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 14th, the DMR Tech Net team will discuss troubleshooting common DMR issues, what they are, and solutions to solve them. We’d like to hear your comments about your experiences so please check-in.
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.
DMR Tech Net upcoming topics:
- 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
- Aug 18 Tom N8TJ will discuss Q-codes
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://dmrtechnet.net/
Table of Contents
🔧 Common DMR Issues & How to Resolve Them.. 3
- No Audio / Can’t Hear Anyone. 3
- Can’t Transmit / No One Can Hear You. 3
- Garble or Poor Audio. 4
- “Radio Check” Fails / No Call Acknowledgment 4
- Hotspot Not Working / Won’t Connect 4
- Talkgroup Confusion. 5
- Wrong DMR ID / Not Registered. 5
🛠️ Tips for Troubleshooting. 5
✅ DMR Troubleshooting Checklist for Beginners. 5
📡 No Audio / Can’t Hear Anyone. 5
🎙️ Can’t Transmit / No One Hears Me. 6
🔊 Audio Sounds Bad / Garbled. 6
🔍 “Radio Check” or Private Call Doesn’t Work. 6
🦜 How & Why to Use the Parrot Talkgroup (TG 8880 or TG 9990) on DMR.. 7
🎯 What Is the Parrot Talkgroup?. 7
📻 How to Use Parrot (Step-by-Step) 7
🚫 What Parrot Can’t Tell You: 8
🎧 How & Why to Test Your DMR Radio’s Audio Output (Mic Gain Check) 8
🛠️ How to Test Your Audio Output (Mic Gain) 8
🔁 Method 1: Use the Parrot Talkgroup. 8
🎤 Method 2: Ask a Trusted Ham.. 8
🔧 How to Adjust Mic Gain (Radio-Specific Tips) 9
🔧 Common DMR Issues & How to Resolve Them
Common Causes:
- Wrong talkgroup selected
- Not on the correct time slot (TS) or color code (CC)
- Radio not programmed correctly
- Not connected to a live repeater or hotspot
Solutions:
- Double-check your codeplug settings (TG, TS, CC)
- Confirm that the repeater/hotspot is online and functioning
- Try another talkgroup to test for activity
- Use Parrot (TG 9990) to test audio and network connectivity
Common Causes:
- Talkgroup not allowed on current TS/Repeater
- Hotspot not connected to the internet
- Improper microphone gain or audio settings
Solutions:
- Use the repeater’s published TG matrix (only certain TGs on TS1/TS2)
- Check the hotspot dashboard for errors (Pi-Star or OpenSpot)
- Adjust mic gain in the radio menu or CPS software
- Transmit to Parrot (TG 9990) to test your TX quality
Common Causes:
- Overdriven microphone (speaking too close/loud)
- Network jitter/delay (especially with hotspots)
- Firmware bugs
Solutions:
- Speak a few inches from mic, at normal tone
- Use wired internet vs Wi-Fi for hotspots if possible
- Update your radio’s firmware to the latest version
Common Causes:
- Target radio is turned off or on a different TG
- Programming mismatch (wrong ID or contact list issue)
- System doesn’t support “Radio Check” (brand/model limitation)
Solutions:
- Confirm target radio is on, on same TG, and has your contact saved
- Use Group calls instead of private calls for general use
- Don’t rely too much on “radio check” — use Parrot or human contacts
Common Causes:
- Incorrect BrandMeister password
- Wi-Fi or network issues
- Configuration errors (wrong ID, server, or modem type)
Solutions:
- Double-check BrandMeister self-care password (now required)
- Reboot the hotspot and verify Wi-Fi is stable
- Ensure correct DMR ID and settings in Pi-Star or OpenSpot config
- Check log files or dashboard for clues
Common Causes:
- Static vs dynamic talkgroups misunderstood
- Too many TGs active at once on hotspot
- No time to “key up” before speaking
Solutions:
- Explain static = always on, dynamic = timed
- Keep it simple: 1 dynamic TG at a time on simplex hotspot
- Key mic, wait 1-2 seconds, then speak (common DMR etiquette)
Common Causes:
- ID not registered with radioid.net
- Using wrong ID in codeplug or hotspot config
- Multiple radios using same ID improperly
Solutions:
- Register at radioid.net (free)
- Use only one ID per user, and don’t use other people’s IDs
- Set unique Radio Alias or Call Sign in CPS to identify each unit
🛠️ Tips for Troubleshooting
- Are you on a repeater or hotspot?
- Ask for the talkgroup, time slot, and color code
- Try Parrot (TG 9990) to isolate audio vs network issues
- Share what radio and firmware they’re using
- Point them to the Network Last Heard page to confirm activity
✅ DMR Troubleshooting Checklist for Beginners
📡 No Audio / Can’t Hear Anyone
☐ Is the Talkgroup (TG) correct?
☐ Are you on the correct Time Slot (TS) and Color Code (CC)?
☐ Is your radio programmed properly?
☐ Is your repeater or hotspot online?
☐ Try TG 9990 (Parrot) — do you hear yourself?
🎙️ Can’t Transmit / No One Hears Me
☐ Are you using an allowed Talkgroup on this TS?
☐ Is your hotspot connected to the internet?
☐ Is your mic gain set too low or high?
☐ Did you key up, wait 1–2 seconds, then speak?
☐ Test with Parrot (TG 9990) for confirmation.
☐ Are you speaking too close or too loudly into the mic?
☐ Is your hotspot/repeater lagging or jittery?
☐ Try Ethernet instead of Wi-Fi for hotspot stability.
☐ Is your radio firmware up to date?
🔍 “Radio Check” or Private Call Doesn’t Work
☐ Is the target radio on and listening to the same TG?
☐ Are you using the correct DMR ID and contact?
☐ Use Group Calls unless you really need Private Calls.
☐ Is your BrandMeister password set correctly in Pi-Star?
☐ Is your DMR ID correct?
☐ Is your hotspot connected to Wi-Fi/internet?
☐ Check your hotspot dashboard for errors.
☐ Know the difference: Static = always on, Dynamic = temporary
☐ Don’t overload your hotspot with too many TGs
☐ Key mic, wait 1-2 seconds, then speak!
☐ Are you registered at radioid.net?
☐ Are you using your own DMR ID?
☐ Don’t share the same ID on multiple radios at once
- Use Parrot (TG 9990) to test audio and connectivity
- Check BrandMeister Last Heard to confirm if your radio is getting out
- If all else fails: reboot your radio, hotspot, or repeater — it often helps!
🦜 How & Why to Use the Parrot Talkgroup (TG 8880 or TG 9990) on DMR
🎯 What Is the Parrot Talkgroup?
The Parrot talkgroup is a built-in echo test feature. It records your transmission and then plays it back to you — like a parrot repeating what you say.
- TG 9990 is used on BrandMeister, TGIF, other networks, and some local repeaters
- It’s a private call, not a group call
🛠️ 1. Test Your Transmit Audio
- Make sure your mic gain is good
- Check if you’re too close, too loud, or distorted
🌐 2. Verify Network/Hotspot Connection
- If you hear yourself echoed back, you’re hitting the network
- If you don’t hear anything, you may not be connected
🗣️ 3. Practice Without Talking Over Others
- Great for testing your radio quietly, especially on a new setup
- You won’t interrupt a net or a busy talkgroup
📻 How to Use Parrot (Step-by-Step)
For BrandMeister, TGIF Network, another network, or Local Repeater:
- Create a Private Call contact for TG 9990
- Add it to a channel with correct Time Slot and Color Code
- Key up, say something like “This is KCØMYP testing,” then unkey
- You’ll hear your voice echoed back if it works
- Always wait 1–2 seconds after keying up before speaking
- If you don’t hear yourself, check:
- Correct DMR ID
- Active Wi-Fi or repeater connection
- Talkgroup type (Private Call vs Group Call)
- Time Slot and Color Code match the repeater/hotspot
- It doesn’t test if you’re getting into a specific talkgroup
- It won’t tell you if others can hear you on a net
- It doesn’t replace live interaction — it’s just a personal test
🎧 How & Why to Test Your DMR Radio’s Audio Output (Mic Gain Check)
✔️ If your mic gain is too low, others will barely hear you
✔️ If it’s too high, you’ll sound distorted or “clipped”
✔️ A clear signal improves net participation and overall DMR experience
DMR is digital — so there’s no background noise to judge levels, just your actual encoded audio. That’s why testing is critical.
🛠️ How to Test Your Audio Output (Mic Gain)
🔁 Method 1: Use the Parrot Talkgroup
(Recommended for most users)
- BrandMeister: Use TG 9990 as a Private Call
TGIF: Use TG 9990, as a Group Call - Key up, say something like:
“KCØMYP test — checking mic audio,” - Unkey, and listen to the playback
- Ask yourself:
- Can you hear your voice clearly?
- Is the volume too loud or crackly?
- Is it muffled or too soft?
🛠️ If it sounds bad, adjust:
- Mic gain in the radio settings (usually under “Audio” or “Mic Gain”)
- Try a different speaking distance — 2–3 inches is a good start
- Don’t talk directly into the mic opening; angle your voice slightly off-center
🎤 Method 2: Ask a Trusted Ham
- Call a friend on a local talkgroup (like TAC 310, BM 31266, or a club TG)
- Ask:
“Can you give me a quick audio report? I’m testing my mic gain.” - Get honest feedback:
- Are you distorted?
- Too quiet?
- Cutting in/out?
🔁 Adjust, then try again.
🔧 How to Adjust Mic Gain (Radio-Specific Tips)
📱 AnyTone Radios (like D878-UVII+)
- Go to Menu > Settings > Audio
- Adjust Mic Gain (Analog & Digital) — start around 3–5
- Save and retest
📟 TYT / Radioddity / BTECH
- Often done in the CPS software
- Look for “Mic Gain” or “Digital Mic Level”
- Reprogram radio after adjusting
⚠️ Bonus Tips
- Always test on both Analog and Digital if your radio does both
- Use consistent mic technique when operating (distance and tone)
- Mic gain is not the same as radio volume — it controls what others hear
✅ Final Goal:
A clean, natural-sounding transmission that doesn’t clip, isn’t too quiet, and won’t annoy your fellow hams 😄
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.
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
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To see previous newsletters, check out our website: https://dmrtechnet.net/
On May 5th, the MichiganOne DMR Net will be moving to BrandMeister Talk Group 31266, the Michigan Nets Channel and combined with the DMR Tech Net. This decision was not made lightly. The DMR Tech Net team, after much discussion, decided this would be the best way to continue running both nets.
The new combined net will be renamed as the MichiganOne DMR Tech Net. We will start the combined net with the check-in portion for your comments at 7:30pm. After all check-ins and comments are completed, we’ll switch to the DMR Tech Net segment. We’re looking for more net control operators to help us with the check-in portion of the combined net. If you are interested and would like to volunteer, notify any member of the DMR Tech Net team and/or send an email to dana@dmrtechnet.net. Stay tuned as more changes are coming. Here is the list of the upcoming NCS (Net Control Stations) for the Michigan One DMR Net:
- Apr 14 Al N4ALK
- Apr 21 Brad KE8WNV
- Apr 28 Rick AD8KN
- May 5 Steve KC8WXM kicks off the new MichiganOne DMR Tech Net!
https://www.michiganonedmr.net/
To hear the audio recording of this net, please click (HERE).
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| Quick recap | |
| The DMR Tech Net meeting focused on troubleshooting common DMR issues, with participants sharing experiences and solutions for problems such as audio, connectivity, and hotspot configuration. The team discussed various troubleshooting techniques, emphasizing the importance of addressing issues in layers and checking hardware components. The meeting also included announcements about the merger of the MichiganOne DMR Net with the DMR Tech Net and concluded with reminders about upcoming events and resources for further information. | |
| Next steps | |
| • John (AD8OD) to investigate potential overheating issues with his work hotspot. | |
| • John (AD8OD) to check radio settings, including color code and time slot, as suggested by Stan (WB8QJZ). | |
| • John (AD8OD) to run an auto-tune function on his hotspot, if available, as suggested by Tom (N8TJ). | |
| • Bill (KE8KCA) to troubleshoot his TYT radio’s inability to receive signals. | |
| • Larry (N8BNE) to test different Brandmeister servers (3102 and 3103) for better stability with his OpenSpot 4 Pro. | |
| • Norm (NY1US) to check his hotspot’s modem type using the command provided by Brad (KE8WNB). | |
| • Norm (NY1US) to try using a different memory card in his hotspot to resolve settings retention issues, as suggested by Rick (AA8KN). | |
| Summary | |
| MichiganOne DMR Tech Net Merge | |
| Dana, the net control operator for the DMR Tech Net, announced that the MichiganOne DMR net will be combined with the DMR Tech Net, starting May 5th. The combined net will be called the MichiganOne DMR Tech Net and will run back-to-back, starting at 7:30 PM. The DMR Tech Net team will handle the net, and any questions or concerns can be directed to them. The team also encouraged attendees to visit their website for more information and to join their weekly email distribution newsletter. | |
| Troubleshooting DMR Issues and Connectivity | |
| We discussed troubleshooting common DMR issues, including no audio, radio check failures, and hotspot connectivity problems and emphasized the importance of using the parrot channel to ensure connection and checking audio levels. Tom, a co-founder of DMR Tech Net, shared his troubleshooting philosophy, emphasizing the need to address issues in layers, starting from the bottom. The conversation ended with a call for check-ins, where participants were asked to share their experiences and solutions to common DMR problems. | |
| DMR Tech Net Troubleshooting Meeting Summary | |
| Participants shared their experiences, with Bob from Connecticut and Larry from Michigan discussing their initial struggles with drivers and software. John from Troy shared his ongoing issue with a hotspot at his workplace, which he suspects may be due to overheating. The team agreed to further discuss the topic of TOT (timeout timer) in a future meeting. | |
| DMR Tech Net Troubleshooting Meeting Summary | |
| The DMR Tech Net meeting focused on troubleshooting common DMR issues. Participants discussed various problems, including overheating electronics, radio frequency issues, and connectivity problems. They also shared solutions and experiences, such as checking radio apps, adjusting frequencies, and using Elmers for troubleshooting. The meeting also highlighted the importance of having a reliable hotspot and Wi-Fi connection for mobile use. The participants also checked in and shared their experiences, with some offering solutions to others’ problems. The conversation ended with a reminder of the upcoming Michigan DMR Net at 8:30. | |
| Hotspot Settings Reverting Issue | |
| Brad asks Norm for more details about his setup to help troubleshoot the issue with the hotspot losing settings. Norm explains he is using an MMDVM duplex hotspot and is unable to save changes to the settings, as they revert back after rebooting. The discussion focuses on identifying potential causes and solutions for this persistent configuration problem. | |
| Modem and Memory Card Issues | |
| Brad and Rick discussed issues with modems and memory cards, suggesting potential solutions such as resetting configurations and checking modem types. Rick suggested a possible memory issue with hotspots, recommending the use of another memory card. The conversation ended with a reminder of the upcoming MichiganOne DMR Net and the celebration of World Amateur Radio Day on April 18. | |
| AI-generated content may be inaccurate or misleading. Always check for accuracy. |