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, March 31st, the DMR Tech Net team will go over and discuss Codeplug Best Practices for organizing your channels, zones, & talkgroups.
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.
Upcoming (tentative) DMR Tech Net topics:
- March 31 Codeplug Best Practices – Organizing channels, zones, and talkgroups
- April 7 Benoit Sylvestre VE2VB discusses the BrandMeister Canada network
- April 14 Troubleshooting common DMR issues & how to resolve them
- 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 WB8QJZ explains AllStarLink
- June 16 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
- Jul 21 Using your radio’s side/hot keys
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/
DMR Codeplug Best Practices: Organizing Channels, Zones, and Talkgroups
A well-organized codeplug makes your Digital Mobile Radio (DMR) experience smoother, ensuring quick access to talkgroups, repeaters, and hotspots. Here are the best practices for structuring channels, zones, and talkgroups efficiently.
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Organizing Talkgroups
Talkgroups are the backbone of DMR communication, so structuring them logically is essential.
✅ Prioritize Talkgroups You Use Most
- Place commonly used talkgroups at the top of your list for quick access.
- Examples: Local, Statewide, TAC (Tactical), Nationwide, and Calling talkgroups.
✅ Use a Standard Naming Format
- Example: TG 31266 – MI Nets instead of just 31266.
- Keep names consistent across devices to avoid confusion.
✅ Separate Talkgroups by Function
- Wide-Area (Statewide/Nationwide)
- Local/Club Repeaters
- Special Interest Nets (DMR Tech Net, Emergency Comms, etc.)
- Tactical/Direct (TAC 310, TAC 311, etc.)
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Structuring Channels for Simplicity
A channel in DMR is a combination of a frequency, color code, and talkgroup assignment.
✅ Group Channels by Repeater or Hotspot
- Each repeater or hotspot should have its channels organized logically.
- Example:
- W8XYZ – TG91 (Worldwide)
- W8XYZ – TG3126 (Michigan Statewide)
- W8XYZ – TG9 (Local)
✅ Use a Logical Channel Name Format
- Format: Repeater/Hotspot Name + TG Number
- Example: BM Hotspot – TG3100 (BrandMeister USA)
- If using multiple networks (BrandMeister, TGIF, etc.), indicate it in the name.
- Example: TGIF Hotspot – TG 7777
✅ Include a Simplex Channel Section
- Program local DMR simplex frequencies for direct radio-to-radio communication.
- Example:
- Simplex 441.000 CC1 TG99
- Simplex 146.520 FM (for analog use)
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Organizing Zones for Quick Navigation
Zones help organize your channels for faster access using the radio’s interface.
✅ Limit Zones to 16 Channels (if necessary)
- Some radios only allow 16 channels per zone, so structure zones accordingly.
✅ Common Zone Layouts
- By Location: Organize by repeater or hotspot (e.g., “Detroit DMR”, “My Hotspot”)
- By Network: Organize by DMR network (e.g., “BM TGs”, “TGIF TGs”)
- By Usage: Create separate zones for different functions
- Example:
- Zone 1: Home Hotspot
- Zone 2: Local Repeaters
- Zone 3: Travel & Nationwide
- Zone 4: Emergency & SkyWarn Nets
- Example:
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Additional Best Practices
✅ Backup Your Codeplug Regularly
- Keep copies of your codeplug files in case of programming errors or radio resets.
✅ Use Promiscuous Mode for Scanning
- If your radio supports it, enable Digital Monitor (Promiscuous Mode) to hear all talkgroups without switching channels.
✅ Keep Your Firmware and CPS Updated
- Software updates often improve performance and fix bugs.
✅ Customize Side Keys for Quick Access
- Assign side buttons for Zone Change, Digital Monitor, or Scan to make navigation faster.
Best Practices for Naming DMR Channels and Talkgroups in Michigan
A well-structured naming convention for channels and talkgroups ensures clarity and efficiency. This is especially important for Michigan-based repeaters, hotspots, and regional talkgroups. Below are best practices with Michigan-specific examples.
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Best Practices for Naming DMR Talkgroups
A clear and consistent talkgroup (TG) naming convention makes it easier to recognize the correct channels while programming your radio.
✅ Standard Naming Format:
- Use Talkgroup Number + Brief Description
- If needed, include the DMR network (e.g., BM for BrandMeister, TGIF for TGIF, WPSD for WPSD).
🚀 Examples of Michigan Talkgroup Names:
| Talkgroup Number | Name Format | Example Name | Notes |
| 3126 | MI Statewide | MI Statewide TG3126 (BM) | Michigan-wide communication |
| 31260 | MI TAC | MI TAC 31260 (BM) | Tactical chat in Michigan |
| 31266 | Michigan Nets | MI Nets 31266 (BM) | Michigan-based nets |
| 3165 | Great Lakes TG | Great Lakes 3165 | Covers MI, OH, IN, IL, WI |
| 9 | Local TG | Local TG9 | For local repeater-only use |
| 3100 | USA Wide | USA TG3100 | Nationwide BrandMeister talkgroup |
| 9990 | Parrot (Echo Test) | Parrot 9990 (BM) | For testing your audio |
🔥 Tip: If using a repeater-based talkgroup, specify the repeater:
Example: Detroit W8XYZ TG3126
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Best Practices for Naming DMR Channels
A channel in DMR programming consists of a frequency, timeslot, color code, and talkgroup. Proper naming helps with quick access.
✅ Standard Naming Format:
[Repeater or Hotspot Name] + [TG Name] + [TS#]
- If a repeater: Detroit W8XYZ – MI Statewide TS2
- If a hotspot: Pi-Star Hotspot – MI Nets TS2
🚀 Examples of Michigan DMR Channels:
| Location | Repeater | Frequency | Talkgroup | Channel Name Format | Example |
| Detroit | W8XYZ | 443.500 | 3126 (MI Statewide) | [City/Repeater] + TG + TS | Detroit W8XYZ – MI Statewide TS2 |
| Grand Rapids | W8LRC | 442.000 | 31260 (MI TAC) | [City/Repeater] + TG + TS | Grand Rapids W8LRC – MI TAC TS2 |
| Ann Arbor | W8UM | 441.9875 | 31266 (MI Nets) | [City/Repeater] + TG + TS | Ann Arbor W8UM – MI Nets TS2 |
| Lansing | W8CMN | 442.175 | 3165 (Great Lakes) | [City/Repeater] + TG + TS | Lansing W8CMN – Great Lakes TS2 |
| Home Hotspot | Pi-Star | 438.800 | 31266 (MI Nets) | [Hotspot Name] + TG + TS | Pi-Star Hotspot – MI Nets TS2 |
| Mobile Hotspot | OpenSpot4 | 446.075 | 3100 (USA) | [Hotspot Name] + TG + TS | OpenSpot4 – USA TS2 |
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Best Practices for Organizing Zones
Zones help group channels together for easier navigation.
🚀 Recommended Zone Structure for Michigan Users:
1️. Home Hotspot (e.g., Pi-Star, WPSD, OpenSpot, etc.)
- Pi-Star – MI Statewide TS2
- Pi-Star – MI Nets TS2
- Pi-Star – USA TS2
- Local Repeaters
- Detroit W8XYZ – MI Statewide TS2
- Grand Rapids W8LRC – MI Nets TS2
- Ann Arbor W8UM – Great Lakes TS2
- Travel Zone (Statewide & Regional)
- MI Statewide TG3126
- Great Lakes TG3165
- Midwest Regional TG31268
- National & Emergency Channels
- USA Wide TG3100
- TAC 310
- Skywarn TG31299
Final Tips
✔️ Keep names short and clear (avoid overly long names).
✔️ Use standard formats to make switching radios easier.
✔️ Group channels into zones for faster access.
✔️ Test your codeplug in real use cases and adjust based on usability.
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 Hoseline 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/
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:
- Mar 31 6-year anniversary show with Dustin N8RMA, Randy N5RVT, & the DMR Tech Net team assisting.
- Apr 6 Steve KC8WXM
- Apr 13 Dustin N8RMA or Al N4ALK
- Apr 20 Brad KE8WNV
https://www.michiganonedmr.net/
Five Steps to Get Ready for April’s Ham Radio Open House |
| We’re only days away from April and ARRL’s month-long Ham Radio Open House (HROH). Radio clubs, schools, and other groups that operate a shared ham radio station are urged to join the nationwide event to raise the visibility of amateur radio and related technology. April is also Science Citizen Month, and April 18 is World Amateur Radio Day. It’s also the 100th anniversary of the International Amateur Radio Union (IARU), making the month a perfect backdrop for engaging the public in an introduction to ham radio.
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| You know the experience when a newcomer visits your amateur radio station: they have a bit of overwhelmed amazement, taken back by all the new sights and sounds. You explain to them what each component does, but oftentimes they’re gripped in a wide-eyed wonder about all the exciting technology in front of them; the gear, displays filled with radio signal waterfalls and other graphical interfaces, and the variety of sounds, from Morse code and digital to the voices of faraway people. Look out the window, and eyes are gazed on antennas of all shapes and sizes. In the best of situations, that sensory overload turns into getting on the air, turns into a new member of this hobby-of-hobbies, turns into a new radio amateur! That’s the energy we are tapping into for ARRL Ham Radio Open House.
Show off all the cool things that can be done in amateur radio — leading with our technological innovations, how radio works, and what we can do with our signals. Follow up with getting the visitor hands-on — let them participate in several of the 1 million acts of science that SciStarter is working to document as part of April being Citizen Science Month. Get the visitor on the air! Make them feel a part of it, from the moment they walk in.
ARRL wants your club to be successful. Here are the steps to prepare for your club’s ARRL Ham Radio Open House:
1. Pick a date Select a date (or dates) any time in the month of April to host your club station’s open house to maximize visitor traffic to your operation.
2. Use the media kit ARRL has created a comprehensive media kit prepared by veteran PR professionals on the ARRL Public Relations Committee. These pros want to help you shine and have given you a turn-key solution. Use as much or as little of it as you’d like – but its all there: Sample press release, PR tip sheet, media outreach timeline, and more. Find it on www.arrl.org/world-amateur-radio-day.
3. Location, Location, Location! The ARRL Ham Radio Open House locator tool is available at www.arrl.org/Open-House. It is a two-way street. Add your club’s information to the interactive tool or use it to find an activation already planned in your area. This is the same tool many are accustomed to using to find ARRL Field Day sites.
4. Be a social media superstar Social media is how many people find activities. Make sure your club is using the power of this outreach tool to spread the word of your event. In the HROH media kit, you’ll find a section devoted to social media best practices.
5. Be ready for next steps You’ve planned for weeks, visitors are showing up in droves, they’re having a great time getting on the air. Don’t leave them hanging on what’s next! Have a plan to get back in touch with them and welcome them to your next club meeting. Prepare a licensing class to enable them to dive right into becoming a ham. Let them know about your club’s ARRL Field Day plans and have them be a part of them.
The majority of active hams are ARRL members, so let them know the value you get from an ARRL membership and encourage them to join. Don’t forget about the free student membership for those aged 21 and under. www.arrl.org/membership.
ARRL thanks HamSCI — Ham Radio Science Citizen Investigation — and SciStarter for help preparing and promoting this event.
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