Join us Monday night and let us know how you connect to DMR, with repeaters or hotspots, and why?

Join us on Brandmeister Talk Group 31266 (Michigan Nets) for the DMR Tech Net on Monday, October 21st from 7:30 PM ET to 8:25 PM ET. The net will conclude early to allow time to switch (QSY) to the Michigan One DMR Net (which begins at 8:30 PM ET on BrandMeister Talk Group 3126).

This Monday night we want to know: When you connect to DMR networks, do you use local repeaters, a hotspot, both, or something else, and tell us why?

Join us every Monday night as we make Digital Mobile Radio (DMR) easy to understand and fun to use!

In Michigan, the use of Digital Mobile Radio (DMR) is fairly balanced between hotspots and repeaters, with users connecting through both methods depending on their needs. Repeaters provide broader local coverage, and many amateurs use them to connect to larger networks like BrandMeister or TGIF. In contrast, hotspots are favored for their portability and ability to directly link to specific talk groups, giving users more flexibility in accessing a variety of networks from home or on the go.

Hotspots have been gaining popularity due to their customization and ease of use, especially for those who want to connect to global or specialized talk groups. However, repeaters remain a strong choice for those looking for reliable, local coverage without relying on an internet connection. Various nets, like the Michigan One DMR Net and the DMR Tech Net, serve both types of users, highlighting the importance of both connection methods in the amateur radio community across the state.

If you want to dive into more specifics, joining these DMR nets is a great way to engage and learn from other operators. They can offer insights into which option—hotspot or repeater—might work best for your particular setup

In the United States, more amateur radio operators are using hotspots for Digital Mobile Radio (DMR) connections compared to repeaters, though both play important roles. Here’s why:

Hotspots

Popularity: Hotspots have become more popular because of their flexibility. They allow users to connect to global networks like BrandMeister and TGIF without needing to be within range of a physical repeater.
Advantages: Hotspots are portable and can be used from home or while traveling, as long as you have an internet connection. They offer more control over which talk groups and networks operators can access.
Convenience: Many operators use hotspots because they offer a way to connect when local repeaters are not available or do not cover certain networks or talk groups.

Repeaters

Local Coverage: Repeaters are still widely used for local and regional communications, offering reliable coverage without the need for an internet connection. In areas with many repeaters, users might prefer this method for reliable, broad coverage.
Infrastructure: DMR repeaters are often maintained by clubs and provide an easy way for users to join larger nets without setting up a personal hotspot. This makes them the preferred choice in places with dense repeater networks.

While hotspots are growing in use due to their flexibility and ease of access to global networks, repeaters are favored by those seeking a reliable, internet-free connection for local or regional communication

Globally and within the amateur radio community, the use of hotspots for Digital Mobile Radio (DMR) is growing rapidly and may surpass the use of repeaters in terms of sheer user numbers. The preference is driven by the flexibility and accessibility that hotspots offer. Here’s a breakdown of both options:

Hotspots:

Customization & Flexibility: Hotspots allow operators to connect to any DMR network (e.g., BrandMeister, TGIF) from anywhere with an internet connection. This flexibility is a key reason why more operators are turning to hotspots.
Portability: Since hotspots are personal devices, they can be used from home or while traveling, and they are especially useful in areas without nearby DMR repeaters.
Global Reach: Operators can access global networks and specific talk groups that might not be available on local repeaters.

Repeaters:

Local & Regional Coverage: Repeaters are great for localized communication without the need for internet. They are especially popular in communities where infrastructure supports strong repeater networks.
Internet-Free Operation: Some users prefer repeaters for the reliability they offer without needing to rely on internet access, which is a common requirement for hotspots.

General Trend:

Hotspots are becoming increasingly common due to their ease of setup and the ability to bypass local infrastructure limitations. While repeaters remain essential for local, large-area coverage and internet-independent operation, the trend shows more users are opting for the convenience and global connectivity offered by hotspots

Here are the Michigan DMR nets we know about.
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 31266

8:30pm Michigan One DMR Net on BrandMeister talk group 3126

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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.