This Monday night is the third of four January DMR Tech Nets about “How to Get Started with DMR (Digital Mobile Radio)”. Last week was an overview of DMR radios. This week will be a discussion of connecting to a DMR network using either a hotspot or repeater. Your question on Monday will be telling the DMR Tech Net team whether you access DMR networks via repeater or a hotspot, and why?
Join us on Brandmeister Talk Group 31266 (Michigan Nets channel) for the DMR Tech Net on Monday, January 20th starting at 7:30 PM ET. The net will conclude at 8:25pm to allow time to QSY to BrandMeister talk group 3126 for the Michigan One DMR Net (which begins at 8:30 PM ET).
We’re finishing January on the DMR Tech Net talking about the different DMR networks on Jan 27.
Every Monday night, join the DMR Tech Net as we 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
DMR Tech Net TV on Zoom is Tuesday night, Jan 21 from 8:00pm – 9:00pm ET. We’ll be discussing how to set up WPSD on your Pi-Star hotspot.
To read this week’s newsletter in depth, click the attached .pdf, go online to our website: https://dmrtechnet.net or click this link: https://dmrtechnet.net/join-us-monday-january-20th-as-we-discuss-using-hotspots-vs-repeaters-to-access-dmr-networks
For the DMR Tech Net audience, here’s a balanced look at Repeaters vs. Hotspots when accessing Digital Mobile Radio networks:
Repeaters vs. Hotspots in DMR: Pros & Cons
Repeaters
✅ Pros:
- Greater Coverage: High-power repeaters, often on towers, provide wide-area communication.
- Reliable Network Backbone: Many repeaters are linked to major DMR networks (BrandMeister, DMR-MARC, etc.), enabling global connectivity.
- Supports Multiple Users: Repeaters allow multiple users to share resources, especially with Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) technology.
- Stronger Signals: Higher transmit power and elevated antennas improve reception.
❌ Cons:
- Dependent on Infrastructure: If the repeater goes offline due to power loss, internet issues, or maintenance, access is lost.
- Limited Talkgroup Selection: Some repeaters restrict talkgroups or require coordination for use.
- Coverage Gaps: If you’re outside a repeater’s range, you’re out of luck without a backup method.
- Potential for Congestion: Busy repeaters may experience high traffic, limiting availability.
Hotspots
✅ Pros:
- Personalized Access: You control your talkgroups and settings, ensuring a private, interference-free experience.
- Anywhere Connectivity: Works wherever you have internet (home, mobile, or even satellite internet in remote areas).
- Low Power & Portable: Compact devices like OpenSpot, Pi-Star, and ZumSpot require only milliwatts of power, making them ideal for travel.
- Bridges Coverage Gaps: Provides DMR access where repeaters aren’t available.
❌ Cons:
- Internet Dependent: No internet, no communication—hotspots need Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or mobile data to function.
- Limited Range: Most hotspots cover only a room or small building, making them impractical for larger groups or mobile coverage.
- Single User (Typically): Unlike repeaters, most hotspots don’t support multiple users at once.
- Setup & Maintenance: Configuration (Pi-Star, firmware updates, network settings) can be complex for beginners.
Which One Should You Use?
- If you have good repeater coverage and want reliable regional or global access, repeaters are the way to go.
- If you’re in a dead zone for repeaters or want total control over your talkgroups, a hotspot is a great solution.
- Many hams use both—a repeater for mobile coverage and a hotspot for home or travel use.
Determining the exact percentage of DMR users who access networks via repeaters versus personal hotspots is challenging due to the lack of comprehensive data. However, several trends provide insight into user preferences:
- Hotspot Adoption: The affordability and portability of personal hotspots have made them increasingly popular among amateur radio operators. Devices like the SharkRF OpenSpot and DV4 series allow users to connect to DMR networks from virtually anywhere with internet access, making them especially appealing in areas lacking local repeater coverage.
- Repeater Usage: Despite the rise of hotspots, repeaters remain integral to the DMR infrastructure, offering wide-area coverage and supporting multiple users simultaneously. They are particularly valuable for mobile operators and in regions with established repeater networks.
While specific usage percentages are unavailable for every DMR network (we did find the numbers for the BrandMeister network), it’s evident that both access methods serve distinct needs within the DMR community. The choice between repeaters and hotspots often depends on factors like geographic location, mobility requirements, and personal preferences.
Most mobile DMR radios access the DMR network via a local repeater, rather than a hotspot. Here’s why:
Why Mobile DMR Radios Prefer Repeaters:
✅ Wide Coverage – Repeaters, often on elevated sites, provide broader coverage than a personal hotspot, making them ideal for mobile use.
✅ Hands-Free Operation – Once programmed, mobile radios seamlessly connect to a repeater, reducing the need for manual hotspot adjustments while driving.
✅ Higher Power & Antenna Advantage – Mobile radios (typically 25-50W) and vehicle-mounted antennas improve signal strength and reception over long distances.
✅ No Internet Dependency – Unlike hotspots, repeaters operate over RF, so mobile users don’t rely on cellular data or Wi-Fi.
Why Some Mobile Operators Use Hotspots:
🔹 No Local Repeater Available – If a DMR repeater isn’t nearby or is restricted, a mobile hotspot with cellular internet (4G/LTE) bridges the gap.
🔹 Private Talkgroup Access – Some users prefer personal hotspots for full control over talkgroups and settings.
🔹 Cross-Mode Use – Hotspots like SharkRF OpenSpot allow cross-mode communication (e.g., DMR to Fusion or D-STAR).
Conclusion:
For most mobile DMR users, repeaters are the preferred access method due to their extended coverage and ease of use. However, hotspots are a valuable backup in areas without repeater access or for specialized communication needs.
Most handheld DMR radios access the DMR network via a personal hotspot, though some users still rely on local repeaters when available.
Why Handheld DMR Users Prefer Hotspots:
✅ Consistent Coverage Indoors – Hotspots work inside buildings, where repeaters may be out of range.
✅ Low Power, Low Interference – HTs typically transmit at 1-5W, which limits their ability to reach distant repeaters, especially in urban environments.
✅ Talkgroup Flexibility – Hotspots allow users to switch talkgroups at will, avoiding repeater restrictions.
✅ Ideal for Apartment/HOA Restrictions – Users who can’t install an external antenna rely on hotspots for network access.
Why Some Handheld Users Still Use Repeaters:
🔹 Strong Local Repeater Network – In areas with well-placed repeaters, HTs can connect without needing a hotspot.
🔹 Outdoor & High-Elevation Use – If in a high location or open area, an HT may have enough power to hit a repeater reliably.
🔹 Repeater-Based Community Activity – Many local groups operate through repeaters, making them essential for participation.
Conclusion:
For indoor and personal use, handheld DMR users overwhelmingly prefer hotspots due to their reliability and talkgroup control. However, when outdoors or near a strong local repeater, HTs can access DMR networks without needing one.
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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 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. https://www.michiganonedmr.net/
Here is the list of the upcoming NCS (Net Control Stations) for the Michigan One DMR Net:
- Jan 20 Brad KE8WNV
- Jan 27 Rick AD8KN
- Feb 3 Steve KC8WXM
- Feb 10 Dustin N8RMA (Allan N4ALK is backup)