We’re on Brandmeister talk group 31266, the Michigan Nets channel, for the DMR Tech Net on Monday, September 2nd from 7:30pm ET – 8:25pm ET. We end the show early to give you time to QSY to the Michigan One DMR Net that follows us at 8:30pm, but it is on BrandMeister talk group 3126.
Join us Monday night as the DMR Tech Net team members share hints & tips to use and utilize DMR (Digital Mobile Radio) better. It’s amazing how many times you pick up ideas by listening to others. We’d love for you to share your own hints & tips.
Join us as we demystify and have fun with DMR (Digital Mobile Radio) every Monday night! And don’t forget to join us for DMR Tech Net TV on Zoom. Log in details are listed later in this newsletter.
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 want to subscribe or unsubscribe to this newsletter, send an email to subscribe@dmrtechnet.net with your instructions and we’ll take care of it. If you want to see previous newsletters, check out our website: https://dmrtechnet.net/
Here are some of the best tips and hints for using Digital Mobile Radio (DMR) effectively:
- Understand the Basics of DMR
- Learn the Terminology: Familiarize yourself with key DMR terms such as talk groups, color codes, time slots, contacts, and code plugs. Understanding these terms will help you configure your radio correctly and use it more effectively.
- Use a Proper DMR ID: Ensure you have a valid DMR ID registered with RadioID. This unique identifier is necessary for accessing DMR networks and participating in conversations.
- Program Your Radio (Code Plug) Efficiently
- Create a Well-Organized Code Plug: A code plug is essentially a configuration file for your DMR radio, containing all the settings like frequencies, talk groups, and contacts. Spend time building a detailed code plug that includes all the talk groups and channels you are interested in. Many websites and communities share pre-built code plugs for specific regions or networks, which can be a great starting point.
- Organize Talk Groups by Importance: Arrange talk groups and channels in a logical order based on frequency of use or importance to make it easier to navigate. This will help you switch quickly between groups and reduce the time spent searching.
- Know Your Hotspot Settings
- Choose the Right Hotspot: If you are using a hotspot to connect to DMR networks, make sure it’s properly set up and configured. Use a popular hotspot like the Pi-Star or OpenSpot, and ensure it is on the correct frequency and has the proper DMR network settings (e.g., BrandMeister, TGIF).
- Optimize for Network and Location: Set the DMR master server in your hotspot to one that is geographically close to you to reduce latency and improve performance. Additionally, adjust your hotspot’s power settings to avoid interference with other devices.
- Use Time Slots and Talk Groups Effectively
- Time Slot Usage: Understand how time slots work on DMR repeaters. Typically, Time Slot 1 (TS1) is used for wide-area or networked talk groups, while Time Slot 2 (TS2) is used for local talk groups. Make sure you know which time slot to use for the talk group you want to join.
- Select Appropriate Talk Groups: Only connect to talk groups that you are actively using. This helps to minimize network congestion and ensures your radio and network resources are used efficiently. Avoid tying up repeaters with long conversations on high-demand talk groups.
- Communicate Properly on DMR
- Follow Digital Communication Etiquette: Always listen before you transmit to avoid interrupting an ongoing conversation. Identify yourself at the beginning and end of each transmission with your call sign, and avoid monopolizing the talk group.
- Be Aware of Repeater Use: When using a DMR repeater, remember that it may be shared with other digital modes like D-STAR or Fusion. Keep transmissions concise and leave breaks between them to allow others to use the repeater.
- Keep Firmware and Software Updated
- Regular Updates: Check for firmware updates for your DMR radio and software updates for your hotspot regularly. Updates often include bug fixes, new features, and performance improvements that can enhance your DMR experience.
- Use a Digital Dashboard
- Monitor Activity: Use dashboards like the BrandMeister or TGIF Network dashboard to monitor talk group activity, see who is on the network, and verify your own transmissions. This can help you understand which talk groups are most active and provide insights into network status.
- Leverage Community Resources
- Join DMR Groups: Engage with online communities, forums, and local DMR groups. Many experienced DMR users share helpful advice, code plugs, and troubleshooting tips.
- Attend Local Nets and Practice: Join scheduled DMR nets to practice using your radio and to meet other hams in your area. This can help you become more comfortable with the technology and make valuable contacts.
- Troubleshoot Common Issues
- Check Connections: If you’re having issues, verify your radio’s settings, hotspot configuration, and internet connection. Make sure your DMR ID is correct and check that you’re using the correct color code and time slot.
- Signal Strength: Ensure your signal strength is adequate, whether through direct repeater access or via a hotspot. Poor signal strength can cause audio dropouts and difficulty connecting to talk groups.
- Experiment and Have Fun
- Explore Digital Modes: Use DMR to experiment with different digital modes and cross-mode capabilities, such as connecting to D-STAR or Fusion networks.
- Try New Talk Groups: Don’t limit yourself to just a few talk groups. Explore new ones to discover different communities, conversations, and activities happening on the network.
- Use Simplex Channels Wisely
- Operate on Simplex: In situations where a repeater is not available or if you are in close proximity to another station, use DMR simplex channels. Simplex operation allows you to communicate directly with other DMR users without relying on a repeater or network, which can be particularly useful in emergencies or field operations.
- Standard Simplex Frequencies: Make sure to use standard DMR simplex frequencies (like 441.000 MHz, 446.500 MHz, etc.) to increase the chance that others are monitoring and available to communicate.
- Program Your Contacts List Fully
- Full Contact List: Program your radio with the full DMR contact list. This list includes DMR IDs for all registered users worldwide and can display their names, callsigns, and locations on your radio’s screen when they transmit. Regularly update this list to keep it current.
- Use Contact Lists Efficiently: Organize your contact list into groups (local, regional, national, or international contacts) for quicker access and better management of your contacts.
- Optimize Your Battery Life
- Battery Saving Techniques: If you’re using a handheld DMR radio, optimize your battery life by reducing screen brightness, lowering transmit power when possible, and turning off any features you don’t need (like GPS or Bluetooth). This is particularly important during long outdoor activities or emergencies.
- Learn How to Handle “Codeplug” Errors
- Test and Adjust Codeplugs: Programming errors are common, especially for new users. When creating or downloading a codeplug, thoroughly test each channel and talk group to ensure correct operation. If you experience issues, check parameters like frequencies, color codes, time slots, and talk group IDs.
- Back Up Your Codeplug: Always keep a backup of your working codeplug on your computer or in the cloud. This saves you from having to reprogram from scratch in case of accidental deletion or corruption.
- Take Advantage of DMR’s Data Features
- Use Text Messaging: DMR supports text messaging between radios. Use this feature to send brief messages, especially when voice communication isn’t practical or needs to be discreet.
- Explore GPS and APRS: If your radio supports GPS, you can use DMR for Automatic Packet Reporting System (APRS) data, such as sharing your location with other hams or using APRS mapping tools.
- Adjust Your Radio’s Audio Settings
- Audio Gain Settings: DMR radios can sometimes sound too loud or too quiet. Adjust your radio’s microphone gain and audio settings to ensure your transmission is clear and not distorted. Many DMR networks will offer advice or even run “audio checks” to help you find the optimal settings.
- Monitor Your Audio Quality: Record your own transmission or ask other hams to give you feedback on your audio quality. Clear, understandable audio is crucial for effective communication on DMR.
- Understand Repeater Linking and Unlinking
- Know How to Link/Unlink: If you use DMR repeaters, understand how to manually link and unlink repeaters to talk groups. Repeater owners often set up specific linking procedures, and knowing them will ensure you do not inadvertently disrupt communications.
- Respect Repeater Etiquette: Be mindful of how often and for how long you are linking talk groups to repeaters. Avoid tying up repeaters with long links to busy talk groups.
- Participate in DMR Nets
- Join Local and International Nets: DMR nets (scheduled group discussions on specific talk groups) are a great way to practice your DMR skills, meet new hams, and participate in organized communication exercises. Regularly attending these nets can help you stay active and connected in the DMR community.
- Keep Learning and Sharing Knowledge
- Stay Informed: Keep up with the latest developments in DMR technology and best practices by following forums, social media groups, and newsletters dedicated to DMR.
- Teach and Mentor Others: Share your DMR knowledge with newcomers to the hobby. Helping others get started not only strengthens the amateur radio community but also enhances your own understanding and skills.
- Use RSSI and BER for Diagnostics
- Signal Quality Indicators: Use Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) and Bit Error Rate (BER) readings on your radio to diagnose signal issues. A low RSSI with a high BER indicates poor signal quality, possibly due to weak coverage or interference. Adjust your position or settings accordingly to improve your connection.
- Respect Band Plans and Regulations
- Follow Legal Guidelines: Always operate within the legal frequency allocations and band plans for your country. DMR operates in specific amateur bands, and using frequencies outside these allocations can lead to interference with other services and potential legal consequences.
By incorporating these tips, you can improve your DMR experience, communicate more effectively, and better enjoy the wide range of possibilities that digital mobile radio offers in the amateur radio world.
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, or brad@dmrtechnet.net.
Here are the Michigan DMR nets we know about. Please join in & participate with 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 31266, the Michigan Nets channel
- 8:30pm Michigan One DMR Net on BrandMeister talk group 3126
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.
- On Tuesday, September 17, our special guest will be Scott Yonally, N8SY, ARRL Director, Great Lakes Division, to go over what ARRL does for amateur radio, what is available for members, a wrap-up of the Dayton Hamvention, membership changes, along with media & magazines available on the ARRL site. Plus, he will answer your questions!
- To join the DMR Tech Net TV Zoom meeting, click the following link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84447664395?pwd=djZMbFZaWVRkRDRudkRFeWc2WWV4UT09
- We’re working to schedule Corey Dean N3FE to go over the BrandMeister USA network, how to get the most out of using it, and best practices.
- We’re also working to reschedule Steve Miller KC1AWV and Ed Wilson N2XDD to discuss the M17 Network Project.
- Stay tuned as we work on finding a time and date convenient for them.
- 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 to discuss, let us know.
Join the DMR Tech Net team on Telegram. Just search for “DMR Tech Net.” To download, 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
The DMR Tech Net team is helping Dustin N8RMA with NCS duties on the Michigan One DMR net, heard on BrandMeister talk group 3126 on Monday nights starting at 8:30pm ET. If you would like to help as a Net Control Station operator, send an email to dana@dmrtechnet.net as we need NCS help through the end of 2024.
Here’s the upcoming list of upcoming NCS’:
- Sept 9 Dustin N8RMA
- Sep 16 Bob KB8DQQ (Donald Quack Quack)
- Sep 23 Brad KE8WNV
- Sep 30 Rick AD8KN
https://www.michiganonedmr.net/
Here is an Excel spreadsheet list of talk groups on BrandMeister, TGIF, FreeDMR, YSF, D-Star Reflectors, D-Star Repeaters, M17, and Michigan talk groups on BM & TGIF that you can download.
DMR Different Networks Talk Groups updated 6-2-2024
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/
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. And you’ll be a member of like-minded people who can help you with amateur radio and equipment.
Check out (and share our website) to learn more about Digital Mobile Radio!
