is an R&D Software Engineer based in Ottawa, Ontario. He specializes in developing robust and efficient software solutions across multiple platforms, including desktop, embedded, and mobile systems. His expertise spans the audio, defense, and telecommunications sectors.
In addition to his technical contributions, Benoît is an active member of the Canadian amateur radio community. He engages with fellow enthusiasts through various channels, including the Club Radioamateur Sorel-Tracy VE2CBS Facebook group.
Benoît’s dedication to the advancement of digital mobile radio (DMR) in Canada is evident through his leadership roles and efforts to foster a collaborative and informative environment for amateur radio operators nationwide.
Canada has ten provinces and three territories that are sub-national administrative divisions under the jurisdiction of the Canadian Constitution. In the 1867 Canadian Confederation, three provinces of British North America—New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and the Province of Canada (which upon Confederation was divided into Ontario and Quebec)—united to form a federation, becoming a fully independent country over the next century. Over its history, Canada’s international borders have changed several times as it has added territories and provinces, making it the world’s second-largest country by area.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Provinces_and_territories_of_Canada
When comparing BrandMeister Canada and BrandMeister USA, there are a few key differences that you should be aware of, especially when programming codeplugs or navigating talkgroups across the two networks.
- Network Infrastructure & Management
- BrandMeister Canada operates a cluster of servers optimized for users in Canada. The Canadian team manages these servers, ensuring reliable connectivity and support for local users.
- BrandMeister USA consists of multiple servers distributed across the U.S., managed by a separate team. These servers handle a much larger volume of traffic due to the higher density of DMR users in the U.S.
- Talkgroup Access & Availability
- Many standard BrandMeister talkgroups (TG 91, TG 3100, etc.) are accessible on both networks, but Canada also has unique regional talkgroups like 302 (Canada-wide), 302X (provincial talkgroups), and 3029 (Cross Canada Chat).
- The USA network prioritizes TG 3100 (USA Nationwide), along with a more extensive set of state-based talkgroups (TG 31XX series). Some state-specific TGs may be less commonly used in Canada.
- Some talkgroups that are dynamic (PTT-activated) in one country may be static on repeaters in the other, depending on the local repeater sysop’s settings.
- Roaming & Regional Optimization
- If you’re operating in Canada, it’s generally best to register on BrandMeister Canada servers for optimized routing and better access to Canadian regional talkgroups.
- Similarly, in the U.S., using a BrandMeister USA server ensures better integration with local repeaters and talkgroup prioritization.
- Roaming between networks is possible, but users should check if specific talkgroups are statically linked on the repeater they’re using.
- Hotspot Considerations
- Hotspots (like Pi-Star, OpenSpot, etc.) can connect to either the BM Canada or BM USA servers, but users should be mindful that certain talkgroups may route more efficiently on one network over the other.
- Users traveling between Canada and the U.S. may want to adjust their hotspot settings to connect to the appropriate BrandMeister server for the best experience.
- Support & Administration
- If you need technical support, the Canadian BrandMeister team manages support via their official website and Telegram groups. The USA BrandMeister team offers support through their forums and contacts.
- BrandMeister Canada sometimes implements policies that may differ from the U.S. (such as restricting specific crosslinks or digital bridging).
Takeaway for DMR Operators
- If you’re in Canada, it’s best to use a Canadian BrandMeister server to ensure stable access to regional TGs.
- U.S.-based users should stick to BrandMeister USA servers for optimal connectivity.
- When traveling between the two, be aware of differences in talkgroup static/dynamic availability and server routing to ensure seamless communication.
The BrandMeister Canada DMR Network is a comprehensive, volunteer-driven digital mobile radio (DMR) system that interconnects amateur radio operators across Canada and globally. Leveraging the BrandMeister platform, it offers a range of features and services tailored to the Canadian amateur radio community.
Network Overview
- Infrastructure: BrandMeister Canada operates a cluster of interconnected repeaters and hotspots, facilitating seamless communication nationwide. This setup supports both local and international DMR communications.
- Talkgroups: The network hosts numerous talkgroups, including:pistar.uk
- 302: Canada-Wide
- 3029: Cross Canada Chat
- 302X: Provincial talkgroups (e.g., 3021 for Ontario, 3022 for Quebec)
A complete list of Canadian talkgroups is available on the BrandMeister network’s talkgroups page: wiki.brandmeister.network.
Key Features
- Interoperability: The network adheres to the DMR standard, ensuring compatibility across various manufacturers’ equipment. This allows for flexible and diverse hardware integration.
- Advanced Functionalities: BrandMeister Canada supports features such as private calls, APRS for position reporting, SMS text messaging, and gateways to other digital modes like D-STAR and EchoLink.
- User Dashboard: Operators can access a personal dashboard to manage their devices, monitor activity, and customize settings, enhancing the user experience.
Administrative Team
The network is managed by a dedicated team of volunteers across various provinces:
- President and Administrator: Benoît Sylvestre, VE2VB
- Talkgroup Coordinator: Martin, VE2SFU
- Sysop and Admin: Pierre, VE2PF
- Network Manager & Support: Daniel, VA2DG
- Regional Coordinators:
- Maritimes: Stephen, VE9SC; Matthew, VA1RF
- Ontario: Tom, VE3NY
- Manitoba: Rob, VE4CA
- Saskatchewan: Jason, VE5EA
- Alberta: Kirby, VE6IV
- British Columbia: Les, VE7LLW
For inquiries or support, the team can be reached at brandmeistercanada@gmail.com.
User Engagement
- Canadian Tech Net: A biweekly net on Talkgroup 30227, conducted in both French and English, covering a variety of topics to educate and engage the amateur radio community.
- Online Resources: The Seaway Valley Amateur Radio Club provides a comprehensive BrandMeister User Guide tailored for Canadian operators, offering insights into network usage and best practices.
Getting Started
To participate in the BrandMeister Canada network:
- Obtain a DMR ID: Register for a unique DMR ID, which is essential for network access.
- Program Your Radio: Configure your DMR-compatible radio with the appropriate codeplug, incorporating desired talkgroups and settings.
- Access Points: Connect via local repeaters linked to BrandMeister Canada or use personal hotspots if a local repeater is unavailable.
- Engage with the Community: Join nets, participate in discussions, and utilize the various features offered by the network to enhance your amateur radio experience.
The BrandMeister Canada DMR Network exemplifies the collaborative spirit of the amateur radio community, providing a robust platform for communication, learning, and camaraderie among operators nationwide.
https://wiki.brandmeister.network/index.php/Canada
The Canadian Tech Net is a biweekly amateur radio net hosted on BrandMeister Talk Group 30227, also known as the “Technique / Tech Talk” talkgroup. This net serves as a platform for Canadian amateur radio operators to engage in technical discussions, share knowledge, and foster community connections.
Schedule and Format
- Frequency: The net convenes every two weeks.
- Time: Sessions begin at 19:00 Eastern Time and typically concludes around 20:30 Eastern Time.
- Languages: The net is conducted bilingually in French and English, accommodating participants from various regions, including regular check-ins from New Brunswick.
Participation
Amateur radio operators interested in joining the Canadian Tech Net should:
- Program Talk Group 30227: Ensure your DMR radio or hotspot is configured to access BrandMeister Talk Group 30227.
- Check-In: At the start of the net, participants are invited to check in by stating their call sign and location.
- Engage: Actively participate in discussions, ask questions, and share insights on technical topics relevant to the amateur radio community.
The Canadian Tech Net exemplifies the collaborative spirit of the amateur radio community, providing a structured yet welcoming environment for operators to enhance their technical proficiency and build lasting connections.
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 Hose 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.
The majority of the DMR Tech Net team celebrate birthdays in April.
Tom April 7, Dana April 13, Stan April 15, Steve April 18, Brad April 29, and Rick Nov 12.
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/
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
If someone else forwarded this newsletter to you, why not get rid of the middle-man and subscribe yourself?!? It’s easy to join the DMR Tech Net email distribution list. Just send an email to us at: subscribe@dmrtechnet.net with your name and callsign. If you need to unsubscribe, follow the previous procedure but put “unsubscribe” in the subject line. We’ll miss you!
To see previous newsletters, check out our website: https://michiganonedmrtech.net/
The DMR Tech Net team is assisting Dustin N8RMA with NCS duties on the Michigan One DMR Net, Monday night 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:
- Apr 6 Steve KC8WXM
- Apr 13 Dustin N8RMA or Al N4ALK
- Apr 20 Brad KE8WNV
- Apr 27 Rick AD8KN
https://www.michiganonedmr.net/
To hear the audio from this DMR Tech Net with VE2BV discuss and answer questions about the BrandMeister Canada network, click (HERE):
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| Quick recap | ||
| The DMR Tech Net on Brandmeister Talk group 31266 focused on explaining digital mobile radio, with special guest Ben VE2VB discussing the Brandmeister Canada DMR network. Topics covered included the Canadian server’s performance, talk group structure and usage, Cluster Zones, and technical aspects of DMR programming and handling. The meeting also addressed common issues and emphasized the importance of proper account creation and password management for the Brandmeister network. | ||
| Next steps | ||
| • Ben (VE2VB) to investigate potential federal funding options for Brandmeister Canada network maintenance. | ||
| • Stan (WB8QJZ) to email Ben for information on DMR repeaters around Lake Superior in Ontario. | ||
| • Ben (VE2VB) to update the Brandmeister Canada wiki page with current regional coordinator information. | ||
| • Brandmeister Canada team to consider implementing a volunteer donation system to cover server costs. | ||
| • Ben (VE2VB) to participate in next week’s DMR Tech Net. | ||
| Summary | ||
| DMR Tech Net Brandmeister Talk Group | ||
| Dana opened the DMR Tech Net on Brandmeister Talk group 31266, a weekly net focused on explaining and using digital mobile radio. The net was the first of two back-to-back nets, with the MichiganOne DMR Net following at 8:30 on Brandmeister Talk group 3126, statewide Michigan. The DMR Tech Net team, including Tom, Stan, Steve, Brad, and Rick, assisted. The net was recorded and the audio transcription would be posted on their website. The main topic was discussing the Brandmeister Canada DMR network, with special guest Ben VE2VB, the administrator for the Canadian network. Ben will be the guest on the DMR Tech Net TV on June 17. The net ended with a birthday wish for Tom N8TJ. | ||
| Canadian Server Performance and Costs | ||
| Ben VE2VB discussed the Canadian server’s performance, noting it has 286 repeaters connected and 27 from the US. The Canada masterserver, created in June 2015, is running at 40% capacity, and they are considering adding a second server when it reaches nearly 100% capacity. Ben also mentioned the need for financial contributions to cover the server’s costs, as they are all volunteers. They are considering setting up a volunteer donation website to cover the expenses. | ||
| Brandmeister Canada Volunteer Support System | ||
| Dana and Benoit from Brandmeister Canada discussed the volunteer nature of their roles, with no financial compensation. They also touched on the support system in place for users, which includes a ticket system for assistance. The discussion also covered the geographical distribution of their team members across Canada. The conversation ended with a check-in session where participants shared their experiences and asked questions. | ||
| Talk Groups in Canadian Amateur Radio Network | ||
| Ben explained the structure and usage of talk groups in Canada’s amateur radio network. He notes that each province has its own talk group, with Quebec’s 3022 being one of the most occupied. The talk groups are mapped based on Canadian prefixes, with specific groups for emergencies in each province. Ben clarified that while they don’t freely create new talk groups, repeater owners can use their repeater ID as a talk group. He also mentions that the network has no federal funding, but some amateur radio clubs contribute small amounts to cover costs. | ||
| DMR Repeater Availability in Upper Peninsula | ||
| Ben then discussed the concept of cluster zones, explaining that a cluster is a talk group that links multiple repeaters together, with no other links between them. Ben also mentioned the possibility of moving repeaters into a cluster, which would allow them to act as if they were the same repeater. Stan asked about the availability of DMR repeaters in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and around Lake Superior, to which Ben promised to send an email with more information. | ||
| Bi-Weekly Canadian Tech Net on DMR | ||
| Ben explains that there is a bi-weekly Canadian tech net on Brandmeister talkgroup 30227 every other Wednesday at 7 PM. The net typically lasts for 2.5 hours and covers various DMR topics, including programming, private messaging, and packet radio. Participants engage in hands-on practice during the net to improve their DMR skills. The net aims to provide attendees with more knowledge and practical experience in DMR handling and programming. | ||
| BrandMeister Talk Group Settings and Issues | ||
| Ben discussed the settings for dynamic and static top groups in BrandMeister, a network with over 16 million talk groups worldwide. He highlighted the 10-minute limit for on-demand talk groups and the potential for problems when personal software like HP Link or DV Switch is used to bridge between talk groups. Ben emphasized the need for control over what is being done by personal users to avoid issues. He also mentioned a common problem where a popular talk group was accidentally bridged with a C4FM fusion, causing the talk group to stay active for hours. Ben concluded by encouraging users to report any issues they encounter. | ||
| Password Reset and Brandmeister Account Creation | ||
| Ben concluded the show by discussing the issue of people asking for password resets, which often stem from not having a Brandmeister account created. He emphasized the importance of using the same email address for both the RadioID and Brandmeister account creation. Ben also clarified that the password for the Brandmeister network account and the hotspot security password are different. Dana thanked Ben Sylvester, the Admin for Brandmeister Canada, for his participation and invited everyone to the Michigan one DMR net. | ||
| AI-generated content may be inaccurate or misleading. Always check for accuracy. | ||