RE: [DSTAR_DIGITAL] Please help me support D-Star ...

[Tony Langdon]

At 08:11 AM 7/30/2010, you wrote:


>Thank you, I appreciate the reply, all that I receive will be 
>incorporated into my presentation. Like I've said, I need to arm 
>myself for the naysayers who are quick to shoot and I need to have 
>the amo to squelch their "assumptions"!

One assumption that gets bandied around is that D-STAR is an Icom 
only system.  While it's true that Icom are the only manufacturer 
currently producing radios ready to go, it is far from an Icom only 
system.  Also, people will complain it is proprietary.  While the 
D-STAR specification does use a proprietary vocoder (AMBE), the 
actual specification (for on air) is open.

Firstly, the on air protocol is open (though you need to be able to 
read Japanese for the full specification ;) ).

Secondly, there is actually quite a lot of non Icom equipment 
available, including:

DV Dongle - This is the AMBE vocoder in a USB package.  The companion 
DVTool software by AA4RC allows the dongle to talk to DPlus over the 
Internet (DPlus itself is another non Icom component).  However, the 
dongle can also be teamed with the D-Star client program running on a 
PC and connected to a 9600 bps capable radio to turn the radio into a 
fully fledged D-STAR (DV mode) radio.

I've mentioned D-STAR client, see above.

GMSK node adapter.  This is a hardware GMSK modem, which can be used 
for various purposes.  There are versions of the GMSK Node Adapter 
manufactured or in kit form by a few suppliers, and two different 
firmware versions are available.

DVAR Hotspot - This uses the GMSK node adapter to create a local RF 
access point to the DPlus network for local D-STAR users to use.  The 
hotspot works on both simplex radios and duplex repeaters.

G4ULF's gateway software - this uses a node adapter and provides a 
full blown Icom compatible gateway using a Linux box and a suitable 
set of radios and other repeater hardware.  I believe it can also 
create a simplex gateway.

D-RATS - Multipurpose data terminal software for D-STAR.  Uses the 
low speed data channel for text, file transfer, email and many other functions.

And there's others I've missed.  D-STAR is quite open to ham 
experimentation and tinkering. :)

73 de VK3JED / VK3IRL
http://vkradio.com

RE: [DSTAR_DIGITAL] Please help me support D-Star ...

[Donald James]

Hey Gary,

 

Thanks for your reply. I've referred people to your videos - thanks! What
you've sent me here will be very helpful in my presentation.

 

73's de 

 

Donald ~ N2VU

 

 

-Original Message-
From: dstar_digital@yahoogroups.com [mailto:dstar_digi...@yahoogroups.com]
On Behalf Of Gary Pearce KN4AQ
Sent: Thursday, July 29, 2010 3:56 PM
To: dstar_digital@yahoogroups.com; dstar_digital@yahoogroups.com
Subject: RE: [DSTAR_DIGITAL] Please help me support D-Star ...

 

  


Off the top of my head (and a little from the middle...) I'm sure there's
more.

Similar functions:
- Repeater to repeater linking, and multiple-repeater reflectors, via the
Internet.
- Digital Code Squelch. Like CTCSS or analog's DCS, D-STAR radios can be
code squelched with numbers from 00-99 for group coded squelch. Unlike
analog, this always goes through repeaters and the network. (see also: call
sign squelch, below).
- Network access via computer (with Echolink on analog, and DVDongle on
D-STAR. Not permitted on IRLP).
- Network access via radio to a simplex base station (supported by IRLP and
Echolink on analog, and Hot Spot and DVAP on D-STAR. The DVAP is the size of
a Dongle and creates a zone of operation for handheld use in a building like
an EOC, without dragging in a radio and power supply/antenna).
- System control and linking via radio functions. Touch Tone for analog
IRLP/Echolink; embedded call sign fields for D-STAR.

Unique to D-STAR:
- Noise-free digital modulation (until the very weakest signal - then some
garble before it disappears completely). When a D-STAR signal disappears, a
well-modulated analog signal may be very noisy, but copyable, for a few more
dB.
- Built-in call sign identification. The operator's call sign is programmed
into the radio and appears on every transmission, along with a short
pre-programmed message (name, location, equipment, tactical function -
anything you can put in 20 characters). These scroll across the display of
the receiving radio on every transmission.
- "call sign squelch" - keep your radio quiet until someone directs a call
to you using your call sign. This works simplex, through any D-STAR
repeater, and via any D-STAR linking scheme.
- call sign routing. Enter someone's call sign in the YOUR field of the
radio, key up through your local repeater, and your transmission will be
routed through the Internet to the last D-SATAR repeater that person keyed
up (and it will open their radio if they had call sign squelch enabled).
There can be a delay of up to 30 minutes before their last key-up is
propagated to all the other repeaters on the network, but new software is in
the works to speed that up.
- BREAK-IN and EMERGENCY MODE. Break-in will open up any code-squelch radio
(call sign squelch or digital code squelch). EMERGENCY mode will do that AND
it will TURH UP THE VOLUME on all receiving radios if they've been turned
down so your transmission will be heard. 
- On-line record of every transmission by call sign. Your radio keeps a
record of the last 10 or so call signs it received. Sites like
www.dstarusers.  org display all the users in
the past hour, and individual repeater site pages show use longer than that.
The DVDongle also keeps a history list.
- DV Data mode on VHF/UHF. The 1200 bit/s data mode that rides along on all
transmissions for short messages and small files. Can be accessed via
computer connected to radio with programs like D-RATS, and used while
talking or not.
- DD Data mode on 1200 MHz. 128 kbit/s data appears on the back of the ID-1
radio as an Ethernet connection. With a web connection on the other end, you
have long-distance, wireless Internet access (with some limitations).

Unique to analog (so far):
- Autopatch
- RF linking between repeaters

No reason these functions can't be added to D-STAR - just hasn't happened
yet.

KN4AQ's comment:
Internet linking is an important tool for Amateur Radio, analog or digital.
But it can vanish in an instant, so it shouldn't be the only link to an
emergency scene. We need our RF!

The program "Digital Voice for Amateur Radio" is a good, general
introduction to D-STAR (and other digital voice modes), available from my
web site below. Makes a good club meeting program (really 2, one for HF, one
for VHF/UHF).

73,
Gary KN4AQ




ARVN: Amateur Radio//Video News
Gary Pearce KN4AQ
508 Spencer Crest Ct.
Cary, NC 27513
kn...@arvideonews.  com
919-380-9944
www.ARVideoNews.  com 

RE: [DSTAR_DIGITAL] Please help me support D-Star ...

[Donald James]

Thank you, I appreciate the reply, all that I receive will be incorporated
into my presentation. Like I’ve said, I need to arm myself for the naysayers
who are quick to shoot and I need to have the amo to squelch their
“assumptions”! 

 

 

-Original Message-
From: dstar_digital@yahoogroups.com [mailto:dstar_digi...@yahoogroups.com]
On Behalf Of Tony Langdon
Sent: Thursday, July 29, 2010 3:58 PM
To: dstar_digital@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [DSTAR_DIGITAL] Please help me support D-Star ...

 

  

At 10:05 PM 7/29/2010, you wrote:

>Greetings to the group,
>
>My name is Donald ~ N2VU, and I'm in Warren County New York ... the 
>first to have D-Star in the area. I was on the fence about D-Star 
>for quite a while until 2 weeks ago and boy do I wish I got into it 
>sooner. I love it!

There's quite a lot going for D-STAR. Just to name a few aspects:

Fully digital end to end - it "just works" or it doesn't, no noisy 
signals (you do get garbled signals, known as "R2D2" after the famous 
droid when signals hit the digital "cliff").

Simultaneous voice and data. Your radio could be sending GPS 
position reports (for example), while you're talking.

ID is automatic and embedded in the protocol.

Higher speed (128kbps) mode available on 1.2 GHz.

Many third party applications are available for utilising the data 
channel (e.g. D-RATS).

Really, to me, the ability to be able to send voice and data using 
the same radio at the same time is one of D-STAR's biggest selling 
points. The gateway system also has a number of unique features, one 
of the most useful being the ability to locate a specific user by 
simply routing to their callsign. If they've been using a gateway 
(and haven't switched gateways in the last half hour or so), the call 
will find them if they have their radio on.

73 de VK3JED / VK3IRL
http://vkradio.com

Re: [DSTAR_DIGITAL] drats spell checker

[Francis Miele]

Yes. I have followed all the directions.

Fran, W1FJM

On Thu, Jul 29, 2010 at 5:37 PM, kg4vub  wrote:

>
>
>
> http://www.d-rats.com/documentation/4-howtos/34-installing-spelling-support/
>
> Have you seen the above from the main page of D-Rats?
>
> Tom
>
> On Thu, Jul 29, 2010 at 4:27 PM, Francis 
> >
> wrote:
> > does any know the secret to getting the spell checking option to become
> available in the drats software?
> >
> >
>  
>

Re: [DSTAR_DIGITAL] drats spell checker

[kg4vub]

http://www.d-rats.com/documentation/4-howtos/34-installing-spelling-support/

Have you seen the above from the main page of D-Rats?

Tom

On Thu, Jul 29, 2010 at 4:27 PM, Francis  wrote:
> does any know the secret to getting the spell checking option to become 
> available in the drats software?
>
>

Re: [DSTAR_DIGITAL] Registering a Node Adapter

[Tony Langdon]

At 06:16 AM 7/30/2010, you wrote:
>
>
>True about how much there appears to be to learn at the start.
>
>But for people living near or wanting to link to 
>DPlus-enabled repeaters (I realize in Japan they 
>generally don't use DPlus), DPlus linking is 
>what most of us use most of the time.

True, and here in VK, it's usually done for you 
anyway, if you want to chat on one of the national reflector channels. :)

>
>So I've found (based on my own initial 
>experience trying to read through the Callsign 
>Routing parts of ICOM manuals) it best to just 
>ignore all that while getting started.  Just 
>learn how to do DPlus Linking and Unlinking.  I 
>strongly recommend to newbies to skip that 
>portion of their DStar radio manual for 
>now.  Learn how to program your radio to do 
>Linking and Unlinking, and you can get going fast and have fun.
>
>If later on, you choose to learn callsign 
>routing, etc. it will make more sense then.

I learnt the reverse way for historical 
reasons.  Initially, simplex was all there was 
when I started on D-STAR.  When the first gateway 
became active, we only had callsign routing, so I 
had to learn that next.  I didn't find it 
particularly complex, remember a few rules and it was pretty straightforward.

DPlus came later, and that was pretty 
straightforward, because conceptually, it is just 
like IRLP, and only the command structure 
differed (being UR callsign entries, rather than DTMF commands).

However, these days, I do agree that learning 
DPlus first would probably suit most people.  I'd 
also recommend learning callsign routing, once you're confident with DPlus.

>
>It is what it is, but things would have been 
>simpler if either a) ICOM had itself design a 
>DPlus type capability into their DStar network, 
>or b)if ICOM were to embrace DPlus and 
>incorporate these capabilities into their documentation.

Well, who says we have to wait for Icom?  I 
believe we're rapidly approaching the point where 
ham ingenuity exceeds Icom's offerings, as far as 
the gateway infrastructure goes.

>
>But, that isn't going to happen.  I guess the 
>good part of all this is that the architecture 
>is open enough that people like Robin Cutshaw 
>can add a substantial new capability like DPlus without ICOM's permission.

Yep, that was a good thing.  DPlus has 
significantly enhanced the utility of D-STAR.

73 de VK3JED / VK3IRL
http://vkradio.com

[DSTAR_DIGITAL] drats spell checker

[Francis]

does any know the secret to getting the spell checking option to become 
available in the drats software?

Re: [DSTAR_DIGITAL] Registering a Node Adapter

[J. Moen]

True about how much there appears to be to learn at the start.

But for people living near or wanting to link to DPlus-enabled repeaters (I 
realize in Japan they generally don't use DPlus), DPlus linking is what most of 
us use most of the time.

So I've found (based on my own initial experience trying to read through the 
Callsign Routing parts of ICOM manuals) it best to just ignore all that while 
getting started.  Just learn how to do DPlus Linking and Unlinking.  I strongly 
recommend to newbies to skip that portion of their DStar radio manual for now.  
Learn how to program your radio to do Linking and Unlinking, and you can get 
going fast and have fun.

If later on, you choose to learn callsign routing, etc. it will make more sense 
then.  

It is what it is, but things would have been simpler if either a) ICOM had 
itself design a DPlus type capability into their DStar network, or b)if ICOM 
were to embrace DPlus and incorporate these capabilities into their 
documentation.

But, that isn't going to happen.  I guess the good part of all this is that the 
architecture is open enough that people like Robin Cutshaw can add a 
substantial new capability like DPlus without ICOM's permission.

Jim - K6JM

  - Original Message - 
  From: Edmonton Fire Radio 
  To: dstar_digital@yahoogroups.com 
  Sent: Thursday, July 29, 2010 12:41 PM
  Subject: RE: [DSTAR_DIGITAL] Registering a Node Adapter




  I think Mike hit the nail on the head with this statement. I wonder just how 
many people look at DStar and get intimidated at the complexity. It’s so much 
easier to just dial in a frequency and key up their mic instead of trying to 
figure out call sign routing, registration, reflectors, linking, etc. 



  I am still as you put it, drinking from the fire hose and taking everything 
in before I decide on a path be it getting a DV Dongle or a radio to access the 
local gateway. But for me half of the fun is being able to expand my horizons 
by learning something new in this hobby of ours.



  73 de Jeff VE6EFR



  From: dstar_digital@yahoogroups.com [mailto:dstar_digi...@yahoogroups.com] On 
Behalf Of mwbese...@cox.net
  Sent: July-29-10 1:23 PM
  To: dstar_digital@yahoogroups.com
  Subject: Re: [DSTAR_DIGITAL] Registering a Node Adapter





  I'm thankful that there are guys like you and Dave (and others) who have 
already beat their way through the tall grass and are willing to give the rest 
of us a hand.  I'm embarking on this venture to learn, but there's a difference 
between learning-by-doing and beating one's head against the wall, and I'm 
hoping to avoid the latter!




  

Re: [DSTAR_DIGITAL] Please help me support D-Star ...

[John Hays]

On Jul 29, 2010, at 12:56 PM, Gary Pearce KN4AQ wrote:



- call sign routing. Enter someone's call sign in the YOUR field of  
the radio, key up through your local repeater, and your transmission  
will be routed through the Internet to the last D-SATAR repeater  
that person keyed up (and it will open their radio if they had call  
sign squelch enabled). There can be a delay of up to 30 minutes  
before their last key-up is propagated to all the other repeaters on  
the network, but new software is in the works to speed that up.


It's not only "in the works" but up and running.  The problem is  
getting gateway operators to take the few minutes (about 5 minutes on  
Icom gateways) to install it.  (Right now they do have to send someone  
an email first, but once they get the reply its literally just a few  
minutes.)


I have had this running on the gateway I administer for  a couple of  
weeks.  The major gateway to the north of me and one of the ones north  
of it have it running as well.  I have watched the updates and when a  
station moves from one repeater to a new one, the updates are sent to  
every connected gateway usually before the person lifts their finger  
off of the PTT button.


http://www.ircddb.net  --- if you watch the "ircDDB Live" feed,  
realize it only shows new or moved station reports, not every key up,  
so you may want to just let it run for a while.







John D. Hays
Amateur Radio Station K7VE
PO Box 1223
Edmonds, WA 98020-1223 VOIP/SIP: j...@hays.org

Re: [DSTAR_DIGITAL] Registering a Node Adapter

[Tony Langdon]

At 04:41 AM 7/30/2010, you wrote:

>You said you are setting up a simplex hotspot, but what if we trade 
>emails and we agree to talk over D-Star.  Yes, we could meet on some 
>repeater or reflector, and tie that up while we talk, but it would 
>be simpler if I just link my hotspot to yours directly.  But, if 
>instead I had a DVAP, the software would not allow me to link to you 
>if your hotspot is called "WM4B   N".

One thing to keep in mind is that the registration callsign does NOT 
have to be the same as the hotspot's callsign.  For example, my 
hotspot (currently off air due to having just moved house) is VK3JED 
C (it normally sits on 2 metres), but its registration on the trust 
server is VK3JED N.  This is a valid configuration, and is quite 
common.  There is a lot of flexibility in how hotspots can be setup.

73 de VK3JED / VK3IRL
http://vkradio.com

Re: [DSTAR_DIGITAL] Please help me support D-Star ...

[Tony Langdon]

At 10:05 PM 7/29/2010, you wrote:


>Greetings to the group,
>
>My name is Donald ~ N2VU, and I'm in Warren County New York ... the 
>first to have D-Star in the area. I was on the fence about D-Star 
>for quite a while until 2 weeks ago and boy do I wish I got into it 
>sooner. I love it!

There's quite a lot going for D-STAR.  Just to name a few aspects:

Fully digital end to end - it "just works" or it doesn't, no noisy 
signals (you do get garbled signals, known as "R2D2" after the famous 
droid when signals hit the digital "cliff").

Simultaneous voice and data.  Your radio could be sending GPS 
position reports (for example), while you're talking.

ID is automatic and embedded in the protocol.

Higher speed (128kbps) mode available on 1.2 GHz.

Many third party applications are available for utilising the data 
channel (e.g. D-RATS).

Really, to me, the ability to be able to send voice and data using 
the same radio at the same time is one of D-STAR's biggest selling 
points.  The gateway system also has a number of unique features, one 
of the most useful being the ability to locate a specific user by 
simply routing to their callsign.  If they've been using a gateway 
(and haven't switched gateways in the last half hour or so), the call 
will find them if they have their radio on.

73 de VK3JED / VK3IRL
http://vkradio.com

RE: [DSTAR_DIGITAL] Please help me support D-Star ...

[Gary Pearce KN4AQ]

Off the top of my head (and a little from the middle...) I'm sure there's more.

Similar functions:
- Repeater to repeater linking, and multiple-repeater reflectors, via the 
Internet.
- Digital Code Squelch. Like CTCSS or analog's DCS, D-STAR radios can be 
code squelched with numbers from 00-99 for group coded squelch. Unlike 
analog, this always goes through repeaters and the network. (see also: call 
sign squelch, below).
- Network access via computer (with Echolink on analog, and DVDongle on 
D-STAR. Not permitted on IRLP).
- Network access via radio to a simplex base station (supported by IRLP and 
Echolink on analog, and Hot Spot and DVAP on D-STAR. The DVAP is the size 
of a Dongle and creates a zone of operation for handheld use in a building 
like an EOC, without dragging in a radio and power supply/antenna).
- System control and linking via radio functions. Touch Tone for analog 
IRLP/Echolink; embedded call sign fields for D-STAR.


Unique to D-STAR:
- Noise-free digital modulation (until the very weakest signal - then some 
garble before it disappears completely). When a D-STAR signal disappears, a 
well-modulated analog signal may be very noisy, but copyable, for a few 
more dB.
- Built-in call sign identification. The operator's call sign is programmed 
into the radio and appears on every transmission, along with a short 
pre-programmed message (name, location, equipment, tactical function - 
anything you can put in 20 characters). These scroll across the display of 
the receiving radio on every transmission.
- "call sign squelch" - keep your radio quiet until someone directs a call 
to you using your call sign. This works simplex, through any D-STAR 
repeater, and via any D-STAR linking scheme.
- call sign routing. Enter someone's call sign in the YOUR field of the 
radio, key up through your local repeater, and your transmission will be 
routed through the Internet to the last D-SATAR repeater that person keyed 
up (and it will open their radio if they had call sign squelch enabled). 
There can be a delay of up to 30 minutes before their last key-up is 
propagated to all the other repeaters on the network, but new software is 
in the works to speed that up.
- BREAK-IN and EMERGENCY MODE. Break-in will open up any code-squelch radio 
(call sign squelch or digital code squelch). EMERGENCY mode will do that 
AND it will TURH UP THE VOLUME on all receiving radios if they've been 
turned down so your transmission will be heard.
- On-line record of every transmission by call sign. Your radio keeps a 
record of the last 10 or so call signs it received. Sites like 
www.dstarusers.org display all the users in the past hour, and individual 
repeater site pages show use longer than that. The DVDongle also keeps a 
history list.
- DV Data mode on VHF/UHF. The 1200 bit/s data mode that rides along on all 
transmissions for short messages and small files. Can be accessed via 
computer connected to radio with programs like D-RATS, and used while 
talking or not.
- DD Data mode on 1200 MHz. 128 kbit/s data appears on the back of the ID-1 
radio as an Ethernet connection. With a web connection on the other end, 
you have long-distance, wireless Internet access (with some limitations).


Unique to analog (so far):
- Autopatch
- RF linking between repeaters

No reason these functions can't be added to D-STAR - just hasn't happened yet.

KN4AQ's comment:
Internet linking is an important tool for Amateur Radio, analog or digital. 
But it can vanish in an instant, so it shouldn't be the only link to an 
emergency scene. We need our RF!


The program "Digital Voice for Amateur Radio" is a good, general 
introduction to D-STAR (and other digital voice modes), available from my 
web site below. Makes a good club meeting program (really 2, one for HF, 
one for VHF/UHF).


73,
Gary KN4AQ


ARVN: Amateur Radio//Video News
Gary Pearce KN4AQ
508 Spencer Crest Ct.
Cary, NC 27513
kn...@arvideonews.com
919-380-9944
www.ARVideoNews.com  

Re: [DSTAR_DIGITAL] Registering a Node Adapter

[Gerald Creager]

It IS complex, but it's also new. I see promise for things getting 
easier with new radios coming out.

gerry N5JXS

Edmonton Fire Radio wrote:
>  
> 
> I think Mike hit the nail on the head with this statement. I wonder just 
> how many people look at DStar and get intimidated at the complexity. 
> It’s so much easier to just dial in a frequency and key up their mic 
> instead of trying to figure out call sign routing, registration, 
> reflectors, linking, etc.
> 
>  
> 
> I am still as you put it, drinking from the fire hose and taking 
> everything in before I decide on a path be it getting a DV Dongle or a 
> radio to access the local gateway. But for me half of the fun is being 
> able to expand my horizons by learning something new in this hobby of ours.
> 
>  
> 
> 73 de Jeff VE6EFR
> 
>  
> 
> *From:* dstar_digital@yahoogroups.com 
> [mailto:dstar_digi...@yahoogroups.com] *On Behalf Of *mwbese...@cox.net
> *Sent:* July-29-10 1:23 PM
> *To:* dstar_digital@yahoogroups.com
> *Subject:* Re: [DSTAR_DIGITAL] Registering a Node Adapter
> 
>  
> 
>  
> 
> I'm thankful that there are guys like you and Dave (and others) who have 
> already beat their way through the tall grass and are willing to give 
> the rest of us a hand.  I'm embarking on this venture to learn, but 
> there's a difference between learning-by-doing and beating one's head 
> against the wall, and I'm hoping to avoid the latter!
> 
>  
> 
> 

-- 
Gerry Creager -- gerry.crea...@tamu.edu
Texas Mesonet -- AATLT, Texas A&M University
Cell: 979.229.5301 Office: 979.458.4020 FAX: 979.862.3983
Office: 1700 Research Parkway Ste 160, TAMU, College Station, TX 77843

RE: [DSTAR_DIGITAL] Registering a Node Adapter

[Edmonton Fire Radio]

I think Mike hit the nail on the head with this statement. I wonder just how 
many people look at DStar and get intimidated at the complexity. It’s so much 
easier to just dial in a frequency and key up their mic instead of trying to 
figure out call sign routing, registration, reflectors, linking, etc. 

 

I am still as you put it, drinking from the fire hose and taking everything in 
before I decide on a path be it getting a DV Dongle or a radio to access the 
local gateway. But for me half of the fun is being able to expand my horizons 
by learning something new in this hobby of ours.

 

73 de Jeff VE6EFR

 

From: dstar_digital@yahoogroups.com [mailto:dstar_digi...@yahoogroups.com] On 
Behalf Of mwbese...@cox.net
Sent: July-29-10 1:23 PM
To: dstar_digital@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [DSTAR_DIGITAL] Registering a Node Adapter

  

 

I'm thankful that there are guys like you and Dave (and others) who have 
already beat their way through the tall grass and are willing to give the rest 
of us a hand.  I'm embarking on this venture to learn, but there's a difference 
between learning-by-doing and beating one's head against the wall, and I'm 
hoping to avoid the latter!

 

Re: [DSTAR_DIGITAL] Registering a Node Adapter

[mwbesemer]

 Jim,

Thanks much for the detailed explanation... the fog is beginning to 
lift!  There is SO much information available that it's hard for a DSTAR 
novice to take it all in, and I've been drinking from the firehose for a 
couple of weeks now!


I was talking with Dave Hubbell when your email came in... he also have 
me some great advice and explained a lot of the things what you 
mentioned.


I'm thankful that there are guys like you and Dave (and others) who have 
already beat their way through the tall grass and are willing to give 
the rest of us a hand.  I'm embarking on this venture to learn, but 
there's a difference between learning-by-doing and beating one's head 
against the wall, and I'm hoping to avoid the latter!


I'm sure you'll be hearing more from me!

73,

Mike
WM4B

On Thu, Jul 29, 2010 at 2:41 PM, J. Moen wrote:

   Mike,

Sorry the documentation is confusing.  Node  extension naming is not a 
big deal, and you can easily change yours later  on.  I'd recommend just 
picking something -- "N" is fine -- and get on the  air.


The confusion comes from there being no naming  standards for node 
extensions, and the fact that Dongles and DVAPs will only  allow links 
to be done to those with A, B or C.  It's true that throughout most of 
the world, most repeaters try to  follow A - 1.2, B - 440, C - 144.


When the DV Dongle and DVAP came out, their  documentation recommends 
setting up a terminal using "A".  Remember there  is no D-Star standard 
for these names, and setting up a DVAP as "K1ABC  A"  is perfectly 
valid.


When Node Adapters came out, it was common to use  "N" for simplex node 
adapters and "R" for full duplex ("repeater") node  adapters.  But it 
was discovered that DV Dongle and DVAP software will only  allow linking 
to terminals with an "A", "B" or "C".


(Typically DVAPs only know about repeaters that are  running DPlus, so 
there'd be no normal way of linking to someone's  hotspot.  But ways are 
emerging to register hotspots with a second database  that other 
hotspots, and eventually also Dongle and DVAPs, will be able to find 
them.  At that point, if your hotspot is not named "A", "B" or "C" then 
Dongles and DVAPs won't be able to link into yours.)


You said you are setting up a simplex hotspot, but  what if we trade 
emails and we agree to talk over D-Star.  Yes, we could  meet on some 
repeater or reflector, and tie that up while we talk, but it would  be 
simpler if I just link my hotspot to yours directly.  But, if instead I 
had a DVAP, the software would not allow me to link to you if your 
hotspot is  called "WM4B   N".


Those are some of the considerations, but it is not  hard to change 
these things later.   By the way, while many  repeater administrators 
allow users to self-register and even create their  own terminals 
definitions, in other places this isn't true.  My  understanding is that 
in the UK, the admin does the actual  registration.  So in some places 
these things may be decided for  you.


   Jim - K6JM
- Original Message -
From: Mike   
To: dstar_digital@ yahoogroups. com 
 

Sent: Thursday, July 29, 2010 7:53AM 

Subject: [DSTAR_DIGITAL] Registering aNode Adapter 

I'll be building a NQSMHS soon and am trying to figure out the proper 
wayto register it on the network.


I was reading through the setupguidance at < http://www.k6jm. 
com/hs-setup. htm  >,but got 
confused when I got down to Step E. In particular:


"Nextcreate a "terminal" to be used as your Gateway Auth Callsign 
when youconfigure DVAR in Step 5. There is no standard, but many 
people use a nodeextension ("Initial" box on this update page) of 
"N" for simplex hotspots, or"R" for full duplex/repeater hotspots.


- Click on the check-box on theleft of the next line.
- Assuming simplex, enter an UPPER CASE "N" in theInitial column.
- Do NOT click the RPT box.
- Enter a unique pcname,for example -dvar-s.

Next, decide what you will usefor the DVAR Node Callsign in Step 5. 
Since DV Dongles and DV Access Pointscurrently can not connect to 
nodes unless their extension is A, B or C, youhave a choice. If you 
don't want them to connect to your Hotspot, then use theN or R 
terminals for your Node Callsign, and you don't need to create another 
terminal. But if you want DVDs and DVAPs to connect, you need to create 
another terminal, as follows:


- Click on the check-box on the left ofthe next line.
- Enter an Extension letter in the Initial column in UPPERcase -- A, 
B or C.

- Do NOT click the RPT box.
- Enter a uniquepcname, for example -hotspot."

I'm probablymisunderstanding what is written, but it SOUNDS like 
he's saying that if youwant a DVD or 

Re: [DSTAR_DIGITAL] Registering a Node Adapter

[J. Moen]

Mike,

Sorry the documentation is confusing.  Node extension naming is not a big deal, 
and you can easily change yours later on.  I'd recommend just picking something 
-- "N" is fine -- and get on the air.

The confusion comes from there being no naming standards for node extensions, 
and the fact that Dongles and DVAPs will only allow links to be done to those 
with A, B or C.  It's true that throughout most of the world, most repeaters 
try to follow A - 1.2, B - 440, C - 144.  

When the DV Dongle and DVAP came out, their documentation recommends setting up 
a terminal using "A".  Remember there is no D-Star standard for these names, 
and setting up a DVAP as "K1ABC  A" is perfectly valid.

When Node Adapters came out, it was common to use "N" for simplex node adapters 
and "R" for full duplex ("repeater") node adapters.  But it was discovered that 
DV Dongle and DVAP software will only allow linking to terminals with an "A", 
"B" or "C".  

(Typically DVAPs only know about repeaters that are running DPlus, so there'd 
be no normal way of linking to someone's hotspot.  But ways are emerging to 
register hotspots with a second database that other hotspots, and eventually 
also Dongle and DVAPs, will be able to find them.  At that point, if your 
hotspot is not named "A", "B" or "C" then Dongles and DVAPs won't be able to 
link into yours.)

You said you are setting up a simplex hotspot, but what if we trade emails and 
we agree to talk over D-Star.  Yes, we could meet on some repeater or 
reflector, and tie that up while we talk, but it would be simpler if I just 
link my hotspot to yours directly.  But, if instead I had a DVAP, the software 
would not allow me to link to you if your hotspot is called "WM4B   N". 

Those are some of the considerations, but it is not hard to change these things 
later.   By the way, while many repeater administrators allow users to 
self-register and even create their own terminals definitions, in other places 
this isn't true.  My understanding is that in the UK, the admin does the actual 
registration.  So in some places these things may be decided for you.

   Jim - K6JM 
  - Original Message - 
  From: Mike 
  To: dstar_digital@yahoogroups.com 
  Sent: Thursday, July 29, 2010 7:53 AM
  Subject: [DSTAR_DIGITAL] Registering a Node Adapter  
  I'll be building a NQSMHS soon and am trying to figure out the proper way to 
register it on the network. 

  I was reading through the setup guidance at 
, but got confused when I got down to Step E. 
In particular: 

  "Next create a "terminal" to be used as your Gateway Auth Callsign when you 
configure DVAR in Step 5. There is no standard, but many people use a node 
extension ("Initial" box on this update page) of "N" for simplex hotspots, or 
"R" for full duplex/repeater hotspots. 

  - Click on the check-box on the left of the next line. 
  - Assuming simplex, enter an UPPER CASE "N" in the Initial column. 
  - Do NOT click the RPT box. 
  - Enter a unique pcname, for example -dvar-s. 

  Next, decide what you will use for the DVAR Node Callsign in Step 5. Since DV 
Dongles and DV Access Points currently can not connect to nodes unless their 
extension is A, B or C, you have a choice. If you don't want them to connect to 
your Hotspot, then use the N or R terminals for your Node Callsign, and you 
don't need to create another terminal. But if you want DVDs and DVAPs to 
connect, you need to create another terminal, as follows:

  - Click on the check-box on the left of the next line. 
  - Enter an Extension letter in the Initial column in UPPER case -- A, B or C. 
  - Do NOT click the RPT box. 
  - Enter a unique pcname, for example -hotspot."

  I'm probably misunderstanding what is written, but it SOUNDS like he's saying 
that if you want a DVD or DVAP to have access, you must use "A", "B", or "C"... 
which I thought were reserved for repeaters. He also says to use "N" or "R", 
which makes sense... but the illustration below shows a hotspot configured as 
"C". 

  Since mine is going to be a simplex node, there doesn't seem to be any need 
to allow DVD or DVAP access, so I'm leaning toward "N". My friend, however, 
will be setting his up at a repeater site on 440, so I assume he'd want to use 
"C". Am I understanding this correctly? As I'm typing this, it's beginning to 
make sense... but then again, I want to be certain. 

  On a related subject, I've been waiting to get approved in the 'gmsk_dv_node' 
group for a couple of days now. I understand that most of us have regular jobs 
and life demands that take up most of our time, so I was just wondering if its 
normal to have to wait for a few days to get approved.

  73,

  Mike
  WM4B

RE: [DSTAR_DIGITAL] Please help me support D-Star ...

[Donald James]

This is GREAT! Thank you. I’m certainly open to more from others but this is
very helpful. I apprciate your reply.

Donald ~ N2VU 

 

-Original Message-
From: dstar_digital@yahoogroups.com [mailto:dstar_digi...@yahoogroups.com]
On Behalf Of John Hays
Sent: Thursday, July 29, 2010 12:47 PM
To: dstar_digital@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [DSTAR_DIGITAL] Please help me support D-Star ...

 

  

 

On Jul 29, 2010, at 5:05 AM, n2vu911 wrote:





 

Greetings to the group,

My name is Donald ~ N2VU, and I'm in Warren County New York ... the first to
have D-Star in the area. I was on the fence about D-Star for quite a while
until 2 weeks ago and boy do I wish I got into it sooner. I love it!

 

I realize that there's another thread in this group about negativity towards
this new technology but what I'm asking for here is for your comments and
experiences with D-Star that I can incorporate into the presentations I'd
like to make with regards to the ways D-Star is NOT redundant to Echolink or
IRLP or anything else for that matter. While sharing my excitement about
D-Star with others in the area, aside from the most common remark being that
its way over priced, they're that its another version of what's already out
there.

 

 

Donald,

 

Here is a little something I wrote last year 
org/blog/2009/03/d-star-fundamental-differences-with-traditional-voip-repeat
er-linking/>  Maybe it will be useful.  

 

Welcome to D-STAR.



 

 

John D. Hays
Amateur Radio Station K7VE  
PO Box 1223
Edmonds, WA 98020-1223

VOIP/SIP: j...@hays.org

Re: [DSTAR_DIGITAL] Please help me support D-Star ...

[John Hays]

On Jul 29, 2010, at 5:05 AM, n2vu911 wrote:



Greetings to the group,

My name is Donald ~ N2VU, and I'm in Warren County New York ... the  
first to have D-Star in the area. I was on the fence about D-Star  
for quite a while until 2 weeks ago and boy do I wish I got into it  
sooner. I love it!




I realize that there's another thread in this group about negativity  
towards this new technology but what I'm asking for here is for your  
comments and experiences with D-Star that I can incorporate into the  
presentations I'd like to make with regards to the ways D-Star is  
NOT redundant to Echolink or IRLP or anything else for that matter.  
While sharing my excitement about D-Star with others in the area,  
aside from the most common remark being that its way over priced,  
they're that its another version of what's already out there.






Donald,

Here is a little something I wrote last year   Maybe it will be useful.


Welcome to D-STAR.





John D. Hays
Amateur Radio Station K7VE
PO Box 1223
Edmonds, WA 98020-1223 VOIP/SIP: j...@hays.org

Re: [DSTAR_DIGITAL] Registering a Node Adapter

[Dave Hubbell]

Mike can you contact me off list and I will help you out
hubb...@ptd.net


On 7/29/2010 10:53 AM, Mike wrote:


I'll be building a NQSMHS soon and am trying to figure out the proper 
way to register it on the network.


I was reading through the setup guidance at 
, but got confused when I got down 
to Step E. In particular:


"Next create a "terminal" to be used as your Gateway Auth Callsign 
when you configure DVAR in Step 5. There is no standard, but many 
people use a node extension ("Initial" box on this update page) of "N" 
for simplex hotspots, or "R" for full duplex/repeater hotspots.


- Click on the check-box on the left of the next line.
- Assuming simplex, enter an UPPER CASE "N" in the Initial column.
- Do NOT click the RPT box.
- Enter a unique pcname, for example -dvar-s.

Next, decide what you will use for the DVAR Node Callsign in Step 5. 
Since DV Dongles and DV Access Points currently can not connect to 
nodes unless their extension is A, B or C, you have a choice. If you 
don't want them to connect to your Hotspot, then use the N or R 
terminals for your Node Callsign, and you don't need to create another 
terminal. But if you want DVDs and DVAPs to connect, you need to 
create another terminal, as follows:


- Click on the check-box on the left of the next line.
- Enter an Extension letter in the Initial column in UPPER case -- A, 
B or C.

- Do NOT click the RPT box.
- Enter a unique pcname, for example -hotspot."

I'm probably misunderstanding what is written, but it SOUNDS like he's 
saying that if you want a DVD or DVAP to have access, you must use 
"A", "B", or "C"... which I thought were reserved for repeaters. He 
also says to use "N" or "R", which makes sense... but the illustration 
below shows a hotspot configured as "C".


Since mine is going to be a simplex node, there doesn't seem to be any 
need to allow DVD or DVAP access, so I'm leaning toward "N". My 
friend, however, will be setting his up at a repeater site on 440, so 
I assume he'd want to use "C". Am I understanding this correctly? As 
I'm typing this, it's beginning to make sense... but then again, I 
want to be certain.


On a related subject, I've been waiting to get approved in the 
'gmsk_dv_node' group for a couple of days now. I understand that most 
of us have regular jobs and life demands that take up most of our 
time, so I was just wondering if its normal to have to wait for a few 
days to get approved.


73,

Mike
WM4B

[DSTAR_DIGITAL] Registering a Node Adapter

[Mike]

I'll be building a NQSMHS soon and am trying to figure out the proper way to 
register it on the network.  

I was reading through the setup guidance at , 
but got confused when I got down to Step E.  In particular:  

"Next create a "terminal" to be used as your Gateway Auth Callsign when you 
configure DVAR in Step 5.  There is no standard, but many people use a node 
extension ("Initial" box on this update page) of "N" for simplex hotspots, or 
"R" for full duplex/repeater hotspots.  

- Click on the check-box on the left of the next line. 
- Assuming simplex, enter an UPPER CASE "N" in the Initial column. 
- Do NOT click the RPT box. 
- Enter a unique pcname, for example -dvar-s. 

Next, decide what you will use for the DVAR Node Callsign in Step 5. Since DV 
Dongles and DV Access Points currently can not connect to nodes unless their 
extension is A, B or C, you have a choice.  If you don't want them to connect 
to your Hotspot, then use the N or R terminals for your Node Callsign, and you 
don't need to create another terminal.  But if you want DVDs and DVAPs to 
connect, you need to create another terminal, as follows:

- Click on the check-box on the left of the next line. 
- Enter an Extension letter in the Initial column in UPPER case -- A, B or C. 
- Do NOT click the RPT box. 
- Enter a unique pcname, for example -hotspot."

I'm probably misunderstanding what is written, but it SOUNDS like he's saying 
that if you want a DVD or DVAP to have access, you must use "A", "B", or "C"... 
which I thought were reserved for repeaters.  He also says to use "N" or "R", 
which makes sense... but the illustration below shows a hotspot configured as 
"C".  

Since mine is going to be a simplex node, there doesn't seem to be any need to 
allow DVD or DVAP access, so I'm leaning toward "N".  My friend, however, will 
be setting his up at a repeater site on 440, so I assume he'd want to use "C".  
Am I understanding this correctly?  As I'm typing this, it's beginning to make 
sense... but then again, I want to be certain.  

On a related subject, I've been waiting to get approved in the 'gmsk_dv_node' 
group for a couple of days now.  I understand that most of us have regular jobs 
and life demands that take up most of our time, so I was just wondering if its 
normal to have to wait for a few days to get approved.


73,

Mike
WM4B

RE: [DSTAR_DIGITAL] Re: Please help me support D-Star ...

[Donald James]

Thanks, I’ll take a look for something there. 

I’m sure that there are some in this group that’ll have some great responses
for those who would try and knock D-Star without even having tried it or
know enough about it. The aim is to be armed with fact rich replies that put
the unfounded claims to rest – fast!

Donald ~ N2VU

 

 

-Original Message-
From: dstar_digital@yahoogroups.com [mailto:dstar_digi...@yahoogroups.com]
On Behalf Of bosshardss
Sent: Thursday, July 29, 2010 8:54 AM
To: dstar_digital@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [DSTAR_DIGITAL] Re: Please help me support D-Star ...

 

  

You might find some useful DVD's at Gary's Site :

http://www.arvideonews.com/

--- In dstar_digital@yahoogroups.com
 , "n2vu911"  wrote:

t what I'm asking for here is for your
> comments and experiences with D-Star that I can incorporate into the
> presentations I'd like to make with regards to the ways D-Star is NOT
> redundant to Echolink or IRLP or anything else for that matter. 

> I look forward to your input and thank you in advance.
> 
> Donald James ~ N2VU (Warren County RACES)
>

[DSTAR_DIGITAL] Re: Please help me support D-Star ...

[bosshardss]

You might find some useful DVD's at Gary's Site :

http://www.arvideonews.com/


--- In dstar_digital@yahoogroups.com, "n2vu911"  wrote:

t what I'm asking for here is for your
> comments and experiences with D-Star that I can incorporate into the
> presentations I'd like to make with regards to the ways D-Star is NOT
> redundant to Echolink or IRLP or anything else for that matter. 

> I look forward to your input and thank you in advance.
> 
> Donald James ~ N2VU (Warren County RACES)
>

[DSTAR_DIGITAL] Please help me support D-Star ...

[n2vu911]

Greetings to the group,

My name is Donald ~ N2VU, and I'm in Warren County New York ... the
first to have D-Star in the area. I was on the fence about D-Star for
quite a while until 2 weeks ago and boy do I wish I got into it sooner.
I love it!



I realize that there's another thread in this group about negativity
towards this new technology but what I'm asking for here is for your
comments and experiences with D-Star that I can incorporate into the
presentations I'd like to make with regards to the ways D-Star is NOT
redundant to Echolink or IRLP or anything else for that matter. While
sharing my excitement about D-Star with others in the area, aside from
the most common remark being that its way over priced, they're that its
another version of what's already out there.



Since I haven't used either IRLP or Echolink, I cant speak from
experience with comparisons, so if those of you who have can tell me how
its not, I'd like to incorporate these facts into my "argument" - as  it
seems! In fact, I'd especially like to hear from EmComm users since I
plan to bring this presentation to our county Emergency Services
Department who are quite supportive of us but unaware of this technology
from the amateur radio side. In fact, I'd like to present it in a way
that has them believing or seeing that we can compete with the prospects
of P25 systems out there that boast the same abilities; (text messages,
images, chat, etc ...). At least that's what "I've" gathered so far.



Yes, D-Star isn't cheap but I believe it offers a lot, and I want to
make sure I'm loud and especially "clear" about it when sharing it with
the community!



I look forward to your input and thank you in advance.

Donald James ~ N2VU (Warren County RACES)

Re: [DSTAR_DIGITAL] Fwd: Connect with the National Scout Jamboree via D-STAR on Reflector 030B

[Steve Bosshard (NU5D)]

REF001: US / Chicago / high bandwidth
  REF002: US / Nebraska / high bandwidth
  REF003: AU / limited bandwidth to US
  REF004: US /
  REF005: UK / London / high bandwidth
  REF006: UK / used for DE / high bandwidth
  REF007: IT / Gallarate
  REF008: IT /
  REF009: US / Arizona
  REF010: US / New England
  REF011: IT / Milan
  REF012: US / San Diego / high bandwidth
  REF013: UK / regional nets / high bandwidth
  REF014: US / Las Vegas / high bandwidth
  REF015: UK / London / multimedia
  REF015C: UK / London / D*data only
  REF016: CA / British Columbia / high bandwidth
  REF017: NL / Netherlands (Dutch use)
  REF018: BR / Brazil (server in US)
  REF019: US / Wisconsin / high bandwidth
  REF020: US / New Jersey
  REF021: UK / West / high bandwidth
  REF022: FI / Nordic / high bandwidth
  REF023: AU / Australia
  REF024: US / Michigan
  REF025: US / Washington, DC
  REF026: CA / Vancouver, BC / high bandwidth 1Gbps
  REF027: IT /
  REF028: NL / Netherlands (Belgian use)
  REF029: US / Northern Utah
  REF030: US / Georgia / high bandwidth
  REF031: SE / Sweden (Regional) / high bandwidth
  REF032: PL / Poland / high bandwidth
  REF033: US / Dallas, TX / high bandwidth
  REF034: US / Florida / high bandwidth

>From http://www.opendstar.org/tools/readme.txt



On Thu, Jul 29, 2010 at 1:54 AM, John Parkins  wrote:

> Hello Dave,
>
> As I don't think there is a REF030B it would look like a simple typing
> error.
>
>


-- 
NU5D - Nickel Under Five Dollars

[DSTAR_DIGITAL] Re: Fwd: Connect with the National Scout Jamboree via D-STAR on Reflector 030B

[kc9ony]

http://www.dstarinfo.com/Reflectors/Reflectors.aspx

is the list of all the Reflectors for D-Star.   
Did you misread the original post?

As stated below, go to ref030 and you will see that WS4VA C 
is on there.

Unless I missed it, they don't mention D-Star on the Jamboree website

http://www.nsj2010ham.com/

though I haven't had a chance to try talking to any of them.

73,
Tom KC9ONY

--- In dstar_digital@yahoogroups.com, "John D. Hays"  wrote:
>
> It's really simple - just go to: http://ref030.dstargateway.org (look 
> for the listed repeater)
> You won't see it on http://ref003.dstargateway.org
> 
> On 7/28/2010 11:54 PM, John Parkins wrote:
> > Hello Dave,
> >
> > As I don't think there is a REF030B it would look like a simple typing
> > error.
> >
> >
> > Wednesday, July 28, 2010, 8:09:37 PM, you wrote:
> >
> > DH>  Its 30B Don http://ref030.dstargateway.org/
> > DH>  On 7/28/2010 2:52 PM, Donald James wrote:
> > DH>
> >
> > DH>  One of these says REF 003B and another says REF 030B … can
> > DH>  someone confirm which one it is? Thanks,
> > DH>
> > DH>  Donald ~ N2VU
> >
> >
> >
> 
> 
> -- 
> John D. Hays
> Amateur Radio Station K7VE 
> PO Box 1223
> Edmonds, WA 98020-1223
> VOIP/SIP: j...@... 
> 
> 
>

Re: [DSTAR_DIGITAL] Fwd: Connect with the National Scout Jamboree via D-STAR on Reflector 030B

[John D. Hays]

It's really simple - just go to: http://ref030.dstargateway.org (look 
for the listed repeater)

You won't see it on http://ref003.dstargateway.org

On 7/28/2010 11:54 PM, John Parkins wrote:

Hello Dave,

As I don't think there is a REF030B it would look like a simple typing
error.


Wednesday, July 28, 2010, 8:09:37 PM, you wrote:

DH>  Its 30B Don http://ref030.dstargateway.org/
DH>  On 7/28/2010 2:52 PM, Donald James wrote:
DH>

DH>  One of these says REF 003B and another says REF 030B … can
DH>  someone confirm which one it is? Thanks,
DH>
DH>  Donald ~ N2VU


   



--
John D. Hays
Amateur Radio Station K7VE 
PO Box 1223
Edmonds, WA 98020-1223
VOIP/SIP: j...@hays.org