[DSTAR_DIGITAL] Re: Trouble configuring my IC-92AD for D-Star

[Steve Bosshard]

GM Mike,

There are two different transport mechanisms used with dstar gateways.
 G2 Gateway Software and DPlus Linking Software.

The G2 Gateway Software is resident in every gateway that I know of
(except in Japan) and uses the UR field in your radio to route calls
to different gateways.  To access this system you have to register
with your local repeater system operator.  Like John said, this is a 2
part process and your local folks will be glad to help you get started.

The second mechanism, DPlus, fools the first into thinking it is
sitting idle.  You do this by setting CQCQCQ in the UR field (this
routes nowhere), but, you do enable R2 with XX#XXX G (Repeater call
sign with G for Gateway operation).  The way I understand this is
enabling R2 presents your transmission to the internet with no place
to go.

DPlus also uses the UR as an ON/OFF switch to turn on and turn off
fixed links to other repeaters or reflectors, and does not require
registration to use.  DPlus takes the transmissions presented to the
internet with no place to go, and routes them using the DPlus
mechanism, to other repeaters or reflectors.

Hope this hasn't muddied things up too much,  73 Steve NU5D

--- In dstar_digital@yahoogroups.com, "ipscone"  wrote:
>
> When you say "register on the gateway" do you mean "registering" as
> in providing information to someone?  The only link I see on that
> page about joining anything is for installing a new gateway to the
> network.
> 
> Mike
> 

[DSTAR_DIGITAL] Re: Trouble configuring my IC-92AD for D-Star

[ki4umx]

--- In dstar_digital@yahoogroups.com, "ipscone"  wrote:

I saw a number of replies that address your basic question, so I don't
need to discuss that issue.

In the user manual for ALL D-Star radios, there is a VERY MISLEADING
instruction!

> Here's what I have set:
>
> 4) Set CALL SIGN
>   R1: WD7STR B
>   R2: Not Used <<< W R O N G !

 In this example, R2 should be WD7STR G! If you don't have the Gateway
in your setup, people coming in through the Gateway CAN NOT HEAR YOU
and may key up on you because they don't know you are there. I hear
one-sided conversations almost every day because one or more DON'T
have the Gateway in their R2.

This "glitch" was put in the instructions because, in the Japanese
implementation of D-Star, there are very few Gateways. In the rest of
the world, almost all D-Star Repeaters have Gateways running more
advanced software.

Enuff confusion.

73
Hank - KI4UMX

[ED: WD7STR does not have a gateway yet, so the "WD7STR G" doesn't hurt 
anything, but doesn't add anything either, WA7FW on the other hand does have an 
active gateway so "WA7FW  G" should probably always be there.  Using it on 
WD7STR will put a code back on your display that basically says it can't relay 
past the repeater, but its not a problem.]

[DSTAR_DIGITAL] Re: Trouble configuring my IC-92AD for D-Star

[ipscone]

So, mechanism 1, is what I would use if I was trying to reach person 
X, in location Y and mechanism 2 would be for general CQ to person 
unknonw, in location Y?  At least that sounds like what one might 
want.

Anyway, I'm going to try and contact the WA7FW B repeater group 
today and see if I can get registered.  I live between Renton and 
Kent and there is a hill between my location and Federal Way, so I 
might not be able to reach it.  However, I could just drive over the 
hill to do some testing. ;-) 

I have tried IRLP and it seems to work well also.  I especially like 
the ability to route calls, using D-Star.  I just wish there were 
more repeaters.   I guess I could move to Texas. ;-)

Thanks,

PS: I bought an I-COM IC-92AD this week and a Yaesu VX-8R last 
week.  Not sure what I'm buying next week. ;-)  Leaning toward an IC-
7000.


--- In dstar_digital@yahoogroups.com, "Steve Bosshard" 
 wrote:
>
> GM Mike,
> 
> There are two different transport mechanisms used with dstar 
gateways.
>  G2 Gateway Software and DPlus Linking Software.
> 
> The G2 Gateway Software is resident in every gateway that I know of
> (except in Japan) and uses the UR field in your radio to route 
calls
> to different gateways.  To access this system you have to register
> with your local repeater system operator.  Like John said, this is 
a 2
> part process and your local folks will be glad to help you get 
started.
> 
> The second mechanism, DPlus, fools the first into thinking it is
> sitting idle.  You do this by setting CQCQCQ in the UR field (this
> routes nowhere), but, you do enable R2 with XX#XXX G (Repeater call
> sign with G for Gateway operation).  The way I understand this is
> enabling R2 presents your transmission to the internet with no 
place
> to go.
> 
> DPlus also uses the UR as an ON/OFF switch to turn on and turn off
> fixed links to other repeaters or reflectors, and does not require
> registration to use.  DPlus takes the transmissions presented to 
the
> internet with no place to go, and routes them using the DPlus
> mechanism, to other repeaters or reflectors.
> 
> Hope this hasn't muddied things up too much,  73 Steve NU5D
> 
> --- In dstar_digital@yahoogroups.com, "ipscone"  wrote:
> >
> > When you say "register on the gateway" do you mean "registering" 
as
> > in providing information to someone?  The only link I see on that
> > page about joining anything is for installing a new gateway to 
the
> > network.
> > 
> > Mike
> >
>

[DSTAR_DIGITAL] First D-Star contact

[ipscone]

I just picked up my IC-92AD yesterday afternoon and last night 
finally got through enough of the manual to make my first D-Star 
contact.

What a coincidence in many ways.

My first D-Star contact was a member of this forum, helping me get 
it up and running.  Thanks John (K7VE).

He was also my first contact, who initiated a call to me, in the 
past 2 decades (I've been silent for many years).  He knew I was 
having a few problems and initiated a call to me.  Quite a surprise 
to be reading my 92AD manual, trying to see if I had it configured 
correctly, when I receive a call on it. ;-)

And lastly, his callsign was nearly identical to mine. :-)  His: 
K7VE, Mine: KC7VE.  Quite a coincidence.

My first impression was WOW.  Crystal clear audio.  No squeeks, 
pops, static, etc.  They might have to inject some noise to make it 
sound like a radio. ;-)  

I look forward to more such contacts.  I live South (Renton/Kent) 
and work in Everett (near Boeing).  I see there is a repeater in 
Camano and one in Snohomish.  Going to see if those are reachable 
while at work.

Mike
KC7VE (probably using WD7STR or WA7FW)

Re: [DSTAR_DIGITAL] First D-Star contact

[John D. Hays]

Mike,

I don't know about the Camano repeater, I've never been able to raise it 
and I'm pretty sure Snohomish hasn't been put on the air.  I would be 
interested to know if you can raise WD7STR near Boeing (Everett), it is 
in the footprint, but may be shielded.

Yes, D-STAR audio is very clear until it drops down into what we 
affectionately call R2D2.  If you consider, there is a pretty good hill 
between my home QTH and WD7STR and I was only seeing 0-2 S-Units on the 
radio last night's QSO would likely have been very noisy.

I work down near the Edmonds ferry terminal (2 blocks south) and live in 
Edmonds, so if you want to get together after work, sometime, and meet 
eye-to-eye, we can, since your commute takes you past the Edmonds exit.

ipscone wrote:
>
> My first impression was WOW. Crystal clear audio. No squeeks,
> pops, static, etc. They might have to inject some noise to make it
> sound like a radio. ;-)
>
> I look forward to more such contacts. I live South (Renton/Kent)
> and work in Everett (near Boeing). I see there is a repeater in
> Camano and one in Snohomish. Going to see if those are reachable
> while at work.
>
> Mike
> KC7VE (probably using WD7STR or WA7FW)
>
> 

-- 
John D. Hays
Amateur Radio Station K7VE 
PO Box 1223
Edmonds, WA 98020-1223
VOIP/SIP: j...@hays.org 
Phone: 206-801-0820
801-790-0950
Email: j...@hays.org 


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

RE: [DSTAR_DIGITAL] First D-Star contact

[John]

Mike,

 

Welcome aboard.

 

John

 

From: ipscone [mailto:ipsc...@yahoo.com] 
Sent: Monday, March 02, 2009 6:48 AM
To: dstar_digital@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [DSTAR_DIGITAL] First D-Star contact

 

I just picked up my IC-92AD yesterday afternoon and last night 
finally got through enough of the manual to make my first D-Star 
contact.

What a coincidence in many ways.

My first D-Star contact was a member of this forum, helping me get 
it up and running. Thanks John (K7VE).

He was also my first contact, who initiated a call to me, in the 
past 2 decades (I've been silent for many years). He knew I was 
having a few problems and initiated a call to me. Quite a surprise 
to be reading my 92AD manual, trying to see if I had it configured 
correctly, when I receive a call on it. ;-)

And lastly, his callsign was nearly identical to mine. :-) His: 
K7VE, Mine: KC7VE. Quite a coincidence.

My first impression was WOW. Crystal clear audio. No squeeks, 
pops, static, etc. They might have to inject some noise to make it 
sound like a radio. ;-) 

I look forward to more such contacts. I live South (Renton/Kent) 
and work in Everett (near Boeing). I see there is a repeater in 
Camano and one in Snohomish. Going to see if those are reachable 
while at work.

Mike
KC7VE (probably using WD7STR or WA7FW)





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[DSTAR_DIGITAL] Re: Trouble configuring my IC-92AD for D-Star

[ipscone]

There is NO gateway on this repeater.

Mike

--- In dstar_digital@yahoogroups.com, "ki4umx"  wrote:
>
> --- In dstar_digital@yahoogroups.com, "ipscone"  wrote:
>
> I saw a number of replies that address your basic question, so I
don't
> need to discuss that issue.
>
>

[DSTAR_DIGITAL] Re: 2820 Software Version - IC91 Scan

[n6xn]

--- In dstar_digital@yahoogroups.com, Milt Forsberg  wrote:
>
> Steve, thanks for your comments.  You might have an IC-91 which has the 
> scanning problem corrected.  If you want to test, here is what I have 
> found so far...
> 
> I set the analog side to scan 2 or 3 repeaters, all in the same bank.
> I set the digital side not scanning to our D-Star repeater.
> The radio hears for the first 5 to 15 minutes, then it no longer hears 
> anything.  It continues to scan, and opening the squelch brings on the 
> white noise, but no signals are heard. If I turn the power off and back 
> on, the radio hears for another short period.
> 
> 73 Milt K9QZI
> Champaign IL

Milt, Steve,  My IC91AD behaves exactly as described except it takes a
bit more than 30 minutes to go "deaf".  It also has a possibly related
problem: Set up with both A and B memories displayed, Analog in A, not
scanning, and Digital in B also not scanning.  Shut the radio off with
A being the selected band.  After turning it back on, A will still be
the selected band but B band will not pass any audio until the "main"
button is pushed and B is selected. You can see signals being received
on the meter but nothing will be heard.  A friend's IC91AD acts the
same way so it's not unique to my radio. This radio was bought in July
of last year.

73, John N6XN
Napa CA

RE: [DSTAR_DIGITAL] First D-Star contact

[Nate Duehr]

It is pretty fun, isn't it?  Glad to have you on board, Mike.

 

There are four distinct levels of "signal strength" to my viewpoint, in
D-STAR.

 

1.   The "crystal clear" audio you heard.  Signal strength is high
enough that virtually no error correction is going on, and low-speed data
applications are also rock-solid and have no data errors.

2.   A level that sounds good, but if you listen closely there's some
very minor "artifacts" around the audio.  Most of us who've studied this
agree that this is the "sound" you get when the mathematical error
correction is attempting to fix a SLIGHTLY noisy signal.  Still 100%
copyable, but sibilance gets muddy.  Since the low speed data portion of the
D-STAR stream isn't error corrected, many new users of the low-speed data
often start out at THIS signal strength into their local repeater, and are
VERY confused as to why people can hear/talk to them, but they can't get
tools like D-RATS and D-PRS to consistently work properly.  If you look at
the raw output of their low-speed data stream, it's completely mangled at
this signal strength level, long before voice drops out.  This level is
DIFFICULT to hear, but it's there.  On a mobile with a big speaker in a
quiet environment, you can really tell the difference between 1 and 2.
Technically, there's no "breakpoint" between them - as your signal degrades,
you slide into #2. unless you weren't moving to begin with.

3.   A "squeaks and noises" level you may not have heard yet.
affectionately known as "R2-D2" like the little robot in the Star Wars
movies.  This level is so low that the repeater is having a hard time
figuring out anything useful from your audio stream, but it is still
transmitting a mangled audio stream.  Usually if you've "fallen" into an
area of coverage that causes this, you'll find that KEYING the repeater from
silence, simply won't work.  But KEEPING it keyed (and no one understanding
you) is possible if you move INTO this lower level signal strength area, and
you're mobile or you moved your HT to a "bad spot", just like on analog.
just move a bit and you're back. (often at Level 2, above - not Level 1).

4.   Can't key the system at all. 

 

Have fun, see you on the air!

 

Nate WY0X

 

From: dstar_digital@yahoogroups.com [mailto:dstar_digi...@yahoogroups.com]
On Behalf Of ipscone
Sent: Monday, March 02, 2009 7:48 AM
To: dstar_digital@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [DSTAR_DIGITAL] First D-Star contact

 

I just picked up my IC-92AD yesterday afternoon and last night 
finally got through enough of the manual to make my first D-Star 
contact.

What a coincidence in many ways.

My first D-Star contact was a member of this forum, helping me get 
it up and running. Thanks John (K7VE).

He was also my first contact, who initiated a call to me, in the 
past 2 decades (I've been silent for many years). He knew I was 
having a few problems and initiated a call to me. Quite a surprise 
to be reading my 92AD manual, trying to see if I had it configured 
correctly, when I receive a call on it. ;-)

And lastly, his callsign was nearly identical to mine. :-) His: 
K7VE, Mine: KC7VE. Quite a coincidence.

My first impression was WOW. Crystal clear audio. No squeeks, 
pops, static, etc. They might have to inject some noise to make it 
sound like a radio. ;-) 

I look forward to more such contacts. I live South (Renton/Kent) 
and work in Everett (near Boeing). I see there is a repeater in 
Camano and one in Snohomish. Going to see if those are reachable 
while at work.

Mike
KC7VE (probably using WD7STR or WA7FW)





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[DSTAR_DIGITAL] Re: First D-Star contact

[ipscone]

I've been listening to R2-D2 today, on the Federal Way repeater. ;)

Mike

--- In dstar_digital@yahoogroups.com, "Nate Duehr"  wrote:
>
> It is pretty fun, isn't it?  Glad to have you on board, Mike.
>